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Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a network of resources designed to support its senior population, ensuring access to essential services and a high quality of life. From housing assistance and transportation to library services and community support, a variety of programs are available to aid seniors navigate their golden years. Understanding these resources is crucial for both residents and families seeking to provide or receive care.

Navigating the complexities of aging can be challenging, but Bristol aims to streamline the process. The town provides a comprehensive range of services, focusing on maintaining independence and fostering a strong sense of community. Access to affordable housing, reliable transportation and engaging activities are key components of this support system. Finding the right resources can significantly improve the well-being of seniors in Bristol and surrounding areas.

Housing Assistance Programs

For seniors seeking affordable housing options in Bristol, several programs are available. The Bristol Housing Authority, reachable at 401-253-4464, manages both Low Rent Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program – Section 8. These programs are income-based, with eligibility guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Applications for Benjamin Church Manor can be printed from the Bristol Housing Authority website or requested by calling 401-253-4464 ext. 12. Those interested in the Housing Choice Voucher Program should visit www.waitlistcentralri.com. Franklin Court is another housing option, available at 401-253-3679.

Transportation and Mobility

Maintaining mobility is essential for seniors to remain active and engaged. Bristol offers several transportation options to assist with errands, medical appointments, and social activities. The Benjamin Church Senior Center provides transportation services for meals, activities, shopping, and medical appointments. For broader public transportation needs, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) serves Bristol, with customer service available at 401-781-9400 and detailed route information available at https://www.ripta.com/bristol.

Community Support and Services

Beyond housing and transportation, Bristol provides a range of community support services. The East Bay Community Action Program, at 401-437-1000, offers community action and case management services to assist seniors with various needs. The Benjamin Church Senior Center, located at 1020 Hope Street and reachable at 401-253-8458, serves as a central hub for senior activities and resources.

Library Access and Home Delivery

The Rogers Free Library, located at 525 Hope Street (401-253-6948), provides valuable resources for seniors, including books, periodicals, and internet access. Notably, the library offers a homebound delivery service for qualified patrons who are unable to visit the library in person. This service ensures that seniors can continue to enjoy reading and learning from the comfort of their homes.

Emergency and Safety Contacts

In case of emergencies, Bristol residents have access to reliable public safety services. The Bristol Police Department can be reached at 401-253-6900, and the Bristol Fire Department is available at 401-253-6912. The town’s general phone number is 401-253-7000.

As Bristol’s senior population continues to grow, ongoing evaluation and adaptation of these resources will be crucial. The Bristol Housing Authority’s Section 8 waiting list is currently open as of February 15, 2026, according to publicaffordablehousing.com, and residents are encouraged to check for updates regularly. Continued collaboration between town officials, community organizations, and residents will ensure that Bristol remains a supportive and welcoming place for seniors to thrive.

Do you have experience with these resources? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might find it helpful.

French shopping centers saw a surprising uptick in foot traffic in 2025, with an average of 7.3 million visitors daily, even as overall retail sales within those centers experienced a slight decline of 0.2%, according to data released this month by the Fédération des Acteurs du Commerce dans les Territoires (FACT).

The figures point to a significant shift in consumer behavior, with shoppers increasingly prioritizing experiences and value over simply acquiring goods. Even as the overall retail landscape faces headwinds from a weakened national economy and high savings rates, certain sectors within shopping centers are thriving.

Beauty and health products led the way, experiencing a 3.6% increase in sales, building on a 6.7% rise in 2024. Perfumeries saw a 3.5% increase, pharmacies and parapharmacies jumped 7.5%, and opticians recorded a 3% gain. FACT data shows the beauty-health sector’s share of total center revenue has risen from 19.7% to 23% over the past three years, at the expense of apparel sales.

Beyond beauty and health, pet stores demonstrated remarkable growth, surging 26.9% in sales. Toy and gift shops as well performed strongly, increasing by 11.6%, fueled in part by the “kidult” trend – adults purchasing toys for themselves. These sectors benefit from a strong emotional connection with consumers, making purchases less susceptible to budget cuts.

The second-hand market also continued its expansion, growing by 5.3%, indicating a sustained consumer interest in value, and sustainability. Food courts saw a modest increase of 1.7%, and restaurants rebounded with a 1.1% rise, suggesting consumers are still willing to spend on leisure and dining experiences.

