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🌱 What New Bedford’s Flock camera ban and firings mean for you

New Bedford, Massachusetts Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning New Bedford! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What New Bedford’s Flock camera ban and firings mean for you
  • What the New Bedford School Committee decided about the superintendent misconduct claim
  • Why a fellow councilor now wants Shawn Oliver to step down

Also on today's calendar: Howland Green: Friendship Bracelets and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How long is a minute? 🤔 (Answer below!)

☑️ Important voting information: The Nov. 3 general election is coming up. Official Massachusetts election resources: Find your polling place | Register to vote | Check your registration | Absentee, mail and early voting.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, with a high of 54 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 58, low: 36.
  • Sunday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 62 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2 New Bedford, Massachusetts police officers fired, accused of misusing Flock cameras (cbsnews.com) — New Bedford residents are seeing major changes in local policing after two officers were fired for allegedly misusing Flock license plate cameras and the City Council voted to ban the system altogether. The cameras remain shut off during an ongoing audit, and councilors expect a possible mayoral veto of the ban, setting up a high-stakes debate over safety, privacy, and surveillance in city neighborhoods.
   

2. New Bedford School Committee Clears O'Leary of Misconduct (wbsm.com) — New Bedford’s School Committee has unanimously cleared Superintendent Andrew O’Leary of allegations of physically assaulting a union leader after an October 5 meeting, citing video and an independent investigation. Union leaders in New Bedford still argue he intimidated protected union activity and plan to file a state labor complaint tied to the city’s ongoing fight over employee health insurance costs.
   

3. New Bedford Councilor Choquette Asks for Shawn Oliver Resignation (wbsm.com) — New Bedford’s Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette is now publicly urging Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver to resign following Oliver’s rollover crash and OUI arrest on Dartmouth Street. With a former mayor also calling for his departure and protests and media attention mounting, councilors say Oliver’s legal troubles are distracting from city business as he continues attending meetings and an upcoming statewide election looms.
   

4. New Bedford wastewater treatment plant outfall study results expected in 2027 (capeandislands.org) — Bright red water in Buzzards Bay recently came from a dye study tracking how treated wastewater from New Bedford’s treatment plant spreads and affects shellfish safety. Researchers, regulators, and a local oyster farmer hope the data—especially after an unexpected sewage overflow—will refine closure rules and public health protections, with full results expected sometime in 2027.
   

5. New Bedford Police Awarded $59,520 to Protect Drivers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists (newbedfordguide.com) — New Bedford drivers, walkers, and cyclists will see extra safety enforcement and education after the city’s police department received $59,520 in federal Municipal Road Safety Grant funding. State Rep. Tony Cabral says the money will support traffic enforcement, safety equipment, officer training, and public outreach aimed at reducing crashes on New Bedford streets.
   

📸 Around New Bedford

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📣 New Bedford Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Don't Trash That Pumpkin: Dartmouth Offers Easy Ways to Compost After Halloween —Marissa Perez-Dormitzer Read on Patch
  • I hope this is allowed, but I just wanted to post this.
    I came across in case anyone is struggling and it can be of help... (Nextdoor West Endd)
  • Subway posted a job opening for Shift Manager in New Bedford. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Manager Closing Shifts | Earn Up to $19.50/hr. in New Bedford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Bedford here.

Ok New Bedford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "How long is a minute?" — It depends what side of the door you are on. (Thank you Richard E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in New Bedford

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in New Bedford

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.