The New Bedford Light
@newbedfordlight.bsky.social
We are a free, nonprofit, nonpartisan news site dedicated to fact-based coverage of local issues and diverse community voices.
https://newbedfordlight.org/
https://newbedfordlight.org/
Pinned
‘Worst of the worst’: Fall River nursing home repeatedly cited - The New Bedford Light
Fall River Healthcare has been cited for mistreating residents, even after it was placed on a special enforcement list and its parent company was accused of deliberate understaffing.
newbedfordlight.org
Fall River Healthcare is among the most troubled nursing homes in the U.S., according to experts and advocates who reviewed its health inspection records for The Light. They repeatedly cited understaffing and poor management as the likely culprit.
The Fairhaven Select Board has voted unanimously to authorize an external investigation into how the town allowed a 16-parcel subdivision to bypass the town’s permitting process, sparking the automatic approval of the controversial project.
Fairhaven launches investigation into controversial subdivision permit - The New Bedford Light
Abutters and officials want to know why the town failed to hold a hearing within the required 135-day period, sparking the automatic approval of the project.
newbedfordlight.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:56 AM
The Fairhaven Select Board has voted unanimously to authorize an external investigation into how the town allowed a 16-parcel subdivision to bypass the town’s permitting process, sparking the automatic approval of the controversial project.
For decades, #scalloping permits have been tied to individual vessels, while regulations limit the number of days a particular boat can spend at sea. Now, a new proposal would allow owners of two or more boats to “stack” their scalloping permits on a single boat. #scallopingindustry #fishing
Facing dwindling resources, scallopers revisit controversial permit stacking proposal - The New Bedford Light
Under current restrictions, scalloping vessels spend more than 80 percent of the year on the docks. A group of advocates are revisiting a controversial rule that would put their boats back in the wate...
newbedfordlight.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:53 AM
For decades, #scalloping permits have been tied to individual vessels, while regulations limit the number of days a particular boat can spend at sea. Now, a new proposal would allow owners of two or more boats to “stack” their scalloping permits on a single boat. #scallopingindustry #fishing
Hundreds of advocates from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House Tuesday to testify in support of a series of bills that would better protect #immigrants and strengthen #immigrationlaws.
Massachusetts advocates testify in support of bills defending immigrants - The New Bedford Light
“There is no one thing that one person can do that's going to stop the mass deportation plan, but it must begin here.” – Laura Rótolo
newbedfordlight.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Hundreds of advocates from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House Tuesday to testify in support of a series of bills that would better protect #immigrants and strengthen #immigrationlaws.
Chasing the Muse: Artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer's exhibit, "The Unicorn, and Other Creatures of Hope” delivers a sense of wonder, says art reviewer Don Wilkinson. Her work is featured in the current exhibition at UMass Dartmouth's CVPA Campus Gallery.
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Chasing the Muse: Artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer's exhibit, "The Unicorn, and Other Creatures of Hope” delivers a sense of wonder, says art reviewer Don Wilkinson. Her work is featured in the current exhibition at UMass Dartmouth's CVPA Campus Gallery.
Fall River Healthcare is among the most troubled nursing homes in the U.S., according to experts and advocates who reviewed its health inspection records for The Light. They repeatedly cited understaffing and poor management as the likely culprit.
‘Worst of the worst’: Fall River nursing home repeatedly cited - The New Bedford Light
Fall River Healthcare has been cited for mistreating residents, even after it was placed on a special enforcement list and its parent company was accused of deliberate understaffing.
newbedfordlight.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Fall River Healthcare is among the most troubled nursing homes in the U.S., according to experts and advocates who reviewed its health inspection records for The Light. They repeatedly cited understaffing and poor management as the likely culprit.
As people break down cardboard shipping boxes, rinse out plastic yogurt tubs and collect aluminum cans, it’s common to wonder: Is this really helping? On the South Coast of Massachusetts, #recycling works, The Light finds in answer to ar reader's question. And it’s vital.
Is recycling worth the effort? - The New Bedford Light Does recycling on the South Coast work?
