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 South Coast has played host to a myriad of engaging art exhibitions and cultural events over the course of 2025," writes New Bedford Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson.
Check out Part 1 of Wilkinson's look back at the year's top exhibits ➡ newbedfordlight.org/the-south-co...
Check out Part 1 of Wilkinson's look back at the year's top exhibits ➡ newbedfordlight.org/the-south-co...
December 8, 2025 at 12:25 AM
"The South Coast has played host to a myriad of engaging art exhibitions and cultural events over the course of 2025," writes New Bedford Light arts columnist Don Wilkinson.
Check out Part 1 of Wilkinson's look back at the year's top exhibits ➡ newbedfordlight.org/the-south-co...
Check out Part 1 of Wilkinson's look back at the year's top exhibits ➡ newbedfordlight.org/the-south-co...
Today is Giving Tuesday, and every donation to The New Bedford Light will be TRIPLED today — up to $7,000. That’s 3X the support for fact-based local reporting that informs and connects our community.
Your support keeps our journalism free and independent. Give today ▶️ tinyurl.com/2xdfshsf
Your support keeps our journalism free and independent. Give today ▶️ tinyurl.com/2xdfshsf
December 2, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Today is Giving Tuesday, and every donation to The New Bedford Light will be TRIPLED today — up to $7,000. That’s 3X the support for fact-based local reporting that informs and connects our community.
Your support keeps our journalism free and independent. Give today ▶️ tinyurl.com/2xdfshsf
Your support keeps our journalism free and independent. Give today ▶️ tinyurl.com/2xdfshsf
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.
🚉 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...
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...
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.
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...
In the biggest shocks of Election Night, two newcomers won seats on New Bedford’s City Council. James Roy, the at-large challenger, finished with the second-highest vote total among the 10 candidates. And Scott Pemberton, the Ward 2 challenger, unseated incumbent Maria Giesta.
November 5, 2025 at 4:44 AM
In the biggest shocks of Election Night, two newcomers won seats on New Bedford’s City Council. James Roy, the at-large challenger, finished with the second-highest vote total among the 10 candidates. And Scott Pemberton, the Ward 2 challenger, unseated incumbent Maria Giesta.
The three unofficial winners in the New Bedford School Committee race are: Incumbent Melissa Cost, Richard Porter and Von Marie Moniz.
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM
The three unofficial winners in the New Bedford School Committee race are: Incumbent Melissa Cost, Richard Porter and Von Marie Moniz.
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
The unofficial winners in the three contested New Bedford City Council Ward races are:
Ward 1: Incumbent Leo Choquette beat Matthew Marko
Ward 2: Incumbent Maria Giesta lost to Scott Pemberton
Ward 5: Incumbent Joseph P. Lopes beat R. Renee Fernandes
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
Ward 1: Incumbent Leo Choquette beat Matthew Marko
Ward 2: Incumbent Maria Giesta lost to Scott Pemberton
Ward 5: Incumbent Joseph P. Lopes beat R. Renee Fernandes
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
November 5, 2025 at 3:22 AM
The unofficial winners in the three contested New Bedford City Council Ward races are:
Ward 1: Incumbent Leo Choquette beat Matthew Marko
Ward 2: Incumbent Maria Giesta lost to Scott Pemberton
Ward 5: Incumbent Joseph P. Lopes beat R. Renee Fernandes
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
Ward 1: Incumbent Leo Choquette beat Matthew Marko
Ward 2: Incumbent Maria Giesta lost to Scott Pemberton
Ward 5: Incumbent Joseph P. Lopes beat R. Renee Fernandes
Credit: Grace Ferguson / The New Bedford Light
The Light's Grace Ferguson has the election results for New Bedford's at-large City Council race. The unofficial winners: Ian Abreu, James Roy, Shane Burgo, Brian Gomes and Naomi Carney.
November 5, 2025 at 3:21 AM
The Light's Grace Ferguson has the election results for New Bedford's at-large City Council race. The unofficial winners: Ian Abreu, James Roy, Shane Burgo, Brian Gomes and Naomi Carney.
BREAKING: The unofficial results are in, and the winners in the 2025 New Bedford elections are (click on photos to enlarge):
November 5, 2025 at 2:42 AM
BREAKING: The unofficial results are in, and the winners in the 2025 New Bedford elections are (click on photos to enlarge):
🗳️The last box of ballots in today's local election has arrived at New Bedford City Hall. Stay tuned for election results shortly!
Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light
Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light
November 5, 2025 at 2:13 AM
🗳️The last box of ballots in today's local election has arrived at New Bedford City Hall. Stay tuned for election results shortly!
Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light
Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light
New Bedford voters take the necessary steps to fill out their ballot today at Buttonwood Park Warming House -- sometimes with a youthful observer at their side. Polling places remain open until 8 p.m. for the municipal election. The Light will post results ASAP later tonight.
