■Northampton and surrounding towns are in the midst of a heat wave which is intensifying each day. Today marks the fifth consecutive day with temperatures recorded in the 90s. Many young people found the perfect solution to beat the heat at the Look Park pool.
■The search is continuing today for an escaped prisoner from the Hampshire County House of Correction. The man made his getaway about 8:45 a.m. yesterday from a rubbish detail at the House of Correction where he had served five months of a six-month sentence for breaking and entering.
■The Iron Horse Music Hall is set to reopen Sept. 7, with a little help from a former owner, Jordi Herold. Herold, who co-founded the club and went on to become its sole owner during a 15-year stint, was hired on this month as a consultant in charge of booking musicians.
■Florence Heights, a low-income housing community, has received a total of $822,000 to install new furnaces and make other energy-efficient improvements. Once the new heating systems are in place and other energy-reduction measures installed, the complex should reduce its energy cost by $15,325 annually.
■Gov. Deval Patrick said Tuesday that a “chasm” remains between House and Senate leaders trying to work out an expanded gambling compromise and time is running out for them to reach a deal. The governor also said both sides want to pass a bill before the legislative session ends Saturday, but wanting to may not be enough.
■The local American Legion is organizing a motorcycle ride Sunday to raise money for an organization that pairs war veterans with assistance dogs that help them live more independently. The 75-mile ride will begin at the American Legion Post on Pleasant Street at 8:30 a.m.