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Democrats Propose New Hampshire Abortion and Reproductive Health Shield Law by William Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin February 17, 2026 A group of Democratic state lawmakers are attempting to enact an abortion shield law in New Hampshire in an effort to protect those seeking reproductive health care in the state from out-of-state restrictions. “We will continue fighting off attacks from those who want to strip away our bodily autonomy,” Sen. Debra Altschiller, a Stratham Democrat and the sponsor of the legislation, said at a press conference last week.

Democrats Propose New Hampshire Abortion and Reproductive Health Shield Law

by William Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin February 17, 2026 A group of Democratic state lawmakers are attempting to enact an abortion shield law in New Hampshire in an effort to protect those seeking reproductive health…

Public Meetings This Week: Multicultural Festival Committee Considers Vendors The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week on air and online. The Haverhill Cultural Council’s Multicultural Festival Committee entertains proposals for new vendors and performers for its June event when it meets Wednesday, Feb. 18. The free Multicultural Festival is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 13, from noon to 6 p.m., at GAR Park in downtown Haverhill.

Public Meetings This Week: Multicultural Festival Committee Considers Vendors

The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week on air and online. The…

Haverhill, Two Other School Districts Receive State Grants to Train for New ‘Time-Out’ Rules Haverhill and two other area school systems are receiving $50,000 each to help them make state-required changes to student time-out practices. Haverhill schools, St. Ann’s Home in Methuen and Collaborative for Regional Educational Service and Training, known as CREST, in Andover were among 78 school districts, charter schools, collaboratives and approved special education schools to share in the competitive grants.

Haverhill, Two Other School Districts Receive State Grants to Train for New ‘Time-Out’ Rules

Haverhill and two other area school systems are receiving $50,000 each to help them make state-required changes to student time-out practices. Haverhill schools, St. Ann’s Home in Methuen and Collaborative…

Methuen Mayor Seeks to Set Aside Police Detail Fee for Police Health Screenings Methuen Mayor David P. “D.J” Beauregard Jr. is seeking to direct police detail money to pay for an ongoing cardiometabolic health screening program for police officers. Beauregard said in a release Friday he signed an executive order to earmark the money, subject to City Council approval. “Our police officers perform physically demanding and high-stress work every day,” said Beauregard. “Proactive cardiometabolic screening is a common-sense investment in officer wellness, public safety readiness and long-term fiscal responsibility.”

Methuen Mayor Seeks to Set Aside Police Detail Fee for Police Health Screenings

Methuen Mayor David P. “D.J” Beauregard Jr. is seeking to direct police detail money to pay for an ongoing cardiometabolic health screening program for police officers. Beauregard said in a release Friday he signed an…

Merrimack Valley Chamber Seeks Exhibitors for Spring Business Expo, Health and Wellness Fair The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting exhibitors to set up tables and displays at its Spring Business Expo, Health and Wellness Fair in April. The spring business exposition takes place Wednesday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Michael’s Function Hall, 12 Alpha St., off Route 110, in Haverhill. There is no charge to the public to attend.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Seeks Exhibitors for Spring Business Expo, Health and Wellness Fair

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting exhibitors to set up tables and displays at its Spring Business Expo, Health and Wellness Fair in April. The spring business exposition takes place…

Eight More Haverhill Firefighter Recruits Graduate from Mass. Firefighting Academy (Additional photographs below.) Haverhill is welcoming eight new firefighters, continuing a wave of new hires following retirements and the addition of 16 new positions two years ago. The city once again Friday presented the highest number of recruits from one community during the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Class #336 graduation in Stow. The hiring surge that began under recently retired Fire Chief Robert M.

Eight More Haverhill Firefighter Recruits Graduate from Mass. Firefighting Academy

(Additional photographs below.) Haverhill is welcoming eight new firefighters, continuing a wave of new hires following retirements and the addition of 16 new positions two years ago. The city once again Friday…

Haverhill’s Whittier Tech Rep to be Chosen Under Current Rules; Applications Due March 11 The person appointed to represent Haverhill on the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee will be chosen under the Haverhill School Committee’s current rules. The matter is timely as the term of one of the city’s two representatives, Scott W. Wood Jr., expires at the end of next month, and the Haverhill School Committee has the job of renewing his appointment or selecting someone new.

