Local Insider Opinion, Author at The Local Insider News

North Providence’s Lantagne: Cortellesso should not be being allowed to build on Baird

Thank you so much for your informative article regarding Armand Cortellesso’s proposed apartment development on Baird Avenue in North Providence. In the article, the planning director appears to state that Mr. Cortellesso’s current building project is permitted under a town…

August 21, 2026

Our kids better the case for a new Slater Middle School

When I became the first person of color to chair the Pawtucket School Committee, I made a promise to lead with transparency, and that my only boss would be the kids, parents and teachers of Pawtucket. But nothing prepared me…

August 19, 2026

Rotondo: I’m so glad I ignored my friends and moved to Pawtucket

I moved to Pawtucket in late 2007. When I decided on Pawtucket being my next home, the reaction from my friends was … interesting. I was peppered with all sorts of cautionary tales and advised to strongly reconsider. I stuck…

August 18, 2026

Jabotte: Woonsocket deserves a roadmap, not a another round of promises

To the residents of Woonsocket: I did not wake up one morning and decide that I wanted to be a politician. I decided to run for mayor because I looked at the direction of the city I was born in,…

August 16, 2026

More than a game: How Pawtucket won the summer

By Karen Alzate This summer, Pawtucket reminded us that some of the most meaningful victories happen off the field. As thousands gathered week after week to watch the world’s game together, our city became something special. Families spread out lawn…

July 27, 2026

Guenette: Criticisms show exactly why accessible project in Lincoln needed

I read about the Knights of Columbus meeting in Lincoln where 75 residents showed up to oppose 28 homes on Wilbur Road. Eighteen of those units are fully accessible cottages. And the reaction? Shouts of “greed.” Complaints about pickleball courts.…

July 19, 2026

Pawtucket deserves more than moments

Note: This is a response to Mayor Grebien’s previous letter. Like Mayor Grebien, Pawtucket is a community I love. Seven years ago, my fiancé and I chose to make Pawtucket our home. I’m a Rhode Islander who chose this area because of…

July 14, 2026

Johnston’s pad could use more splash

By ETHAN SHOREY The Johnston splash pad, which opened last year, does the trick in keeping children and families cool, but it could definitely use some future additions. My family loves to compare and contrast public facilities for various communities,…

July 9, 2026

Rhode Island is about to send millions of dollars to Washington. Here’s why.

Federal scholarship tax credit is waiting. But state leaders have to opt in. At a time when Rhode Island leaders are constantly searching for new resources, the state is on the verge of sending hundreds of millions of dollars out…

July 6, 2026

It was a weekend that again showed what a community Pawtucket is

Dear Neighbors, This past weekend served as a powerful reminder of everything Pawtucket has to be thankful for and the vibrant community we have built together. Following last weekend’s unimaginable tragedy, our residents rallied to support the affected family emotionally,…

July 5, 2026