Daily Briefing: Take a look at the new laws taking effect Jan. 1

There's everything from a plastic bag ban to a new state holiday. Advertisement [eNewspaper]( | [Crosswords]( | [Horoscopes]( [Read in browser]( The Daily Briefing YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP Thu Dec 28 2023 Lynne Sullivan | Regional Executive Editor [@LSullivan73]( Good morning, folks. Lynne Sullivan here, filling in for a vacationing Will Richmond. A few years ago, my daughter worked at a day care in Barrington. She loved everything about it – the babies, the families, the owners. The only thing that drove her nuts was the fact that she was making less than her friends who worked minimum-wage jobs here in Somerset, where we live. She, too, was making minimum wage, but since her employer was in Rhode Island, the minimum was ... well ... more minimum. While it's too late for my kid, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is increasing come Jan. 1. (It's going to take another year, though, for it to catch up with Massachusetts.) That's one of [several new laws]( that take effect in the new year – check them out, there's everything from a plastic bag ban to a new state holiday. 🔬 Targeted and intentional investments into Massachusetts’ life sciences sector make the state a leader in the industry. Here's [how they did it](. ⚰️ A look back at the [celebrities who died this year.]( 🌧️ Today's [weather:]( Periods of rain; high of 49. TOP STORIES [This invasive moth is resurging in RI. Here's what that means.]( [Alana Russell, forest health program coordinator at the Department of Environmental Management, checks a trap set out in Foster for the invasive winter moth. Thousands of male moths were drawn into the bucket by a female pheromone bait and then killed by a pesticide strip waiting inside.]( The invasive winter moth could be resurging in some parts of Rhode Island after years of decline. [READ MORE]( Advertisement [This five-unit condo complex in Pawtucket is selling for $299,000 a unit, limited to people making 120% of the area median income.]( [Why hasn't anyone bought these 'affordable' condos?]( Pawtucket Central Falls Development is selling five condos for $299,000 each, but they've found only one buyer. [READ MORE]( [Cumberland pitcher, Mike Bradshaw tears open his shirt after he held the La Salle Rams to three hits in game three for the ClipperÕs Championship 2-1 win in Division 1 Baseball at Rhode Island College on June 19, 2023. ]( [Eric Rueb picks his 10 most memorable high school sports stories of 2023]( There were plenty of memorable moments in high school sports in 2023. Narrowing the list down to 10 is tough, but Eric Rueb gave it a shot. [READ MORE]( [Some of the items available at Providence's Ellie's, including croissants, macarons, and a variety of coffees and other drinks.]( [Vote for the best coffee shop in Rhode Island in our reader poll]( It's the time of year for warm drinks and cozy spots. Where is your coffee shop of choice? [READ MORE]( [Sparkling wine is lovely for holidays.]( [Best dining bets for New Year's Eve in Providence and beyond]( There's a Waterfire and fireworks in Providence. That's a great place to start. [READ MORE]( Advertisement Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don’t miss out! We’re always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. [SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔]( SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Reporting. Your Stories. Full access to subscriber-only content on all devices. Share bonus subscription with a family member or friend. The universal eNewspaper, the digital version of our print paper, plus bonus monthly magazines and hundreds of local papers. Original reporting of our hometown teams, from high school sports to the pros. [Unlock news for $1]( [SUBSCRIBE TODAY]( Follow Us Problem viewing email? [View in browser]( [Unsubscribe]( • [Manage Newsletters]( • [Terms of Service]( • [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( • [Privacy Notice]( • [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy]( • [Feedback](