Haverhill’s Whittier Tech Rep to be Chosen Under Current Rules; Applications Due March 11

The person appointed to represent Haverhill on the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee will be chosen under the Haverhill School Committee’s current rules. The matter is timely as the…

State Plans Public Meeting on Route 125 Basiliere Bridge Construction Thursday Night The public has an opportunity to get the details before full-scale construction begins on a replacement Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge over the Merrimack River. Officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation say a Thursday night meeting is intended to introduce the construction phase of the bridge, which carries Route 125 between downtown Haverhill at White’s Corner to Bradford.

State Plans Public Meeting on Route 125 Basiliere Bridge Construction Thursday Night

The public has an opportunity to get the details before full-scale construction begins on a replacement Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge over the Merrimack River. Officials from the Massachusetts Department of…

Beauchesne Becomes Chief Operating Officer at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Jonathan Beauchesne, a Merrimack Valley native with more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, recently joined Greater Lawrence Family Health Center as chief operating officer. He started on the job last Monday, Feb. 9. “Growing up in Lawrence/Methuen, I have a deep awareness and appreciation for the important role that GLFHC plays in the Merrimack Valley. I am very excited to get to know each and every member of the organization and collaborate to advance the mission of GLFHC in the communities we serve,” Beauchesne said in a statement.

Beauchesne Becomes Chief Operating Officer at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Jonathan Beauchesne, a Merrimack Valley native with more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, recently joined Greater Lawrence Family Health Center as chief operating officer. He started on the job…

Hip-Hop Artists’ Feud Subject of Haverhill Public Library Lecture Rondae Drafts discusses the public feud between hip hop artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake in a lecture at the Haverhill Public Library. She will address the historical context that shaped the development of early hip-hop, specific events or issues that typically trigger hip hop feuds and what societal factors and personal dynamics contribute to the escalation of conflicts between hip hop artists.

Hip-Hop Artists’ Feud Subject of Haverhill Public Library Lecture

Rondae Drafts discusses the public feud between hip hop artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake in a lecture at the Haverhill Public Library. She will address the historical context that shaped the development of early hip-hop, specific…

North Andover Democrats Meet Feb. 23 to Elect State Party Convention Delegates The North Andover Democratic Town Committee is having its 2026 caucus next Monday to electing delegates to the 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention near the end of May. The purpose of the caucus is to elect 15 delegates and four alternates to the state party convention. North Andover residents who are registered Democrats are invited to take part Monday, Feb. 23, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., at North Andover Senior Center, 481 Sutton St., North Andover.

North Andover Democrats Meet Feb. 23 to Elect State Party Convention Delegates

The North Andover Democratic Town Committee is having its 2026 caucus next Monday to electing delegates to the 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention near the end of May. The purpose of the caucus is to elect 15…

Police Arrest Haverhill School Janitor Who Allegedly Took Videos in Women’s Restroom A 32-year-old janitor working for Haverhill’s Greenleaf Academy was arrested last week after he allegedly secretly planted a cellphone and took photographs of a partially nude coworker in the women’s bathroom at the school. Jake T. Robinson was arrested the night of Tuesday, Feb. 3 at his Haverhill apartment on a charge of “photographing, videotaping or electronically surveilling partially nude or nude person or the sexual or other intimate parts of a person around the person’s clothing.” He was arraigned the next day in Haverhill District Court, held on $2,000 cash bail by First Justice Cesar A.

Police Arrest Haverhill School Janitor Who Allegedly Took Videos in Women’s Restroom

A 32-year-old janitor working for Haverhill’s Greenleaf Academy was arrested last week after he allegedly secretly planted a cellphone and took photographs of a partially nude coworker in the women’s bathroom at…

New Downtown Haverhill Garage Set to Open in March After Weather-Related Delays The opening of Haverhill’s new 660-space parking garage at the corner of Main and Merrimack Streets has been pushed off until early March, in part due to weather-related delays. Meanwhile, a number of Haverhill businesses with rights to use the garage are awaiting parking rates, as required as part of a city development agreement. The pact calls for the city and developer to “cooperate to establish long-term parking rights at prevailing prices for these entities, proportional to existing rights and benefits.” Parking rates are still being negotiated by the mayor’s office, according to Nicholas Aylward, downtown parking coordinator.

