Massachusetts

Last week's deadly shootings in Newtown, Connecticut again sheds light on security measures in the nation's schools. 

Holyoke, Massachusetts' Mayor Alex Morse has reversed course again and is now halting all casino development plans in the city.

As the state faces a $540 million budget shortfall, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has proposed $250 million worth of mid-year budget cuts. More than half would hit services for seniors.

Managers of food banks and pantries across the region say a sluggish economic recovery and high unemployment has led to a greater need for food combined with fewer donations.

"Black Friday" is starting earlier than ever this year, with big-box stores like Walmart and Target starting holiday sales well before the usual crack-of-dawn the day after Thanksgiving.

A new statewide group has started pushing Massachusetts lawmakers to increase funding for the arts. New England Public Radio's Jeremy Goodwin has the story.

Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts has become the principal New England staging area for federal emergency management officials as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the east coast.