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/
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
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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buff.ly/YuWoshF
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.
buff.ly/YuWoshF
buff.ly/YuWoshF
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.
buff.ly/cmyBF0e
buff.ly/cmyBF0e
New Bedford’s consideration of cannabis lounges has reignited an old issue, clouding the policy path forward.
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buff.ly/cDAvVKY
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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buff.ly/vNC2WyZ
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
buff.ly/vNC2WyZ
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
buff.ly/z8CQMCM
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
buff.ly/z8CQMCM
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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buff.ly/m2WcD6w
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.
buff.ly/m2WcD6w
buff.ly/m2WcD6w
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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buff.ly/ctZYksX
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.
The internship will begin the week of June 22, 2026 and conclude the week of August 14, 2026 (start/end dates can be flexible to accommodate academic calendars). Roughly 20 hours per week are required, and may vary from week-to-week depending on coverage assignments. Pay will be a stipend of $2,640.
February 4, 2026 at 9:50 PM
The internship will begin the week of June 22, 2026 and conclude the week of August 14, 2026 (start/end dates can be flexible to accommodate academic calendars). Roughly 20 hours per week are required, and may vary from week-to-week depending on coverage assignments. Pay will be a stipend of $2,640.
Interns will contribute directly to The Light’s coverage and will learn skills from professional journalists in New Bedford and the South Coast region. At the end of the internship, interns will have improved their reporting and writing, made professional connections, and have a portfolio of clips.
February 4, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Interns will contribute directly to The Light’s coverage and will learn skills from professional journalists in New Bedford and the South Coast region. At the end of the internship, interns will have improved their reporting and writing, made professional connections, and have a portfolio of clips.
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.
buff.ly/qaGSuoP
buff.ly/qaGSuoP
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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buff.ly/leGSdja
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
buff.ly/leGSdja
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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buff.ly/2WiNtcz
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.
buff.ly/2WiNtcz
buff.ly/2WiNtcz
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.
buff.ly/0yh7Dq4
buff.ly/0yh7Dq4
“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
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.”
buff.ly/yZyW5Kl
buff.ly/yZyW5Kl
Last year, Eldric Abreu and Tonianne Wong led tours of New Bedford’s major environmental cleanup sites as part of MIT’s Healthy Neighborhoods Study. Now, Abreu hopes a new children’s book, “Environmental Justice Journey,” will help carry those lessons to the next generation.
🎥 Brooke Kushwaha
🎥 Brooke Kushwaha
February 2, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Last year, Eldric Abreu and Tonianne Wong led tours of New Bedford’s major environmental cleanup sites as part of MIT’s Healthy Neighborhoods Study. Now, Abreu hopes a new children’s book, “Environmental Justice Journey,” will help carry those lessons to the next generation.
🎥 Brooke Kushwaha
🎥 Brooke Kushwaha
Starting Jan. 30, new state regulations allow local communities to clean up marine fishing gear debris, the first step to what some call the "ghost gear" floating in New England's waters.
buff.ly/FxOkPUp
buff.ly/FxOkPUp
New state regulation allows easier cleanup of ‘ghost’ fishing gear - The New Bedford Light
State regulations now allow non-fishermen to clean up fishing gear debris, the first step to eliminating what advocates call the “ghost gear” floating in New England’s waters.
newbedfordlight.org
February 2, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Starting Jan. 30, new state regulations allow local communities to clean up marine fishing gear debris, the first step to what some call the "ghost gear" floating in New England's waters.
buff.ly/FxOkPUp
buff.ly/FxOkPUp
The New Bedford Light is proud to stand with news organizations across the country that have signed this statement in defense of a free press (see the full list of signatories at the link below).
www.thecity.nyc/media-outlet...
www.thecity.nyc/media-outlet...
Media Outlets Condemn the Arrests of Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort
Get THE CITY SCOOP, our free morning newsletter.
www.thecity.nyc
February 2, 2026 at 8:34 PM
The New Bedford Light is proud to stand with news organizations across the country that have signed this statement in defense of a free press (see the full list of signatories at the link below).
www.thecity.nyc/media-outlet...
www.thecity.nyc/media-outlet...
On Feb. 1, 2006, a 19-year-old neo-Nazi walked into Puzzles, a North End bar that had served as a warm haven for gay culture, asked, “Is this a gay bar?” and nearly killed three people with a hatchet and gun. On Sunday, a memorial vigil was held as a way to remember the past and look to the future.
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 1, 2026 at 11:29 PM
On Feb. 1, 2006, a 19-year-old neo-Nazi walked into Puzzles, a North End bar that had served as a warm haven for gay culture, asked, “Is this a gay bar?” and nearly killed three people with a hatchet and gun. On Sunday, a memorial vigil was held as a way to remember the past and look to the future.