New Downtown Haverhill Garage Set to Open in March After Weather-Related Delays

The opening of Haverhill’s new 660-space parking garage at the corner of Main and Merrimack Streets has been pushed off until early March, in part due to weather-related delays. Meanwhile, a number of Haverhill…

Whittier Tech’s Kosmes to Retire; School Opens Search for Business Manager Kara Kosmes, longtime business manager at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill, is retiring and the school is searching for a replacement. Kosmes, 67, has served in the position since 2013. Previously, she was assistant superintendent for finance and operations in the Haverhill Public Schools for 16 years. Kosmes, of Haverhill, has also served on the board of directors for the Greater Haverhill YMCA for many years and is the assistant treasurer of the parish council at Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Haverhill.

Whittier Tech’s Kosmes to Retire; School Opens Search for Business Manager

Kara Kosmes, longtime business manager at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill, is retiring and the school is searching for a replacement. Kosmes, 67, has served in the position since 2013.…

Haverhill Culinary Students Prepare Food for Free Community Meals The Urban Bridges Food Forward culinary workforce development program is having an impact on the community with students preparing meals for those in need. Eleven students from Haverhill are learning marketable culinary skills under the guidance of Chef Tal Woods, preparing for the ServSafe Food Certification exams. The hands-on training program takes place in the kitchen at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill.

Haverhill Culinary Students Prepare Food for Free Community Meals

The Urban Bridges Food Forward culinary workforce development program is having an impact on the community with students preparing meals for those in need. Eleven students from Haverhill are learning marketable culinary skills under…

Festive Bouquets on Women’s City Club Agenda Tuesday A representative of Nunan’s Garden Center & Nursery in Georgetown gives a demonstration on creating festive fresh flower bouquets at the February meeting of the Women’s City Club of Haverhill. This meeting is also open to new members. The group meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 17, from noon to 2 p.m., at Advent Christian Church, 160 Carleton St., Haverhill.

Festive Bouquets on Women’s City Club Agenda Tuesday

A representative of Nunan’s Garden Center & Nursery in Georgetown gives a demonstration on creating festive fresh flower bouquets at the February meeting of the Women’s City Club of Haverhill. This meeting is also open to new members. The group…

Breakfast Exchange Club Awards Northern Essex Elder Transport $2,000 Grant Nonprofit Northern Essex Elder Transport was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from Haverhill’s Breakfast Exchange Club to support its free ride service for seniors who have no other way to get to medical appointments. Breakfast Exchange Club Vice President Bonnie Sisson said seniors must be able to get in and out of a regular vehicle without assistance to take advantage of the service.

Breakfast Exchange Club Awards Northern Essex Elder Transport $2,000 Grant

Nonprofit Northern Essex Elder Transport was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from Haverhill’s Breakfast Exchange Club to support its free ride service for seniors who have no other way to get to medical appointments.…

Merrimack Valley Chamber Members to Network Joseph’s Trattoria Joseph’s Trattoria is hosting members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce next Tuesday in downtown Haverhill for business networking mixer. Besides networking, there will be complimentary appetizers and a chance to win a door prize. The mixer takes place Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 5-7 p.m., at Joseph’s Trattoria, 6 Moulton Way, Haverhill. Admission is $10 each for members or $20 each for non-members. Reservations may be made online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Members to Network Joseph’s Trattoria

Joseph’s Trattoria is hosting members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce next Tuesday in downtown Haverhill for business networking mixer. Besides networking, there will be complimentary appetizers and a chance to win a door…

Letter Names Three Attorneys Who Could Lead Legislative Audit Case Auditor’s Office Says Firm Got Ethics Commission Guidance on Boundaries for SAAGS Paid For By Guv Candidate By Sam Drysdale As Auditor Diana DiZoglio sues legislative leaders to comply with a voter-approved audit law, her office is also seeking approval to bring on a trio of veteran litigators funded by a Republican gubernatorial candidate to carry the case. In a Jan.

