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$299,000 condos not selling; new RI laws; Henry’s Tree Farm closes: Top stories this week

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$299,000 condos not selling; new RI laws; Henry’s Tree Farm closes: Top stories this week


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Here are some of The Providence Journal’s most-read stories for the week of Dec. 24, supported by your subscriptions.

  • Foster and adoptive families face unique challenges, and who better to guide them than other parents who’ve taken that journey themselves? For seven years, The Village for Rhode Island Foster & Adoptive Families has offered mentoring, resources and help dealing with both practical and emotional challenges.
  • What will be the top priorities for lawmakers when the Rhode Island General Assembly convenes its new session on Tuesday? Many of the issues will be familiar: housing, health care, gun legislation and the fiscal crisis facing the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. But the state’s top general office-holders have a few new ideas on their wish lists.
  • New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to take stock of the year’s news, from our top investigative pieces to the odder “only in Rhode Island” kind of stories. In the ever-evolving dining landscape, we mourned the restaurants that closed and welcomed more than 50 newcomers. And we’ve rounded up the most-read columns for Walking Rhode Island, Car Doctor and Ask the DMV.
  • What were the top sports stories in Rhode Island in 2023? These grabbed the biggest headlines and these were among the most inspiring, but Eric Rueb and Bill Koch round out the list with some other picks, some of which might surprise you. Read more of our high school and college sports coverage at providencejournal.com/sports.

Here are the week’s top reads on providencejournal.com:

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When the Mavis Street condos in Pawtucket went up for sale this summer, people flocked to the open-house showings.

At $299,000, the two-bedroom, 1½-bathroom condos with central air, a parking spot and a yard seem like a dream. During the summer, the added bonus of a 30-year mortgage at 5.75% seemed like a small incentive, but as interest rates hit 8% in October and declined just a bit to 7% now, it looks more enticing.

But six months after the condo complex was finished, only one of the five units is under contract, despite the ever-increasing cost of housing, to rent or buy. So, why haven’t they sold?

Two issues seem to be keeping the condos cool in what is an otherwise hot real estate market. Read on to find out more.

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Housing: These new condos in Pawtucket cost only $299,000. Why haven’t they sold?

The 21 laws taking effect on Jan. 1 cover a lot of ground, including the creation of a new state holiday known as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” on June 19 each year.

Rhode Island’s minimum wage will rise by $1 to a new high of $14 an hour, in the next-to-last step before reaching a long-sought $15 an hour in 2025.

Here’s what else will change in Rhode Island on New Year’s Day, including new protections for tenants and employees, changes in voting rules, measures to protect the environment, and the issuance of new state ID cards for undocumented residents.

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Government: What new laws go into effect in RI on Jan. 1? From minimum wage to plastic bags, take a look

Don’t let his federal lawsuit against the project fool you: Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi says he supports plans to build a new $100 million cargo terminal at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.

He just wants airport executives to guarantee their promises to shield residents from noise and truck traffic, and says he will drop the court action once those promises are in writing.

But his campaign to guarantee construction of a noise wall and a new access road at the airport has accumulated legal bills and may, some in Warwick speculate, have encouraged the Federal Aviation Administration to cancel $500,000 annual payments the city has received from the airport for decades.

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Even if Picozzi gets the written guarantee he is looking for, will the legal fight prove to be a wise move in the long run?

Local news: Inside the legal standoff between Warwick Mayor Picozzi and T.F. Green Airport

A holiday tradition shared by generations of Rhode Islanders ended this season with the closing of Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm in Scituate.

Spread across 135 acres, the farm had more than 100,000 trees during its heyday and sold more Christmas trees over the last 60 years than owner David Henry can count.

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Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm was among the first in Rhode Island that let customers wander the fields and tag their own trees. Many customers would return year after year, and then their children would bring their children.

Find out what motivated Henry to give up the business that brought him and so many others such joy over the years.

Business: A Rhode Island Christmas tradition stops growing as Henry’s Tree Farm closes

To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.



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Rhode Island

2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire

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2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire


CRANSTON, RI — Two dogs died in a house fire in Cranston early Thursday morning, according to fire officials.

The fire started at a home on Poplar Drive just before 4 a.m. According to fire officials, no one was home during the fire, except for the two dogs.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Find out what’s happening in Cranstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.

Find out what’s happening in Cranstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.



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Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled

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Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled


If last year’s men’s basketball standings are any guide, it will be a testing Atlantic 10 road for the University of Rhode Island in 2024-25. 

The Rams will visit both regular season co champions, the conference tournament winner and another team that won 21 games overall for single matchups. They’ll also play home-and-home with two other 20-game winners. 

