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The restaurant industry faces a crisis, as nearly every business struggles to find and retain the workers who keep them running

Restaurants short on staff and high on stress — Apply within

The signs are everywhere. Literally, the signs are everywhere. “Help Wanted.” “Now hiring.” “Seeking: Line Cooks, Bartenders, Dishwashers.” Almost … more

By Scott Pickering | 11/11/21

Signs leading up the new speed zone near Kent Heights Elementary School heading north on Pawtucket Avenue.

School zone speed camera warning period in East Providence begins

EAST PROVIDENCE — The 30-warning period following the installation of speed control cameras near schools across the city began this week, the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva and the East … more

11/2/21

New state virtual learning academy growing

75 students from 10 districts across the state have signed up for the Rhode Island Connections Academy, an all-virtual school program. more

By Ethan Hartley | 10/7/21

East Providence agrees to sell long-dormant Union Primary School property

EAST PROVIDENCE — Some 30 years since it stopped being an active academic site and after repeated attempts to either sell or convert it into other uses, an acceptable buyer has finally been … more

By Mike Rego | 9/29/21

Pennfield School eighth-grader Spencer Mazur works on a drawing during an outdoor art class.

These schools opened — and stayed opened

When The Pennfield School in Portsmouth recently held an assembly on their front lawn celebrating the 50th anniversary of the start of classes, students and staff, all masked and spread out, were … more

By Lucy Probert | 9/24/21

EPPD arrest three individuals on animal cruelty, other charges

EAST PROVIDENCE – Three people were arrested on Monday, Sept. 20, by the East Providence Police Department Animal Control Unit and charged with several acts of improper treatment involving a … more

9/21/21

The old gas station at the former Getty Oil Terminal on Massasoit Avenue is being converted into a Southern-style eatery by local restauranteurs Nick and Tracy Rabar.

E.P. Planning Board allows improvements at Massasoit Avenue restaurant site

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Planning Board, at its September 13 meeting, considered a preliminary plan submission authored by Dexter Road Associates LLC, owners of the old Getty Oil terminal on … more

By Mike Rego | 9/16/21

East Providence's Palma Thomas (right) recently claimed her RILOT winnings.

East Providence residents claim large RILOT winnings

CRANSTON — A $20,000 Mega Millions Megaplier prize from the January 22, 2021, drawing was claimed recently by Riverside resident Palma Thomas. She came into the Lottery more than six months … more

9/16/21

A conversation with the team behind Bristol Porchfest (PODCAST)

Host Kevin Centazzo, aka Kevin from Bristol, speaks with Bristol Porchfest Co-Chair Nancy Kellner and Co-Technical Director Joe Caron on the highly popular event coming to downtown Bristol this … more

9/15/21

Seniors depart the new EPHS after their first day in the building on September 3.

New EPHS opens to rave reviews

EAST PROVIDENCE — Impeccable…imposing…incredible, most any approving adjective could be used to describe the new East Providence High School as it opened last week with freshmen … more

By Mike Rego | 9/7/21

E.P. Zoning Board moves marijuana dispensary matter to special session

EAST PROVIDENCE — To the consternation of the dozens of neighbors and concerned residents in the area, the Zoning Board opted not to take up the matter of the proposed marijuana dispensary in … more

By Mike Rego | 8/12/21

McKee stops short of mandating masks in Rhode Island schools

PROVIDENCE — Governor Dan McKee, following up on updated recommendations made earlier this week by the Centers of Disease Control as the “Delta” variant of the coronavirus has … more

By Mike Rego | 7/29/21

Grid clears way for demolition of old East Providence High School building

EAST PROVIDENCE — The new East Providence High School Building Committee received word earlier this week regarding the beginning of demolition of the old structure. Eric Andrutis, of the … more

By Mike Rego | 7/28/21

Bruce Burdett at a patio table outside his Bristol home, where he often works. The editor of The Sakonnet Times and Westport Shorelines is retiring this week after 45 years with East Bay Newspapers. “There’s something in all of us that likes to tell people stories, and this was my way to be able to do it,” he said.

