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

William Lawton looks at his wood carvings displayed on the wall at the Westport Free Public Library.

William Lawton carves wood — and time — for the public

The lines of a knuckle are peculiar but purposeful. Known as palmar creases, they allow the skin to flex as fingers bend — an important function when using hands for tasks like wood … more

By Michelle Mercure | 1/15/25

Gov. Daniel McKee (left) shakes hands with Christian Belden, executive director of Church Community Housing Corp., following a ground-breaking ceremony for the Ade Bethune House development at 110 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth, in November 2024.

McKee praises Portsmouth project in State of the State speech

PORTSMOUTH — The Town of Portsmouth received kudos from Gov. Daniel McKee in his State of the State address Tuesday night at the State House. more

1/14/25

Jan. 16 event will educate Barrington’s younger residents about the environment

Barrington is co-sponsoring a special workshop focused on educating children on simple steps they can take to help the planet. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Simple Changes for a Healthier … more

1/14/25

Eagles' Joe Adams won the shot put with a throw of 45 feet, 10 inches during Monday night's meet.

Eagles sprint to 10-0 record in dual meets

The Barrington High School boys track team improved to 10-0 in dual meets after defeating Cumberland (97-12) and East Providence (100-9) on Monday night, Jan. 13. The Eagles swept the … more

1/14/25

Olivia Morrissette drives to the basket during the Eagles’ game against Cranston West.

Scrappy, hard-working, fun bunch from Barrington off to 5-2 start

He calls them “no names” but he means it in the best way possible. Barrington High School girls basketball coach Stephen Lenz said his team features a roster of hard-working, … more

By Josh Bickford | 1/14/25

You can bid on this 1989 pumper truck owned by the Portsmouth Fire Department online through Jan. 27.

Portsmouth Fire Department auctioning off 1989 pumper

PORTSMOUTH — If you’ve ever wanted to own your own fire truck, you’re in luck. more

1/14/25

This chart shows items that can be recycled versus items that can get an entire load rejected and sent to the landfill.

East Providence to increase enforcement against wasteful recycling

In 2024, the City of East Providence reportedly had over 2 million pounds of rejected recyclable waste, all of which ended up being dumped in the landfill, costing East Providence taxpayers $91,264.92. more

1/14/25

Westport eyes consolidating voting precincts into one

It won’t be in place when Westport holds its local elections in early April. But a plan by Westport Town Clerk Kristin Stinson would significantly change the way residents vote at future … more

By Ted Hayes | 1/14/25

This map shows the location of a proposed four-home, six-lot development on West Main Road in Little Compton.

Prominent Little Compton family proposes major development

Representatives of a family that owns nearly 80 acres of land off West Main Road in Little Compton pitched a new major subdivision to the town's planning board last week. Engineer Bill Smith and … more

By Christian Silvia | 1/14/25

Mt. Hope's Eli Francis (top) won both of his matches at 126 pounds in the Huskies' Division I wrestling tri-meet against Cranston West and Bishop Hendricken.

Mt. Hope wrestlers split recent matches locally, in New Jersey

The Mt. Hope High School wrestling squad had a typical busy week, with outings locally as well as taking a trip to New Jersey. The Huskies split their most recent Division I matches, besting … more

By Mike Rego | 1/14/25

The "Made in Warren" artist cooperative located in the Tavares Building on Main Street in town opened the doors to the studio on Saturday morning, Jan. 11. Not only did the 39 members of MIW debut a reimagined look inside their storefront, they did so to start the group's milestone 10th year in operation.

'Made in Warren' continues to wow, celebrates 10th year reopening

It was an even more notable beginning of the new year for the "Made in Warren" artist cooperative located in the Tavares Building on Main Street in town when members opened the doors to the studio on … more

By Mike Rego | 1/14/25

Pictured is a speed camera used in a nearby community. Barrington officials are considering installing speed cameras to slow down traffic near Barrington Schools.