Richmond, Loyola Chicago, Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s all await URI at dates and times to be determined. Massachusetts and George Mason will host the Rams and visit the Ryan Center at some point next year. 

More: After disappointing season ends, what’s next for Rhode Island basketball?

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The Spiders and Ramblers both closed 15-3 in conference play while the Dukes ended an NCAA Tournament drought that stretched to 1977. They sent coach Keith Dambrot into retirement with an upset run through Barclays Center in March, leaving Brooklyn with an automatic ticket punched to March Madness. The Hawks followed a strong nonconference performance with just a 9-9 league finish, but they should remain among the favorites entering media day in the fall. 

The Minutemen and Patriots were part of a tight middle pack behind the leaders. Six teams finished within two games of one another — UMass tied with VCU at 11-7 while George Mason closed even with Saint Joseph’s and St. Bonaventure. URI counts the Minutemen among its oldest rivals, with the first meeting between the two schools taking place in January 1908. 

Saint Louis is the lone solo road trip for the Rams next season, and it could be a tough one. Josh Schertz is in from Indiana State to replace Travis Ford and has brought a host of Sycamore connections with him, including assistant coach and Rhode Island native Antone Gray. URI fell to the Billikens at the conference tournament last season to close a 12-20 campaign. 

Fordham and La Salle are the other two home-and-home partners for the Rams next season. The short trips to New York and Philadelphia should be competitive — URI went 2-2 against those two opponents last season, defeating the Explorers at home and winning at Rose Hill Gym in March. 

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Dayton, VCU, the Bonnies, Davidson and George Washington travel to Kingston for single games. The Rams beat the Wildcats on the road as part of a 3-0 league start last season and blew out the Revolutionaries on the road. The Flyers offered a rude homecoming for Archie Miller, defeating their former coach by a comfortable margin in a place where he reached an Elite Eight and four NCAA Tournaments from 2014-17.  

URI has confirmed at least one other game on its schedule next year. The Rams will host Providence for the annual in-state grudge match on Dec. 7. The Friars have won three straight in the series, including an 84-69 home victory last season.   

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25 



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Olivia Culpo the bikini bride! WAG shows off her incredible figure in a blue bikini with fiance Christian McCaffrey as they frolic at the beach ahead of Rhode Island nuptials

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Olivia Culpo the bikini bride! WAG shows off her incredible figure in a blue bikini with fiance Christian McCaffrey as they frolic at the beach ahead of Rhode Island nuptials


Olivia Culpo flaunted her incredible figure in a stylish bikini with fiance, Christian McCaffrey, as they enjoyed time at the beach in Rhode Island on Tuesday ahead of their nuptials. 

The former Miss Universe winner, 32 – who recently signed a marriage license with the NFL player, 28, before their wedding ceremony – was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection. 

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees. 

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Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders.  

Olivia Culpo, 32, flaunted her incredible figure in a stylish bikini with fiance, Christian McCaffrey, 28, as they enjoyed time at the beach in Rhode Island on Tuesday ahead of their nuptials

The former Miss Universe winner was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles

The former Miss Universe winner was also joined by her sister, Aurora, as well as her adorable pup, Oliver Sprinkles

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist. 

Olivia chose to go barefoot while strolling along the sandy shore, and was seen holding her cute pup in her arms who also joined in on the summer fun. 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks. 

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun. 

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Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet. 

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart. 

Both Culpo and McCaffrey paused for a few memorable photos outside of the luxurious jet next to large letters that read, ‘Mr & Mrs’ as well as an assortment of balloons. 

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection

The beauty flashed a cheerful smile as she showcased her toned midriff in a light blue, $145 bikini top from her latest Montce Swim collection

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

She additionally slipped into a pair of matching bottoms as well as a fitted, $80 micro skirt that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees

Culpo - who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 - added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders

Culpo – who became engaged to the San Francisco 49ers running back in April 2023 – added a $38 cap on top of her long, brunette locks that flowed down naturally past her shoulders

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist

Olivia chose to go barefoot while strolling along the sandy shore, and was seen holding her cute pup in her arms who also joined in on the summer fun

The bride-to-be opted for minimal accessories during the day at the beach, and added a dainty, gold bracelet on her right wrist

She soon reunited with her sister while walking on the sandy shore during the relaxing beach day

She soon reunited with her sister while walking on the sandy shore during the relaxing beach day 

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks

Christian went shirtless as he jumped in the ocean to cool down in the water while sporting a pair of black swim trunks

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh

Their pup was also seen close by to the couple as they talked to each other

Later in the day, Olivia and Christian were seen holding a lighthearted conversation and she reached out to place as her hand on his shoulder as they shared a laugh

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane. 

