RI's Unemployment Claims Rising + Opening Schools This Fall

Happy Saturday, 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 the rise in Rhode Island's unemployment claims, the 2021-22 school year, and an "America's Got Talent" candidate with ties to Woonsocket. We also include information about the postponement of the annual Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade and the suspension of the PVD Food Truck events at Rhode Island State Parks.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny with patchy fog before 8 a.m. Temps: High of 88° & low of 69°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. The U.S. Department of Labor says Rhode Island's unemployment claims have increased, with over 600 new unemployment claims the week of May 29. The state is now in last place in a ranking of which states' unemployment claims are recovering the fastest. (Patch)

2. Gov. Dan McKee said he and other state leaders anticipate that schools will fully return to classes in the fall. More information on the 2021-22 school year in Rhode Island will be announced in July. (Patch)

3. A Woonsocket native appeared on the season premiere of "America's Got Talent" this week. Keith Apicary impressed the judges with his unique dancing, described as "a sequence of rhythmic spasms." (NBC 10 News)

4. The annual Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade have been postponed. Organizers are currently working to reschedule the events. (NBC 10 News)

5. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has suspended the PVD Food Truck events at state parks this summer due to the increasing impact on staff, facilities, and regular park users. (WPRI)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• The Museum of Work & Culture is open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online here.
• Krylo Dance Studios is having its annual "Dancapades" performance at Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
• Chan's Restaurant is hosting Karaoke Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

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.