Connecticut lawmakers will include $10.5 million for the state’s microtransit pilot program as part of the state’s upcoming budget, that’s according to State Sen. Christine Cohen, who is chair of the Transportation Committee.

“This $10.5 million provides programming in different areas across the state that really allow folks to have their independence, to travel freely to social activities, to doctors appointments, to and from work and so much more,” Cohen said.

The program, which started in 2024, has proven to be popular throughout the state, according to Cohen. The pilot program offered in 18 towns and cities across the state, operates much like Lyft and Uber, where residents can book rides with various contractors.

Transit advocates like Cohen hope the program may be expanded statewide.

They say it meets an urgent need, as many municipalities in Connecticut lack comprehensive mass transit coverage.

“My goal would really be to see these micro transit options in towns in all 169 towns eventually, so that even our most remote settings have options with respect to public transportation,” Cohen said.

Jeremy Tillinger, the director of policy at Via, a rideshare contractor with the pilot program, spoke about the service in late April. Tillinger said the program is already bringing in positive results.

“At a time when affordability and the rising cost of gas prices is on everybody’s minds, micro transit is providing an innovative, cost efficient solution for many,” Tillinger said.

Peggy Lyons, the First Selectwoman of Madison, said many of her residents want the program to continue.

Lyons said about 25,000 rides were booked for the program running in Madison, Guilford, Middletown and East Hampton last year.

“This is kind of filling in that gap and just within the way our state is structured, I think a lot of people are starting to depend on this, and they would hate to see it go,” Lyons said.

TOWN OF POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) – A company headquartered in Maine has purchased Potsdam Specialty Paper Inc.

Twin Rivers Paper Company announced on Tuesday that it has acquired the mill, which it described as “a recognized leader in the development and manufacturing of specialty latex, acrylic, and other saturated base papers.”

“This strategic acquisition adds exciting new papermaking capabilities to Twin Rivers’ portfolio,” said Tyler Rajeski, CEO of Twin Rivers. “PSPI’s strong focus on product development and customer collaboration aligns closely with Twin Rivers’ core competencies and builds upon our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer-focused growth.”

“The Potsdam team is energized by the opportunity to join the Twin Rivers Paper team. Twin Rivers boasts a solid portfolio of papermaking assets, which will be complemented by our strengths in Potsdam,” said PSPI CEO Mike Huth. “We’re excited about the ability to build upon our mutual legacy of papermaking excellence, enhance the value we bring to existing Potsdam customers with the expertise and resources of Twin Rivers Paper, and serve new customers.”

Twin Rivers says the acquisition adds 26,000 tons of annual production capacity to its asset base.

“With specialized on-machine capabilities including latex saturating, nonwoven/synthetic fiber handling and wet creping, extensive color capabilities, and an advanced off-machine coater, the Potsdam, New York, mill produces highly engineered papers for a wide range of market sectors. Applications include tape base, abrasive backer, durable label, medical (sterilization), wallpaper base, wide format digital substrates, durable book cover and high-end retail packaging,” the company said.

Twin Rivers also owns two other paper mills in New York, including one in Lyons Falls and another in Little Falls.

(WJAR) — A child has died after a tree fell on a playground outside an elementary school in Melrose.

NBC Boston reported that another child and an adult were also injured in the incident at Winthrop Elementary School on Monday.

It appeared that the tree fell from behind the playground.

Counselors were available at the school to support students and staff on Tuesday, NBC Boston reported.