A sunny day and bright, blue water greeted the 14 community leaders pausing in Haverhill on their two state, 117-mile journey down the Merrimack River.

Emilia Sanz-Rios knows what she's talking about.

It really was rocket science, well sort of.

Labor leaders are urging lawmakers to move quickly to override Gov. Charlie Baker's veto of a proposal giving unions more access to public sector workers.

An unknown amount of natural gas is seeping into the atmosphere from aging underground pipes, fouling the environment, creating public safety hazards and costing the state’s energy consumers.

It's all about working together.

Gov. Charlie Baker wants to explore adding new lanes to highways in Massachusetts and charging motorists to use them as part of a wider response to congestion.

They stared in anticipation, even held their breath.

Participants of Energize Andover's 2019 Building Energy Bootcamp presented their findings to town leaders and community members last week.

Two esteemed Japanese artists — an organist and a violinist — will visit Andover next week as they prepare for a local tribute concert honoring the late Yuko Hayashi, who was a well-known professor of organ at New England Conservatory.

Prior to the delivery of a $1 million ladder truck that is too tall to fit under the Horn Bridge, fire Chief Michael Mansfield inspected the vehicle that now has been sent back to the manufacturer for adjustments.

The news was truly music to Tessa Barcelo's ears.

School Superintendent Sheldon Berman plans to remain on the job for three more years.

The $8.5 million Route 28 bridge replacement project has been completed after more than two years of work.

A local handyman is giving back to senior citizens in and around the Merrimack Valley with a service he knows best: Home repairs and installations.

Everywhere you looked, it was hockey.

They climbed aboard, beeped a few horns and simply marveled at the size of the trucks.

Peabody native Marc Freedman is the new president of Temple Emanuel in Andover.

'Tis the season for blueberry picking — and Andover residents have found the right place.

Andover Selectman Dan Koh is on an extensive witness list for the extortion case against two of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s top aides in U.S. District Court.

After a recent explosion that leveled a Pittsburgh home and injured at least five people, the CEO for Columbia Gas says the company is "deeply sorry."

Brides Across America, the non-profit organization that benefits American troops by making wedding dreams come to reality through special events and bridal attire gifts, is partnering with Vera Wang.

Gov. Charlie Baker has wielded his veto pen every year since taking office in 2015, in part, to fulfill his campaign pledges to reduce government spending and weed earmarks from the state budget.

Harold Parker State Forest is the home of a variety of activities in August.

Some kids look forward to watching the Red Sox game.

Andover Recreation Department’s Superstars for the week of July 29 are Geno DeMatteo and Maeve Calderwood.

In the end, the situation was just too much for the Rogers family, which has operated its farm on Ward Hill for four generations.

State lawmakers are moving ahead with plans to create a commission to study how to improve the health of the Merrimack River by reducing sewage discharges.

The School Committee will vote on an extension of Superintendent Sheldon Berman's contract this week.

Residents are continuing to see brown, murky water flow out of their taps at home, and while the long-term solution of water main replacement is expected to take years to complete, the town is working to address the issue short-term.

Andover firefighters started the month of July flipping pancakes at the town's annual Fourth of July celebration and closed the month with their annual Fire Engine Day at The Park last Thursday.

Andover Recreation Department’s Superstars for the week of July 15 are both counselors and campers.

A silent vigil will be held Aug. 6 to remember all people lost to nuclear war.

Ten months after the Sept. 13 gas disaster rocked the Merrimack Valley, killing one 18-year-old man from Lawrence and displacing thousands of others, lawyers reached a $143 million agreement this week to compensate residents and businesses for the disruption that was caused in their lives.

Memorial Hall Library programs for children in August:

Memorial Hall Library activties for adults in August:

All programs are free and open to the public. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, dress in layers, and wear good footwear. An adult must accompany children. Rain cancels events.