News Briefs, Author at The Local Insider News

Smithfield will host food drive to help growing number of people in need

By Ethan Shorey SMITHFIELD – Food insecurity is impacting more residents than many people realize, says Smithfield Town Council President John Tassoni, and there’s been a significant increase in need over the past several months. Speaking at the council meeting…

September 2, 2026

Cumberland police: No foul play in woman’s death

By Ethan Shorey CUMBERLAND – Police say there was no evidence found indicating that an 18-year-old found dead in a home in early June was killed. The Local Insider reported on Aug. 8 about results still not being back from the…

September 2, 2026

Cumberland version of Pat’s Italian Restaurant closing

CUMBERLAND – Continuing the trend of restaurants coming and going in the end space of the Seabra plaza on Mendon Road, Pat’s Italian Restaurant will close. “To our Cumberland community, Pat’s Cumberland will be closed until further notice,” accounted the…

September 1, 2026

State investing in affordable housing portion of Pawtucket’s Tidewater project

PAWTUCKET – The city’s aggressive riverfront transformation took a big step forward this week with the announcement of a $21.1 million state housing investment to support development of 76 new affordable homes. The homes are part of Pennrose’s Tidewater School…

September 1, 2026

Through a summer internship in the Biocontrol Lab, Andrew Swiader is helping rear the tiny wasps that could offer a natural defense to protect crops. (URI Photo / Anna Gray)

URI student from Greenville helps raise tiny wasps with big mission

KINGSTON, R.I. – A baby nasal aspirator isn’t exactly what comes to mind when one pictures biotech research tools. But for University of Rhode Island biotechnology student Andrew Swiader, it’s become an essential piece of scientific equipment. In URI’s Biocontrol…

September 1, 2026

North Providence police arrest man on gun and drug charges

NORTH PROVIDENCE – The North Providence Police Detective Division executed search warrants on Charles Street Monday, resulting in the arrest of a 35-year-old resident on numerous narcotics and weapons charges. Police arrested Jaurami Batista, of North Providence, after a lengthy…

August 31, 2026

McFeeters hails victory on Curtis School

PAWTUCKET – City Council candidate Tyler McFeeters is calling on the Pinecrest community to celebrate what he’s calling a victory for Curtis Elementary School. “On Friday, Aug. 21, Mayor Donald Grebien posted a campaign video in front of the elementary…

August 28, 2026

Crews used sand from the overturned truck to prevent spilling fuel from entering the surrounding area following Friday's crash.

Crash shuts down I-295 north for second time in as many weeks; police investigate

ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department responded Friday afternoon to a crash involving two tractor-trailers and an SUV on I-295 North that shut down all northbound lanes and sent two people to the hospital. The Massachusetts State Police are investigating…

August 28, 2026

Five transported for injuries after hazardous materials incident at Burrillville plant

BURRILLVILLE – On Thursday, fire and EMS agencies from throughout the region responded to a significant hazardous materials/mass casualty incident at a meat processing plant in Burrillville, working alongside East Burrillville Fire Department units to provide patient care, hazardous materials…

August 28, 2026

Pawtucket police say Flock cameras helped nab suspects who shot into child’s bedroom

PAWTUCKET – On Aug. 25, at around 11:30 p.m., Pawtucket police officers were dispatched to 560 Prospect St. for a report of several shots fired. Upon arrival, officers learned that nine shots had been fired into an apartment and the surrounding…

August 28, 2026