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Wire breaks are shown inside the main cables on the Mt. Hope Bridge. The R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority plans to apply a dehumidification project intended to restore the cables’ strength.

$35 million Mt. Hope Bridge work goes out for RFP

The proposed cable dehumidification technology needed to extend the life of the iconic bridge is expensive, with a projected $35 million price tag. But that’s a fraction of what the cost would be for a full cable or bridge replacement. more

By Christy Nadalin | 4/29/22

Letter: Pay attention to the real threats to our liberty

To the editor: Liberty, in common usage, means “freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.” Thankfully, because of our constitution, we have a system of laws to … more

4/29/22

Commentary: On Mother’s Day, don’t forget moms who struggle

Mother’s Day is the day when we celebrate our moms and the other women in our lives who have given us love, guidance, inspiration, and support.What we don’t often do on Mother’s … more

By Diane LeValley | 4/29/22

Two Portsmouth residents charged with voter fraud

“Vote early and often,” goes the saying. According to the R.I. Attorney General’s Office, two men here took the second part of that maxim to heart during the 2020 General Election. more

By Jim McGaw | 4/28/22

A three-dimensional rendering of how the new Turnpike Avenue playground would appear if built.

In Portsmouth: We can build it: Bigger, safer, and all-inclusive

PORTSMOUTH — Two local moms with a shared vision to rebuild the Turnpike Avenue playground received permission from the Town Council Monday night to start fund-raising so their dreams become a … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/28/22

Portsmouth High’s Chris Vachon, Kevin Sullivan and Kaden Kluth (from left) run in a pack during the 1,500 meter run at Monday’s home track meet. Kluth would go on to win the event, and also set a new school record in winning the 3,000-meter run.

Portsmouth boys, girls both winners in track meet

Just two weeks after he shattered a 42-year-old Portsmouth High School running record, Kaden Kluth improved on another school best during a home meet on Monday. Competing against East … more

4/26/22

Lea Hitchen of Portsmouth appointed next town planner

PORTSMOUTH — The town didn’t wait long to appoint a successor to Town Planner Gary Crosby, who earlier this month announced his retirement effective June 30 after 18 years of … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/26/22

Chris Zeeman from a Fort Adams work crew uses a trump grinder during Saturday’s cleanup at Butts Hill Fort.

In Portsmouth: Volunteers pitch in to clean up Butts Hill Fort

PORTSMOUTH — Armed with rakes, shovels, tree saws and loppers, 34 volunteers took part in this year’s first cleanup of Butts Hill Fort, a Revolutionary-era earthwork near Portsmouth High … more

4/26/22

Nearly two dozen Marines from the Naval Justice School helped out during the cleanup at the Portsmouth Dog Park on Saturday.

Letter: Thanks Marines, others for cleaning up dog park

To the editor: The Portsmouth Dog Park celebrated Earth Day last Saturday in its own inimitable fashion. All hands and paws were on deck for a very productive, delightfully chaotic spring … more

4/26/22

Letter: An open letter from Be Great for Nate

Dear community members, Be Great For Nate was created four years ago to support youth in our community by raising suicide awareness. It has been our honor to serve in this organization in memory … more

4/26/22

Comedian Ashley Gutermuth (far left) entertains the crowd inside Greenvale Vineyards’ tasting room on Sunday during the winery’s first-ever Comedy for Conservation event.

In Portsmouth: Recycling jokes for a good cause

PORTSMOUTH — They were yukking it up inside Greenvale Vineyard’s tasting room on Sunday for the winery’s first-ever “Comedy for Conservation” event. Proceeds from the … more

4/26/22

Tiverton Budget Committee member Joseph Sousa protests against President Joe Biden Monday in front of Stateline Tobacco on Stafford Road. Note: portions of his sign have been blurred electronically.

Tiverton official says he won't stop waving anti-Biden sign

"F*** Biden." The words on Joe Sousa's white sign, and a drawing of a hand with uplifted middle finger, are clear as day and leave no doubt where the elected Tiverton Budget Committee member … more

By Ted Hayes | 4/26/22

Alyssa Gotovich watches as a bike owned by her mom, Nicole Gotovich, is inspected by Art Leland, owner of Your Bike Shop in Warren. Nicole Gotovich was the main organizer for the safety forum.

