▶︎ Statehouse
Ballot push seeks to ‘legalize starter homes’ statewide
The ballot proposal may have limited impact on New Bedford. But it would significantly change zoning in parts of Dartmouth and Fairhaven.
Mass. House passes major energy affordability bill, cutting Mass Save
Legislators say cutting the energy efficiency program will lower electric and gas bills. Environmentalists oppose the change.
Mass. House voting Thursday on major energy affordability bill
The bill would rebate utility penalties back to customers. It also addresses nuclear energy, offshore wind, and solar power.
The long shadow of William ‘Biff’ MacLean
As the most skilled, most beloved, most reviled and most complex politician to emerge from the oft-forgotten South Coast, MacLean put New Bedford at the front of the line.
Mass. AG tells budget writers she needs more lawyers to fight Trump
Andrea Campbell argues a strong attorney general’s office is needed to “protect our state from abuses of power.”
How does the Student Opportunity Act work?
Several years into Massachusetts’ education funding reform, Gateway Cities have more staff to help high-need students. Does the reform need more funding? More accountability?
Healey announces legislation, executive order to protect Mass. residents from ICE
The governor’s executive order would prevent ICE from using state resources for civil arrests; the bill would protect immigrants in places such as churches, schools, state courts and hospitals.
Healey plans to cut winter electric, natural gas bills
The governor announced a $180 million energy savings plan ahead of the annual State of the Commonwealth address.
How much progress did New Bedford’s legislators make in fall 2025?
New Bedford’s legislators sit across 23 committees. In 2025, 16 of those committees reported bills out with recommendations. Seven held no hearings in the fall.
Small landlords push back against rent control ballot proposal
Advocates for landlords describe the rent control proposal likely headed for next fall’s ballot as the most “restrictive and aggressive” the state has seen.
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