Stories,photos,videos,specialsections,printissues,eeditions,packages,magazines,maps,polls,charts | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Visitors check out the Portsmouth Dog Park’s new off-leash trail system, located within the Melville Park Recreation Area, which was opened to the public Saturday morning.

PORTSMOUTH — Dogs and owners who prefer the rugged trails to an open space to gallop and socialize now have a happy medium. The Portsmouth Dog Park, nestled within the Melville Park … more

By Jim McGaw | 7/10/24

Attorney Max Wistow speaks July 10 during a review of the legal aspects pertaining to the Washington Bridge closure.

Bridge counselors coyly answer questions about their investigation

PROVIDENCE — It's likely the general public will not get all of the information it would expect and want to know about the Washington Bridge debacle any time soon. At least that's how the … more

By Mike Rego | 7/10/24

Gov. Dan McKee speaks at a July 9 press conference updating the Washington Bridge reconstruction project.

Stresses, strains associated with bridge project likely led to lack of bids

PROVIDENCE — The stresses and strains associated with such a significant and scrutinized project are what state officials believe to be the reasons why no company formally bid to rebuild the … more

By Mike Rego | 7/9/24

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

This story of two best friends is a sad portrait of rural America

‘The Forgotten Girls: A Memoir of Friendship and Lost Promise in Rural America’ By Monica Potts T his is the tale of two young girls – best friends Monica and Darci – … more

By Donna Bruno | 7/9/24

State: Avoid upper pond at Melville, Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Avoid contact with upper Melville Pond, the state recommended in a July 5 advisory. The R.I. Department of Health (RIDOH) and the R.I. Department of Environmental … more

7/8/24

Proposed route of the second annual Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll Event, which organizers want to host from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 14, in Island Park, the Hummocks and part of Common Fence Point.

Rare lack of quorum cancels Portsmouth council meeting

PORTSMOUTH — Town Council President Kevin Aguiar made a surprise announcement at the start of Monday’s regular meeting: There would be no meeting. more

By Jim McGaw | 7/8/24

Jhonny Cespedes-Gil as he appeared in his booking photo.

Portsmouth: Man charged with DUI had 2 minors in vehicle

A 32-year-old man from Hartford, Conn. had two young children in his vehicle — ages 1 and 6 — when he was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) on Saturday, July 6. more

7/8/24

Letter: Island Park, Hummocks residents need to prepare

To the editor: To all Island Park/Hummocks residents: In April of 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its 2024 hurricane data. This year is forecasted to be the … more

7/8/24

Angler Greg Vespe of Tiverton shows the 49-pound striped bass he caught off Newport last week trolling tube and worm.

Experienced or not, it’s a great time to fish

F ishing memories last a lifetime. And, the good news, you do not need a lot of money to start creating them for you, family members and friends. Fishing connects you with the environment, it is a … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 7/8/24

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

Reading choices from light to heavy for those lazy summer days

Just a few choices for your porch, deck, beach or boat reading this summer. “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough (2015). As with all of his books, McCullough exhaustively … more

By Lynda Rego | 7/8/24

Mac McAnally (left) and Scotty Emerick of the Coral Reefer Band play a Jimmy Buffett song during a tribute concert to the late singer-songwriter on the back lawn at Sunset Cove in Island Park Tuesday, July 2. Buffett, who died of a rare skin cancer on Sept. 1, 2023, played his very last gig at the restaurant exactly one year before.

A year after his final show, a tribute to Jimmy Buffett

PORTSMOUTH — Exactly one year after Jimmy Buffett delighted hundreds of “parrot heads” with a surprise appearance at Sunset Cove that turned out to be his last gig, his bandmates … more

By Jim McGaw | 7/3/24

Portsmouth Times - Wednesday, July 3, 2024

7/3/24

Letter: School bond very different than what was sold to voters

To the editor: Portsmouth School Committee Chair Emily Copeland and I agree that a number of the school projects paid for by the recent bond were needed and are valuable. The issue is that the … more

7/3/24

Letter: Roundabout could be an issue for voters this fall

To the editor: Charles Levesque’s recent letter to the editor (“Water board had roundabout plans all along,” Portsmouth Times, June 27) only heightens the deafness of our town … more

7/2/24

2024 Bristol Fourth of July Parade Order of March

2024 Bristol Fourth of July Parade Order of March more

7/2/24

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

Letter: The dedication displayed by Jim Nott is unmatched

To the editor: The Town of Portsmouth needs more residents like Jim Nott. Jim has consistently demonstrated leadership and made significant contributions to our community by volunteering 23-plus … more

7/1/24

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

Portsmouth Police make several arrests for assault

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some recent arrests made by the Portsmouth Police Department: Tuesday, June 25 Michael A. Bucolo, 61, of 29 Pilgrim Lane, was charged with domestic simple … more

7/1/24

State seeks respondents to housing survey

Survey responses are anonymous and will help The Rhode Island Department of Housing and RIHousing establish a better understanding of the state's housing needs. more

7/1/24

Donations (in the red milk can) toward the fireworks display presented by Escobar Farm on Middle Road are always welcome. This year’s show begins at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, July 5.

Where to see fireworks in and around Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Looking for the rockets’ red glare? Here’s a brief guide to some of the best places to see Independence Day fireworks displays this year. more

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