Invasion Of The Spotted Lanternflies + Vaccination 'Cold Spots'

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 the newest invasive species expected to land in Rhode Island this summer, Woonsocket being deemed a vaccination 'cold spot,' and the conclusion of Rhode Island's weekly pandemic-related news conferences. We also include information about the T.F. Green Airport name change and Gov. Dan McKee's plans for police body cameras.

First, today's weather:

Sunny. Temps: High of 83° and low of 62°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Experts at the University of Rhode Island are warning residents to keep an eye out for another invasive species expected to arrive in Rhode Island this summer. The spotted lanternfly, which is a sap-feeding leafhopper native to China, India, and Vietnam, was first detected in the United States in 2014 in southeast Pennsylvania and has since been found in eight other states. (Patch)

2. The City of Woonsocket has been deemed a coronavirus 'cold spot' with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. According to the latest data from the Rhode Island Department of Health, 45.7 percent of Woonsocket residents are either partially or fully vaccinated. (Patch)

3. Rhode Island has officially ended its weekly pandemic-related news conferences. Former Gov. Gina Raimondo started the briefings after the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Rhode Island last year. (Patch)

4. T.F. Green Airport is now officially renamed Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. Changing signage at the airport is expected to take several months and cost about $200,000. (Patch)

5. Gov. Dan McKee is allocating approximately $15 million to supply 1,700 state and local police officers with body cameras for the next five years. The program is part of an effort to bring law enforcement and the community together. (The Woonsocket Call)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Chan's Dining is hosting the Vanessa Collier Duo as part of its "Eggrolls and Jazz" series at 8 p.m. More information can be found here.
• Platinum Thrill is performing at American Legion Post 85 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
• Dance Theatre of Rhode Island’s 2021 Artistic Revue will be held at the Stadium Theatre at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, 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.