
Carl Simmons transforms the ‘detritus of life’ into installation art
The New Bedford artist finds inspiration in everything from estate sale treasures to mid-century movies to “Freetown muck.”

“Cuffe: Taxed” to premiere at New Bedford Whaling Museum
The 15-minute film “Cuffe: Taxed” follows Paul Cuffe and his brother-in-law Michael Wainer as they sail across Nantucket Sound, navigating around a British blockade to deliver supplies in 1778.
Sheriff, police chiefs clash over arrestees refused at Ash Street Jail
Records obtained by The Light show Ash Street Jail refused to admit people 135 times following medical and mental health screenings in 2025. That’s up from 32 refusals in 2022.
Federal regulations may impact arts programs at UMass Dartmouth
The U.S. Department of Education finalized federal regulations that may affect the arts program’s eligibility for federal student loans. So far the university has not come up with a plan to fight back.
Opinion: Civility has never meant avoiding conflict
It means remembering that the person across from us deserves to be treated with dignity, even when we are convinced they are wrong.
Register now for The Chat: Mayor Jon Mitchell talks election monitors, the unhoused and a new riverwalk
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell will be Jack Spillane’s guest on The Chat for the full hour on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m.
▶︎ Coming up
CULTURE CALENDAR
AHA! Night, Hamlet, Melville festival, and film discussion
AHA! Night: Summer in the Seaport turns downtown New Bedford into a playground of live music, art, workshops and free family fun Thursday, Aug. 13 beginning at 4 p.m. Events continue after dark.
CIVIC LIFE
Youth celebration, grant writing workshop, School Committee meeting, and sensory playgroup
The sixth annual Youth Celebration Day runs Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. at Magnet Park, 370 Middle St.
▶︎ Fish auction prices
The Daily Catch
The New Bedford Light brings you “The Daily Catch” — a listing of the latest seafood prices from the Buyers and Sellers Exchange, updated weekdays by noon.
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