Safety first at bike event in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Pedals, police and popcorn were on the bill last Wednesday, April 20, for the first Bicycle Safety Forum in Common Fence Point. Children and adults brought their bikes to the … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/25/22

Portsmouth zoners to consider amendment of housing development

PORTSMOUTH — Aquidneck Country Club is seeking Zoning Board of Review approval to amend a previously approved special-use permit to develop 22 single-family dwellings and six duplex units … more

4/22/22

What’s working well — Aaron Tessier helps his daughter Aubrey, 5, cast into Thurston Gray Pond from the small dock at Melville Park last Thursday. Residents last week pointed to Melville Park’s fishing spots and hiking trails as among the best examples of the town’s open space and recreational facilities.

Parks and recreation: How’s Portsmouth doing?

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth still needs a community recreation center, as well as a facility for the fastest-growing sport around — pickleball. The hiking trails and fishing … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/22/22

Nancy and Bill Wilson are shown on the second floor of their home. The diamond pattern on the wallpaper is a prevalent design theme throughout the property.

The family home – for six generations

When Charlotte Condit Parker arrived at Portsmouth’s Greenvale Farm in 1918, she found the once-proud homestead that had been built by her uncle more than a half century earlier in ruins. … more

By Ruth Rasmussen | 4/21/22

Letter: Work on shoreline rights was superb

To the editor: Scott Pickering's extensive article in East Bay Life on the extremely complex issue of rights to our shoreline, a cause championed in the 1986 Constitutional Convention by Bristol's … more

4/21/22

Letter: Potty-mouth politics belong in private, not public

To the editor: Several days ago I entered my local gym only to see a twenty-something guy hoofing it on a treadmill, earbuds in, wearing a “F*** BIDEN” t-shirt. Writing this, I … more

4/20/22

Portsmouth High pitcher Megan Malone fires one in during the fourth inning of a home game against Tiverton on Thursday, April 14. The sophomore also had two base hits. The Tigers prevailed in a close one, 7-6.

Tiverton edges Portsmouth in softball, 7-6 (photos)

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Patriots’ softball team dropped a close one to Tiverton on Thursday at home, 7-6. Mary Rainey, a PHS freshman, earned the player-of-the-game … more

4/17/22

Letter: Isn't it wonderful to witness Spring's return?

To the editor: This winter for the first time I had Goldfinches at the Niger feeder. Although both male and female were a drab, nondescript pale brown, they were easy to distinguish from English … more

4/15/22

Letter: What will become of Ukrainian refugees?

To the editor: Refugee: A person who has been forced to leave their country to escape war or persecution. Nobody, absolutely nobody should ever have the fate of being a refugee. Forced to … more

4/15/22

Letter: America today — what a headache

To the editor: Some tensions are part of our lives. But have you ever had a tension headache? Bad ones are really bad and you think you just might collapse. Well, I think America may be … more

4/15/22

Congressman David Cicilline (at left, wearing in tie) joins others during a celebration of the student-run Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm on Tuesday.

In Portsmouth: ‘Experiential learning at its best’

PORTSMOUTH — “Meeting called to order!” School Committee Chairwoman Emily Copeland joked as she rode in the back of a hay wagon, pulled by a tractor manned by Middle School … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/14/22

Amaral leaving as Portsmouth High School principal

PORTSMOUTH — Joseph Amaral, Portsmouth High School’s principal for nearly six years, is leaving his position at the end of the school year, it was announced during Tuesday’s … more

4/13/22

Map shows the new proposed voting precinct lines for Portsmouth which is necessary due to redistricting. Melville School and The Portsmouth Senior Center have been removed as polling locations under the plan, which still needs to be approved by the R.I. Board of Elections.

Portsmouth voting precincts are shifting due to redistricting

PORTSMOUTH — Many Portsmouth voters may have a new polling place come November. Due to the General Assembly approving a redistricting plan in February, local canvassers likewise had to … more

By Jim McGaw | 4/13/22