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

We have not yet reached the limit of crazy

In a recent New York Times column, writer Frank Bruni opined that the country had reached its surfeit of “crazy,” as evidenced by the paltry showing of national Republicans during the … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 11/29/22

Hospice 101: What, why and when to seek help

Considering the option of hospice, or even just hearing the word “hospice,” often comes at a stressful and chaotic time, so having a baseline understanding of how hospice works falls … more

By Bonnie Evans | 11/25/22

Witness a shifting of the tectonic plates in R.I. politics

STORY OF THE WEEK: Every now and then, the tectonic plates of Rhode Island politics shift, as campaign season fades and a fresh batch of leaders takes on new roles. We’re seeing that to some … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/22/22

The author (second from left) and others caught this 11-foot thresher shark southeast of Newport, within sight of land, back in September. Anglers are seeing obvious changes in the local fishery, with cold-water fish like lobster and winter flounder migrating north, and warm-water bait fish like squid and mackerel moving in, attracting more sharks and tuna than ever before.

Op-Ed: We need climate-ready fisheries now

In Rhode Island, fisheries play a huge role in our economy and our way of life, but lately, we are seeing some concerning trends in our local fisheries. Anglers are experiencing climate impacts on … more

By Greg Vespe | 11/21/22

Erin Schofield during Monday night’s meeting, where she provided remarks capping eight years of service to the board.

Commentary: Give kids a true seat at the table

Former school committee chairperson Erin Schofield, who opted not to run again after eight years of service, gave the following statement during Monday night’s school committee meeting. more

11/17/22

The writer...ehem "candidate"... (center, right holding sign) with his family after last week's election.

Column: My ambition to fight for freedom hasn’t faded, it's just postponed

I ran for a public office..as an independent. And lost. Everybody thinks of victory, like vengeance, as sweet. A car that doesn't work well is called a lemon. If you don't reap a reward, you call … more

By Mike Fink | 11/17/22

The stories of the election: Magaziner, McKee and the Dems

STORY OF THE WEEK: Allan Fung was visibly deflated when he walked into Twin Oaks last week to hug supporters and concede defeat in a campaign that many people expected him to win. Two elements made … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/15/22

Commentary: The horseless carriage is a necessity, but a simple stroll will do, too

We drove east — and south and north? — from East Providence to pay a late autumn visit to the Cape…”Cod," of course. We took over a beach dwelling, like the literary … more

By Mike Fink | 11/14/22

Never a day in the U.S. where slavery is not legal

As Rhode Islanders go to the polls to vote, at least the abolition of slavery will not be on the ballot. Elsewhere in five states, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennesee and Vermont, voters will decide … more

By Arlene Violet | 11/2/22

Will the Fung-Magaziner outcome reflect a national trend?

The out-of-town frame on the CD2 race is mainly about how a potential win by GOP candidate Allan Fung in a Democrat-leaning Rhode Island reflects a tough national outlook for President Biden’s … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/2/22

R.I.’s race for Congress is getting national attention

STORY OF THE WEEK: What’s more surprising – that CD2 Democrat Jim Langevin said nice things about Republican Allan Fung when Langevin endorsed a fellow Dem during the primary, or that … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/25/22

With weeks to go, the campaigns keep jabbing

STORY OF THE WEEK: It was easy to anticipate the dynamic heading into two gubernatorial debates last week: Gov. Dan McKee would try to use the typical incumbent tack of avoiding miscues; GOP … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/21/22

Commentary: Asking voters to once again support school construction bond referenda items

I am so pleased to once again be able to write to the people of East Providence. And I am once again asking you to vote in the upcoming elections. I ask this for a couple of reasons. Voting is … more

By Kathryn M. Crowley | 10/20/22

Commentary: Let’s listen and speak to each other instead of being against our neighbors

The Harvest Moon holds appeal for people from a global range of cultures. We celebrate here at Thanksgiving and like to think we are thanking the indigenous tribes for helping us to prepare the local … more

By Mike Fink | 10/13/22

Commentary: Put your cell phone away for a minute...enjoy the beauty of nature in the fall

Look up from your cell phone. Please. The sky is on fire. Don’t miss it. Foliage is transitioning to flame and to tangerine and to ochre. These colors, hidden in summer, are becoming visible as … more

By Betsy Shea-Taylor | 10/13/22

Fung and his sunny disposition are leading the polls

STORY OF THE WEEK: CD2 Republican Allan Fung is projecting a sunny disposition in ads and media appearances while making his case in Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District. This serves a … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/11/22

McKee shows another side of himself

My parents always taught us to be gracious in victory as well as in defeat. One event that should be a source of gratitude to others and respect for a vanguished opponent is a stunning victory in a … more

10/6/22

The gubernatorial candidates are getting aggressive

The fight for governor between Republican Ashley Kalus and Democrat Dan McKee has seemingly shifted into a new gear, with both campaigns aggressively going at each other amid an occasional misstep. … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/6/22

Dr. Karissa Niehoff, chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations; and Mike Lunney, executive director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

Commentary: Bad behavior by coaches, parents and fans must stop

There’s an unfortunate trend continuing in Rhode Island and across the nation that must be stopped: the bad behavior of coaches, parents and fans at high school athletic … more

By Dr. Karissa Niehoff and Mike Lunney | 9/26/22

Commentary: Westport Streams are Special

By David Cole and Jack Reynolds Most people who live in Westport believe that it is a very special place. Each has his or her own special feature — Horseneck Beach and its dunes, gorgeous … more

9/26/22

Grief is hard work (Part 2)

Last month’s column discussed what grief can look and feel like and the different stages of grief. Adjusting to the death of someone close to us takes time, and the expression “grief … more

By Bonnie Evans | 9/23/22

Gun Violence: An epidemic of another kind

Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, … more

By Donna Amaral | 9/16/22

Election season reaches a milestone, as Primary Day passes

Talking Politics Editor’s note: This column was filed prior to Tuesday’s Primary Election. STORY OF THE WEEK: The top questions heading into Rhode Island’s … more

By Ian Donnis | 9/12/22

Challengers take their shots at McKee, who dismisses and deflects

STORY OF THE WEEK: Televised debates on WPRI and WJAR last week offered a window into the state of the Democratic primaries for governor and the 2 nd Congressional District. Rivals tried piling on … more

By Ian Donnis | 9/8/22

Commentary: Labor Day 2022...America’s workforce is stronger than ever

On Labor Day we honor the achievements of America’s workers, and in 2022 we have a historic victory to celebrate. Our nation’s working people have come all the way back from the depths of … more

By Marty Walsh | 9/1/22