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/
Thank you for making our work possible — for reading, sharing, supporting, and believing that New Bedford deserves thoughtful, independent journalism.
We’re lucky to be part of this community. Happy Valentine’s Day from The New Bedford Light. ❤️
We’re lucky to be part of this community. Happy Valentine’s Day from The New Bedford Light. ❤️
February 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Thank you for making our work possible — for reading, sharing, supporting, and believing that New Bedford deserves thoughtful, independent journalism.
We’re lucky to be part of this community. Happy Valentine’s Day from The New Bedford Light. ❤️
We’re lucky to be part of this community. Happy Valentine’s Day from The New Bedford Light. ❤️
Retired New Bedford firefighter Manuel Mota Jr. declined to plead guilty and pay a $150 fine to resolve the disorderly conduct charge against him, so the case will go to trial.
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Retired New Bedford firefighter goes to trial April 7 - The New Bedford Light
Manuel Mota declined a guilty plea and $150 fine. The disorderly conduct charge stems from his eighth arrest since 2000.
newbedfordlight.org
February 13, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Retired New Bedford firefighter Manuel Mota Jr. declined to plead guilty and pay a $150 fine to resolve the disorderly conduct charge against him, so the case will go to trial.
buff.ly/IkgB0Cc
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New Bedford City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night that reduces the parking minimum to one space per unit for apartments with fewer than three bedrooms. It also reduces and clarifies parking minimums for many types of businesses.
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New Bedford passes lower parking minimums for new housing - The New Bedford Light
Some councilors said the new ordinance would clog up curb space. But most councilors say the change is needed to build more housing and grow the city’s tax base.
newbedfordlight.org
February 13, 2026 at 9:20 PM
New Bedford City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night that reduces the parking minimum to one space per unit for apartments with fewer than three bedrooms. It also reduces and clarifies parking minimums for many types of businesses.
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A Guatemalan worker was detained by federal agents Wednesday, leaving his wife, a U.S. citizen, to care for a mother with advanced dementia and two toddlers, one of whom has autism.
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📝 Kevin G. Andrade
🎥 Eleonora Bianchi
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📝 Kevin G. Andrade
🎥 Eleonora Bianchi
February 13, 2026 at 9:03 PM
A Guatemalan worker was detained by federal agents Wednesday, leaving his wife, a U.S. citizen, to care for a mother with advanced dementia and two toddlers, one of whom has autism.
buff.ly/C3GIlbi
📝 Kevin G. Andrade
🎥 Eleonora Bianchi
buff.ly/C3GIlbi
📝 Kevin G. Andrade
🎥 Eleonora Bianchi
As U.S. offshore wind projects face mounting uncertainty, Nova Scotia is pitching itself as a stable offshore wind partner, and its ambitious Wind West proposal could eventually export energy to New England.
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Nova Scotia pitch to offshore wind industry: We won’t create headwinds - The New Bedford Light
Canadian leaders urge participants at a U.S. conference to invest in their wind industry: “We are a predictable and reliable regulatory jurisdiction.”
newbedfordlight.org
February 12, 2026 at 9:40 PM
As U.S. offshore wind projects face mounting uncertainty, Nova Scotia is pitching itself as a stable offshore wind partner, and its ambitious Wind West proposal could eventually export energy to New England.
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Opinion: The New Bedford community answered the call during the holiday season, helping The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division provide tangible support to neighbors in need, Majors Everett and Patricia Henry write.
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Opinion: Mass. Salvation Army shows attitude of gratitude - The New Bedford Light
The Salvation Army raised more than $2 million across the commonwealth during the 2025 holidays and provided about 250 meals for local families.
newbedfordlight.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Opinion: The New Bedford community answered the call during the holiday season, helping The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division provide tangible support to neighbors in need, Majors Everett and Patricia Henry write.
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For many members of the K’iche’ community, laying a loved one to rest means returning them to the land where their life began.
While burial in the U.S. would be less expensive, returning a person's remains to their homeland is essential to completing a sacred cycle.
