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🌱 Patch AM: Why a Woonsocket landlord’s lockout could change state property law

Coming up: The Players presents Eric Bogosian's "Talk Radio" on the Woonsocket Patch calendar

Wednesday May 6th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Woonsocket! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Woonsocket landlord’s lockout could change state property law
  • How does Woonsocket compare in Rhode Island’s new child-poverty rankings?
  • Why Woonsocket is now grouped with Rhode Island’s highest‑poverty cities

Also on today's calendar: The Players presents Eric Bogosian's "Talk Radio" and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: Why wouldn't the little shrimp share his fries with his friends ? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 69 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Thursday: Breezy with variable clouds, temps: high: 66, low: 42.
  • Friday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 62 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘I couldn't get in my own house': Man fights to change state's abandoned property law (bostonglobe.com) — A Lincoln property owner says he was locked out of his Bennett Street apartment building in Woonsocket after a nonprofit sought a court-appointed receiver under Rhode Island’s Abandoned Property Act. His case has prompted state lawmakers and the attorney general to back reforms that would tighten the definition of “abandoned,” require clearer notice to owners, and better protect occupied, well-maintained homes.    

2. Kids Count: Newport among leaders in child poverty in Rhode Island (whatsupnewp.com) — Woonsocket is highlighted as one of five Rhode Island cities where child poverty is most concentrated, with about 28% of local children living in poverty. A new Kids Count Factbook details sharp income gaps between communities, declining youth populations in many towns, and nearly 2,000 homeless students statewide, data that will inform upcoming legislative debates.    

3. Newport superintendent says new urban district designation could unlock state grant funding (whatsupnewp.com) — New data on child poverty now groups Woonsocket with Newport, Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls as Rhode Island’s core cities where most low‑income children live. Newport’s superintendent says the new designation could unlock more state grants and intensifies debate over how Rhode Island funds schools, as districts statewide confront budget gaps and rising child poverty rates.    

4. Supply shock drives up gas prices as expert warns of more increases ahead (turnto10.com) — Woonsocket is slated to get new electric vehicle charging stations as part of a $24 million statewide investment, even as Rhode Islanders face gas prices around $4.39 a gallon and possibly higher this summer. State leaders hope expanded charging access in cities including Woonsocket will make hybrids and EVs more practical as fuel costs climb and the global oil supply remains strained.    

5. R.I. legislators expecting to see new House speaker and majority leader this week (bostonglobe.com) — A former Woonsocket state representative, Nancy L. Benoit, is recalled as the first woman ever elected House majority leader, as lawmakers now expect new leadership at the Rhode Island State House this week. The piece explains who’s likely to take over top posts, the ethics questions around Speaker Shekarchi’s possible Supreme Court bid, and how campaign funds might be handled.    


📸 Around Woonsocket

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Woonsocket

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📣 Woonsocket Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday May 6
  • Robot Commanders
    OCYL: Mayor's Office of Children, Youth and Learning, 1464 Diamond Hill Rd #2, Cumberland
    4:30 pm
  • Thursday May 7
  • NSHS Boys Lacrosse vs Lincoln High School
    NSHS - Athletic Complex, 2000 Providence Pike, North Smithfield
    4:00 pm
  • EMPTY BOWL FULL SOUL FUNDRAISER
    NSHS - Cafeteria, 412 Greenville Road, North Smithfield
    5:00 pm
  • JAZZ CONCERT
    NSHS - Auditorium, 412 Greenville Road, North Smithfield
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.


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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Dennis McGuire named to Forbes 2026 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    South County, RI, April 24th, 2026 - Dennis McGuire AAMS, ADPA, RICP, Managing Partner of McGuire Wealth Management in Wakefield, RI has been... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is there anyone who can paint my old shutters.
    I need a price. To see whether I should just buy new ones or go this route ? (Nextdoor Carrington Ave/Mendon Rd)
  • Good morning!
    I'm looking for trustworthy and reasonably priced help today. Leaves left behind from a clean-up in yard and mulch beds blown, at least a yard of… (Nextdoor Carrington Ave/Mendon Rd)
  • CVS Health posted a job opening for Retail Merchandising Analyst in Woonsocket. Apply here.
  • Lowe's Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate in North Smithfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Woonsocket here.

Ok Woonsocket! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he was shellfish ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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