🌱Lead Paint Lawsuit Filed + Drive By Shooting Victim Gets $30,000

Up and at 'em, Pawtucket! Let's get this Saturday started. Here's everything worth knowing today in Pawtucket.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a little rain; breezy. High: 50 Low: 46.

Here are the top five stories in Pawtucket today:

1. Lawsuits have been filed against landlords in Pawtucket in regard to rentals on Garden Street for not following Rhode Island’s lead poisoning prevention laws. Reportedly, the attorney general’s office said, “In the lawsuits, the attorney general is seeking a court order to halt further harmful conduct, to require the defendants to remediate lead hazards and provide adequate alternative housing during remediation, and to appoint a receiver if the defendants are unwilling to correct the lead violations.” (WLNE-TV (ABC6))
2. On Jan. 9, 2017, Matthew Depina, of Pawtucket, was injured in a drive-by shooting near the Licht Judicial Complex. The city of Providence reached a $30,000 mediated settlement with Depina recently. Depina alleged in the suit he filed in 2020, that the city had breached its duty to protect him knowing of the violent threats he faced. He accused the Providence Police Department of failing to adequately protect him from the threat posed by Bucket East street gang. (The Providence Journal)
3. In an effort to combat the illegal use of ATVs, the Providence Police Department has launched a tip line, designed to streamline reports from residents regarding where people are riding and storing illegal ATVs, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. The tip line will be staffed by an investigator Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone who calls will remain anonymous. (WPRI.com)
4. Later this month, Brown University will be honoring not only members of this year's graduating class, but also the Class of 2020. Addressing those at the commencement exercises will be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She is one of the nine people who will be receiving an honorary degree from the school. (Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News)

Today in Pawtucket:

• Take & Make Kits - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Butterfly Scavenger Hunt - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Saturday High Beginner Class ILSR - Pawtucket Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Saturday Beginner Class ILSR - Pawtucket Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Sensory Friendly Lego Club - Pawtucket Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Nextdoor Neighbor, Windmill St: "I was walking on Oneida near Trieste this afternoon and found a Citizen’s Bank debit card. The last name is Ramos. I have it! If you know first name and initial and can show me an ID you can have it!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Darlington/Rumford: "All of these beautiful babies are available for adoption! You can find out more about my fosters @FOHARI.ORG Left to right: Poppy, Ms Honey & Matilda, Sammie & Deana, Luna & Loki" (Nextdoor)
• Public Information Joint Information Center, State of Rhode Island: "Lyme Disease Awareness Month Tip 3: Remove Ticks This #TickFreeRI video from the RI Department of Health shows you how to properly remove embedded ticks to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme. Visit https://health.ri.gov/ticks ..." (Nextdoor)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you soon.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Pawtucket and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pawtucket Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com