However, sectors heavily exposed to online competition faced significant challenges. Women’s apparel sales plummeted 7.2%, fashion accessories declined 11.7%, and leather goods fell 8.1%. Physical video game sales collapsed by 8.4% due to the rise of online gaming, and cinema attendance dropped 13.6%, with only 157 million tickets sold across France in 2025.

Christophe Noël, délégué général of FACT, highlighted the resilience of physical retail, stating that centers offer accessibility, family-friendliness, cleanliness, and security. Marie Cheval, CEO of Carmila and president of FACT, emphasized the importance of these qualities in attracting families, with 7 out of 10 French citizens visiting a shopping center at least once a month, and 63% doing so with family.

The trend suggests a repositioning of physical commerce towards experiences that cannot be easily replicated online. The Fédération des Acteurs du Commerce dans les Territoires is scheduled to present a more detailed analysis of regional variations in shopping center performance at a follow-up conference next month.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota is watching closely as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem navigates a challenging period in Washington, D.C., fueled by scrutiny over the federal government’s handling of recent immigration enforcement operations. The controversy surrounding the January 24 shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and Noem’s initial statements about the incident, has sparked calls for her removal from office and, unexpectedly, speculation about a potential primary challenge to incumbent Senator Mike Rounds.

The situation has created a palpable tension within South Dakota’s Republican circles, with allies of Senator Rounds quietly preparing for a possible bid by Noem, even while expressing skepticism that she will ultimately run. To enter the race, Noem would require to gather 2,171 signatures by the end of next month, according to state requirements. While a Noem advisor stated she has no current plans to abandon her post, the possibility of a Senate run offers a strategic alternative should Democrats gain control of the House and launch investigations into her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security.

The unrest stems from Noem’s initial claims regarding the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, by Customs and Border Protection agents. These claims were later contradicted by eyewitness video, prompting widespread criticism, including from within her own party. Noem defended her response, stating the administration was “using the best information we had at the time,” but conceded “we can always do better.”

Political Calculations in South Dakota

The possibility of Noem challenging Rounds is not latest, but the current climate in Washington has amplified the discussion. “It’s something people are talking about across the state,” a South Dakota Republican told reporters, requesting anonymity. “And based on everything I’ve been hearing, Mike Rounds would handily win that race.” Pollsters have reportedly been gauging voter preferences in a hypothetical matchup between the two, though the funding source and results remain unknown.

Adding to the complexity, Noem has recently ceded some of her public role in overseeing immigration enforcement, with President Trump increasingly relying on “border czar” Tom Homan. White House officials have reportedly expressed frustration with Noem’s performance, fearing the political fallout from her deportation strategies. One source familiar with the discussions indicated that Noem’s position within the administration is “no longer secure,” despite continued public praise from the President.

The current partial government shutdown, resulting from congressional Democrats’ refusal to approve a budget for Noem’s department, further complicates the situation. Republicans argue that Democratic calls for Noem’s removal may dissuade President Trump from taking immediate action. Trump has historically been reluctant to remove cabinet members due to political pressure.

A History of Friction

Rounds and Noem, both former governors of South Dakota, have a history of strained relations. Their differences were publicly highlighted after Noem detailed her decision to euthanize her family dog in her book, a decision Rounds openly criticized, stating, “I don’t witness how it helps,” and acknowledging the emotional connection people have with their pets. The Star Tribune fact-checked claims made by Noem and others regarding the Pretti shooting.

The two have also clashed over the 2020 presidential election, with Rounds acknowledging Joe Biden’s victory, a position that directly contradicted President Trump’s continued claims of election fraud. Despite this disagreement, Trump endorsed Rounds earlier this year, tweeting, “HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Another potential avenue for Noem is a run for the U.S. House seat currently held by Representative Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governorship. Noem has also previously expressed interest in higher office, including the possibility of being a vice-presidential candidate or launching a presidential campaign.

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, stated it would be inappropriate to comment on Noem’s political future. A Noem advisor confirmed that her team has not conducted polling on a potential Senate run. Senator Rounds’ office did not respond to requests for comment.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks will be critical as Noem weighs her options and assesses the political landscape in South Dakota. The filing deadline for the primary election is rapid approaching, and a decision must be made soon if she intends to challenge Senator Rounds. The outcome of the ongoing government shutdown and the results of any internal investigations into the Pretti shooting will undoubtedly influence her calculations. The situation remains fluid, and South Dakota Republicans are bracing for a potentially contentious primary battle.

Stay tuned to Archyde.com for further updates on this developing story. We encourage you to share your thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below.