FEMA Funeral Aid + Gender-Neutral Bathrooms + Animal Shelter

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 FEMA funeral reimbursement in Woonsocket, a bill that would remove gender designations from single-toilet restrooms in Rhode Island, demonstrations pushing for a new animal shelter in North Smithfield, the first Goodwill store in Rhode Island, and the state's economic difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. Temps: High of 80° & Low of 52°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt is encouraging eligible residents to apply for FEMA funeral reimbursement. Residents can receive up to $9,000 to help cover funeral costs incurred by deaths related to COVID-19. (Patch)

2. The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved a bill that would remove gender designations from public, single-toilet restrooms. Under the proposed law, the state's building codes would be amended to require all restrooms with one toilet be available to people of any gender starting January 1, 2022. (Patch)

3. Demonstrators pushed for a new animal shelter in North Smithfield on Sunday by protesting outside the current shelter on Smithfield Road. The shelter is out of compliance with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management standards. (Patch)

4. Goodwill of Southern New England opened its first location in Rhode Island. The store is located at 444 Quaker Lane in Warwick. (NBC 10 WJAR)

5. Rhode Island's economy is lagging behind the region and nation as it recovers from COVID-19, according to a new report. (U.S. News)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Rhode Island Quahog Week began Monday, a week-long celebration that highlights the importance of Rhode Island's shellfish to the state's economy and culture. Participating restaurants and markets will offer specials and deals.
• Savini's Pomodoro in Woonsocket is hosting Champions of Change, a benefit event for Community Care Alliance, from 6-9 p.m. The event will honor Patrick Kennedy and feature live music, food, an auction, and more.

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Featured classifieds:

• Job Listing: Seasons Corner Market Now Hiring with Summer Bonus

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 Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.