RI To Close Coronavirus Test Sites + Tagging A Great White Shark

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 state health officials consolidating COVID-19 test sites, the tagging of a great white shark in Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee's approval of a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. We also include information about a text message scam spreading through Rhode Island and the arrest of a Massachusetts fugitive by Rhode Island State Police.

First, today's weather:

Rain throughout the day, with a chance of thunderstorms. Temps: High of 76° and low of 56°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health have released their plan to consolidate state-run COVID-19 test sites. Approximately 14 sites will close by the end of June. (Patch)

2. The Atlantic Shark Institute reported Monday that they were able to deploy an acoustic tag on a great white shark in Rhode Island waters over the weekend, the first time the species has been tagged in the state using this new technology. (Patch)

3.The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a bill that would legalize, tax, and regulate recreational marijuana. It’s expected to go to the full Senate next Tuesday. (WPRI)

4. Rhode Islanders have reported getting scam text messages encouraging them to sign up for a "COVID-19 Safe Drive to Work" program, and the messages claim to be from the "Rhode Island Department of State." However, the program does not exist and the message is a scam. (Patch)

5. A man who allegedly shot and injured an acquaintance in Massachusetts last month was arrested early Sunday morning by Rhode Island State Police on Route 146 in Lincoln. Police say 27-year-old Brandon Coldwell of South Boston visited a man and woman staying at a hotel in West Boylston, demanded money, and shot a gun during a struggle, injuring the man. (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.