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While burial in the U.S. would be less expensive, returning a person's remains to their homeland is essential to completing a sacred cycle.
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Repatriation: A completion of the circle of life for Maya culture - The New Bedford Light
The K’iche’ community raises funds to send a person’s remains to the land where they were born to be at rest and to reunite with their ancestors.
newbedfordlight.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:45 PM
For many members of the K’iche’ community, laying a loved one to rest means returning them to the land where their life began.
While burial in the U.S. would be less expensive, returning a person's remains to their homeland is essential to completing a sacred cycle.
buff.ly/iiIwSdc
While burial in the U.S. would be less expensive, returning a person's remains to their homeland is essential to completing a sacred cycle.
buff.ly/iiIwSdc
"Republicans make up only 6% of active New Bedford voters," columnist Jack Spillane writes, "but somehow they have gained the majority of seats on the 4-person New Bedford Election Commission."
Read Jack's column: buff.ly/moenqiS
Read Jack's column: buff.ly/moenqiS
February 10, 2026 at 11:23 PM
"Republicans make up only 6% of active New Bedford voters," columnist Jack Spillane writes, "but somehow they have gained the majority of seats on the 4-person New Bedford Election Commission."
Read Jack's column: buff.ly/moenqiS
Read Jack's column: buff.ly/moenqiS
Opinion: Revisions by the CDC to the pediatric vaccine schedule will increase confusion, lead to fewer vaccines being administered and ultimately make us sicker, retired Dartmouth pediatrician Gillian Simmons, M.D., writes.
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Opinion: New pediatric vaccine schedule is very concerning - The New Bedford Light
Retired Dartmouth pediatrician: Revisions by the CDC will increase confusion, lead to fewer vaccines being administered and ultimately make us sicker.
newbedfordlight.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Opinion: Revisions by the CDC to the pediatric vaccine schedule will increase confusion, lead to fewer vaccines being administered and ultimately make us sicker, retired Dartmouth pediatrician Gillian Simmons, M.D., writes.
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On Friday, the president revoked Biden-era restrictions and reopened the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument — about 150 miles off Cape Cod — to commercial fishing, reigniting a decade-old conflict between the fishing industry and conservation groups.
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Trump proclamation aims to unleash commercial fishing in Atlantic - The New Bedford Light
The Conservation Law Foundation says it’s ready to sue to protect a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and national marine monument.
newbedfordlight.org
February 9, 2026 at 9:09 PM
On Friday, the president revoked Biden-era restrictions and reopened the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument — about 150 miles off Cape Cod — to commercial fishing, reigniting a decade-old conflict between the fishing industry and conservation groups.
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New Bedford’s consideration of cannabis lounges has reignited an old issue, clouding the policy path forward.
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New Bedford councilors would support cannabis lounges if cigar bars return - The New Bedford Light
The Light is cutting through the haze on the city’s social marijuana consumption policies.
newbedfordlight.org
February 9, 2026 at 7:24 PM
New Bedford’s consideration of cannabis lounges has reignited an old issue, clouding the policy path forward.
buff.ly/cDAvVKY
buff.ly/cDAvVKY
Opinion: "Our [electric and natural gas] systems performed as designed when customers needed it most. ... consistent, long-term investment ensures the system is better positioned to withstand more severe weather with minimal disruption." - Doug Foley and Kevin Kelley, Eversource
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Opinion: Lessons from winter storms and arctic cold - The New Bedford Light
Eversource presidents: The value proposition for customers: strategic, cost-effective investments deliver real benefits to families, businesses and the economy.
newbedfordlight.org
February 9, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Opinion: "Our [electric and natural gas] systems performed as designed when customers needed it most. ... consistent, long-term investment ensures the system is better positioned to withstand more severe weather with minimal disruption." - Doug Foley and Kevin Kelley, Eversource
buff.ly/vNC2WyZ
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Several years into Massachusetts' education funding reform, about three-quarters of Student Opportunity Act funding has been directed toward Gateway Cities like New Bedford, but achievement gaps remain. Does the reform need more funding? More accountability? Here's a closer look. ⤵️
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How does the Student Opportunity Act work? - The New Bedford Light
Several years into Massachusetts’ education funding reform, Gateway Cities have more staff to help high-need students. Does the reform need more funding? More accountability?
newbedfordlight.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Several years into Massachusetts' education funding reform, about three-quarters of Student Opportunity Act funding has been directed toward Gateway Cities like New Bedford, but achievement gaps remain. Does the reform need more funding? More accountability? Here's a closer look. ⤵️
buff.ly/z8CQMCM
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Cameraless photography?
