Brooke Kushwaha
Reporter
Brooke Kushwaha covers climate and the environment for The New Bedford Light. Prior to joining The Light, she covered education in underserved communities for the Houston Landing and Texas politics for Chron.com. She also worked as a general assignment reporter for the Vineyard Gazette and served as associate editor for its sister publication, Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, where she covered the environment, housing, immigration, and other topics. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue and The New York Times.
Brooke graduated in 2020 from Wesleyan University, where she led the student newspaper The Wesleyan Argus. Although born and raised in Houston, Texas, she adapts to New England life by kayaking, hiking, and spending time at the beach.
Stories
2025 in review: New Bedford talks trash, wrangles rats, and plans for a better, cleaner harbor
New Bedford is disproportionately burdened by a legacy of industrial pollution and waste. Some things have changed — and some haven’t.
EPA fines New Bedford waste facilities for polluting waterways
The Environmental Protection Agency fined E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc. $86,000 for illegally discharging polluted stormwater into the city’s waterways.
EPA releases key funding for lead pipe removal – after delay
The EPA had postponed its release of funding to replace lead service pipes, funding that has played a critical role in upgrading New Bedford’s aging water infrastructure.
Conservation Law Foundation intervenes in South Coast Renewables appeal
The organization will act as a third party with an interest in the outcome of the appeal, while attorney Adam Brodsky will defend the board itself.
Radio towers delay completion of Fairhaven marsh restoration
For decades, the Buzzards Bay Coalition has worked on and off to restore Marsh Island in Fairhaven to coastal wetland. Two radio towers are keeping half of the project on hold.
Facing dwindling resources, scallopers revisit controversial permit stacking proposal
Under current restrictions, scalloping vessels spend more than 80 percent of the year on the docks. A group of advocates are revisiting a controversial rule that would put their boats back in the water.
Former New Bedford firefighter with arrest history strikes plea deal in Quincy
Manuel Mota Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly conduct on Thursday. But a New Bedford judge said Wednesday he must face trial over a separate incident.
After SNAP scare, food access advocates urge ongoing action
Even with the shutdown over, targeted SNAP cuts in the new federal budget will continue to strain the region’s anti-hunger resources, advocates say. Food programs are looking for donations and volunteers as the holidays near.
Healey doubles down on full SNAP benefits despite court challenges
”Go out and buy the food that you need to feed your family,” the governor said Monday.
Healey says state will resume full food benefits
The governor said scheduled SNAP benefits went out Saturday morning.
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