We are a free, nonprofit, nonpartisan news site dedicated to fact-based coverage of local issues and diverse community voices. https://newbedfordlight.org/https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtz2mobdb72qNew Bedford city councilors spoke Tuesday night in support of covering or removing Flock cameras while the program is suspended, pending an audit of search data. 📝+🎥 Anastasia Lennon26 Aug 2026 19:22 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtz2mobdb72qhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtwrlv7vjg23U.S. Rep. William Keating and opponent Craig Swallow finally met Monday for their awaited in-person debate, which grew heated over immigration and money in politics. The two Democrats will face each other in the Sept. 1 primary. buff.ly/Zw9pRjj https://newbedfordlight.org/u-s-rep-bill-keating-challenger-craig-swallow-clash-in-radio-debate/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky25 Aug 2026 21:35 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtwrlv7vjg23https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mttg4hq6ls25🎨These South Coast artists are scheduled to take the stage at The New Bedford Light's Arts Illuminated this Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m. at Steeple Playhouse, 159 Main St., New Bedford. Find out more about this free, live talk show and sale at: https://newbedfordlight.org/artsilluminated/24 Aug 2026 13:32 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mttg4hq6ls25https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtmqj52qnc2nAs controversy grows over New Bedford’s use of Flock cameras, an older surveillance technology remains active, more than a month after the city’s contract for it was not renewed. And it may not be going away after all. buff.ly/iebq7tc More by Anastasia Lennon. ⤵️ https://newbedfordlight.org/shotspotter-may-not-shut-down-after-all/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky21 Aug 2026 21:49 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtmqj52qnc2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtmfzgqjgu2yU.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton faced off Thursday in their final debate before the Sept. 1 primary, arguing over affordability, the Iran war and AI. The debate also covered immigration, ICE, and transgender rights. buff.ly/xGRSDst https://buff.ly/xGRSDst21 Aug 2026 18:42 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtmfzgqjgu2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtk2k4dx6f27The New Bedford Light has a new oceans reporter — and we're putting his seafood knowledge to the test. Join us as we make Nathan Collins eat and rate every clam chowder in New Bedford, beginning with a cup from Cisco Brewers in the city's South End. Where should Nathan go next? Let us know. ⤵️20 Aug 2026 20:11 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtk2k4dx6f27https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtjzna7ydw2fJesse St. Gelais and Christopher Thrasher both ran for the 8th Bristol state House seat in 2024 — St. Gelais as an independent — a seat held by Democrats for decades. They lost to Steven Ouellette, a Democrat. Now they’re vying for the GOP nomination and a rematch with Ouellette. buff.ly/X71MZhd https://newbedfordlight.org/republican-candidates-for-8th-bristol-seat-highlight-audit-affordability/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky20 Aug 2026 19:55 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtjzna7ydw2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtjgcu54q32hOn the eve of Thursday’s City Council meeting where members will vote on four motions regarding the use of the controversial Flock camera system, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said that the department is looking over Flock data going back to 2024. buff.ly/r8i8Voj https://newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-police-department-inspecting-data-police-reports-emails-to-audit-flock/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky20 Aug 2026 14:09 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtjgcu54q32hhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mthesir2kp2zDemocrats Bill Keating and Craig Swallow will face each other in the 9th Congressional District primary Sept. 1. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election and will face Republican R. Tyler MacAllister. buff.ly/UpKzhmO https://newbedfordlight.org/keatings-experience-meets-swallows-call-for-change-in-congressional-primary/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky19 Aug 2026 18:37 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mthesir2kp2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mthecrqnfs27What if groundfishermen had a "third eye" of sorts that could allow them to see what’s flowing into their nets? A $15 million federal grant will fund the development of tools aimed at bolstering New England's seafood industry. buff.ly/JaDWuNU https://newbedfordlight.org/15-million-federal-grant-will-fund-fishing-tech-projects/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky19 Aug 2026 18:28 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mthecrqnfs27https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtestgzxpk23Stephen J. Medeiros and Edward M. Pacheco, Democratic candidates in the 9th Bristol, both want to reform the state's affordable housing law to give more local control over project approvals. The Massachusetts primary election is Sept. 1, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. buff.ly/bTYklV3 https://newbedfordlight.org/reform-of-affordable-housing-is-major-focus-for-bristol-9th-democratic-candidates/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky18 Aug 2026 18:10 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtestgzxpk23https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtciscezdj22Henry Bousquet and Chester Tam, Republican candidates in the 9th Bristol, are campaigning on similar platforms: Lower energy bills and audit the Legislature. The Massachusetts primary election is Sept. 1, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. buff.ly/RM0Wy90 https://newbedfordlight.org/cutting-the-cost-of-living-is-a-priority-for-both-bristol-9th-republican-candidates/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky17 Aug 2026 20:05 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtciscezdj22https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtci5hf3go27As homes in New Bedford have become less affordable, the profile of a typical homebuyer in the city has changed dramatically in just a few years, a New Bedford Light analysis of federal mortgage data has found. buff.ly/sfIFHFB https://newbedfordlight.org/rising-prices-put-homeownership-out-of-reach-for-more-new-bedford-residents/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky17 Aug 2026 19:53 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtci5hf3go27https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mtadpyqqm52eThe state has granted nearly $500,000 to MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board Inc. to train over 100 workers as nursing assistants in an effort to address a worker shortage in health care. buff.ly/FMVYO7C https://newbedfordlight.org/state-grants-nearly-500000-to-train-local-nursing-assistants/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky16 Aug 2026 23:29 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtadpyqqm52ehttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mt3aqsuind22The long awaited statue of Herman Melville, forged in bronze and gazing toward the sea, was unveiled Friday at the Seamen’s Bethel in front of a crowd of hundreds of dignitaries and fans. buff.ly/c4dcMNE14 Aug 2026 22:52 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt3aqsuind22https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mt2olavyn423The 2nd Annual Scallopalooza, a celebration of all things scallop and scallopping, kicked off Thursday evening with a vigorous shucking contest between New Bedford’s fastest and fishiest. 