Local News in New Bedford
Community news from our local sources
New Bedford 14 storiesWiden to Bristol County
An unconventional book club becomes ‘found family’ in New Bedford
“These are my people. These are the people I’m going to spend time with. Life with. I’m gonna cry with them. I’m gonna be there for them.”
New Bedford’s Victor Fonseca, ‘an ambassador of joy’
Whether he’s greeting customers at The Baker or theatergoers at The Zeiterion, his warmth and charm shine through. At 81, he’s measuring success in terms of hugs and kisses.
History finds a home at the Fort Taber Fort Rodman Military Museum
The museum now holds donated objects from more than 2,000 people, nearly all veterans and their families.
Mural honors civil rights activist Jibreel Khazan
The three-paneled mural celebrates the life and legacy of the New Bedford resident, 84, who led a pivotal 1960 sit-in.
Vineyard Wind, GE Vernova reach settlement over contract
The terms of the agreement are confidential, but GE Vernova withdrew its notice of contract termination, and “both parties have agreed to dismiss all pending legal claims.”
Our offshore wind tracker: What’s new with wind projects off Massachusetts and beyond?
Offshore wind is changing fast. Here’s our tracker, first published in April 2025, and the latest on where the Northeast’s wind projects stand as of Sept. 17, 2026.
Deep-pocketed donors flood the ballot-question field with cash
Millions of dollars have already been spent, even on questions with no opposition.
Galvin defends ballot questions as a ‘safety valve’ amid reform push
The secretary of state, lawmakers and a think tank split on reforming the ballot question process.
‘Flat is Back’ campaign hopes to put flounder back on people’s plates
The first-of-its-kind campaign, spearheaded by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, aims to build buzz around the plentiful yet underutilized flounder.
States, cities sue over Trump rule seeking to deny green cards to immigrants using public benefits
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the rule would force needy immigrant families to choose between seeking assistance and seeking legal status in the country.
New Bedford signs contract to install five emergency blue light towers downtown
The emergency call stations, commonly found on college campuses and increasingly used in parks and downtown areas across the country, would allow people to summon help with the push of a button.
After a ballot question passes in November, what happens next?
Lawmakers have more say over the fate of proposals than voters might realize.