Donkey On The Loose + New State Police Barracks + Blood Emergency

Rise and Shine, 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 a donkey on the loose in Johnston, the $28 million project to construct a new State Police Southern Barracks, and a blood shortage at the Rhode Island Blood Center. We also include information about new state laws banning child marriages, and requiring the analyzation of overdose deaths, and video footage of a Los Angeles shooting that resulted in the death of a Rhode Island man.

First, today's weather:

Sunny. Temps: High of 80° & low of 51°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. A donkey is on the loose in Johnston just months after the capture of a wayward steer. It is unclear where the animal came from as no one has reported a missing donkey. (Patch)

2. Gov. Dan McKee no longer seeks voter approval to finance the $28 million project to construct a new State Police Southern Barracks in East Greenwich. The new building would be located off of Route 95 and replace the Wickford and Hope Valley barracks. (Patch)

3. The Rhode Island Blood Center is under a blood emergency, with just a three-day supply on hand. With donation levels down due to the coronavirus pandemic and more residents getting postponed surgeries and medical treatments, demand is getting higher and supply is very low. (Patch)

4. Gov. Dan McKee has signed legislation banning child marriages in Rhode Island and requiring that the state analyze overdose deaths going forward. (Patch)

5. The Los Angeles Police Department has released video footage of an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a North Providence man. Richard Brian Solitro, 34, was shot and killed by an officer during a confrontation on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. (Patch)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• The Museum of Work & Culture is open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online 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.