In the News

Local Bus Rides Become Free Next March; Federal Relief Money Will Cover Fares By WHAV Staff Taking a local bus will be free starting next March as the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority begins a two-year pilot aimed partly at winning back riders lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transit Authority board members voted unanimously Wednesday to go fare-free for all local… Read more »

State, federal legislators consider evolving PFAS concerns, responses By Dakota Antelman REGION – New developments at the state and federal levels have elected officials charting paths through a new phase in the response to PFAS contamination in local communities and around the country.  With new money now allocated to this fight, officials are noting some victories, while… Read more »

Mass. to get more fed aid under $2T spending bill By Christian M. Wade BOSTON — Another windfall of federal funding could be headed to Massachusetts from a $2 trillion social services package working its way through Congress. On Friday, the House of Representatives narrowly approved President Joe Biden’s latest spending bill that includes major investments in health care, environmental… Read more »

Democrats press Facebook over 'inconsistency' on ad targeting for teens By Rebecca Klar A trio of Democrats in Congress are pushing Facebook to address accusations that the company misled lawmakers and the public about its new policy banning advertisers from targeting young users on the platform. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Reps. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) sent… Read more »

$9B coming for Mass. waterways, roads, more By Christian M. Wade BOSTON — Billions of dollars in federal money is headed to Massachusetts under a $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden on Monday. Biden said the measure will create jobs across the country by disbursing billions of dollars to state and local governments to fix crumbling bridges and roads, and… Read more »

Infrastructure bill signed by Biden allocates at least $9 billion to Mass., and transportation advocates have ideas on how to spend it By Neya Thanikachalam and Taylor Dolven When President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill Monday, he opened the door for Massachusetts to receive more than $9 billion in federal money — with billions more in additional… Read more »

UMass Lowell researchers showcase innovations to improve soldier protection By Kaitlin Mulkerin LOWELL — From new materials for transparent body armor to a sensor on drones for use as a way finder underground, UMass Lowell researchers showcased their innovations created to improve soldier protection and effectiveness in the field. Held Friday, the day after Veterans Day, the “HEROES… Read more »

In Visit to Methuen’s Little Sprouts, U.S. Rep. Trahan Calls for Passage of Build Back Better Act By WHAV Staff Congresswoman Lori Trahan used a visit yesterday of Little Sprouts Early Education and Child Care in Methuen to highlight the need for the child care investments included in the proposed federal Build Back Better Act. Trahan, joined by Executive Director of the Massachusetts… Read more »

Big bucks headed from DC to fix sewer systems By Christian M. Wade BOSTON — Local governments could get a windfall of federal funding to fix aging outfalls that spew sewage into the Merrimack River and other waterways. A $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature, includes major federal investments in roadways, bridges, railways and… Read more »

Mass. to get windfall for infrastructure needs By Christian M. Wade BOSTON — Money to fix crumbling roads and bridges. Better public transit. More electric cars on the road. Expanded broadband and cleaner drinking water. On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, sending it to President Joe Biden for his signature. The measure,… Read more »