Barrington Town Council wants safer roads, considering speed cameras

Barrington officials moved one step closer to installing speed cameras on local roads in an effort to slow speeding cars and improve pedestrian safety. At their meeting on Monday night, … more

By Josh Bickford | 1/14/25

Erik Vendt holds up his three Olympic medals. He won silver in 2000 and 2004 for the 400-meter individual medley, and won a gold as part of the legendary 2008 mens team that won 8 gold medals. Vendt was part of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay team that won gold.

East Providence swimmers dive into the mindset of an Olympian

Three-time Olympian swimmer Erik Vendt brought his Olympic medals to Pods Swimming in East Providence for a meet and greet, and a lesson on what it takes to succeed in the pool and in life. more

By Ethan Hartley | 1/13/25

Westport election update: Who's running?

Prospective candidates for town office have until Friday, Feb. 14, to get their nomination papers from the town clerk, and until Tuesday, Feb. 18, to return them with a minimum of 50 signatures from … more

1/13/25

Icy education in Westport

There was no emergency. But if there had been, fire department members would have been ready to go. Dressed in day-glow exposure suits and carrying ice sleds, a drone and infrared equipment, … more

1/13/25

Multiple guns found in vehicle after traffic stop in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — A 39-year-old Central Falls man faces multiple charges after police said they found “multiple firearms” and a narcotic following a traffic stop on Saturday, Jan. … more

1/13/25

Portsmouth High School’s Sean Gray (far right) set a new PHS indoor track record in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 8:41.75 at the Yale High School Classic in New Haven, Conn. on Saturday.

Portsmouth boys’ indoor track team tie for first in division

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth High School boys’ varsity indoor track team finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Dwyer Division after its regular season ended on Jan. 8. … more

1/13/25

Zoe Sylvain (mid-left) and Jenna Egbe (mid-right) block a Holbrook pass with Julia George (left) and Kylie Hazel (right).

Holbrook comes back to beat Westport 42-31 in league

Holbrook scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to overpower the Westport girls' basketball team 42-31 during a Mayflower Athletic Conference home game on Friday night. The loss drops the Wildcats … more

Story and photos by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 1/13/25

The owners of Rhody Roots on Main Street in Warren say they've shared modestly in gains garnered by the local hospitality industry since the Washington Bridge closure calamity struck the East Bay in December 2023.

Bristol County establishments gain $6 million during bridge closure crisis

As one might expect, the sudden and henceforth sustained closure for the past 13 months of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge connecting the East Bay, as well as southeastern Massachusetts, … more

By Mike Rego | 1/13/25

Lola Silva set two new Mt. Hope High School girls' indoor track records Saturday, Jan. 11, as part of the 55 meter shuttle relay team and individually in the long jump. The latter bettered her own previous mark in the event.

Mt. Hope's Silva, Jackson have record-setting days in indoor track

It was a record-setting day for some Mt. Hope High School indoor track and field athletes who participated in the World Trophies Invitational held Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Providence Career and Tech … more

By Mike Rego | 1/13/25

Barrington High School dismissing early due to water main break

A water main break on Lincoln Avenue on Monday morning, Jan. 13, is forcing school officials to send Barrington High School students home two hours early. Barrington High School Principal … more

1/13/25

Bristol fencer medals in New Hampshire tournament

Aidan White, son of Ellen and Andy White, recently took home a silver medal at a Division III competition at Seacoast Fencing Club in Rochester, New Hampshire. White, a junior at the Providence … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

This summer, boaters with have the use of a vastly new and improved boat ramp at Independence Park. In the meantime, this sign directs boaters to ramps at State Street, Colt State Park, and Mount Hope.

Ramp construction to begin this week

Nothing quite like northeasterly gusts carrying subzero windchill temperatures ashore to turn one’s thoughts fondly to the boating season. But that’s exactly what East Coast Construction, … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

Bristol novelist’s latest work released

Bristol resident and novelist Elizabeth Splaine was, in her past career, an opera singer. Before that, she worked in healthcare. Then, as she tells it, she became a writer organically — and … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

Bristol Police: stolen clothes, peering in windows

Monday, Dec. 30 A woman on St. Elizabeth St. reported that her boyfriend assaulted her at 10:42 p.m. Rescue was requested on site and both parties were separated for the night. A caller on … more

1/13/25