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

Letter: Being offered worst possible choices needs to end

To the editor: If we continue to be the leading nation of the world, then certainly our politicians are the most powerful people in civil discourse. Then how is it one party kowtows … more

7/12/24

Letter: The Biden ‘catastrophe’: new jobs, low unemployment

To the editor: Nikki Haley has called Trump, among other things, “unhinged,” but has said she will support him because Biden has been a “catastrophe.” Friday, it was … more

7/9/24

Democrats have a problem – but is it actually just a Biden problem?

STORY OF THE WEEK: With 122 days until the Nov. 5 election (as of the writing of this column), Democrats find themselves in a fix. Various news reports this week had President Biden weighing a … more

By Ian Donnis | 7/8/24

An inspiring story of a resilient actor known to all as ‘The Fonz’

You might be surprised to know that Henry Winkler, better known as “The Fonz” on TV sitcom “Happy … more

7/2/24

Republicans and Democrats – How dare they?

If you watched the June 27 presidential debate you had to ask yourself one question: How dare the Republican and Democratic Parties leave you with a choice of two grievously flawed candidates for the … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 7/2/24

Presidential debate left Democrats reeling

STORY OF THE WEEK: The Kennedy - Nixon debate in 1960 marked the dawning of a new age, when the optics of televised images carried more weight than the substance of what candidates conveyed verbally. … more

By Ian Donnis | 7/1/24

Letter: We need more funding for child care programs

To the editor: As a small business owner running a pediatric occupational therapy institute in Rhode Island, I know that the struggle to find affordable, convenient child care is a daily reality … more

6/30/24

Major moves in the R.I. healthcare landscape

STORY OF THE WEEK: Thursday was the day to buy a lottery ticket if you predicted two key developments involving Rhode Island’s healthcare landscape. Brown University and the state’s … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/24/24

Letter: Attention food enthusiasts and community members

Are you looking for a way to give back and contribute? Look no further than the "Condiment Caring Drive" in support of the East Bay Food Pantry. more

6/20/24

Editorial: A safer bike path for all

Among the flurry of bills being passed out of the Rhode Island General Assembly is a new law with big impact for the communities along the East Bay Bike Path. The “e-bikes bill” creates a … more

6/14/24

A win for law enforcement transparency, and a research race in R.I.

STORY OF THE WEEK: After an update of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights recently got close to the finish line, there was 0.0% chance that legislative leaders wouldn’t get it … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/10/24

Is R.I. healthcare ‘on the precipice of a disaster’?

STORY OF THE WEEK: During a fiery speech last Tuesday in the House of Representatives’ chamber at the Statehouse, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha warned of the growing healthcare … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/4/24

Letter: If you don’t trust ballot box, be a poll worker

To the editor: The upcoming election is all about “saving democracy,” either from government overreach by Democrats or authoritarian Republicans. I’ve been thinking a lot about … more

6/3/24

On R.I. healthcare: Keep fiddling while Rome is burning

Legend has it that while a fire destroyed the city of Rome, then Emperor Nero played his violin, thus revealing his total lack of understanding of what was happening during a crisis. If Nero headed … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 6/3/24

A large patch of Native Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) replaced an area of turf grass lawn in the authors’ Barrington yard. The plant is an important nectar and pollen source for many native bees, especially bumblebees and long-tongued bees. It is a host plant for several native moths and a nectar source for butterflies. The prickly pads escape herbivore browsing but the fruits provide a nutrient rich meal for wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, and foxes. This native plant is rare and endangered in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Is it time to rethink the traditional lawn?

Spring is in the air, and so too are the noxious fumes and aural assault of overpowered lawn equipment. Bird song and children’s voices fill the air only to be abruptly halted by the roar of … more

By Cindy and Ed Moura | 5/21/24

We’re approaching peak time for state budget debates

In a sure sign that the end of the General Assembly session is approaching, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has slated a budget caucus for Wednesday afternoon at the Statehouse. A … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/21/24

Letter: Yes, be careful what you wish for

To the editor: Well, one thing Will Newman and I agree on is to be careful what you wish for (Letter: 'Careful what you wish for,' The Post, May 2, 2024 edition). Several weeks ago he wrote an … more

5/16/24

Good vibes and good times for the leaders of the House

STORY OF THE WEEK: Rhode Island House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski has a bit more gray hair these days, but his status as the heir-apparent to House Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/15/24

Brown looks good after peaceful resolution with student protestors

STORY OF THE WEEK: Pro-Palestinian protests at Brown University came to a peaceful end last week – a contrast to the mass arrests and disorder seen on many campuses across the … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/7/24

It’s more clear than ever – the kids are in crisis

STORY OF THE WEEK: State-mandated disclosures about the deaths and near-deaths of Rhode Island children have become increasingly frequent over the last year. Twenty-eight fatalities and an identical … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/30/24

Letter: Help Rhode Islanders afford the medication they need

Fighting cancer is indeed a battle, and we can’t win it alone. Our lawmakers can help by passing legislation that removes the financial barriers many face to get care and treatment. more

4/25/24

Serious bridge concerns were first documented in 2015

STORY OF THE WEEK: As the state awaits a forensic review of what went wrong with the Washington Bridge, the ProJo’s Patrick Anderson delivered a must-read story this week contextualizing how a … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/23/24

Letter: Managing to save Atlantic herring is a tall order

Thanks very much for your column on the status of Atlantic herring in the March 28, 2024, East Providence Post. As you probably know, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken up the Atlantic herring … more

4/16/24

RIPTA director’s resignation highlights myriad transportation problems

STORY OF THE WEEK: For a long time, it seemed as if Scott Avedisian was destined to be mayor in perpetuity of Warwick. He could be counted on to win re-election as a genial GOP moderate, even amid … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/16/24

Investigative team starts digging for Washington Bridge answers

STORY OF THE WEEK: “We’re leaving no stone unturned as far as accountability,” Gov. Dan McKee said last Friday, as he unveiled Max Wistow and Jonathan Savage as the lawyers who will … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/8/24