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Letter: Threatening our VFW Post is an insult to veterans

I would like to answer a letter placed in the Bristol Phoenix on July 9 by Lisa Peterson ( Who are these ‘Citizens’? Bristol voters deserve answers ). We rent the VFW building to a … more

7/16/20

Bristol Phoenix - Thursday, July 16, 2020

7/16/20

The new Bristol Fire Department boat launched last week from Bristol Marine. Above the wheelhouse is the phrase “Shipshape and Bristol fashion,” which was a popular turn of phrase in 19th- and 20th-century Bristol, but it did not originate here. The expression was first used in the town’s namesake, on the Avon River in southwest England, an important port for nearly 1,000 years. “Shipshape and Bristol fashion” was an expression reserved for especially stout, well-made and seaworthy vessels.

Bristol's new fire boat is a floating hydrant, and an ER

Costing about $450,000 outfitted and delivered — with 75 percent of that paid for by a Federal Port Security grant — Bristol’s new fireboat is capable of doing things that the … more

By Christy Nadalin | 7/16/20

Letter: Social consciousness rises from respectful free expression

America has lot its way. No other country has sacrificed or legislated or spent more than America to foster equality. In spite of this, America is locked in a modern-day civil war. The … more

7/15/20

Bristol Phoenix - Thursday, July 9, 2020

7/9/20

Bristol's Fourth – What You Need to Know

Yes, Bristol is having a parade on July 4. It will be smaller, quicker and earlier than anyone has seen in decades, but there will be a parade. Here's some of what you need to know if you're … more

7/3/20

Dyshall Palmer (left) and Veteran, Dave Scarpino, argue their political differences after a flag raising ceremony honoring first responders at Independence Park on Friday morning.

New photos: With tensions high, citizens raise first-responders flag in Bristol

People began to gather around 9:30 on Friday morning in Independence Park for the raising of a flag in honor of first-responders, an event sanctioned by the Bristol Town Council following a 4-1 vote … more

By Christy Nadalin | 7/3/20

Boom, boom, boom — fireworks bring neighbor complaints in Bristol

As has been the case in surrounding towns, fireworks are a frequent complaint from residents in Bristol. Following are excerpts from the Bristol police log of June 22 to 29. Monday, June 22 … more

7/3/20

The Black Lives Matter flag flew over Bristol Town Hall for several weeks in June.

After approving two controversial flag requests, Bristol adopts a new flag policy

Minutes after approving a controversial request to fly a first-responders flag for two weeks over Independence Park, the Bristol Town Council voted unanimously to approve a newly-devised flag policy … more

By Scott Pickering | 7/2/20

Letter: Beware the wolf (‘Citizens’) in sheep’s clothing

Peter Hewett’s letter in the June 18 Phoenix (“Of Course black lives matter ….”), and other recent related events, compel a rational, factual response. Mr. Hewett … more

7/2/20

Bristol Phoenix - Thursday, July 2, 2020

7/2/20

Letter: Calling for fairness in our communities, not division

In response to the Black Lives Matter march and flag flying over Town Hall, a new group, Bristol County Concerned Citizens (BCCC), has petitioned to march to promote “traditional American … more

7/2/20

Diane Medeiros (left), executive director of East Bay Community Development Corp., accepts keys to the residence at 330 High St., former home of the late Richard Simpson, from attorney Joe Proietta on Tuesday. Joining them for the ceremonial transfer are East Bay CDC employees Curt Jouett and Frank Spinella, and consultant Scott Charpentier (far right).

Longtime Bristol resident leaves a lasting legacy

It has been nearly three years since High Street resident Richard V. Simpson died on July 4, 2017, while preparing to participate in the Fourth of July Parade. Always one of his favorite days of the … more

By Christy Nadalin | 7/2/20

Letter: ‘Concerned Citizens’ should come out of the shadows

I read with great interest in last week’s Phoenix about a new organization called “Bristol County Concerned Citizens” and then paused in astonishment at the blatant … more

7/2/20

Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro, during Wednesday night's meeting on Zoom.

Bristol grants 'Citizens' wish, will fly first-responder flag on Friday

One week after proposing the idea of raising a first-responder flag in downtown Bristol, an upstart citizens group won the day. The Bristol Town Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to allow that flag … more

By Scott Pickering | 7/1/20

Letter: The banner of ‘traditional American values’ is riddled with problems

I read with both admiration and dismay about the new group calling themselves, “ Bristol County Concerned Citizens. ” I admire their passion and desire to honor first-responders with a … more

7/1/20

State Police arrest Mt. Hope teacher’s assistant for indecent solicitation

The Rhode Island State Police announce that members of the State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have arrested a Mt. Hope High School … more

7/1/20

Bristol Phoenix - Thursday, June 25, 2020

6/25/20

Roxanne Giusti-Lavoie, former owner of Roxie’s consignment clothing store, here getting assistance from Republican Will Grapentine, turns in her papers to run for Bristol Town Council as an Independent.

Candidates flock to file papers in Bristol

The deadline for candidates to officially file to run for office came and went on Wednesday, with many familiar names and a few new ones in the flurry of filings as the 4 p.m. hour approached. All … more

By Christy Nadalin | 6/24/20

Bristol Police arrest two, help quiet numerous ‘loud’ gatherings

Bristol police officers made two domestic violence arrests and were called to a number of reportedly loud gatherings from June 18 to 14. Monday, June 8 Police received two complaints about … more

6/19/20

A crowded sidewalk in front of the Portside restaurant on Thames Street shows customers were eager to return to dining establishments when state restrictions lifted. However, not all workers have felt the same.

Many are making more money by NOT coming back to work

One of the great 2020 pandemic safety nets may be having unintended consequences, particularly in the restaurant industry. A weekly bonus in unemployment insurance is discouraging some low-wage and … more

By Christy Nadalin | 6/19/20

Scenes like this — resembling a party in the streets — will not be part of the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in 2020. If given permission from the state, Bristol’s proud procession will be small and no one will be marching. It will be a car parade only.

Bristol has a parade plan — now it needs permission

Sunny reports in statewide media this week suggested the Bristol Fourth of July Parade is “back on,” but according to General Chairman Michele Martins, the Fourth of July Committee … more

By Christy Nadalin | 6/18/20

Commentary: I miss my dad each Father’s Day and salute him for days and weeks beyond

He was born in London, the Edwardian early 20th century, when Britain still ruled the world's waves. But shortly after the death of his younger brother, their mother died and he was sent to New York … more

By Mike Fink | 6/18/20

Bristol Phoenix - Thursday, June 18, 2020

6/18/20

Ioannis Miaoulis, Roger Williams University president

Roger Williams has a plan to bring its students back

Roger Williams University is making plans for students to return to campus in the fall, including a significantly altered schedule, a blend of in-person and virtual classrooms, distancing and … more

6/18/20