GoFundMe For Motorcycle Crash Victim + No More Masks Outside

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 GoFundMe for the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash, Gov. Dan McKee's announcement that all Rhode Islanders can go outside without a mask regardless of vaccination status, and Rhode Island's Attorney General's decision to conditionally approve the sale of two hospitals. We also include information about a suspected drunk driver that crashed into a Rhode Island state police cruiser over the weekend and an investigation into the vandalism of a war memorial in Providence.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny, with isolated showers in the afternoon. Temps: High of 79° & low of 56°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. A GoFundMe has been set up for the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash that took place in Woonsocket Friday morning. As of Tuesday morning, over $12,000 has been raised to cover funeral expenses for Eric Wakely. (Patch)

2. Gov. Dan McKee announced that all Rhode Islanders can go outside without a mask regardless of vaccination status. The decision goes into effect Wednesday. (Patch)

3. Rhode Island's Attorney General made the decision to conditionally approve the sale of two hospitals, saying that securing future operations remains the top priority. (Patch)

4. A Rhode Island state trooper was injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed into his cruiser early Sunday morning. Maksim Gorbachev of Pawtucket is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident. (Patch)

5. Providence police are investigating after a war memorial was vandalized over the weekend. The memorial contains the names of residents from several different wars who died while fighting for their country. (The Providence Journal)

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.
• Lops Brewing is hosting a home brewing discussion table from 6:30 to 8 p.m. More information can be found 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 Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.