MASSACHUSETTS

Public works officials in several western Massachusetts communities say they will have enough contractors to help with snow plowing this winter, although it will cost more than in the past.

"We're Still Here," depicting Native Americans who live in western Massachusetts, is a rare contemporary installation in the Springfield Science Museum's old Native American Hall. But the effort has sparked some backlash.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said he’s “concerned” with the reinstatement of two city police officers. The pair were convicted in connection with a 2015 off-duty fight outside of a city bar.

An infectious disease expert at a western Massachusetts hospital is urging caution ahead of holiday gatherings.

The Gaming Commission's Investigations and Enforcement Bureau will be conducting background investigations on the suitability of all the companies and executives that want to operate sports betting in Massachusetts.

Despite falling temperatures, some people in western Massachusetts without homes are sleeping outside — camping on public or private land, or curling up outside of storefronts, churches and libraries. It takes resourcefulness and fellowship to survive.

AAA Northeast said that about 2 million travelers will be on the road across New England and that this year’s travel numbers represent 98% of pre-pandemic volumes.

The initiative, funded through a state grant, applies to all 15 regional transit authorities in Massachusetts, including Franklin and Berkshire counties. The program does not include the MBTA.

The Thanksgiving Angels program is a collaboration of food pantries, religious organizations and other groups in western Massachusetts.