The Rundown with Carrie Saldo

Today's show has an environmental impact focus: polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) contamination has long been a problem in the 413, particularly in the Berkshires. The state claimed it wasn’t testing blood for PCBs, but it has been for years. We unpack the details. While renewable energy is popular in many circles, some residents of western Mass. have concerns over battery and solar permitting. We examine why some are seeing red over green. And, proposed changes to environmental protections at the federal level could have direct impacts right here in the 413. We explore what it could mean.Plus, from the big questions file: What the heck is pee-cycling? We’re running down all of that with this week’s panel: Adam Hinds, senior advisor at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute; Bill Shein, founder of Reason Gone Mad; Greta Jochem, investigations editor at The Springfield Republican; and Sarah Robertson, independent reporter. 

Healthcare in the 413 takes center stage this week as Baystate Health announces plans to take over Mercy Medical Center. What will the impact be? We unpack the details.And, the Massachusetts Republican Party held its convention this past weekend, and we explore how the local arm of the GOP will be positioning itself heading into the November midterm elections.Plus, what does the recent prosecution of a former teacher at a Berkshires school on rape charges mean for the future of the state’s age of consent laws?We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Greg Sukiennik, news editor for The Berkshire Eagle; Jim Kinney, reporter for The Springfield Republican; and Principal of MLB Research Associates Matt Barron. 

 The Massachusetts Public Record Law – what is it and how is it supposed to work? And how are journalists using, or trying to use, it to dig into stories? We answer those questions and look at a few examples right here in the 413 of where public records requests have helped generate news and support the public’s right to know. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Greta Jochem, Springfield Republican newspaper investigations editor; Bridgette Davis, UMass Amherst assistant professor of public policy; and Dusty Christensen, investigations editor at The Shoestring. 

Hampshire College has announced it will close its doors in the fall of 2026. We discuss the whys, the hows, and what it means in the greater higher education landscape, especially for the future of the 5-college consortium.Then, we take a look at the impact of artificial intelligence on the inner workings of Massachusetts government departments and examine which state agency functions are currently using AI. Is your data at risk?Plus, with several proposition 2.5 overrides on local ballots, western Mass. leaders urge more state funding for rural areas.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, former State Sen. Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale; Rich Parr, vice president of MassInc Polling Group; freelance journalist Jon Gerhardson, and NEPM Executive Editor for News Elizabeth Román.

We dive into two different issues on the ballot, the state legislature’s push to ban social media use for many teens as awareness rises on the psychological and addictive qualities of extended screen use. And in the category of closing the barn door after the horses have left, an initiative that would – once again – make recreational marijuana use illegal. Then, while affordable housing can be hard to come by for many these days, we discuss the latest challenges that one western Mass. housing authority is facing to fill its empty units. Plus, nuclear arms and the surge of money and jobs that it's bringing to Pittsfield, without much public discussion. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel Jim Kinney, reporter at The Springfield Republican newspaper; Anthony Cammalleri, reporter for The Daily Hampshire Gazette; Bill Shein, founder of Reason Gone Mad; and Phil Bishop, reporter for NEPM news.

Our panel’s reaction to President Trump’s address to the nation about the War in Iran. That war was one of many reasons regional protestors raised their voices in the third ‘No Kings’ rally.Then, an "opportunity to own?" State Senator Paul Mark has filed a new bill hoping to encourage business owners to transition to a co-operative model. Western Mass. is home to several worker-owned co-ops, will we see a similar push statewide? And, with gender affirming care halted by the area’s largest healthcare organization, Baystate Health, how are families coping? And what are folks doing to seek care? We will discuss. Plus, how the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is encouraging ‘responsible gaming.’We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Elizabeth Román, NEPM’s executive news editor; G. Michael Dobbs of Focus Springfield; and Evan Garber, architect of political strategy, A. L. Cignoli & Associates.

Why did the Hampden County Sheriff announce 50 job cuts and up to $4 million in budget cuts this week? And which cities and towns in the 413 will be impacted? We discuss. And, Springfield’s joint effort to claw back climate grants cut by the Trump administration hits federal appeals court.Plus, criticizing a system they alone hold the power to change, lawmakers from the 413 and beyond sound off complaints about how schools are funded, and how they say that in western Mass., school districts get shortchanged because of it. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Elizabeth Román, executive editor of NEPM news; reporter emeritus Paul Tuthill; and Matt Szafranski, editor-in-chief of Western Mass Politics & Insight.

