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/
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.
A new statewide grant is supporting school districts’ efforts to revamp #literacyinstruction for younger students, and New Bedford received $1.7 million this year — one of the largest awards anywhere in Massachusetts.
New Bedford’s literacy overhaul starts with its youngest learners - The New Bedford Light
A $1.7 million state grant is helping New Bedford move its literacy instruction forward — but the road is long.
newbedfordlight.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:28 PM
A new statewide grant is supporting school districts’ efforts to revamp #literacyinstruction for younger students, and New Bedford received $1.7 million this year — one of the largest awards anywhere in Massachusetts.
InPerson: For 25 years, Toe Jam Puppet Band has been lighting up area children's events and venues. Tom Poitras and Vinny Lovegrove’s zany kid shows blend rib-tickling songs, energetic movement, and gentle humor into an effervescent elixir.
newbedfordlight.org/toe-jam-pupp...
newbedfordlight.org/toe-jam-pupp...
November 13, 2025 at 9:57 PM
InPerson: For 25 years, Toe Jam Puppet Band has been lighting up area children's events and venues. Tom Poitras and Vinny Lovegrove’s zany kid shows blend rib-tickling songs, energetic movement, and gentle humor into an effervescent elixir.
newbedfordlight.org/toe-jam-pupp...
newbedfordlight.org/toe-jam-pupp...
The New Bedford City Council has just won its latest battle against Mayor Jon Mitchell and could confirm not-so-new Police Chief Jason Thody as soon as tonight. Here's what's happening:
#NewBedford #NewBedfordpolice #NewBedfordmayor
#NewBedford #NewBedfordpolice #NewBedfordmayor
New Bedford mayor relents, submits police chief appointment to City Council - The New Bedford Light
The council could take up Jason Thody’s confirmation as police chief as early as tonight. It will withdraw its lawsuit over Thody’s nomination.
newbedfordlight.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:43 PM
The New Bedford City Council has just won its latest battle against Mayor Jon Mitchell and could confirm not-so-new Police Chief Jason Thody as soon as tonight. Here's what's happening:
#NewBedford #NewBedfordpolice #NewBedfordmayor
#NewBedford #NewBedfordpolice #NewBedfordmayor
Opinion: Emma Pimentel, senior manager of Jeanne’s Cupboard, UMass Dartmouth’s student-led food pantry, says that the work she's done there "has made one thing overwhelmingly clear: #foodinsecurity among college students is both widespread and deeply misunderstood."
Opinion: Hunger should never be the price of higher education - The New Bedford Light
When a student is forced to choose between buying food and paying for textbooks, that’s not a personal budgeting failure — it’s a public policy failure.
newbedfordlight.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Opinion: Emma Pimentel, senior manager of Jeanne’s Cupboard, UMass Dartmouth’s student-led food pantry, says that the work she's done there "has made one thing overwhelmingly clear: #foodinsecurity among college students is both widespread and deeply misunderstood."
The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River is calling out the U.S. government for its aggressive immigration enforcement operations in recent months.
Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha told The Light that the U.S. government’s aggressive tactics are only creating chaos and will backfire.
Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha told The Light that the U.S. government’s aggressive tactics are only creating chaos and will backfire.
Fall River bishop exhorts the U.S. to stop dividing immigrant families - The New Bedford Light
Bishop da Cunha: “We say every country has a right to protect the border. But we are also saying that people who immigrate are human beings.”
newbedfordlight.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River is calling out the U.S. government for its aggressive immigration enforcement operations in recent months.
Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha told The Light that the U.S. government’s aggressive tactics are only creating chaos and will backfire.
Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha told The Light that the U.S. government’s aggressive tactics are only creating chaos and will backfire.
Citizens Against Eversource needs 74,000 signatures on their ballot initiatives by Nov. 19. The initiatives target fees for the MassSave energy-efficiency program, the fact that utilities’ profits are separated from energy usage, and fees around new meter technology. Here's their plan:
Grassroots movement takes on Eversource - The New Bedford Light
Citizens Against Eversource needs 74,000 signatures on their ballot initiatives by Nov. 19. Can they do it in time?
newbedfordlight.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Citizens Against Eversource needs 74,000 signatures on their ballot initiatives by Nov. 19. The initiatives target fees for the MassSave energy-efficiency program, the fact that utilities’ profits are separated from energy usage, and fees around new meter technology. Here's their plan:
🏫 Opinion: Real educational progress takes time, coherence, and commitment to the daily work that happens in classrooms. This is the primary message of the Strategic Plan for NBPS 2025–2030, says Andrew O’Leary, New Bedford Public Schools superintendent, who invites the public to review the plan.
