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Author Julia Stearly pedals a Class 1 electric bicycle on the East Bay Bike Path while traveling south from Colt State Park.

Electric bikes – A test ride removes some of the mystery

With some controversy surrounding electric bikes on the East Bay Bike Path , I wanted to experience an e-bike for myself. Courtesy of Bristol Bikes, I borrowed a Class 1 e-bike and went for a ride on … more

By Julia Stearly | 5/10/23

Times are tough at the St. John’s Lodge Food Pantry, which is having trouble keeping up with demand from local families in need.

Numbers show East Bay Food Pantry facing unprecedented need

“We're busier than we've ever been,” said Executive Director Emily Mushen. “With the expiration of COVID-era SNAP benefits, plus ongoing high prices for food, energy, and housing, we're seeing higher numbers than ever before at the pantry.” more

By Christy Nadalin | 6/2/23

Owen Cameron of Portsmouth was last seen leaving his job in Middletown at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday night, March 23.

Heartbreak: Body of missing Portsmouth teen found

MIDDLETOWN — The body of Portsmouth teen Owen B. Cameron, who was last seen Saturday night after leaving his Middletown job, was discovered late this morning in that town. more

3/27/24

A rendering of the proposed work area and pipeline under the Sakonnet.

Protests filed for Sakonnet River LNG pipeline

A Canadian energy company subsidiary is proposing to replace a 70-year-old liquefied natural gas transmission pipe under the Sakonnet River, a project company officials say will increase capacity and … more

By Ted Hayes | 4/8/24

Salve buys Pennfield School property in Portsmouth for $3.4M

PORTSMOUTH — Salve Regina University has purchased Pennfield School’s 19 acres of buildings and grounds for $3.4 million, the university announced Friday, July 2. The long-term … more

7/2/21

RISPCA assists in saving 40 beagles from research facility

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island SPCA is scheduled to receive a transport of 40 beagles (15 puppies and 25 adults) today from the Humane Society of the United States. The beagles were … more

6/21/22

This new home at the Aquidneck Club on Portsmouth’s western shore is listed at $3.995 million.

Portsmouth: All of this can be yours — for nearly $4 million

PORTSMOUTH — A six-bedroom home on the town’s western shore, featuring a heated saltwater pool, is being listed at $3,995,000 by Hogan Associates Christie's International Real … more

1/13/23

Members of the Portsmouth Middle School girls' basketball team pose for a team photo. They went 15-0 and captured the state title.

Perfection for Portsmouth Middle School basketball teams

PORTSMOUTH — If there’s ever been another instance of two basketball teams from the same middle school going undefeated on their way to winning state titles, Tara McCarthy … more

By Jim McGaw | 2/15/23

Ken Rutter, commander of VFW Post 5390 in Common Fence Point, stands inside the top floor of the hall, which is undergoing a transformation. Behind him are pilates equipment used in classes led by Conley Zani, who rents space in the building.

In Portsmouth: A metamorphosis in the making

PORTSMOUTH — Ken Rutter stands inside the shabby looking basement room of the VFW Post 5390 hall in Common Fence Point and knows there’s a lot of work to be done. But with the … more

By Jim McGaw | 9/7/23

The RIFAC-based Brown University women's fencing team medaled at the recent New England Intercollegiate Conference Championships.

Rhode Island Fencing Academy athletes fare well in recent events

Several local competitors with ties to the city-based Rhode Island Fencing Academy under the direction Alex Ripa have enjoyed success in recent competitions, including the Brown University’s … more

3/20/24

A section of Riverside Street overlooking Blue Bill Cove in Island Park developed into “chaos” over the years due to short-term rentals, some residents complained back in 2018 when the Town Council set rules to deal with their proliferation. (File photo)

Portsmouth short-term rental owners denounce proposed changes

A proposed change to the town’s zoning ordinance that would ban new short-term rentals (STRs) in R-10-zoned areas was roundly condemned by the majority of residents who spoke at a public hearing Monday night. more

By Jim McGaw | 3/27/24

Carley Peckham, who now serves as full-time manager, grew up at the greenhouse her parents, Rick and Laura Peckham, own. "I really feel like the luckiest girl in the world," she says.

No stopping planting season

The early morning clouds had given way to blue skies Saturday afternoon, and inside Little Compton’s Peckham’s Greenhouse was blooming with early spring life. In previous weekends, … more

Kristen Ray | 4/8/20

Volunteer Elizabeth Peters helps client Joe Barreiro with selecting produce during a visit to the East Bay Food Pantry in Bristol last week.

