For thousands of households in the Merrimack Valley that lost their source of heat more than a month ago, the colder weather is a source of stress.

Many families are back home, but things are definitely not back to normal.

The chief restoration officer for NiSource, Columbia Gas' parent company, says he understands residents' anxiety, but the company has "the experience to ensure that their gas will continue to remain safe going forward."

The Sept. 13 explosions and fires that left one man dead and damaged 131 structures

Columbia Gas said it is processing more than 19,000 claims from businesses, housing tenants and homeowners, but would not say how many have been paid.

The Andover fire chief, Andover police chief, and the Lawrence fire chief recount the day's events as they experienced them.

He's clashing with his successor over how residents should respond.

Businesses will be allowed to borrow up to $50,000 to cover payroll and replace any inventory lost after the explosion.

Boston University professor Nathan Phillips knocked on the door of a home in Lawrence in the dark. Under his arm, he carried a box with a portable hot plate for cooking food. This is one of 8,600 households in the area that are without natural gas.

Gov. Charlie Baker's opponent wants to know just how many inspectors the state has.