On this episode of The Rundown with Carrie Saldo: After 142 workers were furloughed by a Springfield rail car manufacturer, the parts needed to do their job have at last been cleared by customs. But was a months-long delay needed? And how soon might employees be back at work?And in the wake of the federal government’s intensified deportation policies, some local and state leaders want Lenco Industries, a Pittsfield armored vehicle company, to stop taking contracts from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Plus, a drug dealer’s confiscated holdings could be a multimillion-dollar windfall for the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Chris Maza, the executive editor of Reminder Publishing; Springfield Republican reporter Stephanie Barry, and Bridgette Davis, assistant professor of public policy at UMass Amherst.

This week on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, the panel unpacks the effects the war in Iran is having here in the 413, from increased prices at the gas pumps to reaction from Iranian students in the U.S. — and how local legislators are reacting.And we explore a state budget hearing at UMass Amherst on road repair funds, west-east rail, and many other local issues. Plus, plans to address health care needs throughout western Mass.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Aprell May Munford, reporter at the Springfield Republican; Greg Sukiennik, news editor for the Berkshire Eagle; and former state Sen. Eric Lesser, senior counsel for WilmerHale.

In for Carrie Saldo, NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman talks with panelists about changes among Governor Maura Healey’s top appointed leaders and what it means for western Massachusetts. The newly appointed secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), Eric Paley, was just in Greenfield on his first official visit. Franklin County movers and shakers explained to him how this most rural part of the state works – and how it doesn’t. We also talk about the departure of State Housing Secretary Ed Augustus, a described ally to Berkshire County lawmakers. And, we look at a new ordinance from the town of Amherst, asking Massachusetts officials to hold ICE agents accountable if they violate state criminal laws. Is this measure a political statement? A plea to pay attention? Or both?Plus, who doesn’t like to talk about the weather? And in the wake of this week’s storm, we will!This week’s panel includes reporter emeritus Mike Dobbs of Focus Springfield; Anthony Cammelleri, reporter for the Greenfield Recorder; and Evan Garber, political consultant from A.L. Cignoli and Associates.

Our panel explores how several communities western Mass. are addressing health insurance costs that are affecting the bottom lines of school and municipal budgets.And, we take a look at how business in the 413 is impacting the future of computing.Plus, we examine two very different sides of nuclear as a bill to prohibit nuclear weapons gains traction on Beacon Hill and as power companies take a second look at nuclear energy to bolster electricity needs in the state.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Adam Hinds, senior advisor at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate; Clarence Fanto, reporter for the Berkshire Eagle; and Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican.

Food pantries in the 413 are seeing an increase in need; we unpack why that is and what local legislators are saying and doing to address it. And, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern pushes back on Veterans Administration Secretary Douglas A. Collins for allegedly restricting the speech of VA chaplains who are memorializing Alex Pretti, a VA nurse who was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Plus, long-time water woes have plagued a Berkshire County community come to a head as a town considers buying the private utility company in charge of the drinking supply. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel Talia Lissauer, Berkshire Eagle reporter; Adam Frenier, NEPM news reporter; political consultant Ryan McCollum of RMC Strategies; and special appearance by resident Bad Bunny correspondent Elizabeth Román, executive news editor for NEPM. 

Hydropower is in the news this week as a Hampden County utility company secures a contract extension to continue hydropower use, while an energy company in Franklin County clears a hurdle in its quest to open two facilities despite concerns from locals.And some 413 high schools look to an app to reign in cell phone use, while local municipalities seek to curtail nicotine use by young people. We unpack the details.This week’s panel for The Rundown includes Greenfield Recorder reporter Erin-Leigh Hoffman, Paul Tuthill, reporter emeritus; and Rich Parr, Vice President at the MassINC Polling Group.

