2 Injured In Officer-Involved Crash + Alex and Ani Bankruptcy

Happy Friday, Woonsocket!

Welcome to the Woonsocket Patch Daily — the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events happening in town.

In today's Daily, we share the latest news about an officer-involved crash in Woonsocket, the Rhode Island-based company Alex and Ani filing for bankruptcy, and the state's Department of Environmental Management director stepping down from her position. We also include information about legislation that guarantees basic financial literacy education to public school students and a bill that would give the RI Department of Transportation $20 million to repair two bridges on the East Bay Bike Path.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. Temps: High of 73° & low of 55°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Two people were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon following a crash involving a Woonsocket police officer. The officer was responding to a disturbance call when they collided with another car at Park Avenue and Bernon Street. (Patch)

2. The Rhode Island-based jewelry company Alex and Ani has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Known for its charm bracelets and necklaces, was founded in 2004 by Carolyn Rafaelian and opened its first Rhode Island store in 2009. (Patch)

3. Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management director is stepping down later this month after 10 years of service. Director Janet Coit has led the department since 2011. (Patch)

4. Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation that guarantees basic financial literacy education to all Rhode Island public school students. The legislation will require state education officials to develop instructional standards on personal finance and consumer education. (Patch)

5. East Bay lawmakers are calling for the state's Department of Transportation to fix and reopen a pair of bridges on the East Bay Bike Path. The bill would give RIDOT $20 million to repair the two bridges, which cross over rivers in Barrington and Warren. (Patch)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Millrace Kitchen is hosting Eastern Medical Singers at 6 p.m. as part of its live music series. This event is free and open to the public. More information can be found here.
• American Legion Post 85 is hosting Strumdawgs Under The Stars from 7 to 11 p.m. For more information, click here.

You're all caught up on what's happening today in Woonsocket. We'll see you in your inbox tomorrow. Have a great day!

-Annie

About me: I grew up in Central Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard University. I have lived, worked, and studied in Boston for the last five years and cover stories in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.