Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What Cranston will do after Budlong Pool’s contractor suddenly shut down.
Spotted on the Cranston calendar: Fundraiser for RI House Representative, Chris Paplauskas, District 15

Good morning Cranston! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What Cranston will do after Budlong Pool's contractor suddenly shut down.
- Which Cranston taco spot made the state's must-try list?
- How this week's big changes could affect daily life in Cranston.
Also on today's calendar: Halloween Costume Craft Event and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Cloudy, a shower in the p.m., with a high of 67 and low of 55 degrees.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 71, low: 43.
- Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 63 and low of 39 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Cranston searches for Budlong Pool cover after contractor ceases operations (turnto10.com) — Cranston's Budlong Pool has run into another delay as the contractor, Vantage Builders, shut down before delivering a custom winter cover for the newly reopened 8,000‑square‑foot pool. City officials say the roughly $40,000 cover is optional and hadn't been paid for, but they're now scrambling to find another vendor before debris and weather take a toll. More than 7,000 swimmers used the pool during its six‑week 2026 season.
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• 10 spots you need to try for the best tacos in RI (providencejournal.com) — Cranston taco lovers get a shout-out with La Eskina Gastronomía Mexicana on Laurel Hill Avenue praised for generous, flavorful carnitas and asada tacos. The statewide roundup also notes a popular taco truck on Cranston Street in Providence, giving locals several nearby options when they're craving authentic Mexican flavors and hearty portions.
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• In the News… quick recap of the News of the week, ending Oct. 2, 2026 (rinewstoday.com) — Cranston residents face several local changes this week, from a new fountain planned for Cranston Street in Knightsville to the loss of a Route 37 shortcut as RIDOT removes the Power Road bridge. Police have added a BearCat vehicle, and the long-delayed Budlong Pool now needs a new contractor for a $40,000 winter cover. The recap also touches on statewide health, housing, and education developments.
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📸 Around Cranston
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Cranston
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Fundraiser for RI House Representative, Chris Paplauskas, District 15 →
Bar Lazio, 1669 Cranston Street, Cranston
6:00 pm
Monday October 5
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Illuminated Swan Paddleboat Rides 2026
Polo Lake Dock, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence
6:00 pm - Sun Style Tai Chi for Beginners
Botanical Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence
11:00 am - Illuminated Swan Paddleboat Rides 2026
Polo Lake Dock, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence
6:00 pm - 2026 Stormwater Innovation Expo →
Roger Williams Park Casino, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Cranston
8:30 am - Wee-One Wednesdays at RWP Botanical Center! →
Botanical Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence
9:00 am - Illuminated Swan Paddleboat Rides 2026
Polo Lake Dock, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence
6:00 pm - Foodies + New Friends: Cranston | Charity Edition →
Restaurant of the Week, Cranston
7:00 pm - Halloween Costume Craft Event →
Smiling Angel's Society, 475 Sandy Ln, Warwick
11:00 am - Oct. 15 to 18 at 7pm. Dracula Bites. A Comedy.at Spooooky Governor Sprague Mansion →
Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St, Cranston
7:00 pm - The Third Great Marian Procession →
538 Broadway, Providence
9:00 am - Qigong Workshop →
Light of Hope, 245 Phenix Ave, Cranston
10:00 am
Monday October 5
Tuesday October 6
Wednesday October 7
Thursday October 8
Monday October 12
Thursday October 15
Saturday October 17
📣 Cranston Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Cranston PatchAM possible:
- Amazing Kids Academy Daycare — (401) 383-1030
- G-Lab Tutoring — (401) 692-2582
- Diamond Cleaning Pro LLC — (508) 493-3533
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The girls LOVE it when they get to go out in the pasture… and I love it because I can clean the barn in peace.
Unfortunately, I rarely get a chance to video their grand exodus because the second that gate opens, they take off at full speed like someone just… (Nextdoor Scituate Ave) - Sharing for another rescue,
Mullet is 7 months old and is looking for a forever home, he's extremely playful, but also can be lovable as well, please text or call 401-744-2251 (Nextdoor Stadium)
- Phenom People posted a job opening for Customer Service Part Time in Cranston. Apply here.
- LSI Industries Inc. posted a job opening for Brake Press Operator in Cranston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cranston here.
🗞 Nearby News
Providence
- North Providence Police Cancel Silver Alert for 84-Year-Old Sandra Laurie After Missing Woman Was Reported Last Seen Thursday in Providence (centralrecorder.com)
- The Giant Meatballs At This Rhode Island Italian Restaurant Have Become A Local Favorite (newsbreak.com)
- Southwest adding new flight at Sarasota airport. When, where to (heraldtribune.com)
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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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