🌱 Patch AM: What will a second sportsbook mean for Rhode Island bettors by 2026?

Hi there, East Providence! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What will a second sportsbook mean for Rhode Island bettors by 2026?
• How much overtime did East Providence police log after Brown shooting?
• How did East Providence’s late surge fall just short Thursday?

Also on today's calendar: DarkStar Collectibles Show .

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 47 and low of 38 degrees.
• Saturday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m., temps: high: 46, low: 36.
• Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 43 and low of 28 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2nd sportsbook expected to launch in Rhode Island by end of 2026 (wpri.com) — From East Providence, state officials say Rhode Island plans to add a second online sportsbook by late 2026, ending Sportsbook RI’s solo run. The Lottery has issued a request for qualifications, expects about $1 million in extra annual revenue, and stresses that help is available for residents struggling with gambling problems.
   

2. Analysis: Police overtime for Brown University shooting cost $646K (wpri.com) — East Providence police were among many Rhode Island departments that racked up overtime helping Providence respond to the Dec. 13 Brown University shooting, part of more than $646,000 in mutual-aid police costs. Providence alone spent over $528,000 on overtime in the days after the incident, while state leaders now explore possible federal reimbursement for the emergency response.
   

3. What happened in high school hoops Thursday? Here's your scores and recaps (providencejournal.com) — East Providence hoops fans saw the Townies mount a furious late comeback against Classical, scoring 21 in the final quarter but ultimately falling short. The roundup also lists East Providence’s upcoming girls game at Rogers and recaps a full slate of Rhode Island high school basketball and swimming results from Thursday night.
   

4. Transit advocates present legislative priorities to build a better public bus system (newsfromthestates.com) — East Providence residents should know a local state senator is backing new legislation to boost RIPTA funding and improve bus service statewide after major cuts last fall. Transit advocates and lawmakers are pushing for more stable revenue, a bond for infrastructure upgrades, and several policy changes they say would restore and expand routes, reduce crowding, and make buses more reliable for riders across Rhode Island.
   

📸 Around East Providence

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🗓 Upcoming Events in East Providence

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday January 10

• DarkStar Collectibles Show
  146 Sutton Ave , East Providence
  9:30 am

Sunday January 18

• The Content of Our Character: Choral Concert in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Newman Congregational Church , 100 Newman Ave , East Providence
  3:00 pm

📣 East Providence Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday January 9

• Greenhouse Impressionism (Session Begins)
  Botanical Center , 1000 Elmwood Ave , Providence
  10:00 am
• Betsey Williams Cottage Free Open Houses
  Betsey Williams Cottage , 1000 Elmwood Avenue , Providence
  10:00 am
• Robin Norton
  Hope Alzheimer's Center , 25 Brayton Ave , Cranston
  1:30 pm
• RIFRAF 2026
  The Guild , 461 Main St , Pawtucket
  5:30 pm
• Tai Chi Paradigm® Introduction - Beginner Level
  RWP Gateway Center , 1197 Broad St. , Providence
  6:30 pm
• Lakeside Sunrise
  Paint and Vino , 150 Main St , Pawtucket
  7:00 pm
• Tantra Speed Date® - Providence! (Pawtucket) Meet Singles Speed Dating
  Satsang PVD Yoga , 999 Main St Suite 105 , Pawtucket
  7:00 pm
• Bridgeport Islanders at Providence Bruins
  Amica Mutual Pavilion , 1 Lasalle Sq #1 , Providence
  7:05 pm
• Friday Night House Party
  Kismet Improv , 1005 Main St Suite 2205 , Pawtucket
  8:00 pm

Saturday January 10

• Yoga for Every Body with Mimi Budnick
  RWP Gateway Center , 1197 Broad St. , Providence
  9:00 am

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making East Providence PatchAM possible:

• Constantin Floors corp — (401) 999-0199
  Holiday Flooring Special! This Christmas season, Constantin
• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

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

• Be a Lighthouse Friend - Make History —Louise Paiva Read on Patch
• Friends of Library Had a Very Good Year —Louise Paiva Read on Patch

• A clean home is a happy home.
  If you are looking to save time and energy from having to keep up with the cleaning in your home, then it's time you go with So Clean Cleaning… (Nextdoor Pierce Field)
• Please be mindful!
  A JON HYDE living in NORTH KINGSTOWN came to fix my toilet in Riverside. He couldn’t do so properly but promised he’d come back and finish the job. … (Nextdoor Belt Hood)

• HW Staffing Solutions posted a job opening for Jewelry Solder in East Providence. Apply here.
• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in East Providence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near East Providence here.

Ok East Providence! 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: I really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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