Recycling is cheaper for towns — and the taxpayer — than solid waste disposal. So it’s in every resident’s interest to recycle as much as possible.
newbedfordlight.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:21 AM
As people break down cardboard shipping boxes, rinse out plastic yogurt tubs and collect aluminum cans, it’s common to wonder: Is this really helping? On the South Coast of Massachusetts, #recycling works, The Light finds in answer to ar reader's question. And it’s vital.
🗳️ Breaking: Newcomer Scott Pemberton held onto his narrow victory in the New Bedford Ward 2 City Council election after a manual recount Thursday night. The final tally -- requested by incumbent Maria Giesta -- was 452-437.
#NewBedford #election2025 #recount
#NewBedford #election2025 #recount
Recount in New Bedford affirms Scott Pemberton’s Ward 2 victory - The New Bedford Light
Thursday’s election recount confirms the challenger’s narrow victory. Ward 2 will have a new councilor for the first time since 2017.
newbedfordlight.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 AM
🗳️ Breaking: Newcomer Scott Pemberton held onto his narrow victory in the New Bedford Ward 2 City Council election after a manual recount Thursday night. The final tally -- requested by incumbent Maria Giesta -- was 452-437.
#NewBedford #election2025 #recount
#NewBedford #election2025 #recount
The City Council’s ordinance committee delayed their hearing on a slate of zoning proposals until December 15. Read more about the proposed changes to parking and lot size minimums ⬇️
Less parking, more housing: New Bedford City Council to take up zoning proposals - The New Bedford Light
The ordinances, going before the council Nov. 20, would reduce the amount of parking required for new developments and make it easier to build on small vacant lots.
newbedfordlight.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:13 AM
The City Council’s ordinance committee delayed their hearing on a slate of zoning proposals until December 15. Read more about the proposed changes to parking and lot size minimums ⬇️
📃Campaigns backing at least 10 ballot question proposals — including two proposals to make the Legislature more transparent — believe they’re still in the running to make it onto Massachusetts’ #2026ballot. Rent control, legislators’ pay, public records and an income tax cut are in the mix.
Transparency reforms and rent control clear signature hurdle, campaigns say - The New Bedford Light
Legislators’ pay, public records, an income tax cut, starter homes and all-party primaries are among proposals in the mix for the 2026 ballot.
newbedfordlight.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:52 AM
📃Campaigns backing at least 10 ballot question proposals — including two proposals to make the Legislature more transparent — believe they’re still in the running to make it onto Massachusetts’ #2026ballot. Rent control, legislators’ pay, public records and an income tax cut are in the mix.
Authorities closed the majority of the #NewBedfordStatePier in November due to structural issues found during an engineering review. Authorities estimate the repairs will take about four years. The work has not begun, and the state has not announced a start date or the cost.
Companies adapt to State Pier closure - The New Bedford Light
Businesses are relocating after an engineering review forced the closure of most of the pier. Repairs will take about four years.
newbedfordlight.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Authorities closed the majority of the #NewBedfordStatePier in November due to structural issues found during an engineering review. Authorities estimate the repairs will take about four years. The work has not begun, and the state has not announced a start date or the cost.
🍞 New, targeted SNAP cuts will continue to strain the South Coast region’s anti-hunger resources, advocates say. Food programs are looking for donations and volunteers as the holidays near. The Light explains what's needed, how to and where to get help. #foodaid #SNAPcuts #NewBedford #SouthCoastMA
After SNAP scare, food access advocates urge ongoing action - The New Bedford Light
Even with the shutdown over, targeted SNAP cuts in the new federal budget will continue to strain the region’s anti-hunger resources, advocates say. Food programs are looking for donations and volunte...
newbedfordlight.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:21 PM
🍞 New, targeted SNAP cuts will continue to strain the South Coast region’s anti-hunger resources, advocates say. Food programs are looking for donations and volunteers as the holidays near. The Light explains what's needed, how to and where to get help. #foodaid #SNAPcuts #NewBedford #SouthCoastMA
Liv Dunks, musician, writer, poet, of South Dartmouth, is the latest subject of New Bedford photographer Andrew Kepinski's StreetStyle. Visit her full profile and that of former StreetStyle subjects: newbedfordlight.org/street-style/
Liv Dunks: 'I try to wear a feeling and accessorize the hell out of it.' - The New Bedford Light
Her style is “skatepark mob wife,” and she’s a believer of the philosophy “look good feel good.”
newbedfordlight.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Liv Dunks, musician, writer, poet, of South Dartmouth, is the latest subject of New Bedford photographer Andrew Kepinski's StreetStyle. Visit her full profile and that of former StreetStyle subjects: newbedfordlight.org/street-style/
🚉 Commuter rail ridership in southeast Massachusetts has surged since the #MBTA's South Coast Rail service began in March. Weekday #commuters are driving the numbers, The Light’s data analysis found. Find out more about what's behind them ⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/commuter-rai...
newbedfordlight.org/commuter-rai...