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Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior. 

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats. 

The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo’s home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials. 

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun.’ 

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’ 

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And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day. 

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top. 

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality - who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers - jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet

Two days earlier on Monday, the media personality – who currently boasts 5.4 million Instagram followers – jumped to her account to share a series of snaps as both she and her fiance stepped onto a private jet

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: 'Let it begin,' followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart

She hinted that their upcoming wedding ceremony was imminent by simply penning in the caption: ‘Let it begin,’ followed by emojis such as a bride and white heart

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior

Once the pair were comfortably situated inside the jet, Olivia flashed a big smile as she revealed that the crew also decked out the interior

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane

She also included a glimpse of her excited reaction upon seeing the decorations outside of the plane

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats

The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo's home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials

White rose petals could be seen strewn on the middle aisle floor while bouquets of flowers were also placed near their seats

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, 'Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun

Social media users also jumped to the comment section to share their excitement, with one typing out, ‘Let me pull up a seat for this because the royal wedding of the century has begun

Another added, 'Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!' while one penned, 'Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!'

Another added, ‘Bravo to this cabin crew for this decor! They put a lot of hard work into this!’ while one penned, ‘Cannot wait to celebrate you beauties! have so much fun prepping this week!’

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day

And on Wednesday, since-deleted Instagram photos revealed that Olivia and Christian had signed a marriage certificate ahead of the big day

The sisters were seen talking as they strolled next to each other to take a rest near the water

The sisters were seen talking as they strolled next to each other to take a rest near the water

The model additionally wore a pair of chic pumps and added a hat on top of her head that contained a short, netted veil that was placed in front of her face. 

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath. 

The two were pictured walking down steps hand-in-hand in front of what appeared to be a courthouse. They also took other candid snaps while standing outside of a yellow-painted house. 

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Earlier this year in March, Culpo opened up about her wellness routine while preparing for their wedding. 

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year,  and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News. 

In regards to herself, she said, ‘Things are definitely changing. During the season I feel like it’s really hard to have a stable routine.’ 

The model explained that she is trying ‘to dial in [on] what I eat, how I workout, the workouts that I do.’

‘Trying to get them in consistently because you only get married once and I want to feel my best. But this past season it was just hard being so far away from my normal routine and where I typically live.’

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The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top

The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath

McCaffrey wore a tan, double-breasted suit jacket as well as matching trousers and white shirt underneath

The San Francisco 49ers player was also seen soaking up the summer sun during the day on the shore

The San Francisco 49ers player was also seen soaking up the summer sun during the day on the shore 

Culpo's sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun

Culpo’s sister, Aurora, also accompanied the couple to soak up the warm sun and donned a blue and white-patterned bikini while her hair was styled into a simple, low bun

She was seen splashing in the waves to cool down in the summer heat

She was seen splashing in the waves to cool down in the summer heat 

'Christian's definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year, and taking all the time he needs to do that,' she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News

‘Christian’s definitely in the recovery stage of everything, he just had a crazy year, and taking all the time he needs to do that,’ she said of the NFL player during an interview with E! News

While McCaffrey played during the busy NFL season, she expressed that there is ‘a lot of traveling back and forth’ in order for her to ‘be there to support him.’ 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian. 

‘Obviously my groom. He definitely has to be there. He’s a non-negotiable,’ she expressed. 

‘Groom, family, great weather. Actually, you know what? I’m going to leave the weather part out because whatever happens, happens.’ 

Culpo also added, ‘I love champagne, so I need to have a good champagne. I love tequila. Great food and then great friends and good energy. Just fun times.’

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Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time. 

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a 'non-negotiable' for the big day is Christian

Olivia also discussed her wedding check-list with the outlet, and humorously revealed that a ‘non-negotiable’ for the big day is Christian

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time

Olivia and Christian became engaged last year in April 2023 when he popped the big question, and she shared the big news on Instagram at the time

She uploaded a series of black and white photos, including the moment that McCaffrey got down on one knee to propose. 

The model held a shock and excited expression on her face, and after saying yes, the couple sweetly embraced. Another close-up snap showed the eye-catching diamond sparkler on her finger from Ring Concierge. 

Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, opened up to People last year about designing the special ring with McCaffrey. 

‘We worked with Christian to thoughtfully design a ring that encompassed Olivia’s trendsetting style while still remaining timeless – a beautifully cut Oval flanked with Epaulette side stones in a handcrafted gold and platinum setting.’

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