News | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

A worker from the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority directs traffic during work on the Mt. Hope Bridge last week.

Vehicle weight limit for Mt. Hope Bridge lowered

BRISTOL/PORTSMOUTH — Starting Thursday, Dec. 29, the maximum vehicle weight allowed on the Mt. Hope Bridge will be changed from 40 tons to 30 tons, the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority … more

12/28/22

Michael Burke (right) cringes as his uncle, Bob Burke, splashes him with water during a polar plunge at Barrington Beach.

Barrington Beach hosting New Year’s Day Dip

People are invited to usher in the new year with an exhilarating swim at Barrington Beach on Jan. 1. The Barrington Business and Community Association’s first-ever “New Year’s … more

12/28/22

Swimmers run out of the water at Island Park Beach during the last Island Park Polar Dive.

Brave polar divers to get wet Sunday in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Step one: Take off the towel. Step two: Run like mad into the water. (It’s OK to scream a little.) Step three: Make sure you at least get your shoulders … more

By Jim McGaw | 12/28/22

Gallery: EPHS girls' hoops defeats Tiverton

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School girls' basketball team picked up a much needed win over Tiverton Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 27, in the opening round of the Charlie Gwynne Holiday … more

Photos by Julie Furtado | 12/27/22

Huskies freshman chosen as one of nation's best football players

Mt. Hope freshman varsity safety Preston Brodd was nominated and accepted into the 2023 Dream All-American Bowl, taking place on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at SoFi Stadium. more

12/27/22

Parker Hughes competes against a Bishop Hendricken opponent in the 138 weight class during Wednesday's Varsity Tri Meet.

Eagles defeat Huskies in wrestling, 54-21

The Barrington High School wrestling team opened the regular season with a split on Wednesday night, Dec. 21 — the Eagles defeated Mt. Hope and lost to Bishop Hendricken. In the 54-21 win … more

By Josh Bickford | 12/27/22

Prevention Coalition helps spread ‘kindness’ throughout the East Bay

EAST BAY — The East Bay Prevention Coalition recently celebrated World Kindness Week with activities in each community that brought smiles and more to many residents and businesses. In East … more

12/27/22

BankRI’s Highland Avenue branch in East Providence collected over 100 gifts during the 2022 “Holiday Giving Tree” program led by employees (left to right) Chrissy Boi, Highland Avenue Branch Manager; David Holliday Isom, Banker; Ally Gorman, Senior Teller; Susan Herd, Assistant Branch Manager; and Helen Couto, Senior Teller.

Bank RI’s Holiday Giving Tree provides 1,000s of gifts to area children

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Islanders in every corner of the state embraced this year’s Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) Holiday Giving Tree program, leading to an incredible 5,556 gifts donated to … more

12/27/22

Korynne Holden (left) and Meghan Molloy vie for an offensive rebound in the first half.

Westport hoops teams win

The Westport jazz band and a good amount of fans were on hand to see the girls basketball team obliterate Greater New Bedford RVT 57-19 in a home game on Wednesday night. Senior co-captain Leah … more

Story and photos by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 12/26/22

New patrol officers Joel Saccoccio, Adam Duarte, Kelsey Maynard and Ryan Boraski (from left to right) are congratulated by Barrington Town Council President Carl Kustell and Chief Michael Correia after being sworn in during a ceremony at the Barrington Library on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Barrington Police celebrate new officers and promotions

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia was proud to hold a special promotion/swearing-in ceremony at the public library auditorium last week. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, a large crowd turned out for … more

12/26/22

Heavy seas, Sakonnet Light

Last week's storm wreaked havoc up and down the coast, with exposed Little Compton and Westport coasts taking the worst of the beating. But Winter Storm Elliot also provided much beauty. Photographer … more

12/26/22

Westport Highway Department supervisor Chris Gonsalves puts up a road block at Westport point as water continued to rise during the morning.

Photos: Winter Storm Elliot wallops Westport

Winter Storm Elliot did a number on Westport Friday, washing out East Beach Road and inundating Westport Point with a tide three or four feet above the normal high. At the point, Harbormaster … more

By Ted Hayes | 12/23/22

Work crews blocked off the entrance to Mathewson Road on Friday morning, Dec. 23.

Hard-hitting storm floods Barrington's coastline

A hard-hitting winter storm packing powerful winds and heavy rain blasted Barrington and the rest of the region on Friday, Dec. 23. The storm combined with a high tide to flood many coastal … more

12/23/22

Waves crash over the Island Park seawall more than an hour after peak hide tide Friday morning. This section of Park Avenue was blocked off by the R.I. Department of Transportation.