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
🚉 Commuter rail ridership in southeast Massachusetts has surged since the #MBTA's South Coast Rail service began in March. Weekday #commuters are driving the numbers, The Light’s data analysis found. Find out more about what's behind them ⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/commuter-rai...
newbedfordlight.org/commuter-rai...
Massachusetts sued the Trump administration in May to end its wind-power freeze. “Ten months in, I mean, is there an end in sight?” Judge Patti B. Saris asked the government Tuesday. #offshorewind #Trump #courts
Federal judge asks if Trump pause on offshore wind has an end date - The New Bedford Light
Massachusetts sued the Trump administration in May to end its wind-power freeze. “Ten months in, I mean, is there an end in sight?” Judge Patti B. Saris asked the government Tuesday.
newbedfordlight.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Massachusetts sued the Trump administration in May to end its wind-power freeze. “Ten months in, I mean, is there an end in sight?” Judge Patti B. Saris asked the government Tuesday. #offshorewind #Trump #courts
Massachusetts lawmakers are inching closer to passing a bill that would prohibit sexual relationships between school staff and students as young as 16. Now, a pair of bills moving through the House and Senate are leaving some advocates and legislators hopeful for their passage.
Legislature revisits bills to criminalize sexual misconduct by school staff
The state remains one of 11 nationwide that does not prohibit sexual misconduct between staff and students who are 16 and 17 years old.
newbedfordlight.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Massachusetts lawmakers are inching closer to passing a bill that would prohibit sexual relationships between school staff and students as young as 16. Now, a pair of bills moving through the House and Senate are leaving some advocates and legislators hopeful for their passage.
An investigation by the Massachusetts Inspector General found that Pope’s Island Marina “was and is grossly mismanaged” by the New Bedford Port Authority and the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Inspector General uncovers ‘grossly mismanaged’ Pope’s Island Marina in New Bedford - The New Bedford Light
The New Bedford Port Authority and DCR failed to account for repair funds, decades of rent, and public documents.
newbedfordlight.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:37 PM
An investigation by the Massachusetts Inspector General found that Pope’s Island Marina “was and is grossly mismanaged” by the New Bedford Port Authority and the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Opinion: What was once a notorious fishermen's hangout has been transformed into part of a new gateway to tourism for New Bedford, The Light's Jack Spillane says about the National Club's rejuvenation as a Mexican cantina.
newbedfordlight.org/the-new-nati...
newbedfordlight.org/the-new-nati...
November 17, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Opinion: What was once a notorious fishermen's hangout has been transformed into part of a new gateway to tourism for New Bedford, The Light's Jack Spillane says about the National Club's rejuvenation as a Mexican cantina.
newbedfordlight.org/the-new-nati...
newbedfordlight.org/the-new-nati...
🚗🏘️ New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s newest strategy to address the city’s housing crisis is a pair of proposals to slash parking requirements for new apartment buildings and make it easier to build on small lots. But skeptical city councilors may question his plans.
#NewBedford #housing #parking
#NewBedford #housing #parking
Less parking, more housing: New Bedford City Council to take up zoning proposals - The New Bedford Light
The ordinances, going before the council Nov. 20, would reduce the amount of parking required for new developments and make it easier to build on small vacant lots.
newbedfordlight.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
🚗🏘️ New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s newest strategy to address the city’s housing crisis is a pair of proposals to slash parking requirements for new apartment buildings and make it easier to build on small lots. But skeptical city councilors may question his plans.
#NewBedford #housing #parking
#NewBedford #housing #parking
One year in, body cameras are helping New Bedford police and defense attorneys. Here's The Light's report on the camera program and related policy⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/one-year-in-...
📹Below is an excerpt from a New Bedford police officer’s body camera footage referenced in the story ⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/one-year-in-...
