This holiday weekend, countless residents and visitors may be forced to change plans along the Merrimack River downstream from Haverhill. Recent tests reveal that despite some improvement in bacterial levels, sections of the river remain too contaminated for safe recreation.

Authorities in Lowell are conducting an urgent search for a 4-year-old boy who fell into the Merrimack River near the Tsongas Center. Police efforts intensify as the community awaits updates on the missing child.