Food prices are rising, and so are trips to local food banks

Everything is getting more expensive, and that includes food. According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual rate of inflation in the United States was 6.2 … more

By Scott Pickering | 12/2/21

Tyler Boiani is greeted by his teammates, including Carter Doran (left) and Kane Brule, after hitting a dramatic two-run homer in the sixth inning to bring Portsmouth to within a run against Cumberland Saturday night in the state finals. Portsmouth would go on to lose 4-3, however.

Portsmouth All-Stars come up just short in state championship

If you want proof that baseball can sometimes be a cruel game of inches, look no further than what happened to the Portsmouth Little League Major All-Stars during their quest for a state championship in North Providence Saturday night. more

By Jim McGaw | 8/1/22

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti (left) and Gov. Dan McKee address the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge during a press conference Tuesday, Dec. 12.

McKee calls closure of westbound Washington Bridge an unavoidable event

PROVIDENCE — In a press conference held mid-day Tuesday, Dec. 12, Gov. Dan McKee made his first public comments since the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced the temporary … more

By Mike Rego | 12/12/23

Matt Chappell is running for the District 11 state Senate seat which is being vacated by James Seveney.

Matt Chappell announces run for District 11 Senate seat

PORTSMOUTH — There apparently will be a Democratic primary in the race for the Rhode Island Senate in District 11 which is being vacated by James Seveney due to retirement. This week Matt … more

6/21/22

Illustration provided by Mayflower Wind shows how proposed cables would make landfall in Portsmouth at Island Park Beach, follow Boyds Lane underground to Anthony Road, and then take one of three as-yet-undetermined routes before transitioning back to offshore in Mt. Hope Bay. The cables would eventually make it to the regional transmission system at Brayton Point in Somerset.

Portsmouth: Mayflower Wind reps grilled about cable route

PORTSMOUTH — During an informational meeting before the Town Council Tuesday night, Mayflower Wind representatives were peppered with questions about the route of a proposed cable that … more

By Jim McGaw | 8/11/22

Several face domestic violence charges in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Several local residents were recently arrested on domestic violence charges in unrelated incidents. On Saturday, June 17, police responded at 58 Islington Ave. around … more

6/26/23

Portsmouth Police: Man illegally tracked woman’s vehicle

PORTSMOUTH — A 29-year-old Middletown man was arrested last week after he allegedly placed a GPS tracking locator in a woman’s vehicle. A 32-year-old Portsmouth woman complained to … more

3/11/24

Portsmouth residents Beth Shumway (left) and Virginia Lowney wade in the waters of the Sakonnet River as light rain starts coming down last Thursday afternoon, Aug. 10. “It makes you feel rejuvenated,” said Shumway, 89.

‘Jump in the river and you’ll feel better again’

PORTSMOUTH — Beth Shumway and Virginia Lowney didn’t want to give away their favorite swimming spot or neighborhood, which is somewhere along the Sakonnet River. more

By Jim McGaw | 8/14/23

Tyler Boiani blasts a Parker DeWolf pitch over the centerfield fence to give Portsmouth a 2-1 lead in the first inning. Boiani later scored the winning run on a passed ball.

Portsmouth all-stars edge Bristol-Warren, 3-2, earn spot in finals

Centerfielder Tyler Boyani belted a two-run homer and scored on a passed ball to lead the Portsmouth 12U all-stars over Bristol-Warren 3-2 in the winner’s bracket quarterfinal on Saturday … more

Story and photos by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 7/11/22

A screenshot of Mayflower Wind’s new virtual exhibition room.

Mayflower Wind launches virtual exhibition room

PORTSMOUTH — Mayflower Wind, the developer of an offshore wind energy lease area located off the coast of Massachusetts that could impact the East Bay and South Coast area, has launched a … more

8/11/22

Gwen Canuel (left), Sarah Edwards, Maria Amian Parames, Bailey Howell, Dakota Ormiston and Grace Connaughton celebrate after a point in the first set of their victory over Beaver Country Day during a home quarterfinals match in the New England tournament on Wednesday.

Ravens crush Beaver Country Day 3-0 in New England tourney

The Portsmouth Abbey volleyball team crushed Beaver Country Day 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-8) in a home quarterfinals match during the New England tournament. The Ravens placed second in the Eastern … more

Photos and story by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 11/18/22

Job fair, open to all, is this Thursday at Highlander Charter School

A free job and career fair, open to high school students or anyone in the employment market, is taking place on Thursday, May 11, at Highlander Charter School in Warren. more

5/9/23

Commentary: Underage drinking during COVID-19

EAST BAY — Today we face a national crisis in the form of a deadly pandemic. However, we at the East Bay Regional Coalition remind all there is a hidden link between COVID-19 and other national … more

5/21/20