The state’s largest snowfall in four years hit 413 hard earlier this week. We plow through the impact of the storm on cities, residents and workers.And, the Trump administration is targeting the government's primary program to address homelessness, and the effects could have a big impact in western Massachusetts cities.Plus, we look at the rising costs of utility bills in the state and what it means for local energy users.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Hallie Claflin, reporter for Commonwealth Beacon; Dave Eisenstatder, state editor for MassLive; Ryan McCollum, political consultant for RMC Strategies; and NEPM’s own Monte Belmonte of The Fabulous 413.

Gov. Maura Healey delivers the annual State of the Commonwealth Address, and our panel puts what she said in context for western Massachusetts.And, water levels at the Quabbin Reservoir are 10 feet lower than normal, and surrounding communities are questioning water use and stewardship of the reservoir. Should public policy be changed to address their concerns?Plus, a decision made by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection could result in a temporary furlough of work and production for a Springfield manufacturing company. Will we see a broader impact on the 413?We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican newspaper; Matt Szafranski, founder and editor for Western Mass. Politics & Insight; and Bridgette Davis, assistant professor of public policy at UMass Amherst.

Low enrollment could cost the Pittsfield school district millions in state education aid as statewide public school enrollment has decreased to its lowest level in over a decade.And whether they like it or not, the residents of Agawam may be getting a new battery storage plant in town. We explore why they can’t say no.Plus, we talk about the transparency, or lack thereof, in public records and ballot question funding.This week’s panel for The Rundown include Eric Lesser, senior counsel with WilmerHale; Greg Sukiennik, news editor for The Berkshire Eagle; and Dusty Christensen, investigations editor at The Shoestring.

The Rundown with Carrie Saldo returns with a 413 perspective of the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States government.And, we unpack the details as Southampton residents debate the potential impact of a proposed solar power field on farmland and the Barnes Aquifer.Plus, with a slate of elected officials sworn into office after November’s elections, we examine history made in the Holyoke and Springfield municipalities. This week’s panel includes Paul Tuthill, reporter emeritus; Elizabeth Román, executive editor for the NEPM newsroom; and Mike Dobbs of Focus Springfield.

Baystate Health contends with a projected $146.7 million annual shortfall in the wake of a Trump administration domestic policy bill. What could it mean for healthcare in the 413?And, a study recommends the dismantling of the Route 2 overpass in the city of North Adams. What could the costs and benefits be?Plus, while the Healy administration pushes for more accessory dwelling units statewide, the city of Pittsfield adds a community resource center and more housing for residents.This week’s panel includes Kevin Moran, executive editor for The Berkshire Eagle; Elizabeth Román, executive editor of news for NEPM; and Springfield Republican executive editor Larry Parnass.

Whether you hope to smoke, eat, or drink it, legal social consumption of cannabis is coming in Massachusetts. What could this mean for the 413?And, a report finds that western Massachusetts municipalities lack racial diversity among those holding public office.Plus, a Somerville-Holyoke business, Sublime Systems, pauses a planned expansion after the Trump administration rescinds an $87 million grant. How will this impact the local economy?We run down all of that and more this week with our panel, Anthony Cammalleri, reporter for the Greenfield Recorder; Adam Hinds, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute; and Nirvani Williams, NEPM Newsroom Reporter.

Three buildings in downtown Holyoke were impacted by devastating fires over the course of two days, leaving about 100 families displaced. We unpack the details and look at how the community is offering support.In educational news, new high school graduation requirements are outlined by the Healy administration to replace MCAS testing, which is no longer required to graduate after a statewide vote last year. We explore what it means for students in the 413.And, we explore how public money is used, and why costs keep rising, by county sheriffs.Plus, with rising safety concerns, Pittsfield seeks to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant.This week’s panel includes Maryjane Williams, reporter for the Berkshire Eagle; Eric Lesser, former state senator and senior counsel for WilmerHale; Aprell May Munford, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and Jill Kaufman, reporter for NEPM. 

Eleven different ballot questions appear to have met the requirements ahead of this week’s deadline for the 2026 ballot. We will dig into a divide on the rent control question proposed for the next election cycle along with a range of housing-related issues facing the 413. And, Springfield train ridership is down against a nationwide increase. We explore what it might mean for east-west rail.Plus, why are historians still debating Henry Knox’s march through the Berkshires? Today’s panel for The Rundown includes Jane Kaufman, community voices editor of the Berkshire Eagle; Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and Rich Parr, vice president at MassINC Polling Group.