Letter Names Three Attorneys Who Could Lead Legislative Audit Case

Auditor’s Office Says Firm Got Ethics Commission Guidance on Boundaries for SAAGS Paid For By Guv Candidate By Sam Drysdale As Auditor Diana DiZoglio sues legislative leaders to comply with a voter-approved audit law, her office is…

Haverhill Councilors Put Off City Land Taking for Riverbank Well While Negotiations Continue Hoping to avoid litigation, the Haverhill City Council Tuesday instructed the mayor to continue negotiating for a five-acre parcel the city is eyeing for a supplemental drinking water well. The city has sought the land, owned by Joyce E. Hill at 309 E. Broadway, for more than 10 years to dig a unique radial collector riverbank well which would draw water from the aquifer under the Merrimack River.

Haverhill Councilors Put Off City Land Taking for Riverbank Well While Negotiations Continue

Hoping to avoid litigation, the Haverhill City Council Tuesday instructed the mayor to continue negotiating for a five-acre parcel the city is eyeing for a supplemental drinking water well. The city has…

Haverhill 250th Commission Solicits Ideas for U.S. Anniversary Celebration The city’s new Haverhill 250th Commission, commemorating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is looking to involve community groups, nonprofits, historic property owners and others in the celebration. Haverhill Downtown Events Coordinator Hailey Pearson said in a release the goal is to highlight the rich history of 1776 Haverhill, including spotlighting local cultural treasures and the work of historians.

Haverhill 250th Commission Solicits Ideas for U.S. Anniversary Celebration

The city’s new Haverhill 250th Commission, commemorating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is looking to involve community groups, nonprofits, historic property owners and others in…

Northern Essex Community College to Honor Five at 4th Annual Impact Awards May 6 The local commuter bus operator, a former elected official, a philanthropic foundation, a sheriff committed to improving the outcomes of his inmates and an organization that advances individuals with developmental disabilities are set to be recognized and honored by Northern Essex Community College in early May. Northern Essex Community College this week named those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students and who will be honored at its fourth annual Impact Awards.

Northern Essex Community College to Honor Five at 4th Annual Impact Awards May 6

The local commuter bus operator, a former elected official, a philanthropic foundation, a sheriff committed to improving the outcomes of his inmates and an organization that advances individuals with developmental…

Black History Month Observance in North Andover Features Two Lectures The North Andover Historical Society, in conjunction with the North Andover African American History Committee, is marking Black History Month with two lectures. Historian Alexandria Russell discusses how local advocacy has shaped the public history landscape in Massachusetts and beyond through the commemorations of women like Phillis Wheatley and Harriet Tubman in a lecture entitled “Black Women’s Legacies” Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m.

Black History Month Observance in North Andover Features Two Lectures

The North Andover Historical Society, in conjunction with the North Andover African American History Committee, is marking Black History Month with two lectures. Historian Alexandria Russell discusses how local advocacy has…

Haverhill Democrats to Caucus Feb. 25 to Elect State Convention Delegates, Alternates Registered Democrats in Haverhill plan to caucus later this month to choose delegates and alternates to May’s 2026 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention in Worcester. Haverhill will send 33 delegates and 28 alternates, along with other ex-officio delegates, to the party convention which will nominate candidates for election to statewide offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of the Commonwealth and state auditor, and U.S.

Haverhill Democrats to Caucus Feb. 25 to Elect State Convention Delegates, Alternates

Registered Democrats in Haverhill plan to caucus later this month to choose delegates and alternates to May’s 2026 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention in Worcester. Haverhill will send 33 delegates and 28…

Haverhill City Councilors Hear Pedestrian Safety Concerns, Weigh Enforcement Options Reducing risks to pedestrians on Haverhill’s roadways is going to take creativity, more money and a better educated public is the consensus of those attending Monday’s meeting of the Haverhill City Council’s Planning and Development Committee. Council Vice President John A. Michitson, chair of the subcommittee, convened the meeting after last November’s fatal accident on River Street involving a walker and several subsequent near misses.

