🌱 Vaccine Mandate Stands + School Rankings + Affordable Housing

Happy Sunday, Woonsocket! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

The prison guard union lost its bid for a delay. Also, Woonsocket High School is ranked #38! Finally, Woonsocket has 10% low and moderate-income housing. Yay?

First, today's weather:

Breezy and not as warm. High: 65 Low: 45.

Here are the top stories today in Woonsocket:

1. Lawsuit update: Remember when we talked about the prison guards union challenging the vaccine mandate? They asked a judge to delay the Sunday deadline. A federal judge denied the request. Therefore, executive branch state workers have to take the COVID-19 vaccine, or they may be fired. (Boston Globe/Paywall)
2. Are you curious how local schools are ranked? RISE Prep Mayoral Academy in Woonsocket ranked in 8th place by the top elementary and middle schools in the state by U.S. News and World Report. Woonsocket Middle at Hamlet and Woonsocket Middle @ Villa Nova ranked 45 out of 60. Woonsocket High School is ranked #38. (US News)
3. The median income in RI is $67,167. However, this figure makes it virtually impossible for families to achieve homeownership in the state. Concurrently, Woonsocket has met the requirement of having at least 10% of low and moderate-income housing. This means that residents making $50,000 can afford to rent in the city. (WUN)
4. In related news, unemployment is up in Woonsocket. Whereas the national unemployment rate dropped 0.4 percentage points to 4.8%, the County’s unemployment rate was 6.7%, which is an increase from 6.4% in July. Granted, last year around this time unemployment was at 13.9% in the County, but the recent spike is worrisome. In comparison, RI’s unemployment rate is 6%. (Patch)

Today in Woonsocket:

• WWII Memorial Dedication (12 PM to 4 PM, Flyover at 2:35 PM)
• Arts in the Alley @ Lops Brewing (12 PM)
• Boots, Brews and BBQ - Whiskey Knights performing LIVE! St. Joes Vets (2 PM)
• Back Rhodes at Club Lafayette (3 PM)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• Woonsocket Harris Public Library: They're reviewing library resources: Join them in revisiting a special-effects make-up tutorial. Perfect for Halloween! (Facebook)

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Events:

• Harvest Market at Pardon Gray Preserve 2021 (October 17)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. Her SEO-optimized internet copy includes social media marketing projects and German to English business translations. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Fishdom (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woonsocket Daily? Reach out anytime to Woonsocket@Patch.com.