A tragic fire at an off-campus housing complex serving UMass Amherst students leaves hundreds displaced and a community in shock. We discuss the latest in the story and how the public is responding.A boom in enrollment at vocational and technical schools nationwide makes an impact at school districts across western Massachusetts.And, an eagerly-awaited project in Springfield's north end to build a new community center falls apart, leaving questions for many. We unpack the details.Plus, Mercy Medical Center’s soon suspension of maternity care causes concerns about jobs and the future of the Springfield hospital.We’re running down all of that and more with this week’s panel, Bridgette Davis, assistant professor at UMass Amherst School of Public Policy; Greg Sukiennik, news editor for The Berkshire Eagle; and Larry Parnass, executive editor for the Springfield Republican. 

Today on The Rundown, we unpack some of Tuesday’s election results. In the contested mayoral races across the 413, voters favored incumbents. What might that continuity yield for western Mass. residents? And, we take a closer look at the city council election results in Springfield and Holyoke. Most of the incumbents who sought a return to Springfield’s council won, but several races were nail biters. Is there a message those leaders should take away from the results? Plus, municipal races in western Massachusetts are nonpartisan. But did party politics play a role in Holyoke?We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Dusty Christensen, investigations editor at The Shoestring; Matt Szafranski, editor of Western Mass Politics and Insight; and Paul Tuthill, reporter emeritus.

With four contested mayoral, city council and school committee elections in cities and towns across western Massachusetts this coming Tuesday, we rundown the ballot options.The government shutdown hits 31 days today and, barring court intervention, there will not be Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Massachusetts residents in November.  We explore what it means for locals in need.Plus, the iconic Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires was on the brink of insolvency, but now puts its financial drama to rest.We’re running down all of that and more with this week’s panel, Berkshire Eagle reporter Clarence Fanto;  Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale; Elizabeth Román, NEPM executive news editor and special guest Kaliis Smith, co-host of NEPM’s The Fabulous 413.

Beacon Hill Democrats consider oversight over what some claim is "unsustainable" spending by local sheriff's offices. "No other state agency or department overspends their budget by 22%," said state Sen. Michael Rodrigues, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.And the latest student needs assessment in Franklin County finds that while substance use is down, suicide attempts have increased. We’ll examine the findings.Plus, we’ll explore some of the effects that the Trump administration is having on higher education institutions in Massachusetts, including drops in international student enrollment and threats to federal funding.And with thousands of No Kings protests held throughout the country this past weekend, we’ll discuss the impact here in the 413.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Dave Eisenstadter, state editor for MassLive; Greenfield Recorder reporter Anthony Cammalleri; and NEPM News reporter Adam Frenier. 

Herd immunity is lacking at several schools across western Massachusetts. We’ll discuss what we know about why fewer children are being vaccinated, and the potential impact.And, a Pittsfield man is back in the Berkshires after a judge ruled he was unlawfully detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And while his lawyer says it’s unlikely, the man fears he may be arrested again. Then, a pilot program that will pay for nips, those tiny alcohol containers that seem to multiple like rabbits. Should it be replicated or is there other trash to tackle instead? Plus, what’s pawpaw fever? We’ll find out.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Greta Jochem, investigations editor at the Springfield Republican ; G. Michael Dobbs of Focus Springfield; and NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams.

Amid peace plan talks, western Massachusetts and the world marks two years since war broke out between Hamas and Israel.A controversial immigration resolution in Holyoke fails as members of the city council raise concerns about a possible loss of federal funding. We’ll unpack the details.And towns that neighbor the MGM Springfield casino have been benefitting from mitigation payments they've received — but now that windfall is coming to an end. What might the impact be? Plus, is Massachusetts in a so-called “soft secession?” And what exactly does that term mean? We’ll explain.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: John Micek, politics editor at MassLive; Aprell May Munford, Springfield Republican reporter; and political consultant Evan Garber of A.L. Cignoli and Associates.

On The Rundown, we look at government shutdown limbo. There’s a lot of uncertainty locally over the impact of the federal government shutdown. We’ll tick through some of the standing questions.  Tracing a Legionella bacteria outbreak in Pittsfield. Did healthcare officials wait too long to report what they knew? Plus, the latest MCAS testing scores are in, and some of the biggest school districts in western Mass. are lagging behind state expectations. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Berkshire Eagle Executive Editor Kevin Moran, political consultant Ryan McCollum, and NEPM reporter Karen Brown.

