Holyoke

Dozens of families in Holyoke, Massachusetts, are trying to pick up the pieces after two separate fires in less than 24 hours destroyed multiple apartment buildings.

In less than 48 hours, millions of American will likely face delays for one of the nation’s largest federal food assistance program. It’s prompting states across the country to take action, including Massachusetts, where at least a million residents will be affected, with some communities hit especially hard.

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.

In Northampton, Massachusetts, the table appears to be set for this November’s elections. That includes the mayor’s race, with Tuesday’s preliminaries narrowing the field to the incumbent and a longtime local business advocate.

Voters in parts of the Pioneer Valley are once again casting ballots. Polls are open for preliminary elections in Chicopee and Holyoke, with the most crowded contests in Northampton, including the race for mayor.

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.

A special collaboration in Western Massachusetts is giving college students valuable work experience while providing housing for a couple in Holyoke.

A suspect shot by police after he allegedly pulled a gun and fired it at the Holyoke Mall was arraigned this week, all while activity at the shopping center resumes with an increased police presence.

A shopping center in Holyoke, Mass. was evacuated Friday night after a shooting left a juvenile suspect wounded.

A program devoted to helping former inmates and others is opening a new office in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The downtown site joins a suite of support efforts that moved into the same building in December – designed to provide easier access to those who need it most.