Winds, flooding take toll in Portsmouth (photos)

PORTSMOUTH — The high-impact storm that hit the area Thursday night forced the R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to block off a section of Park Avenue until further notice due to … more

12/23/22

Make-A-Wish recipient Julia McMullen with her parents and sister after finding out her dream trip to Disney World will be granted during a surprise party at Papa Gino's Pizzeria in East Providence.

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts/Rhode Island grants local teen’s dream trip

EAST PROVIDENCE — A local teen struggling with health issues recently received some exciting news this holiday season at a restaurant in city. On Monday night, December 19, Julia McMullen, … more

12/23/22

A view from Wolf Pit Hill looking west to Drift Road at the Head of Westport. In the far distance stands the Bell School and houses lining Drift Road. The Wolf Pit School, built in 1833, appears in the center foreground, close to the gambrel-roofed house built by W. F. King. On the far right stands the home of Dr. Tupper, who cared for seriously ill patients. Several buildings stand on the west landing across the river. Look closely to find a ladder leaning against a tree and the horse and buggy, probably belonging to the photographer. The photograph is from The Penobscot Marine Museum Collection, Eastern Illustrating and Publishing Company Collection.

Panoramas show a Westport long gone, on a grand scale

A new exhibition featuring 22 historical panoramic views of Westport opens Thursday, Jan. 3 at the Westport Free Public Library, presenting astonishing expansive visions of the landscape as well as … more

12/22/22

Sixth grade flutist Ruby Jewell plays “Merry Kisimusi” with the band.

Tiverton middle schoolers spread cheer

Tiverton Middle School's sixth grade band and concert band hosted a holiday concert for the town’s seniors last week, playing Christmas Carols and other holiday favorites at the Tiverton Senior … more

By Jen Campisi | 12/22/22

Quitos appeared on the market last month, prompting many to wonder if one of their favorite spots was soon to be gone.

You may have seen Quito's up for sale — but don't panic yet

Owner Al Quito admitted the listing of the almost-70-year-old Bristol institution was a bit of a test of the market. more

By Christy Nadalin | 12/22/22

Rick Andrews, Paula Andrews, Karen Leach, WWII veteran Ernie Cafolla, Janet Trombetti, Sandra Pannone, Allan Leach and Vietnam veteran Richard Either pose with over 30 gift bags brought by the Woman's Auxiliary on Friday.

Giving back to those who gave all

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs put out a call for volunteers after delivering bags of goodies to the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol. more

12/22/22

Barrington's Dan Coogan, shown in the Eagles' game against Mt. Hope, played solid defense in the team's victory over Westerly on Dec. 21.

Fast start fuels Eagles in 56-43 victory over Bulldogs

The Barrington High School boys basketball team sprinted out to a 21-9 first quarter lead against Westerly on Wednesday night, Dec. 21, and never looked back. The Eagles extended their lead to 33-16 … more

12/22/22

Barrington High School's Maddie Gill scored 21 points to lead the Eagles past Classical on Dec. 20. Here she is pictured in the Eagles' game against Ponaganset.

Eagles improve to 2-1 in league after lopsided win

It was a slow start but a strong finish for the Barrington High School girls basketball team on Tuesday night, Dec. 20. The Eagles battled with Classical early on, and led by just four points at … more

12/22/22

Children gather for a chance to ask Santa for that special Christmas gift.

Cup Defenders keep Christmas spirit alive in Bristol

The Cup Defenders Children’s Christmas Party, which began in 1935, is almost 90 years in existence making it the oldest, continuous holiday party of its type in the East Bay area. more

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira | 12/22/22

Trust for 'poor and unfortunate' in Barrington needs administrator

The Town of Barrington is looking for qualified applicants for the Spencer Trust administrator position. This contract position administers the Spencer Trust through collection and … more

12/22/22

A quick search for available short-term rentals on AirBnB in Warren reveals a good number of choices.

Is Warren solving a short-term rental problem that doesn't exist?

Some are in favor of getting in front of a potential issue seen in nearby communities such as Middletown and Newport, others say meddling with short-term rentals now will do far more harm than good. more

By Ethan Hartley | 12/22/22

Cast members for Moana Jr. include (from left to right) Seamus Folan, Daniel Roy, Maggie Porter and Lily Stafford.

Barrington play shares message of bravery, selflessness

Barrington students are excited to share two performances of Disney’s Moana Jr. early next month. Hampden Meadows School students have been rehearsing the exciting production, which will … more

12/22/22