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Libertarian Billy Hunt, left, and Democrat June Speakman, right, campaigned next to each other Tuesday at the Quinta Gamelin polling station in Bristol.

Speakman beats Libertarian Hunt, retains District 68 seat

Democrat June Speakman of Warren is headed back to the General Assembly, after the District 68 Representative won her re-election campaign Tuesday by defeating Libertarian William "Billy" Hunt 3,943 … more

By Ted Hayes | 11/4/20

Voters favor incumbents for Bristol Town Council seats

In an Election Day unlike any other, when the results did not come into focus until 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday, it appears the five incumbents will continue to serve on the Bristol Town Council. After … more

11/4/20

Governor enacts measures to tamp down social gatherings

Gov. Gina Raimondo announced new measures to curb spread of the coronavirus, which is on the rise throughout Rhode Island. In a Friday afternoon press conference, the governor had one clear target … more

By Scott Pickering | 10/30/20

Officers catch up to confused driver near Mt. Hope Bridge

Bristol Police arrested a young man after he allegedly got into an accident near the entrance to Mount Hope Farm and left the scene, before officers caught up to him near the base of the Mt. Hope … more

10/29/20

Bristol’s seven ballot questions, explained

By now, most people have a pretty good idea who they want to see in the White House come Jan. 21, 2021. But further down the ballot, the more complex things become. Here’s a little clarity on … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/29/20

Candidates describe what they love — and would love to change — about Bristol

For their final test prior to Election Day, the eight candidates for Bristol Town Council were asked two seemingly easy questions: What is one thing you love about Bristol? What is one thing you … more

By Scott Pickering | 10/29/20

Father Henry Zinno and Denise Asciola add cheese to meatball sandwiches for their drive-up fundraiser last Thursday evening. The church’s take-out meal service has been so successful they’ve recouped all the revenue lost during the summer — and exceeded all expectations.

Church's take-out food service is booming

Parish feasts were just one of the countless things ruined by Coronavirus this year. While the virus (and its attendant restrictions on gatherings) didn’t change the solemnity and import of the … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/29/20

After accident, off-duty Bristol officer follows DUI suspect into Warren

An off-duty Bristol police officer happened to be in the right place at the right time, when he witnessed a hit-and-run accident, followed the driver from Bristol into Warren, and led on-duty … more

10/28/20

The view of the scene on Burnside Street on Monday night, after a small fire started in an electrical outlet during a boatbuilding class.

Museum complex escapes fire with minimal damage

For well over 100 years, the 19th-century structures of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (now the Herreshoff Marine Museum ) have dominated Burnside Street in Bristol. Happily, that’s still … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/28/20

A Bristol Town Council meeting from earlier this year, one of the first in town to be held on Zoom.

Many are discovering Zoom’s silver lining

Remember the first time … how awkward it was? The cues that guide the rhythm of normal conversation were missing, the lighting and camera angles were unflattering, and that first view of … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/24/20

The Church Street home of current Bristol Democratic Town Committee Chairman Erich Haslehurst displays signs for the majority of endorsed Democrats in the region. Current Bristol Town Council Chairman (and endorsed candidate) Nathan Calouro’s sign does not appear here, nor on numerous other lawns throughout town where the signs of his Democratic running mates (the aforementioned “progressives”) appear. In the case of this home, there’s a reason. Mr. Calouro said he was asked if he wanted to place his sign here, but he declined the offer. Mr. Calouro said he typically displays only his own sign at his home, so he has not traditionally asked other candidates to display his sign on theirs, as he does not believe that would be fair.

Deciphering the signs within the signs in Bristol

It’s the season of signs, which have proliferated on lawns, bushes and buildings across Bristol. Those feeling strongly enough about their choices (and living on major roadways) display the … more

By Scott Pickering | 10/23/20

Participants in the forum include (top row, left to right) timekeeper Jock Hayes, moderator Scott Pickering, Brian Bradshaw, Jamie Brooks, (middle row) Marjorie McBride, Sarah Bullard, Andrew Benn, Karen Cabral, (bottom row) Corrie Daluz and Bill O'Dell.