After 5 decades in journalism, Bruce Burdett's hanging up his notebook

When Bruce Burdett first arrived in Bristol to start his new job at East Bay Newspapers in the mid-’70s, he was just two years out of college with only minimal experience working for his school … more

By Jim McGaw | 7/22/21

E.P. Council passes Metacomet ordinances, allowing likely redevelopment

EAST PROVIDENCE — Pragmatism won out over passion as it pertains to the future of the former Metacomet Country Club after the City Council, at it July 20 meeting, approved a series of revised … more

By Mike Rego | 7/21/21

A rendering of the revised "Coastal" side of the "East Point" housing development in Rumford adjacent to the Seekonk River.

Full E.P. Waterfront Commission green lights 'East Point' housing development

EAST PROVIDENCE — Following the positive recommendations of two of its sub-groups the previous week, the full East Providence Waterfront Commission, at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting … more

By Mike Rego | 7/16/21

East Providence man sentenced to serve 16 years in state prison for 1st degree child molestation

PROVIDENCE — Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced that an East Providence man was sentenced in Providence County Superior Court to serve 16 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions … more

7/15/21

Pokanoket Sachem Dancing Star, an 11th generation descendant of Ousamequin, extends warm greetings at the start of Saturday's event.

Pokanokets, Warren celebrate an enduring bond

Four hundred years to the day after a momentous meeting in what would later become Warren, members of the Pokanoket Tribe met at the Massasoit Spring on Baker Street Saturday to renew the vows of … more

By Ted Hayes | 7/7/21

The community’s youth, together with Mayor Bob DaSilva, Sen. Val Lawson and City Council Vice President Bob Rodericks, cut the ribbon on the new Pierce Field Splash Pad Monday, June 28.

Community celebrates opening of second East Providence splash park

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence city officials and community members celebrated the city’s opening of a second splash pad park during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Pierce Field on … more

6/29/21

The East Bay Bike Path bridges have been closed since 2019.

East Bay legislators file bill to reopen bike path bridges

Rep. Jason Knight is leading a charge to have the state repair and reopen the two closed East Bay Bike Path bridges. Rep. Knight and a group of his fellow East Bay representatives want the state … more

6/7/21

Gallery: Kettle Point pier ribbon cutting ceremony

EAST PROVIDENCE — A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new public pier on the grounds of the Kettle Point development was held Thursday morning, May 27. A number of state and local officials … more

Photos by Rich Dionne | 6/3/21

Mayor Bob DaSilva, Councilor Robert Britto and Councilor Bob Rodericks look on as Brian Silva and Sandra Medina unveil a memorial plaque in memory of East Providence residents who have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

East Providence memorializes COVID patients as pandemic deaths in city approach 200

EAST PROVIDENCE — Officials from East Providence hosted a ceremony Monday evening, May 24, at City Hall, where a tree was planted dedicated to the memory of residents who have lost their lives to … more

Words by Mike Rego, Photos by Julie Furtado | 5/25/21

Couple and realtor signing papers for new house

The buying frenzy — and frustration — continue

Your company just announced that your division is being relocated from the Midwest headquarters to the East Coast. In fact, your new office is situated in Rhode Island — home to beautiful … more

By Josh Bickford | 5/20/21

Do you take cash?

Here’s a new phenomenon in the local real estate market. An increasing number of buyers are offering to pay cash for properties. Does that mean they actually bring a suitcase of Benjamins to … more

By Scott Pickering | 5/20/21

East Bay vaccination pod now accepts walk-in clients

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Department of Health last week announced the East Bay COVID-19 vaccination pod located in city at the Shoppers Town Plaza, 589 Taunton Ave., would going … more

By Mike Rego | 5/5/21