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

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

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

Accountability and leadership in the I-195 crisis

STORY OF THE WEEK: The emergency closing of the westbound part of the Washington Bridge put Gov. Dan McKee — and how he performs during a crisis — under a microscope. McKee was … more

By Ian Donnis | 12/19/23

Governor Dan McKee recently initiated a new mandate regarding mask wearing and showing proof of vaccination for small and large businesses and venues.

Poll: Are you in favor of the new mask mandate?

Governor Dan McKee recently initiated a new, temporary indoor mask mandate and proof of vaccine requirements. Do you agree with his decision? more

12/20/21

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

Letter: No more 'white washing' of Native history here

Why does the Little Compton Historical Society need until 2025 to give a report on the abysmal history of the area’s Native population? We have the town records right at the Brownell Library, … more

5/17/23

The busted bridge continues to invite both follies and frustration

STORY OF THE WEEK: Last week, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and RIDOT Director Peter Alviti offered a glimmer of hope for frustrated drivers. A plan developed with the Federal Highway Administration … more

By Ian Donnis | 2/26/24

Letter: Texting and driving is illegal, but who knows the law?

To the editor: I am writing you with the hope you can answer a question for me in your weekly paper. I am a resident of Bristol, but my business is located in Portsmouth. Our so-called … more

11/6/19

Letter: It’s time to restore music, plus more

More than 600 Rhode Island students from grades 7 to 12 were featured in the 2021 RIMEA (Rhode Island Music Education Association) All-State Music Festival Concert, premiering on YouTube on May 2, … more

5/26/21

Latest fertility ruling – yes, yes, no, no!

Three couples sued the Center for Reproductive Medicine, a fertility clinic in Alabama, for inadvertently destroying their embryos. An interloper got into the storage facility, opened up a … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 2/26/24

Editorial: Twice charged officer leaves in style

The way it all sorted out in the matter of Town of Tiverton vs. police Sergeant William Munroe, it’s difficult to tell who is being punished — town taxpayers or the man accused of … more

5/9/20

Letter: How, exactly, does Bowen oyster plan restrict public access?

To The editor: In response to the ongoing discussion of aquaculture on the Sakonnet River, I would like to add my observations. My family has lived on the Sakonnet River in Little Compton for … more

3/2/22

Letter: This councilor’s advisory opinion is against cables in river

To the editor: Several Portsmouth residents, who had previously requested to speak with the Town Council about the SouthCoast Wind (SCW) project, finally got their chance to voice their … more

6/13/23

Op-Ed: A lifeline for those battling substance use disorder

There is a resource available in hundreds of languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that provides immediate help for those experiencing substance use disorder, thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, and emotional distress – the 988 Lifeline. more

By Tom Joyce | 9/25/23

The AG is getting vocal about issues today and in the future

STORY OF THE WEEK: In recent weeks, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has used Twitter to amplify the fight for continued access to mifepristone, cite the need for those with power to … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/25/23

Letter: Questions unasked at the CNN Town Hall

The moderator of the recent CNN Trump Town Hall tried valiantly to ask pertinent, newsworthy questions to a declared presidential candidate, now convicted and under other legal duress. He … more

5/17/23

Letter: Too much ignorance on wind farms' impacts

I write in response to Rick Russo’s letter “Be factual not emotional about wind energy.” While I appreciate that Mr. Russo is “not a fan of wind,” his beef with … more

6/22/23

Editorial: APRA fight has government protecting government

Committees in both the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Rhode Island Senate have listened to testimony on a bill that would update and improve the state’s public records law. … more

4/4/24

Letter: Kinnane Brotthers; what a story!

To the editor: It warmed my heart to hear about the film exploits of the Kinnane Brothers of Adamsville. My family and I watched "Head Coach" on Netflix a few weeks ago and I had no idea it was … more

3/2/22

Commentary: Time for Rhode Island to put oil companies on trial

While Rhode Island communities experienced extreme drought, torrential rain, and flash floods last year, the oil and gas companies pouring fuel on our climate crisis were raking in record profits. … more

By Rep. Terri Cortvriend | 5/5/23

Letter: Reject ‘spot zoning’ amendment in Little Compton

I strongly oppose the proposed amendment to Chapter XIV of the Little Compton Town Code Zoning Ordinance (14-6.1 Agricultural Overlay District) on the grounds that it unfairly confers on one specific … more

8/2/23