James Paleologopoulos

Authorities say a top staffer for Governor Maura Healey – an aide who's often been a liaison for Healey in western Massachusetts - is facing drug trafficking and firearms charges, following an investigation and seizures of over 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

Coming to a close in less than two weeks, two campaigns seeking the mayor’s office in Northampton, Massachusetts are in the final stretch – featuring the incumbent and a challenger looking to unseat her. Both squared off in a forum this week. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

For the past few years, one of the most unique colleges in the country has been making headway on a yearslong turnaround plan. As a result, Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts has gone from exploring a potential merger in 2019 ... to seeing student enrollment rebound a few years later.Now, the 55-year-old school has a new president overseeing the effort – Jennifer Chrisler.Following months of her serving as interim president, Hampshire announced her full appointment this October. She sat down with WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos to discuss how the school's navigated the last few years, what lies ahead and the role Hampshire plays in the higher education landscape.

Several lots and an historic building in the heart of Holyoke will be the site of four new housing developments – adding more units to a city that leads much of the state in affordable housing stock, the mayor says. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

While there’s still more to be done, restoration work at an historic Western Massachusetts theater has cleared a major phase. Community members marked the occasion over the weekend – celebrating the auditorium’s new look and name. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

As a major redevelopment effort in downtown Springfield continues, city officials marked a milestone – one you can set your watch by. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

At least three Republican candidates have put their names forward to challenge Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey – who is seeking a second term. That includes Brian Shortsleeve, a veteran and appointee of former Governor Charlie Baker, who served as Chief Administrator and Acting General Manager at the MBTA. Shortsleeve’s campaign brought him to Westfield this week, where he spoke with Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos about why he’s running, the Healey administration, and more.

In western Massachusetts, a three-way mayoral race is in its final weeks, with candidates polishing their pitches before Nov. 4. Those stances could be heard at a forum Monday night. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

Even with declining populations and construction in the works, Western Massachusetts still needs thousands of units to close the region’s housing gap in the years ahead. A new report brings the shortage into focus and highlights issues like rising home prices and rents. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.

In West Springfield, Massachusetts, a town council member is challenging the incumbent mayor seeking a third term. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos reports.