Bristol's school committee candidates face off in forum

They come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, from education to healthcare and more, but the eight school committee candidates — Brian Bradshaw, Andrew Benn, Karen Cabral, Marjorie … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/23/20

Sara Slusarski rehearses a Travolta-esque dance to the Bee Gees’ “Night Fever,” on a backyard stage for their upcoming production of “Grease: 1979.”

Two-woman team plans a 1970s version of ‘Grease’

It may be starting to feel like fall in Bristol, but Sara Slusarski and Alex Brassard of 2W Productions will have residents dreaming of “Summer Nights” as they bring the groovy musical … more

By Kristen Ray | 10/23/20

‘Vote for me because’ … Eight answers for eight candidates

Back in the good, old days of 2018, candidates used to canvass neighborhoods, ring doorbells, hand out pamphlets and ask for votes. Imagining pre-Covid life, the eight candidates for Bristol Town … more

By Scott Pickering | 10/22/20

Speakman, Hunt square off in District 68 debate

First term Representative June Speakman squared off against her lone challenger for the House District 68 seat, Libertarian Billy Hunt, in the only debate between the two before the Nov. 3 election, … more

By Ted Hayes | 10/22/20

The newest Pink Heals truck was meticulously restored by the crew from Bristol Auto Body (from left to right) Joey Major, Steve Meyer, Jeff Moss, Joe Miranda, Justin Miranda, Max Galvao, and John Madeira.

Rescued rescue truck is pretty in pink

The latest addition to Rhode Island’s ‘Pink Heals’ fleet was rolled out and delivered to the organization this week, after being restored at Bristol Auto Body. As someone with … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/22/20

Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente (left) and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed stroll along the Bristol waterfront during a rainstorm earlier this week. Mr. Contente believes his title accurately portrays his responsibilities, but voters have a chance to raise the stature of the office to "Mayor."

Voters are being asked: Should Bristol elect a ‘Mayor’?

Not for the first time, Bristol residents are being asked if they want the elected chief executive of their town to be known as the “Mayor” or the “Town Administrator.” … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/16/20

Patriot is the first second-generation AC75 racing yacht to be launched.

Built in Bristol, America's Cup challenger launches in New Zealand

A boat conceived and constructed in little Bristol, R.I. launched into the waters of of Auckland, New Zealand today, beginning the next step in its quest to win the oldest international competition … more

10/16/20

Someone did more than just damage this sign that was in a lawn along Thames Street. They burned it, wrote on it and tore it apart. Candidate Mike Byrnes said about 10 of his political signs have gone missing around town so far this campaign season.

Many people are asking, 'Can’t we all just get along?'

“Can’t we all just get along?” It was a question raised during a Bristol Town Council candidates forum last week, and it’s an issue that seems to resonate with everyone who … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/16/20

Wish granted — smaller bins are coming soon to Bristol

Since Bristol rolled out new trash bins in the spring, the 65-gallon units that were the standard size chose by the Department of Public Works have been too much of a good thing for a number of … more

10/15/20

Town Administrator Steve Contente (left) gives a quick tour of the Church Street and Prudence Island Ferry docks to Sen.Jack Reed on a drizzly Tuesday morning.

New Bristol marina gets final approval

A meeting of the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on Tuesday resulted in the final approval of a town marina expansion plan, on the same day that Sen. Jack Reed visited town to review … more

By Christy Nadalin | 10/15/20

Policing in 2020 — Bristol council candidates have different ideas

Policing has been a hot topic across America in 2020, with high-profile cases of police brutality shining a spotlight on the structure, training and mission of modern police forces. Concurrently, the … more

By Scott Pickering | 10/15/20

Richard Perry, appearing in court back in 2015, shortly before he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, 10 to serve.

High-risk sex offender released from prison, living in Bristol

A man known throughout the Bristol community for his molestation of young boys has been released from prison and is back living in town. On Wednesday, the Bristol Police Department took steps to … more

10/14/20

Bristol council candidates debate Oct. 8

Eight candidates for the five Bristol Town Council seats are debating on Thursday, Oct. 8. Their forum will be on Zoom and can be viewed live, beginning at 7 p.m. It can also be viewed any time … more

10/8/20

Public can submit questions for Bristol candidates debate — Oct. 8

Eight candidates for the five Bristol Town Council seats are debating on Thursday, Oct. 8. Their forum will be on Zoom and can be viewed live, beginning at 7 p.m. It can also be viewed any time … more

10/3/20