Opinion: Where will New Bedford schools be by 2030? - The New Bedford Light
Real progress takes time, coherence, and commitment to the daily work that happens in classrooms.
newbedfordlight.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:12 PM
🏫 Opinion: Real educational progress takes time, coherence, and commitment to the daily work that happens in classrooms. This is the primary message of the Strategic Plan for NBPS 2025–2030, says Andrew O’Leary, New Bedford Public Schools superintendent, who invites the public to review the plan.
On this #VeteransDay, Westport’s Dan George shares a Christmas Day, 1943, letter from his uncle, Lt. Jamil Karam, stationed in Italy during World War II.
On Veterans Day, a long-ago letter from an uncle to his nephew - The New Bedford Light
Westport’s Dan George shares a Christmas Day, 1943, letter from his uncle, Lt. Jamil Karam, stationed in Italy during World War II.
newbedfordlight.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
On this #VeteransDay, Westport’s Dan George shares a Christmas Day, 1943, letter from his uncle, Lt. Jamil Karam, stationed in Italy during World War II.
A grand jury has indicted five people on charges of conspiring to smuggle drugs into the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction and sell them to inmates. Key to their efforts was a jail librarian, whom investigators say smuggled drugs disguised as paperwork into the facility. #drugsmuggling
Former Bristol County jail librarian indicted in alleged drug smuggling ring - The New Bedford Light
Investigators say the jail librarian smuggled the synthetic marijuana K2, soaked into paperwork, into the secure facility.
newbedfordlight.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:31 PM
A grand jury has indicted five people on charges of conspiring to smuggle drugs into the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction and sell them to inmates. Key to their efforts was a jail librarian, whom investigators say smuggled drugs disguised as paperwork into the facility. #drugsmuggling
The plane that crashed and skidded onto a median on I-195 in Dartmouth last month, killing its two passengers, was trying to make its way back to the New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB) Airport, according to a preliminary report released Sunday by federal investigators.
I-195 plane crash pilot was trying to return to New Bedford airport - The New Bedford Light
“It’s still a mystery,” said Jeff Guzzetti, an expert who reviewed a new report on the fatal crash for The Light.
newbedfordlight.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The plane that crashed and skidded onto a median on I-195 in Dartmouth last month, killing its two passengers, was trying to make its way back to the New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB) Airport, according to a preliminary report released Sunday by federal investigators.
Massachusetts will continue to fully fund food benefits through the federal government shutdown, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, apparently ending a tumultuous stretch of uncertainty for the state’s highest-need households.
Healey said that all #SNAP funds had been restored as of Monday.
Healey said that all #SNAP funds had been restored as of Monday.
Mass. governor to SNAP recipients: ‘Go out and buy the food that you need’ - The New Bedford Light
”Go out and buy the food that you need to feed your family,” the governor said Monday.
newbedfordlight.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Massachusetts will continue to fully fund food benefits through the federal government shutdown, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, apparently ending a tumultuous stretch of uncertainty for the state’s highest-need households.
Healey said that all #SNAP funds had been restored as of Monday.
Healey said that all #SNAP funds had been restored as of Monday.
SUNDAY SNAP UPDATE: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey blasted the Trump administration Sunday for threats made Saturday to penalize states that issue the full SNAP benefits.
“Massachusetts residents with funds on their cards should continue to spend it on food,” Healey said Sunday.
“Massachusetts residents with funds on their cards should continue to spend it on food,” Healey said Sunday.
Healey slams Trump administration after new threats - The New Bedford Light
States ordered to "immediately undo” benefits or face financial penalties. Mass Gov: “We will see him in court.”
newbedfordlight.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:48 PM
SUNDAY SNAP UPDATE: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey blasted the Trump administration Sunday for threats made Saturday to penalize states that issue the full SNAP benefits.
“Massachusetts residents with funds on their cards should continue to spend it on food,” Healey said Sunday.
“Massachusetts residents with funds on their cards should continue to spend it on food,” Healey said Sunday.
#SNAP UPDATE: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Friday afternoon that eligible residents could start receiving full #foodbenefits as soon as Saturday, after the federal shutdown and ensuing legal battle left over 1 million #Massachusetts residents without them. #foodaid
Massachusetts to resume full SNAP benefits, says Healey - The New Bedford Light
The governor says eligible residents could start receiving SNAP benefits as soon as Saturday, thanks to a federal court order.
newbedfordlight.org
November 7, 2025 at 10:19 PM
#SNAP UPDATE: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Friday afternoon that eligible residents could start receiving full #foodbenefits as soon as Saturday, after the federal shutdown and ensuing legal battle left over 1 million #Massachusetts residents without them. #foodaid
🍞Some on the #SouthCoast are in more need of #foodassistance than ever, with local benefits like SNAP in question and the holiday season approaching.
