Tag: New Bedford
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Massachusetts considers one of the nation’s strictest social media bills
Mental health and online safety advocates are praising the bill. Critics say it threatens personal privacy. BOSTON — As Massachusetts considers imposing new restrictions on minors’ social media use, mental health and online safety advocates are praising the effort. But…
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Farmers praise agriculture bill, but aquaculture concerns remain
Andrew Thornhill, owner of Silverbrook Farm in Dartmouth, checks on radishes and turnips. Credit: Eleonora Bianchi / The New Bedford Light. Every dollar counts when running a farm. Andrew Thornhill, owner of Silverbrook Farm in Dartmouth, said the prices of…
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South Coast lawmakers lay out priorities for fiscal 2027 state budget
From playgrounds to addiction treatment, New Bedford legislators are advocating for money for their communities in the state’s fiscal 2027 budget. Each lawmaker is pursuing earmarks for his district as negotiations over the spending plan unfold this spring. The Massachusetts…
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Advocates and lawmakers at odds over transparency ballot questions
Asking the Legislature to support changes to its procedures has proven an uphill battle, leading to tense hearings and prickly exchanges this month. BOSTON — Advocates for increased transparency in the state Legislature are turning to voters in November with…
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Mass. House bill seeks protections for immigrants
Six months ago, Brenda Romero’s husband called her from a courthouse, crying tears of joy. He had just been approved for political asylum. The celebration didn’t last long, however. As Romero’s husband walked out of the courthouse, he was detained…
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Ballot push seeks to ‘legalize starter homes’ statewide
Amid Massachusetts’ housing shortage, a potential measure on the November ballot aims to “legalize starter homes” by altering zoning laws across the state. Although local planners say the measure would likely have limited impact on New Bedford, it would significantly…
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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. Massachusetts lawmakers are just back from a six-week recess after closing out the first year…