“Although this was never my intention I do see that my actions caused harm and for that, I apologize. No one should ever feel illegitimate, afraid, or unheard.” — Statement from Ward 3 City Councilor Shawn Oliver
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Posted inEducation
New Bedford makes another pitch for new elementary school
“We have made the modernization of New Bedford school facilities a high priority. … We want to make sure future generations of students have a school that meets their needs.” — Mayor Jon Mitchell
Posted inEducation
Inside the student protest against Shawn Oliver and his Facebook posts
Among the students who were protesting the new Ward 3 city councilor, many identified as LGBTQ, but a large number said they were allies supporting their friends and classmates.
Posted inCrime and courts
Addiction treatment chain operator charged with health care fraud
RCCA and its operators allegedly shortchanged Rhode Island and Massachusetts substance abuse disorder patients out of needed counseling and treatment services, while defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurers out of millions, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.
Posted inJack Spillane column
What? We live here but we can’t vote here?
The collapse of voting at a New Bedford senior and disabled building points out inequities in the redistricting process.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Comments to The Light: Column, septic regulations, trade school education spark debate
Reader on city council gatherings: “Best to keep these meals short and leave quickly so as to not hang around and be tempted to ‘chat’ about ‘just one thing.’ Are they capable of doing this?”
Posted inBristol County Sheriff
Why so many prison suicides? Heroux turns to an expert
Sheriff Paul Heroux is consulting Lindsay M. Hayes, one of the country’s foremost authorities on jail and prison suicide who has been studying federal, state and local correctional systems for more than 40 years.
Posted inElection 2023
Oliver tops Amaral in race for Ward 3 city councilor
Shawn Oliver, who has served as a New Bedford constable for a little more than a year, attributed the result largely to legwork in the ward, starting when he took out his papers in early December to seek the office.
Posted inPolice and Courts
New Bedford offering $5,000 sign-on bonus to new police officers
The city’s police department is currently budgeted for 259 officers, but is now staffed at about 214, according to Mayor Jon Mitchell. Police Chief Paul Oliveira said he could not recall the last time department staffing was at its budgeted levels.
Posted inThe Light on radio
The Light on Radio: Jack Spillane discusses concerns about city council gatherings
Watch Jack Spillane discuss the latest news in New Bedford, including a recent gathering with some members of the city council that raised questions about open meeting laws and Tuesday’s Ward 3 city council special election, during a recent appearance on WBSM’s TownSquare Sunday.