Seeking help or know someone who is? The Light has compiled a list of local #foodpantries and #fooddrives around the South Coast.
Seeking help or know someone who is? The Light has compiled a list of local #foodpantries and #fooddrives around the South Coast.
Food pantries, food banks provide relief - The New Bedford Light
Uncertain where to turn to? The Light is here to help with an extensive list of pantries and food drives in the area.
newbedfordlight.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:27 PM
🍞Some on the #SouthCoast are in more need of #foodassistance than ever, with local benefits like SNAP in question and the holiday season approaching.
Seeking help or know someone who is? The Light has compiled a list of local #foodpantries and #fooddrives around the South Coast.
Seeking help or know someone who is? The Light has compiled a list of local #foodpantries and #fooddrives around the South Coast.
Lying just below the surface of the lives that we dress up in tailored clothing for the outside world are the jagged, prickly edges of our other, behind-the-scenes existence, writes Light columnist Jack Spillane, explored in the play "The Humans."
Director Suzanne Houbre brings powerful new drama to Your Theatre - The New Bedford Light
Fuller and McCaughey carry the amazing “The Humans” in its two-week run in New Bedford.
newbedfordlight.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Lying just below the surface of the lives that we dress up in tailored clothing for the outside world are the jagged, prickly edges of our other, behind-the-scenes existence, writes Light columnist Jack Spillane, explored in the play "The Humans."
Immigrants, labor advocates, and local political figures demonstrated Thursday outside Marder Seafood, Inc., after the #NewBedford company let go dozens of workers. Two workers who recently sued the company were among them. #labor #courts #seafoodindustry
New Bedford city councilors rally for terminated fish house workers - The New Bedford Light
Two workers who sued Marder Seafood last month were among 29 workers who lost their jobs. Activists call it a retaliatory firing; the company says it was part of seasonal layoffs.
newbedfordlight.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Immigrants, labor advocates, and local political figures demonstrated Thursday outside Marder Seafood, Inc., after the #NewBedford company let go dozens of workers. Two workers who recently sued the company were among them. #labor #courts #seafoodindustry
Opinion: Visibility on the stump, and the social media town square, trumps all, Light columnist Jack Spillane says about the results of this week's #NewBedford #election.
Roy and Pemberton won New Bedford elections on doorsteps and mailboxes - The New Bedford Light
Discussion of the issues seems not to be the driving force behind New Bedford election results.
newbedfordlight.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Opinion: Visibility on the stump, and the social media town square, trumps all, Light columnist Jack Spillane says about the results of this week's #NewBedford #election.
🔎 In his analysis of the outcome of New Bedford's City Council election Tuesday, Light reporter Colin Hogan says spending on local elections still matters in New Bedford.
Knocking on doors still matters, too — enough to change who wins.
Knocking on doors still matters, too — enough to change who wins.
Analysis: New Bedford’s new councilors sell progress, but not change - The New Bedford Light
Knocking on doors, spending smart money, and offering “change” — but not too much. Two candidates show how to win a council race in New Bedford.
newbedfordlight.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
🔎 In his analysis of the outcome of New Bedford's City Council election Tuesday, Light reporter Colin Hogan says spending on local elections still matters in New Bedford.
Knocking on doors still matters, too — enough to change who wins.
Knocking on doors still matters, too — enough to change who wins.
Essay: Craig Lindell attended the film ”I Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” at the invitation of Rev. David Lima, chair of the New Bedford Suicide Prevention Coalition. "I trembled for over an hour after the film ended," he wrote.
Essay: ‘Does your path have a heart?’ - The New Bedford Light
The author urges readers to see ”I Can't Look Away,” because “we owe our children words and worlds with magic and meaning…”
newbedfordlight.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Essay: Craig Lindell attended the film ”I Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” at the invitation of Rev. David Lima, chair of the New Bedford Suicide Prevention Coalition. "I trembled for over an hour after the film ended," he wrote.
The New Bedford Port Authority and UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) are partnering for the first of its kind study in the U.S. that will measure how #commercialfishing boats and their varied gear — dredges, pots, trawls, and so on — behave and operate within #windfarms.
New Bedford groups to study commercial fishing within offshore wind farm - The New Bedford Light
The research project comes just after the Trump administration canceled other studies that would have examined offshore wind’s impacts on commercial fish species and other marine life.
newbedfordlight.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The New Bedford Port Authority and UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) are partnering for the first of its kind study in the U.S. that will measure how #commercialfishing boats and their varied gear — dredges, pots, trawls, and so on — behave and operate within #windfarms.