Haverhill

$140M Federal Grant Will Speed Rail Service by Adding Double Tracks

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Those who rely on the Haverhill commuter rail line can expect faster and more reliable service as nearly seven miles double track will be added thanks to a $139.6 million federal grant. Gov. Maura Healey said Friday the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority won the investment from the Federal Railroad Administration to add 6.8 miles of new track between Reading and Andover to allow trains traveling in opposite directors to keep moving instead of waiting for one another. The Haverhill Double-Track Project will also upgrade four stations in Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover to improve accessibility, modernize signals at 15 rail crossings and add 10 miles of new fencing. “Since taking office, we’ve made historic investments to turn the T around, and riders are seeing the difference with fewer slow zones and more reliable service,” said Healey. “Now, we’re keeping that momentum going.

Education

State Awards Haverhill, Area Schools No-Cost Early Literacy Tutoring

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Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover schools and the regional CREST Collaborative are among those granted no-cost early literacy tutoring from the state for the upcoming school year. The $20 million Early Literacy Tutoring Initiative statewide provides at least 8,485 tutoring seats for students in kindergarten through third grade, with priority given to first-grade students who demonstrate the greatest need in foundational reading skills. The grants build on builds on recently enacted literacy legislation to strengthen reading instruction and help schools identify students who need additional support. “High-impact tutoring is one of the most effective strategies we have for accelerating student learning,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “By continuing to expand access to evidence-based tutoring while strengthening districts’ overall literacy systems, Massachusetts is helping more students become successful readers.”

Tutoring will be provided at no cost to school districts through state funding, remaining millionaire’s tax from the year ending June 30 and a federal Education Innovation and Research grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Haverhill

Haverhill Republicans ‘Shocked and Saddened’ by New State Abortion Law

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The Haverhill Republican City Committee Friday condemned a new state law that allows late-term abortions “by a physician based upon the professional judgment of the physician.”

“The Haverhill Republican City Committee is shocked and saddened at the bill MA Governor Maura Healey signed allowing abortion at any point in pregnancy up to birth,” read a statement released by Chairwoman Jeri Levasseur. It explained, “The bill allows elective abortion through all nine months for any reason based on the ‘professional judgment’ of an abortionist with a medical degree.”

The legislation removed restrictions on abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy with proponents arguing conditions such as Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes carry “significant and unpredictable risks.”

The bill initially passed by the state House of Representatives July 22 by a vote of 119 to 33 and Senate July 31 on a voice vote. It was signed by Gov. Maura Healey Aug. 10.

Crime

Feds Allege Lawrence Mayor DePeña Used COVID-19 Aid for Campaign, Taxes, Debt

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Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña was arrested this morning and charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 small-business loans. Prosecutors said the 61-year-old mayor allegedly used the federal pandemic aid to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes and pay off more than $880,000 in high-interest mortgages on various properties he owned in Lawrence. DePeña was charged with wire fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston today. “Mayor DePeña was elected to be a leader for the City of Lawrence. He was looked up to and trusted by his constituents, but he betrayed that trust through his alleged corruption and lies,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.

Election Central

Haverhill Sets Early Voting Hours; Starts Aug. 22

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Haverhill voters may participate in early voting for the state primary election beginning a week from Saturday. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright Esposito’s office says early voting begins Saturday, Aug. 22, and runs through Friday, Aug. 28, all in the Early Voting Room in the basement of City Hall at 4 Summer St. The best access is from the Newcomb Street entrance of the building.

Community Spotlight

Greater Haverhill Artists Show Works at Andover Library

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Art by members of the Greater Haverhill Arts Association is now on display at Memorial Hall Library in Andover. The 2026 Summer Members Exhibit features 48 works by 27 artists. Some pieces are for sale. The library, at 2 N. Main St., Andover, is open Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 am. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and 1-5 p.m., Sundays.

Haverhill

AHEPA Lends Lifelike Ben Franklin to Museum of Printing

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The Library of Congress calls Benjamin Franklin “the most accomplished printer in Colonial America” and it seems appropriate he’d have a place at Haverhill’s Museum of Printing during this semiquincentennial celebration year. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Acropolis Chapter 39 of Haverhill is lending the museum its three-dimensional hologram of Franklin, A signer of the United States Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, Franklin rose to fame 44 years earlier when he began printing “Poor Richard’s Almanack” in 1732. “This is a unique way to combine history with modern technology,” said E. Philip Brown, who developed the hologram presentation for AHEPA. “Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father but also one of America’s greatest printers, making the Museum of Printing the perfect place for his holographic debut. We hope this is just the first of many stops as the exhibit travels throughout Haverhill during the 250th anniversary celebration.”

The hologram system was purchased by AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 as part of its efforts to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary.