Western Massachusetts representation is experiencing another round of change this year. Holyoke state Rep. Aaron Vega said this week he'll leave the House at the end of this term, and Springfield state Rep. Jose Tosado also announced plans to retire.

MGM Springfield's Mike Mathis is out. He's been in the mix from just about the beginning, but after the casino posted its worst revenue numbers since opening in August 2018, MGM this week said it's sending him back to Las Vegas.

Many communities in western Massachusetts are feeling the pinch when it comes to the increased costs of recycling.

The Pioneer Valley Gay Men's Chorus said the Springfield Catholic Diocese canceled a scheduled perfomance at a South Hadley church over the holidays.

New Hampshire this week became the second state in New England to accept wagers on sporting events, joining Rhode Island.

Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Massachusetts, said this week he won't grant permission for further refugee resettlement in his city.

In western Massachusetts this week, the Athol Daily News shut its office in town. The paper will still be published, but will be based some 25 miles away in Greenfield.

Groups pushing for Massachusetts ballot questions had to turn in more than 80,000 certified signatures this week to the secretary of state's office in order to stay on track for the 2020 election.

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick this week entered the 2020 Democratic presidential field. He said he thinks he has something to offer — including a strong record as a government leader.

Pittsfield is the most expensive contested mayoral race in western Massachusetts this year. That's according to recent campaign finance reports that show just how much it costs to become — or remain — a mayor.