🌱 3 Charged In Toddler's Death + 2 Grants Awarded In Pawtucket

Hey, neighbors! It's me again, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Pawtucket Daily.

First, today's weather:

Breezy with some sun. High: 59 Low: 32.

Here are the top three stories today in Pawtucket:

1. The Pawtucket Police Department has announced that three Rhode Islanders are facing murder charges in the death of a two-year-old boy who died in the hospital last December. Investigators determined the cause of death was fentanyl poisoning. The child's mother, Jessaline Andrade, 26, was arrested, along with Yara Chum, 33, and Stephano Castro, 31. All three have been charged with second-degree murder. During the investigation, police found the child's 8-year-old brother also had fentanyl in his system but survived. (Pawtucket Patch)
2. The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded 15 nonprofits a total of $105,000 in grant money for their dedication to Black and Brown communities. Two Pawtucket organizations, the Mixed Magic Theatre and the YMCA of Pawtucket, were among those to receive a grant. Each recipient received anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. (WJAR)
3. Friends and family remembered the victim of a deadly stabbing in Pawtucket yesterday. Ferdinand Reyes, 34, died after being stabbed outside of Star Wine Liquors on West Avenue in Pawtucket over a week ago. Reyes' brother, George, is pleading "for the violence in Pawtucket to stop." (WJAR)

Today in Pawtucket:

• Take & Make Kits - Pawtucket Public Library (All Day)
• Cupid Scavenger Hunt - Pawtucket Public Library (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Heading to the Providence Zoo this weekend? You may notice a few things missing. Check out the changes the zoo is making due to weather conditions and habitat maintenance. (wbsm.com)
• To begin the new year, AFROBRUNCH will be hosting a brunch like no other tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Vibe Lounge! Come enjoy great Afrobeat music and great African cuisine (not to mention the classic chicken and waffles!). Get tickets here. (Eventbrite)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early Monday morning with a new update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners, and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.