Freedom of speech is in the news, up for debate, and drawing protestors in at least one western Massachusetts city. What does our panel think?And $2.5 million from the state was spent. But an investigation by the Springfield Republican found not much to show for that at the Paramount Theater. What happened? How much could a potential government shutdown impact western Massachusetts? And, how the current drought impacts farmers in the 413.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Adam Hinds, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate; Dusty Christensen, investigations editor at The Shoestring; and NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman. 

On this episode of The Rundown, why the former board chair of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, a Berkshire County resident, is calling for a “paradigm shift.”A troubling pyrrhotite problem on the ground in parts of New England might be sorted out from the sky. And, some schools in the northern Berkshires are eyeing regionalization. What could the impact be? In local politics, Democrats from across the state descended on Springfield this past weekend for their party convention.We’re running down all of that and more with our panel: Jane Kaufman, community voices editor at the Berkshire Eagle; Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and Western Mass Politics & Insight Editor-in-Chief Matt Szafranski.

The 2026 elections are shaping up to have a record number of ballot questions, including one about rent control that is stirring Northampton, Easthampton and Springfield.And, as the kids are going back to school, there is much debate on the pros and cons around creating new schools versus maintaining existing schools in Pittsfield, Longmeadow and West Springfield.Plus, as students head back to school, it’s the final class bell for some as the leaders of two higher education institutions in the Berkshires, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Berkshire Community College (BCC) announce their exits.We’re running down all of that and more with this week’s panel, Greg Sukiennik, news editor of The Berkshire Eagle; Evan Garber, vice president of A.L. Cignoli & Associates; and NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams. 

Governor Maura Healey has announced policies to enable pharmacies to administer COVID vaccinations for Massachusetts residents aged 5 and over, with the cost to be covered by insurance.We discuss local labor movement protests this past weekend that join nationwide concerns regarding the erosion of worker protections, federal funding cuts, governmental overreach and other issues.And, a new state ban on so-called “junk fees” aims to make purchases and transactions more transparent in Massachusetts.Plus, we're talking bugs! As the invasive Asian long-horned beetle is on its way out, the spotted lanternfly is fluttering in, perhaps in a sky near you. We discuss the environmental impacts. We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale; former reporter Paul Tuthill; and Elizabeth Román, executive news editor for NEPM.

We examine the local impact of a recently passed state budget that could offer help to homeowners dealing with crumbling foundations.And, we discuss new developments on relicensing the Turners Falls Hydroelectric Project and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project.Plus, Beacon Hill looks at reinstating the so-called “happy hour” for Massachusetts restaurants and bars, but not everyone is advocating it. And you may be surprised to find out who has objections!We’re running down all of that and more this week with Larry Parnass, executive editor for The Springfield Republican; freelance journalist Sarah Robertson; and Elizabeth Román, NEPM executive news director.

The western Mass. Congressional delegation is outraged over President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran, but not all Democrats from the 413 agree.Plus, Westover Job Corps students rallied earlier this month to decry lost opportunities, and this week a judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Labor Department from ending the program. We will look at the importance of Job Corps here in western Mass. And, western Mass. residents and legislators were on Beacon Hill this week to advocate for digital equity and more support for rural schools. What are they seeking, and is now the time?We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Dusty Christensen, investigative editor for The Shoestring; Mike Dobbs of FOCUS Springfield; and NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams.

As a military parade made its way through the nation’s capital last Saturday, millions across the country demonstrated against what they perceive to be the Trump administration’s overreach. We discuss the local reaction and involvement in the “No Kings” protests.And, as the cost of basic food and housing continues to rise for many, we explore how people living in the four counties of western Mass. are faring.Plus, we take a look at how the communities of the 413 celebrated Juneteenth this week.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Adam Hinds, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute; Aprell May Munford, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and NEPM reporter Karen Brown.

