During this time of year, there’s an abundance of festivals taking place around Rhode Island and beyond. They usually all share some similarities with live music occurring on either one or multiple stages with an array of vendors, art installations and other intricacies being set up all over the festival grounds. With this being said, there is one festival setting itself apart from the rest and that’s ConserFest, which has been taking place over on Block Island since 2007. This grassroots experience is the premier event from a 501(c)3 under the same name that is focused on fundraising for and spreading awareness of environmental conservation and stewardship. This year’s edition is going down at the Southeast Lighthouse on Sunday afternoon from 12-9 p.m. with attendees immersing themselves in an inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere.
Rhode Island
ConserFest returns to RI to support environmental preservation
![ConserFest returns to RI to support environmental preservation](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/independentri.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/38/b38eedf6-2e50-11ef-af19-6b41f66e64ae/6672f951a01c4.image.jpg?crop=1763%2C926%2C0%2C124&resize=1200%2C630&order=crop%2Cresize)
* For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Independent on newsstands now or purchase a subscription to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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Rhode Island
2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire
![2 Dogs Die In Cranston House Fire](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/23017426/20240627/115958/styles/patch_image/public/patch-graphics-news-alert-borden-2020___27115918750.jpg)
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.
Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.
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Rhode Island
Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled
![Rhode Island basketball’s Atlantic 10 conference opponents unveiled](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/01/19/NPRJ/72286098007-usatsi-20161447.jpg?auto=webp&crop=1439,810,x0,y0&format=pjpg&width=1200)
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?
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.
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
Rhode Island
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 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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621657-0-Olivia_Culpo_32_flaunted_her_incredible_figure_in_a_stylish_biki-m-69_1719443977921.jpg)
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.
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621645-13573899-The_former_Miss_Universe_winner_was_also_joined_by_her_sister_Au-a-6_1719447517447.jpg)
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.
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621641-13573899-The_beauty_flashed_a_cheerful_smile_as_she_showcases_her_toned_m-a-1_1719447517005.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621627-13573899-image-m-77_1719445038368.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621631-13573899-Culpo_who_became_engaged_to_the_San_Francisco_49ers_running_back-a-4_1719447517276.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621939-13573899-image-m-86_1719445136766.jpg)
![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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621643-13573899-image-a-87_1719445146158.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621625-13573899-image-m-89_1719446074923.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621647-13573899-image-a-90_1719446118735.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621633-13573899-image-a-104_1719446266237.jpg)
![Their pup was also seen close by to the couple as they talked to each other](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/00/86621639-13573899-image-m-103_1719446261730.jpg)
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.
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!’
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621637-13573899-Two_days_earlier_on_Monday_the_media_personality_who_currently_b-a-2_1719447517013.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621303-13573899-She_hinted_that_their_upcoming_wedding_ceremony_was_imminent_by_-a-7_1719447517542.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621299-13573899-Once_the_pair_were_comfortably_situated_inside_the_jet_Olivia_fl-a-8_1719447517625.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621941-13573899-image-m-110_1719446437079.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621635-13573899-image-a-118_1719446583696.jpg)
![The lovebirds shared a romantic kiss before heading to Culpo's home state of Rhode Island ahead of their anticipated nuptials](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621621-13573899-image-m-117_1719446579135.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621619-13573899-Social_media_users_also_jumped_to_the_comment_section_to_share_t-a-3_1719447517143.jpg)
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!'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621649-13573899-Another_added_Bravo_to_this_cabin_crew_for_this_decor_They_put_a-a-5_1719447517444.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621629-13573899-image-a-123_1719446693765.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/02/86624557-13573899-image-m-38_1719450041637.jpg)
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.
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.’
![The pair dressed for the special occasion, with Culpo wearing a white, flowy pleated skirt as well as a fitted, belted blazer on top](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86623227-13573899-The_pair_dressed_for_the_special_occasion_with_Culpo_wearing_a_w-m-13_1719448553788.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621655-13573899-image-a-9_1719448440398.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/02/86624539-13573899-image-m-36_1719449999776.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621651-13573899-image-a-10_1719448445704.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621653-13573899-image-a-11_1719448448585.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86623225-13573899-_Christian_s_definitely_in_the_recovery_stage_of_everything_he_j-m-15_1719449104771.jpg)
‘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.’
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621379-13573899-image-m-18_1719449145172.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/27/01/86621307-13573899-image-a-17_1719449142197.jpg)
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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