Easthampton

For the past few months, a small city in western Massachusetts has been the scene of multiple protests as local tenants and advocates call out rising rents. Organizers say rent increases at some properties, especially those owned by out-of-state companies, are getting out of hand, sparking calls for action.

For decades, a regional food bank in Massachusetts has been working to fight hunger, providing millions of pounds of food annually throughout western Mass. With demand not letting up and federal cuts already being stomached, leaders at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts say cuts elsewhere have them bracing for impact.

Millions of dollars in low-income tax credits and subsidies have once again been awarded in Massachusetts, with a goal of creating or preserving 1,200 rental units. That includes over 200 in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires.

For roughly two decades, Easthampton, Massachusetts, has been working to transform its former, historic town hall into a cultural hub. Now, the transformation’s being elevated to a new level.

Four months before residents cast their ballots, there’s already plenty of layers to the mayoral race in Easthampton, Mass. The current mayor is departing well in advance, her chief of staff and two others are seeking the job and the city’s getting an interim mayor. WAMC spoke with one of the candidates looking to take on the role come November – Councilor At-Large Jason “JT” Tirrell.

Easthampton, Mass., has a temporary mayor ready to go, once current-Mayor Nicole LaChapelle departs for a state position on Tuesday.

Two years after saying she wouldn’t seek re-election, Easthampton, Mass. Mayor Nicole LaChapelle now plans to vacate 50 Payson Ave early. Ahead of her departure next week, she spoke with WAMC about her next role.

With its current mayor not running for re-election, Easthampton, Mass. is guaranteed new leadership in 2026. Before papers can formally be taken out, several candidates have already declared they intend to run - including a familiar face in the mayor’s office.

Billions in Medicaid funding could be slashed to finance tax cuts if a Republican-passed House budget blueprint comes to fruition. That could leave states and a number of programs relying on Medicaid dollars in the lurch — including an organization in Easthampton, Massachusetts, that's helped people with disabilities for decades.

At a time when the federal government appears primed to crack down on sanctuary cities, one community in western Massachusetts is re-affirming its commitment to being a city welcoming to all, regardless of one's immigration status.