📹Below is an excerpt from a New Bedford police officer’s body camera footage referenced in the story ⤵️
November 17, 2025 at 1:17 AM
One year in, body cameras are helping New Bedford police and defense attorneys. Here's The Light's report on the camera program and related policy⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/one-year-in-...
📹Below is an excerpt from a New Bedford police officer’s body camera footage referenced in the story ⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/one-year-in-...
📹Below is an excerpt from a New Bedford police officer’s body camera footage referenced in the story ⤵️
InPerson: YMCA Southcoast CEO Lucria Ortiz, who took over in June, says the beauty of the Y is that “you see this real cross-section of society every day.”
Read the interview:
newbedfordlight.org/ymca-southco...
Watch the video:
Read the interview:
newbedfordlight.org/ymca-southco...
Watch the video:
November 17, 2025 at 1:12 AM
InPerson: YMCA Southcoast CEO Lucria Ortiz, who took over in June, says the beauty of the Y is that “you see this real cross-section of society every day.”
Read the interview:
newbedfordlight.org/ymca-southco...
Watch the video:
Read the interview:
newbedfordlight.org/ymca-southco...
Watch the video:
The New Bedford community learned on Friday of the passing of one its giants. School Committee member Bruce J. Oliveira unexpectedly passed away from a medical emergency. Until the day he died, Oliveira, 72, was a ubiquitous presence in the city’s cultural, political, and charitable scenes.
November 14, 2025 at 11:40 PM
The New Bedford community learned on Friday of the passing of one its giants. School Committee member Bruce J. Oliveira unexpectedly passed away from a medical emergency. Until the day he died, Oliveira, 72, was a ubiquitous presence in the city’s cultural, political, and charitable scenes.
Maria Giesta, the Ward 2 city councilor who lost reelection to Scott Pemberton by 17 votes, has filed for a recount.
Ward 2 recount in New Bedford election - The New Bedford Light
After the Ward 2 election was decided by 17 votes, the defeated incumbent wants to be sure.
newbedfordlight.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Maria Giesta, the Ward 2 city councilor who lost reelection to Scott Pemberton by 17 votes, has filed for a recount.
Reposted by The New Bedford Light
SouthCoast Wind CEO Michael Brown said that with Trump's wind memo freezing permitting, “it may be impossible for the parties to execute the PPAs” and the company will be “forced to abandon” negotiations with Massachusetts newbedfordlight.org/ags-trump-wi... @newbedfordlight.bsky.social
AGs: Trump wind memo delays SouthCoast Wind by two years - The New Bedford Light
The SouthCoast Wind CEO warns the project is unlikely to reach a power purchase agreement with the Commonwealth by the June 30 deadline.
newbedfordlight.org
November 14, 2025 at 6:36 PM
SouthCoast Wind CEO Michael Brown said that with Trump's wind memo freezing permitting, “it may be impossible for the parties to execute the PPAs” and the company will be “forced to abandon” negotiations with Massachusetts newbedfordlight.org/ags-trump-wi... @newbedfordlight.bsky.social
Opinion: New Bedford and Dartmouth are working together to reduce waste and keep reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill, says Marissa Perez-Dormitzer, of the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District. She lists several ways citizens can contribute. #recycle #reuse
Opinion: Together we can reduce waste - The New Bedford Light
New Bedford and Dartmouth are working together to reduce waste and keep reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill. It’s a community effort — small steps by many lead to big change.
newbedfordlight.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:17 PM
UPDATE: The New Bedford City Council took up Mayor Mitchell’s letter submitting Police Chief Jason Thody's appointment during Thursday night’s meeting and voted to refer the matter to the committee on appointments and briefings, where they will invite Thody to speak and answer questions.
New Bedford mayor relents, submits police chief appointment to City Council - The New Bedford Light
The council referred the matter to the committee on appointments and briefings. It will withdraw its lawsuit over Police Chief Jason Thody’s nomination.
newbedfordlight.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:23 PM
UPDATE: The New Bedford City Council took up Mayor Mitchell’s letter submitting Police Chief Jason Thody's appointment during Thursday night’s meeting and voted to refer the matter to the committee on appointments and briefings, where they will invite Thody to speak and answer questions.