Local Government

Andover confirms cyberattack caused four-day network outage before start of school year

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan confirmed Aug. 22 that a cyberattack detected Aug. 13 caused a four-day outage of Andover's municipal and school networks, delaying teacher assignments and disrupting online payments, with an investigation into possible data compromise still open.

August 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

Andover's Koh, Nguyen lead crowded MA-06 primary field

With early voting starting Saturday, Aug. 22, and two Andover residents among the top Democratic contenders, here's what voters need to know about the seven-candidate MA-06 primary to replace Rep. Seth Moulton.

August 19, 2026 · 3 min read

A commercial airplane silhouette captured flying against a cloudy sky, symbolizing travel and aviation.

Local Government

North Andover clears $5.6M airport terminal rebuild

The North Andover Planning Board unanimously approved the final permits for a new Lawrence Municipal Airport administration building, resolving a fire department access concern and clearing the $5.6 million to $6.1 million project for construction.

August 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Small-town Main Street with commercial storefronts, parked cars, and a street lamp.

Local Government

North Andover hits safe harbor with 450-unit housing pipeline

North Andover assistant town manager Andrew Shapiro outlined more than 450 housing units and several commercial projects in the town's development pipeline during a Thursday, Aug. 13 interview, including the 280-unit 0 Prescott Street project that pushed the town into Chapter 40B safe harbor status.

August 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Red-brick Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse with a corner tower and copper turret in winter.

Local Government

Judge to hear bid to block Andover redistricting Wednesday

Essex Superior Court Judge Salim Tabit will hear arguments Wednesday, Aug. 19, on whether to block Andover's middle school redistricting plan before school starts Sept. 2, a ruling that could keep about 200 South Elementary households at Doherty Middle or force a switch to West Middle.

August 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Green hose nozzle spraying a fan of water over a patchy grass lawn.

Local Government

State drought rules squeeze Andover businesses despite water surplus

Andover businesses face state-mandated Level 2 drought restrictions banning outdoor water use even though the town's treatment plant runs at roughly half capacity, prompting Select Board member Kevin Coffey to question whether the one-size-fits-all state standard makes sense for river-supplied communities.

August 14, 2026 · 2 min read

A red, white, and blue official ballot drop box on a city sidewalk.

Local Government

North Andover opens early voting Aug. 22 for state primary

North Andover residents can cast ballots early at Town Hall from Saturday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 28 ahead of the Sept. 1 state primary, with the voter registration deadline falling on the same day early voting begins.

August 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

North Andover firefighter returns to duty after probe finds no policy violation

North Andover firefighter Justin Aylaian returned to duty in late July after an independent investigation by Clifford & Kenny LLP found insufficient evidence he violated town policy; the allegations originated from family court pleadings by his former fiancée, ex-North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons.

August 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Brick school building with large arched glass entrance and American flag on flagpole.

Local Government

School Committee member Shepley launches write-in bid for state rep

Andover School Committee member Chris Shepley announced a write-in Republican campaign for the 18th Essex District state rep seat, raising questions about the board's capacity as it manages a new superintendent, the AHS building project and a redistricting lawsuit heading to court Aug. 19.

August 13, 2026 · 3 min read

Local Government

North Andover board resumes airport building hearing Aug. 12

The North Andover Planning Board meets Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. with a continued hearing on the Lawrence Municipal Airport's proposed $5.6 million–$6.1 million administration building and restaurant; the Kittredge School Building Committee also meets at 4 p.m. as the $79.8 million school replacement advances.

August 11, 2026 · 2 min read

Map showing Massachusetts Congressional District 6 covering Essex County and North Shore cities.

Local Government

Nguyen pushes federal housing funds at MA-6 forum

Andover state Rep. Tram Nguyen called for increased federal housing funding at an Aug. 8 Lynn forum, staking out her position alongside five MA-6 Democratic primary rivals ahead of the Sept. 1 vote.

August 11, 2026 · 2 min read

Local Government

Woman robbed at knifepoint at Andover hotel; suspect at large

A masked man armed with a knife forced his way into a woman's room at the La Quinta Inn on River Road early Saturday, stealing jewelry and a cell phone; Andover police deployed a K-9 and drone but the suspect remains at large.

August 10, 2026 · 1 min read

Voters standing at white privacy booths in a gymnasium converted into a polling place.

Local Government

Andover, North Andover voter registration deadline is Aug. 22 for state primary

Andover and North Andover residents must register or update their voter registration by Saturday, Aug. 22 to participate in the Sept. 1 Massachusetts State Primary, with extended hours available at Andover Town Offices and multiple options for casting a ballot.

August 7, 2026 · 2 min read