Police Body Cams + Infrastructure + Hookah Bar Off The Hook

Welcome to the Pawtucket Patch Daily — your quickest way to get caught up on the city's top news stories. I'm your host, Mary Serreze. I can be reached at mary.serreze@patch.com. Feel free to send me your news tips, thoughts, and ideas.

First, the weather:

• Thursday: Clear throughout the day. High of 78 and low of 54.
• Friday: Clear throughout the day. High of 81 and low of 65.
• Saturday: Possible light rain in the morning. High of 81 and low of 60.

Here are the top five stories in Pawtucket today:

1. Sen. Jonathon Acosta was recognized Wednesday (Patch) for his role in introducing legislation that would outfit all Rhode Island police officers with body cameras. Acosta spoke at a State House news conference where Gov. Dan McKee, Atty. General Peter Neronha, police leaders and lawmakers talked about their coordinated effort to implement universal police body cameras (WPRI) in the state. Acosta, who represents Pawtucket and Central Falls, spoke of his own upbringing and the complicated relationship between police and communities of color.

2. Infrastructure!! Ground will break Friday on Phase III of the Narragansett Bay Commission’s Combined Sewer Overflow Project. It consists of a two-mile mile tunnel to be installed more than 100 feet underground in Pawtucket. The ambitious years-long project will prevent sewage from entering the Blackstone and Seekonk rivers. (ABC6)

3. “The Pawtucket Red Sox won seven in a row in April, 2016. That was the last winning season by one of Boston’s Triple A teams.” Even the Worcester Telegram can’t stop reminiscing about the once-great PawSox. The WooSox are now the hottest team in their division, closing in on first place. (Worcester Telegram)

4. Pawtucket has a new crop of high school graduates. The Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts Class honored 45 graduates, and valedictorian Jillian Nash delivered remarks. The Class of 2021 at Shea celebrated their commencement, seniors at Tolman did the same, and Saint Raphael Academy honored its graduates at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. (The Valley Breeze)

5. The Punto Final Hookah Bar is now free and clear thanks to good behavior. The City Council last week lifted restrictions on the Summer Street bar after police testified there have been no issues since penalties were levied in April. That means Punto Final will no longer have to pay for weekend police details, and they can serve hookah once again to vaccinated patrons. Police had detailed multiple violations, including officers being locked out after closing time with patrons still smoking and drinking inside. (The Valley Breeze)

Events, Thurs. June 17:

• The policy subcommittee of the Pawtucket School Committee meets at 6 p.m. A vote is expected on a new transportation policy.

• Gov. McKee and Lt. Gov. Matos will hold the fifth Rhode Island 2030 Community Conversation. It will focus on issues related to Rhode Island's tourism and hospitality industry. Location: Facebook.com/GovDanMcKee

• Have you always wanted to learn Bachata and Salsa? A new five-week beginners' session starts Thursday at Mambo Pa Ti Dance Company, 560 Mineral Spring Ave., in Pawtucket. Classes run from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost for the five-week program is $85 for an individual and $145 for a couple.

That's it. You're all caught up. See you tomorrow.

About me: Maine native, UMass Amherst Regional Planning alum. Stick-shift driver, explorer. I believe in good government and the public's right to know. Interested in just about everything. I still like paper maps. I can be reached at mary.serreze@patch.com.