Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How worried should Cranston be about its shrinking rainy day fund?

Spotted on the Cranston calendar: Halloween Costume Craft Event

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Coffee in hand, Cranston? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How worried should Cranston be about its shrinking rainy day fund?
  • What Johnson & Wales' new offer could mean for Cranston's budget
  • How a major gang bust reached right into Cranston

Also on today's calendar: Halloween Costume Craft Event and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sun through high clouds, with a high of 66 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Sunday: Some rain in the afternoon, temps: high: 64, low: 56.
  • Monday: Some rain in the a.m.; cloudy, with a high of 66 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cranston Rainy Day Fund Drops to $6.6M After FY26 Deficits (upriseri.com) — Cranston's rainy day fund has dropped to $6.6 million after an $8.3 million city deficit and $1 million school deficit in fiscal 2026, according to unaudited figures. Finance officials told councilors they're eyeing sewer-fund interest, possible property sales, and careful snow spending to rebuild reserves, with a full audit starting October 15 and a cautiously positive early surplus in the new fiscal year.
   

2. Cranston Gets Draft PILOT Deal From Johnson & Wales (upriseri.com) — Cranston officials say Johnson & Wales has resumed negotiations on voluntary PILOT payments, sending a $120,000 good-faith check and a draft agreement after three years without contributions. The Finance Committee also reviewed shrinking state PILOT money tied to the Howard Complex, where heavy police and fire calls continue even as demolished buildings reduce state payments, raising pressure for stronger legislative advocacy.
   

3. 18 arrested by State Police after seizure of 20 guns, dozens of magazines, ammo, drugs, cash (fallriverreporter.com) — Police have wrapped up a major gang investigation operating in both Providence and Cranston, arresting 18 people and seizing 20 guns, extended magazines, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and cash. Cranston's Special Investigations Unit and Police Department played key roles on the HIDTA Task Force, which has spent 18 months targeting violent criminal groups statewide.
   

4. Looking for RI high school scores from Friday's games. Here they are (providencejournal.com) — Cranston sports fans can check in on Friday's high school results and see when Cranston Co-op and the Cranston East–Cranston West rivalry hit the field at Cranston Stadium. The roundup highlights scores and standout performances across Rhode Island, giving Cranston families a quick way to follow their teams and plan for local matchups.
   

5. RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Oct. 9, 2026 (newportri.com) — If you bought a lottery ticket in Cranston or nearby, you can now check the Oct. 9 winning numbers for Mega Millions, Numbers, Wild Money and Millionaire for Life. Winners of $600 or more will need to visit Rhode Island Lottery Headquarters on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, where staff can help you claim larger prizes and choose payout options.
   

📸 Around Cranston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cranston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Manpower posted a job opening for Machine Operator 2nd Shift in Cranston. Apply here.
  • Comparion Insurance Agency posted a job opening for Insurance Sales Associate in Cranston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cranston here.

Ok Cranston! 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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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