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.

Residents, advocates and a few legislators gathered in Burlington last week to discuss addiction recovery efforts, what’s working and what’s missing.

The Massachusetts House has passed a new bill bolstering oversight of children in the care of the state, as well as increasing the authority of the Office of the Child Advocate.

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.

A federally funded Pittsfield, Massachusetts, sexual and reproductive health clinic aimed at supporting the underserved has relocated to a new headquarters in the heart of the city. WAMC took a tour of the facility and has this report.

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.

Public health officials in Massachusetts are encouraging commonwealth residents to get their flu and COVID shots as respiratory disease season gets underway.

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.