Pawtucket Bus Driver Shortage + Gun Silencer Mailed From China

Good morning, people of Pawtucket! Dan Hampton here with today's copy of the Pawtucket Daily.

We bring you a heaping of local stories to kick off your weekend, including a Pawtucket man's arrest after federal authorities said he tried to import a gun silencer from China. What's more, this isn't his first brush with the law.

Plus: you'll read about how a labor shortage is affecting Pawtucket school bus routes and why a Pawtucket state senator published a commentary in The Boston Globe, sharing a byline with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Pawtucket? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

But first, today's weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 72, low: 55.

Here are the top stories today in Pawtucket:

1. David Worster, 35, of Pawtucket, has been arrested after federal prosecutors said he tried to import a gun silencer and other gun parts from China. Worster was previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and pipe bombs, as well as resisting arrest and, separately, possession with intent to distribute cocaine. (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island)
2. The Sun Chronicle reports that the Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket will present “Greatness of Gospel XIV: Freedom” from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in its outdoor amphitheater. Tickets are $20, though children 12 and under can get in for $5. (The Sun Chronicle)
3. Paul Edward Parker of The Providence Journal reports the state is grappling with labor shortages ahead of Labor Day weekend, including a school bus company that serves Pawtucket and other surrounding communities that has more buses than drivers. (The Providence Journal, subscription required)
4. Rhode Island State Rep. Leonela Felix of District 61 in Pawtucket and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz penned a commentary in The Boston Globe saying the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of the federal eviction moratorium puts 40,000 people in the state at risk of eviction this winter. They say BIPOC communities — an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and people of color — are most in need of eviction relief, and are being "left behind." (The Boston Globe, subscription required)
5. Linda Borg and Amy Russo of The Providence Journal talked to parents in Pawtucket about adjusting to the new normal for schools. It's not just masks, they say. This includes figuring out what other parents are comfortable with when it comes to things like organizing play dates in the coronavirus era. (The Providence Journal)

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Pawtucket Patch Notebook

• The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket says its 2021 baseball season was a homerun with more than 330 players joining in the fun. (Facebook)
• The Boys & Girls Club also encouraged locals to join their team. The club seeks part-time youth development professionals for its pre-teen and teen programs. (Facebook)
• The Tri-County Community Action Agency says it will have a virtual bid packet opening for the Head Start program's catering bid Saturday at 10 a.m. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Hampton

About me: Hi! My name is Dan Hampton and I'm the program manager for Patch's Community Publisher Initiative. Formerly a local editor on Long Island covering Port Washington, Wantagh-Seaford, Levittown, Glen Cove, Plainview, Syosset, New Hyde Park, Hicksville, Great Neck, Oyster Bay and Mineola. I am the former wire editor on Patch's national team and a former news associate at The Associated Press. I graduated with a journalism degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Send tips and/or photos of your dog to dan.hampton@patch.com.

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