Haverhill City Councilors Hear Pedestrian Safety Concerns, Weigh Enforcement Options

Reducing risks to pedestrians on Haverhill’s roadways is going to take creativity, more money and a better educated public is the consensus of those attending Monday’s meeting of the Haverhill City Council’s…

Fire Chiefs Cesati, Delaney and Deputy Borden Graduate Academy’s Management Training The new fire chiefs of Haverhill and Lawrence and a new Haverhill deputy fire chief were among dozens fire service leaders from across Massachusetts to graduate Tuesday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program. Haverhill Fire Chief Christopher Cesati, Lawrence Fire Chief Patrick Delaney and Haverhill Deputy Chief Justin Borden graduated from the 31st class of the four-month program for new chief officers and chief officer candidates.

Fire Chiefs Cesati, Delaney and Deputy Borden Graduate Academy’s Management Training

The new fire chiefs of Haverhill and Lawrence and a new Haverhill deputy fire chief were among dozens fire service leaders from across Massachusetts to graduate Tuesday from the Massachusetts Firefighting…

Superior Court Chief Justice Says Different Judge Will Now Hear North Andover Police Case Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman will no longer preside over the case of a North Andover police officer charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon. A day after a request by the officer’s lawyers that the judge be removed from the case, Essex County Superior Court Chief Justice Michael D. Ricciuti said McCarthy-Neyman will be assigned elsewhere, according to lawyers for Police Officer Kelsey E.

Superior Court Chief Justice Says Different Judge Will Now Hear North Andover Police Case

Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman will no longer preside over the case of a North Andover police officer charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon. A day after a request by the officer’s lawyers that…

North Andover Firefighters Free Driver Trapped in Overturned Septic Truck North Andover firefighters used hydraulic cutting tools Tuesday afternoon to rescue the trapped driver of a septic truck that had overturned. Police Chief Charles Gray and Fire Chief John Weir said in a release the unnamed driver was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. They said police and firefighters were dispatched just before 2 p.m. to Boston Street near Willow Ridge Road and Paddock Lane for reports of a tri-axle septic truck that turned on its side.

North Andover Firefighters Free Driver Trapped in Overturned Septic Truck

North Andover firefighters used hydraulic cutting tools Tuesday afternoon to rescue the trapped driver of a septic truck that had overturned. Police Chief Charles Gray and Fire Chief John Weir said in a release the unnamed…

Cycle Studio Hosts Golden Hill Playground Fundraiser Hustle Cycle Studio in Haverhill is hosting a “sip and paint” fundraiser for the Haverhill Community Playground planned at Golden Hill Elementary School. The event, titled “Galentine’s Sip and Paint,” will be Friday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the studio, 76 Merrimack St., Haverhill. Tickets are $45 which includes beverages, supplies to paint on glass and snacks. Those interested in attending are asked to purchase tickets in advance at the Hustle Studio website, …

Cycle Studio Hosts Golden Hill Playground Fundraiser

Hustle Cycle Studio in Haverhill is hosting a “sip and paint” fundraiser for the Haverhill Community Playground planned at Golden Hill Elementary School. The event, titled “Galentine’s Sip and Paint,” will be Friday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the…

Greater Haverhill Chamber Names Atwood Memorial Co. Business of the Month Atwood Memorial Company is the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s February Business of the Month. Chamber officials noted Atwood Memorial Co., led by Richard Atwood, has been family-owned since 1901 and located in Ward Hill since 1948. The business itself has been providing monuments for families in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire since 1847. Monuments include carved and lettered granite memorials, slants and markers.

Greater Haverhill Chamber Names Atwood Memorial Co. Business of the Month

Atwood Memorial Company is the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s February Business of the Month. Chamber officials noted Atwood Memorial Co., led by Richard Atwood, has been family-owned since 1901 and located in Ward…