November 4, 2025 at 11:42 PM
New Bedford voters take the necessary steps to fill out their ballot today at Buttonwood Park Warming House -- sometimes with a youthful observer at their side. Polling places remain open until 8 p.m. for the municipal election. The Light will post results ASAP later tonight.
Light reporter @aelennon.bsky.social spoke with some New Bedford voters this morning about why they were casting their ballots in the local election today. Here's what they had to say.
Follow us for live updates and find full election coverage at newbedfordlight.org/election2025/
Follow us for live updates and find full election coverage at newbedfordlight.org/election2025/
November 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Light reporter @aelennon.bsky.social spoke with some New Bedford voters this morning about why they were casting their ballots in the local election today. Here's what they had to say.
Follow us for live updates and find full election coverage at newbedfordlight.org/election2025/
Follow us for live updates and find full election coverage at newbedfordlight.org/election2025/
This map shows The Light’s approximation of the project status as of the week of Oct. 27, based on our review of satellite images, tracking from Joel Stocker, Vineyard Wind mariner maps, and vessel tracking data. Credit: Kellen Riell / The New Bedford Light
November 4, 2025 at 1:21 AM
This map shows The Light’s approximation of the project status as of the week of Oct. 27, based on our review of satellite images, tracking from Joel Stocker, Vineyard Wind mariner maps, and vessel tracking data. Credit: Kellen Riell / The New Bedford Light
🗳 Election 2025: Deadline today, Tuesday, Oct. 28! Applications for mail-in ballots for the Nov. 4 election in New Bedford must reach the Election Commission by 5 p.m.
Applications for in-person absentee ballots can be completed in the commission's office in City Hall until noon, Nov. 3.
Applications for in-person absentee ballots can be completed in the commission's office in City Hall until noon, Nov. 3.
October 28, 2025 at 1:56 PM
🗳 Election 2025: Deadline today, Tuesday, Oct. 28! Applications for mail-in ballots for the Nov. 4 election in New Bedford must reach the Election Commission by 5 p.m.
Applications for in-person absentee ballots can be completed in the commission's office in City Hall until noon, Nov. 3.
Applications for in-person absentee ballots can be completed in the commission's office in City Hall until noon, Nov. 3.
Election 2025: In New Bedford, Peter Berthiaume is running unopposed for one of the most misunderstood jobs in city government: tax assessor. Find out what the job is really like in this explainer⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/hes-running-...
newbedfordlight.org/hes-running-...
October 27, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Election 2025: In New Bedford, Peter Berthiaume is running unopposed for one of the most misunderstood jobs in city government: tax assessor. Find out what the job is really like in this explainer⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/hes-running-...
newbedfordlight.org/hes-running-...
There's still time to sign up! Want to know more about candidates in the Nov. 4 election in New Bedford? Join Light columnist Jack Spillane as he interviews candidates in contested City Council ward races tonight at 6. newbedfordlight.org/sign-up-for-...
October 20, 2025 at 7:14 PM
There's still time to sign up! Want to know more about candidates in the Nov. 4 election in New Bedford? Join Light columnist Jack Spillane as he interviews candidates in contested City Council ward races tonight at 6. newbedfordlight.org/sign-up-for-...
Across #Massachusetts, sheriff’s offices are quietly cooperating with #ICE, local jails share a mix of information with federal #immigration agents, enabling, and in some cases facilitating, immigration enforcement across the state, The Light has found.
Story: newbedfordlight.org/how-mass-she...
Story: newbedfordlight.org/how-mass-she...
October 17, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Across #Massachusetts, sheriff’s offices are quietly cooperating with #ICE, local jails share a mix of information with federal #immigration agents, enabling, and in some cases facilitating, immigration enforcement across the state, The Light has found.
Story: newbedfordlight.org/how-mass-she...
Story: newbedfordlight.org/how-mass-she...
The Anthony Barboza retrospective at New Bedford Art Museum looks at Black culture, history and society through the lens of a master photographer. newbedfordlight.org/anthony-barb...
October 12, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The Anthony Barboza retrospective at New Bedford Art Museum looks at Black culture, history and society through the lens of a master photographer. newbedfordlight.org/anthony-barb...
A low-turnout preliminary saw 5.7% of New Bedford’s registered voters cast their ballots on Tuesday to determine which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
October 8, 2025 at 3:05 AM
A low-turnout preliminary saw 5.7% of New Bedford’s registered voters cast their ballots on Tuesday to determine which at-large councilors will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-...
Follow that bot! The Jellyfishbot, that is. The first of its kind on the East Coast, the bright yellow robot nicknamed "Bumblebee" is geared to fight against litter in Fairhaven's harbor. Watch it work; find out how it landed there⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/fairhaven-wa...
newbedfordlight.org/fairhaven-wa...
October 7, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Follow that bot! The Jellyfishbot, that is. The first of its kind on the East Coast, the bright yellow robot nicknamed "Bumblebee" is geared to fight against litter in Fairhaven's harbor. Watch it work; find out how it landed there⤵️
newbedfordlight.org/fairhaven-wa...
newbedfordlight.org/fairhaven-wa...