In the latest installment of Chasing the Muse, Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson explores "Tracing Light," a collection of photographic work created without a camera by Brooklyn-based artist Anne Arden McDonald
Read the column:
buff.ly/wkQWJIR
In the latest installment of Chasing the Muse, Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson explores "Tracing Light," a collection of photographic work created without a camera by Brooklyn-based artist Anne Arden McDonald
Read the column:
buff.ly/wkQWJIR
February 9, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Cameraless photography?
In the latest installment of Chasing the Muse, Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson explores "Tracing Light," a collection of photographic work created without a camera by Brooklyn-based artist Anne Arden McDonald
Read the column:
buff.ly/wkQWJIR
In the latest installment of Chasing the Muse, Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson explores "Tracing Light," a collection of photographic work created without a camera by Brooklyn-based artist Anne Arden McDonald
Read the column:
buff.ly/wkQWJIR
➡️ Most-read this week: Jonathan Comey's look back at the Puzzles attack, when "New Bedford showed the depth of its character in one of its darkest hours."
newbedfordlight.org/20-years-aft...
newbedfordlight.org/20-years-aft...
20 years after Puzzles attack, the lessons — and challenges — linger - The New Bedford Light
“If you marginalize a group of people — and it could be LGBTQ people or another group, like migrants — it opens people up to violence.” – Andy Pollock
newbedfordlight.org
February 7, 2026 at 5:53 PM
➡️ Most-read this week: Jonathan Comey's look back at the Puzzles attack, when "New Bedford showed the depth of its character in one of its darkest hours."
newbedfordlight.org/20-years-aft...
newbedfordlight.org/20-years-aft...
A proposed nine-unit condo development in New Bedford's West End would help address the city's critical housing need, but neighbors who oppose the project cite concerns about overdevelopment, traffic congestion and gentrification.
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New Bedford dilemma: Keep neighborhood’s character or add needed housing - The New Bedford Light
A proposed condo development would help address the city’s critical need for housing, but neighbors say it would threaten their community.
newbedfordlight.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:12 PM
A proposed nine-unit condo development in New Bedford's West End would help address the city's critical housing need, but neighbors who oppose the project cite concerns about overdevelopment, traffic congestion and gentrification.
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Next Step's landlord said in court filings that the chain of nursing homes is in “dire financial condition” and “there is significant risk of danger to residents in the form of diminished care.” But Next Step disputes the characterization.
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Next Step nursing homes put in receivership for millions in unpaid rent, fees - The New Bedford Light
The landlord for the nursing home chain says the facilities are in “dire financial condition”; the nursing home chain says its finances are “stable and improving.”
newbedfordlight.org
February 5, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Next Step's landlord said in court filings that the chain of nursing homes is in “dire financial condition” and “there is significant risk of danger to residents in the form of diminished care.” But Next Step disputes the characterization.
buff.ly/ctZYksX
buff.ly/ctZYksX
📺 New Bedford Light reporter Kevin G. Andrade was featured Wednesday on NBC 10 WJAR's Community Close-Up segment to discuss his coverage of immigrant communities in New Bedford.
Check out the segment below and thanks to WJAR for spotlighting independent journalism.
Check out the segment below and thanks to WJAR for spotlighting independent journalism.
