https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefsThe daily local brief for Newburyport, MA.en-ushttps://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-09https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-09Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000In an October 8 update, the city said that, per Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection guidance, scouring water mains remains necessary for water quality and safety despite dry conditions and current water use restrictions. Acknowledging that residents may have questions, the city shared a MassDEP resource that links to the agency's frequently asked questions page on hydrant flushing.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-08https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-08Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Middle Street/Plummer Springs Bridge on the West Newbury line has reopened to vehicles after a final inspection on Sept. 22. It had been closed since 2018, when a spandrel wall failed. The roughly $3.66 million project crosses the Upper Artichoke Reservoir, the drinking water supply for both communities, and was funded primarily through state and federal grant programs, including the MassDOT Small Bridge Program, MassWorks and ARPA. A ribbon-cutting is planned for Friday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-07https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-07Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Water Division put mandatory Level 1 water use restrictions in place Tuesday, October 6, after reservoir levels fell below 75% amid continuing drought conditions. Until further notice, residents with odd-numbered street addresses may water outdoors only on odd-numbered calendar days, and even-numbered addresses only on even-numbered days. Outdoor watering is allowed only from 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-06https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-06Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Department of Public Services Water Division begins citywide hydrant flushing today in the area from Ferry Road to Atkinson Common, including side streets from Merrimac Street to Chase Street, and from Moseley Woods to Spofford Street. Crews will also flush at night in the area from Merrimac Street to Ocean Avenue. Residents in affected areas may see low water pressure, temporary discoloration, air in pipes and occasional service disruptions, and the city will post daily updates on where crews will work next.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-05https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-05Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Newburyport Public Schools will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Indigenous Peoples Day. The closure is part of the 2026–2027 school calendar, which the School Committee approved on Feb. 25, 2026.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-04https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-04Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A special weekend schedule on the MBTA's Newburyport/Rockport Line adds service between Beverly and North Station to support Salem's Haunted Happenings events, with extra trains running through Sunday, October 4. Bicycles are not allowed on weekend trains throughout October.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-03https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-03Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Recycling Center at 23A Colby Farm Lane is open today, Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon, and accepts only cash or check; regular hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. Curbside leaf pickup is set for Nov. 7, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12, with leaves placed loosely in a lidded barrel or in folded-over brown paper bags and set out by 7 a.m. The Yard Waste Facility is also adding Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. until it closes for the season on Dec. 13.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-02https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-02Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Capt. Robert Cronin presents the Custom House Maritime Museum's First Friday lecture tonight, "The Day Wooden Navies Became Obsolete: Newburyport Sailors and the Battle of Hampton Roads." A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the lecture follows at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are being offered for the evening.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-01https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-10-01Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Health Department and Shaw's Pharmacy are holding a flu and COVID vaccine clinic today, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newburyport Senior Center, the second of two clinics after Sept. 21. The clinic is open to city residents, and walk-ins are welcome, though appointments can also be booked through Shaw's. Bring a photo ID and insurance card.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-30https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-30Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Newburyport boys' soccer team has opened the season 5-0-1 and allowed just three goals in six games, the Boston Globe reported September 29. The Clippers' first three wins came against North Reading, Lynnfield and Hamilton-Wenham, the teams that have dominated the Cape Ann League alongside Newburyport in recent years. Newburyport last won the league, and a state championship, with a perfect season in 2022, and senior captain Danny Lopez said a young team from recent years 'has developed into this team.'https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-29https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-29Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Filming for 'Marcelo in the Real World,' starring Eva Longoria and directed by Lucia Puenzo, moved indoors to the Grog restaurant on Monday as the nor'easter kept dumping rain on Massachusetts. Over the past week, crews took over Newburyport streets, sidewalks and a coffee shop. The movie is based on Francisco X. Stork's 2009 novel and is set to come out next year.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-28https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-28Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Department of Public Services will run a six-month pilot study monitoring 100 of Plum Island's 630 vacuum sewer pits, with installation starting in early October. The system is meant to help the DPS Sewer Division precisely locate and identify issues in the vacuum system. If successful, it could cut response times and ease demands on infrastructure and staff during problems such as a loss of vacuum in the lines. The city outlined the plan at a Sept. 23 informational meeting at PITA Hall and will judge the technology's efficacy before considering a full installation.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-27https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-27Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000A rare September nor'easter is expected to continue battering the region today with heavy rain, wind gusts up to 50 mph, and the potential for isolated flash flooding. More than 20,000 customers lost power across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut as of Saturday night.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-26https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-26Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Before he won two Pulitzer Prizes for fiction, John Updike dreamed of becoming a professional cartoonist. Tonight at Newburyport Art, his son Michael discusses that early ambition, from his father's study of newspaper comics to his work for the Harvard Lampoon. The talk runs 6-8 p.m. at 65 Water St.; free for members, $10 for nonmembers.https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-25https://nanopress.net/newburyport-ma/briefs/2026-09-25Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000The 22nd Newburyport Documentary Film Festival kicks off today, running Friday through Sunday at the Firehouse Center for the Arts and The Screening Room. This year's lineup features 35 films, including 5 world premieres, with Friday screenings from 3 to 9 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $25 general admission, with discounts for students and seniors.