Northampton

The U.S. Department of Education says a Title IX investigation into Smith College is underway.

The Northampton Public Schools district is one step closer to getting a new superintendent. The school committee agreed on a final candidate this week, though the selection did not come without controversy.

No matter how you spin it, vinyl records are seeing a resurgence. Vinyl sales even surpassed $1 billion in revenue last year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.Ahead of “Record Store Day” this Saturday, WAMC spoke with record spinners, record collectors and others about why they love the analog format.

Based in western Massachusetts, a nonprofit made up of medical professionals is once again journeying to Uganda. Their mission: help equip local health care workers and midwives looking to make a difference in their stretch of the country.As organizers tell WAMC, their annual trip comes with added importance, especially after the withdrawal of USAID.

To some, he was the man who braved the Connecticut River in a giant pumpkin in 2023. To others he was an award-winning snow and ice sculptor. But over weekend, it was clear: to hundreds, if not thousands, Dave Rothstein was a friend.

After serving Ward 5 in Northampton, Massachusetts, for the past six years, outgoing City Council President Alex Jarrett says he plans to stay engaged in the community – all while exploring ways to heal divisions in a city that’s seen tumult both inside and outside the council chambers.

All year, Northampton, Massachusetts, saw plenty of intense school funding and city budget debates. But as the City Council held its last regular meeting Thursday, it became clear another hurdle was on the horizon — a lawsuit filed by an outgoing councilor.

The city council in Northampton, Massachusetts, has greenlit several green-minded efforts for the city’s school district – all building toward the city’s carbon neutrality goals. Through a special fund and borrowing, the projects will cost about $12 million – with most of it going toward a geothermal heating system for Northampton High School.The projects received unanimous approval from the city’s school committee – but the council needed a special meeting to get them across the finish line.WAMC’s Samantha Simmons spoke with Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos about the development.

Tuesday’s elections featured plenty of incumbent mayors sticking around in western Massachusetts – though just barely in Northampton. And in Easthampton, with no incumbent on the ballot, voters picked the city’s 4th mayor in 30 years.

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.