New Bedford Light speaks on immigration coverage
NBC 10 spoke with Kevin G. Andrade from the New Bedford Light.
https://turnto10.com/
#immigration #ICE #police #news
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NBC 10 WJAR is Southern New England's leading news station, covering…
www.youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:56 PM
📺 New Bedford Light reporter Kevin G. Andrade was featured Wednesday on NBC 10 WJAR's Community Close-Up segment to discuss his coverage of immigrant communities in New Bedford.
Check out the segment below and thanks to WJAR for spotlighting independent journalism.
Check out the segment below and thanks to WJAR for spotlighting independent journalism.
In Summer 2026, The Light will offer an 8-week internship opportunity for local college and advanced high school students.
Apply at our website: buff.ly/mwNG9IE
Apply at our website: buff.ly/mwNG9IE
Internships - The New Bedford Light
In Summer 2025, The Light will offer an 8-week internship opportunity for college and advanced high school students.
newbedfordlight.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:50 PM
In Summer 2026, The Light will offer an 8-week internship opportunity for local college and advanced high school students.
Apply at our website: buff.ly/mwNG9IE
Apply at our website: buff.ly/mwNG9IE
The two governments have agreed to share knowledge, workforce, ports, and potentially, wind-generated energy, itself.
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Massachusetts, Nova Scotia announce partnership on offshore wind - The New Bedford Light
The two governments have agreed to explore a bi-directional flow of energy and make use of the commonwealth’s ports, training and industry knowledge.
newbedfordlight.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:27 PM
The two governments have agreed to share knowledge, workforce, ports, and potentially, wind-generated energy, itself.
buff.ly/qaGSuoP
buff.ly/qaGSuoP
Members of the area's Portuguese community will vote this weekend in Portugal's presidential run-off, which pits António José Seguro, of the center-left Partido Socialista (Socialist Party, PS), against André Ventura, head of the far-right nativist CHEGA party.
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Portuguese-Americans take sides in upcoming Portugal presidential election - The New Bedford Light
Local residents weigh in on their homeland’s election this weekend and why they support the far-right candidate or the center-left candidate.
newbedfordlight.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Members of the area's Portuguese community will vote this weekend in Portugal's presidential run-off, which pits António José Seguro, of the center-left Partido Socialista (Socialist Party, PS), against André Ventura, head of the far-right nativist CHEGA party.
buff.ly/leGSdja
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On Feb. 1, new work requirements affecting SNAP eligibility took effect. If this has affected you, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to reporter Eleonora Bianchi at ebianchi@newberdfordlight.org.
February 4, 2026 at 4:32 PM
On Feb. 1, new work requirements affecting SNAP eligibility took effect. If this has affected you, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to reporter Eleonora Bianchi at ebianchi@newberdfordlight.org.
New Bedford and Fall River trains resumed their normal schedules Tuesday after a week of weather-related disruptions.
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Fall River/New Bedford Line slowly recovers from weather impacts - The New Bedford Light
Trains were back to normal Tuesday after snow and cold temperatures caused widespread disruptions for the past week.
newbedfordlight.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:15 PM
New Bedford and Fall River trains resumed their normal schedules Tuesday after a week of weather-related disruptions.
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The ruling is a legal victory for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status, but it's unclear how long the reprieve will last.
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Haitians in New Bedford relieved as judge extends protections - The New Bedford Light
More than 350,000 Haitians living in the U.S. on Temporary Protected Status got a reprieve this week, though court battles and Haiti’s crisis continue.
newbedfordlight.org
February 3, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The ruling is a legal victory for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status, but it's unclear how long the reprieve will last.
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“I’m not saying they shouldn’t do immigration enforcement,” Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said in a recent interview with The Light. “But the way they are doing it is endangering citizens, migrants, and other law enforcement. The way you do something matters.”
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Bristol County sheriff restricting information-sharing with ICE - The New Bedford Light
Sheriff Paul Heroux criticizes the federal government’s increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
newbedfordlight.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:48 PM
“I’m not saying they shouldn’t do immigration enforcement,” Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said in a recent interview with The Light. “But the way they are doing it is endangering citizens, migrants, and other law enforcement. The way you do something matters.”
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buff.ly/yZyW5Kl