Starting this week commuters who use certain MBTA buses will see more buses, more often. This is happening on six routes that run through a number of different communities in and around Boston.

“Just gives me a little bit of wiggle room in planning the commute,” said one rider.

Phase 1 of the MBTA’s much anticipated bus network redesign launched on Sunday. There are new routes serving Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton and East Boston.

“It’s going to really open up a lot of different routes,” said Jarred Johnson, executive director of TransitMatters.

Johnson said the T’s focus on bus service is critical. He says the change is a big bonus for commuters.

“It allows them to have that turn up and go service,” said Johnson. “Busses coming every 15 minutes or better in some cases, it really means you don’t have to do as much planning to get to where you’re going.”

The MBTA said there are a number of reasons for the redesign including prioritizing riders who depend on bus service, offering more frequent service in busy neighborhoods and making the network simpler and easier to use.

“When you have higher frequency, it really attracts people to use the system,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “If you happen to miss one by a minute, you know the next one is right around the corner.”

As the first phase rolls out, the T plans to collect feedback and will make changes if needed.

Here’s what you need to know about Phase 1 service changes: Phase 1 Service Changes | Bus Network Redesign | MBTA

The T hopes to also make progress on its bus lines in addition to its subway network.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have a chance to be the center of attention as the NHL trade deadline approaches with multiple players possibly one the move. Most notable among them is top defenseman Marcus Pettersson who is likely going to be a top trade target from the Penguins roster.

Pettersson’s trade stock might slide a bit, however, as the Penguins announce he will be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis with a lower-body injury. Pettersson was an early exit in the Penguins overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, after taking a tough bump into the boards.

After just over six minutes of ice time, Pettersson left the game and did not return, forcing the Penguins to play short-handed on the blue line for most of the night.

The Penguins have been on a good run as of late with a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 games and are starting to flirt with a playoff spot. That’s a huge difference from seeing losing streaks pile up and being just a point out of last in the Eastern Conference.

The East is finally starting to show signs of separation in the standings, and the Penguins are above water for the moment.

Losing Pettersson might make things tough, however, as he is by far their best defensive defenseman. Proving to be capable of playing with either Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson, the Penguins have gotten outstanding defensive work from Pettersson over the last couple of seasons.

The 2024-25 season hasn’t been as kind to Pettersson, but he’s still a top name. The early struggles of the Penguins, and Pettersson in the final year of his contract makes him a perfect trade candidate with the deadline still to come.

The Penguins have not yet made any corresponding moves to fill the gap that will be left in Pettersson’s spot. They have plenty of defensemen on the roster and have been impressed by the play of top defensive prospect Owen Pickering.

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The Iowa State women had their chance over Thanksgiving to record a resume-building win when they locked up with defending national champion South Carolina.

Now, days before another holiday, the Cyclones get a second shot at that.

Iowa State (9-3) heads to Uncasville, Conn. on Tuesday night to battle Connecticut. The game, which airs live on FOX Sports 1, will be part of the Invesco Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase from Mohegan Sun Arena.

Earlier this week, the Cyclones bounced back from a loss to in-state rival Iowa by blitzing Eastern Illinois, 87-55. Audi Crooks scored 30 and Addy Brown recorded a double-double in the easy win.

Nothing, though, will come easy against the Huskies, 2023 Final Four participants. 

Connecticut (9-1) reeled off eight straight wins, including victories over North Carolina, Ole Miss and Louisville, before falling to Notre Dame last week. They rebounded with a 79-44 victory vs. Georgetown.

Paige Bueckers has returned to form, averaging almost 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals per game. Sarah Strong adds 16 points and Azzi Fudd 10. 

The Huskies might have their minds focused past Iowa State and to Saturday when they face Juju Watkins and USC in another marquee showdown. 

This will be the first meeting between the Cyclones and Huskies, as ESPN’s FPI gives UConn a 98 percent chance to win.

Here are the details on how to watch Iowa State vs. Connecticut on Tuesday, Dec. 17:

Who: Iowa State vs. Connecticut in women’s basketball action

When: 7:30 p.m. CT | Tuesday, December 17

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena | Uncasville, Connecticut

Live Stream: Stream Iowa State vs. Connecticut live on fuboTV (Start your free trial)

TV Channel: FS1

Betting Odds: Not available

Our Prediction: Connecticut 86, Iowa State 77

* Big nights from Crooks, Brown help Iowa State rebound

* No. 3 Iowa State men roll at home vs. Omaha

* How to watch Iowa State football vs. Miami in Pop-Tarts Bowl