When UMass Dartmouth announced the sudden closure of its downtown arts campus in New Bedford last year, just three weeks before classes began, politicians and university officials were quick to point fingers. Conflicting allegations created a confusing tangle of blame, as movers emptied two decades worth of art and studio equipment from the sprawling beaux […]
UMass-Dartmouth
Posted inBusiness, Local, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford’s Star Store at center of tax battle after art college’s abrupt exit
The private owner of the Star Store is facing a massive property tax increase from the City of New Bedford, a move that increases pressure on him to return the building to public use following the abrupt exit of UMass Dartmouth’s art college last summer. Local developer Paul Downey leased the Star Store to the […]
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Breaking down the Brown protests, new Mass. law allows free phone calls in prisons and jails, and more
There is a growing tension on the campus of Brown University between students and the school’s administration over the war between Israel and Hamas. Those tensions came to a head at a recent vigil-turned-protest on campus. And one year after recreational cannabis sales began in Rhode Island, what progress has the state made on its promises over social equity? Also, there’s a new law in Massachusetts that makes phone calls free in prisons and jails – it’s welcome news for the prisoners and their loved ones, who until today have had to pay exorbitant fees. And UMass Dartmouth’s chancellor speaks out for the first time since the abrupt closure of the Star Store in August. Plus: The week in politics, and a few things to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Education, Episode, Local, South Coast Bureau
Interview: UMass Dartmouth chancellor sees slim chance of returning to Star Store
In his first interview since the Star Store closed abruptly in August, Chancellor Mark Fuller told our reporter Ben Berke that he does not see a pathway for moving the university’s art school back into downtown New Bedford.
Posted inArtscape, Episode, Local, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford says goodbye to a downtown eccentric
Ira Cohen, a bookseller and art model who kept a literary spirit alive in a tough New England seaport, died this January at 70 years old after a brief illness. Cohen was the focus of what turned out to be the last show UMass Dartmouth exhibited at its gallery in downtown New Bedford before the university abruptly closes its campus there at the end of the month. For this week’s Artscape, South Coast Bureau Reporter Ben Berke interviewed more than a dozen people who knew Cohen. The result is a collection of stories, memories and impressions that form another lasting portrait of Cohen.
Posted inArticle, Education
Recent investigation raises questions about UMass-Dartmouth’s handling of sexual assault cases
A new state oversight commission seeks to address colleges’ handling of campus police misconduct.
Posted inEpisode
Scott MacKay Commentary: Amazon’s RI Mass Fallout
Brains not Brawn crucial to luring Innovation Companies
Posted inArticle
UMass Dartmouth Hosting Fishery Workshops For Input On Proposed Offshore Wind Farm
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and offshore wind farm developer Vineyard Wind are collaborating on an effort to hear from commercial fishermen in New England.