🎥 Brooke Kushwaha14 Aug 2026 17:27 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt2olavyn423https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msyqtrl2q223A District Court judge extended an abuse prevention order against a New Bedford police officer who ran her ex-girlfriend’s plates through the department’s Flock camera system, according to court testimony on Thursday. buff.ly/CRraMrC 📝+🎥 Anastasia Lennon 📸 Eleonora Bianch13 Aug 2026 23:02 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msyqtrl2q223https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msvyysc2ac2qA New Bedford police officer was suspended for three days without pay in May after investigators found she failed to render medical aid to a woman who ultimately died after being struck by a car in January. https://newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-police-officer-failed-to-render-aid-after-fatal-motor-vehicle-accident/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky12 Aug 2026 20:50 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msvyysc2ac2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mstfcxhrqr2vA New Bedford police officer faces an internal affairs investigation after being accused by an ex-girlfriend of using Flock license plate readers to track and follow her. buff.ly/5LCq7t0 https://newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-police-officer-accused-of-using-flock-cameras-to-track-and-follow-ex-romantic-partner/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky11 Aug 2026 19:53 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mstfcxhrqr2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mstebcitej2qNew Bedford city officials are not providing the U.S. Department of Justice with a list of the city’s registered voters, questioning the department’s motives for requesting the data. buff.ly/Wm4p6sY https://newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-denies-justice-dept-s-request-for-voter-records/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky11 Aug 2026 19:34 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mstebcitej2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msqr5iiiz42qUnder the new ordinance, which was approved unanimously, most parking violations carrying $10 fines will increase to $25. Most $15 and $25 fines will increase to $50. Resident complaints helped drive the changes, Sgt. Brian Crosby said. buff.ly/6LNZmhj https://newbedfordlight.org/traffic-commission-passes-new-higher-parking-fees/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky10 Aug 2026 18:46 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msqr5iiiz42qhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msjjbbcfjv2iUm projeto de lei com intenções de proteger os imigrantes por todo do estado contra os arrestos civis por motivos de imigração nos tribunais, nas escolas, clínicas, e outros lugares convertiu-se em lei na quarta-feira.07 Aug 2026 21:37 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msjjbbcfjv2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msiv4wue7k22🎨Love to show your art and talk about the meaning behind it? Then apply for The New Bedford Light’s next Arts Illuminated on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Steeple Playhouse in New Bedford. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, Aug. 12. Learn more, find out how here: newbedfordlight.org/artsillumina...07 Aug 2026 15:36 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msiv4wue7k22https://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msh5ij33kx2sRecords obtained by The Light show that Ash Street Jail refused to admit people brought in by municipal agencies 135 times following medical and mental health screenings in 2025. That’s up from 32 refusals in 2022. More from Eleonora Bianchi and Anastasia E. Lennon. ⤵️ buff.ly/1Tsd52s https://newbedfordlight.org/sheriff-police-chiefs-clash-over-arrestees-refused-at-ash-street-jail/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky06 Aug 2026 23:01 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msh5ij33kx2shttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msgoqbi5vy2aUn proyecto de ley muy anticipada con intención de amparar a los inmigrantes por todo del estado contra los arrestos civiles por motivos de inmigración en los cortes, las escuelas, clínicas, y otros lugares se convertió en ley el miércoles.06 Aug 2026 18:37 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msgoqbi5vy2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msgnfc6ej42uStudents who enroll in art programs at UMass Dartmouth may soon be at risk of losing access to federal financial aid after new Dept. of Education guidelines took effect this summer. Effects won't be immediate, but art students and local artists say the regulations will hurt them. buff.ly/fqVLMO2 https://newbedfordlight.org/federal-regulations-may-impact-arts-programs-at-umass-dartmouth/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin06 Aug 2026 18:12 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msgnfc6ej42uhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msefepoyvu2jA much anticipated bill that aims to protect immigrants across the commonwealth from civil immigration arrests at courthouses, schools, clinics, and other venues became law Wednesday. buff.ly/Z404vlZ 📝+🎥 Kevin G. Andrade05 Aug 2026 20:44 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msefepoyvu2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mse7evmjyl2r"[The data] demonstrates convincingly that without strict enforcement and meaningful financial deterrents, regulatory thresholds exist only on paper while residents pay the physical and emotional price," writes Paul J. Lanzikos of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts buff.ly/ThZEIau https://newbedfordlight.org/letter-nursing-home-staffing-investigation-deserves-praise/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky05 Aug 2026 18:56 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mse7evmjyl2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3mse6gyb75i2nSix months after the Zeiterion's reopening, area restaurant owners and managers say there has been a definite uptick in patrons on performance nights. buff.ly/5DogetE https://newbedfordlight.org/downtown-eateries-share-limelight-with-newly-refurbished-zeiterion/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky05 Aug 2026 18:40 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3mse6gyb75i2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/newbedfordlight.bsky.social/post/3msbslljkgq2uDuring Monday's debate, incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton shared positions on immigration and the war in Iran, but they also leveled serious allegations against each other. buff.ly/RGuxHnW https://newbedfordlight.org/markey-moulton-trade-barbs-in-second-u-s-senate-democratic-primary-debate/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky04 Aug 2026 20:02 +0000at://did:plc:kzfk7d7qgnuwhrllerdi5es2/app.bsky.feed.post/3msbslljkgq2u