We’re presenting a “Legal Vices” edition of The Rundown, exploring the current status of legalized gambling and marijuana in the 413.As the cannabis industry faces challenges, growers and sellers raise issue with a 1970’s law they say are holding them back. Meanwhile, municipalities find themselves dealing with so-called “gas station weed,” a product is unregulated and available to people under 21 years of age.Plus, as state lawmakers seek to place limits on sports gambling, the gaming commission offers millions in compensation to western Mass. towns to mitigate impacts that the MGM Springfield casino has had on neighboring communities.We’re running all of that and more with this week’s panel, Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican; Paul Tuthill, former Pioneer Valley bureau chief for WAMC; Adam Frenier, NEPM reporter; and former State Senator Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives seeks to reorganize the state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and oversight of legalized marijuana. We unpack the details.The decision to close the Springfield Small Business Administration Office by the Department of Government Efficiency comes under fire by state lawmakers. We explore what the closure could mean for small businesses in the 413.And, the towns surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir ask for help from the state to protect their waterways.Plus, we talk about how to identify common scams and how you might be able to get your lost money back.We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel, Jane Kaufman, community voices editor for The Berkshire Eagle; Evan Garber, vice president of Anthony L. Cignoli Associates; and Chris Maza, executive editor for Reminder Publishing.

Gov. Maura Healey warns that President Donald Trump’s battle with Harvard University could cost the whole state of Massachusetts millions. What are the potential economic impacts in western Massachusetts?Easthampton is in the national spotlight as a federal judge blocks the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and fire employees.A vigil in Springfield marks five years since George Floyd’s murder, and speakers call for the protection of reforms made since.Plus, arts organizations in Berkshire County form an alliance in infrastructure and housing advocacy. We’re running down all of that and more with this week’s panel: Dave Eisenstadter, state editor for MassLive; Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle; Aprell May Munford, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and NEPM reporter Adam Frenier.

On this episode of The Rundown: Police and the district attorney in Franklin County turn property seized in a cannabis bust into millions in revenue; how are they spending it? We’ll unpack the details.And lead from old phone lines found in manhole sediment has electrical workers and others concerned about health and environmental impacts. We’ll dig into what’s known.Plus, many nursing homes in the Berkshires are spending less than 10 dollars a day per resident on food. Why is it happening and what can be done about it? We’re running down all of that and more this week with our panel: Dusty Christensen, investigative editor for The Shoestring; Springfield Republican Investigations Editor Greta Jochem, Western Mass Politics & Insight Editor-In-Chief Matt Szafranski; and Mike Dobbs of FOCUS Springfield.

Beekeepers across the nation are reeling with the news that over 1 million colonies have been lost in the last 10 months. What could this mean for agriculture in the 413 and beyond? We explore.And, is senior housing the new direction for the long-dormant Berkshire Mall? We unpack what its future might hold.Plus, the 15 year battle to bring a controversial biomass plant to the city of Springfield gets a new lease on life.This week’s panel includes Jim Kinney, reporter for the Springfield Republican Newspaper; Chris Larabee, reporter for the Greenfield Recorder; and NEPM reporter Karen Brown.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists react to ICE agents making arrests in downtown Great Barrington. We unpack what we know so far.Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration are impacting the arts and culture scene in the Berkshires. We explore how the local economy could be affected as the summer season approaches.Plus, in the wake of Connecticut River floods of 2023, we discuss how cities and towns along its banks are preparing for future environmental challenges. Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle; political consultant Anthony Cignoli; Laura Colarusso, editor of The CommonWealth Beacon; and NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman.

Today on The Rundown, panelists reflect the first 100 days of the Trump administration, and how its policies have had local impact in the 413 thus far.And, we unpack a new report that looks at the contributions of Latino population to the state’s economy over the last ten years, despite ongoing gaps between Latino residents and other Massachusetts populations.Plus, concerns emerge as the Holyoke School District prepares to revert from state to local control. Today’s panel includes reporter emeritus Paul Tuthill; Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale and former state senator; and NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams.

Today on The Rundown, panelists examine the legacy of Pope Francis, how the residents of western Mass. view his papacy and his impact on the church here in the 413.And, local veterans express concern to policymakers about cuts to services as many municipalities wrestle with their budgets for the next fiscal year in the wake of major slashes to federal funding. Plus, advocates push the state to consider eliminating life without parole sentences.In for Carrie Saldo, NEPM reporter Adam Frenier discusses these topics and more with Larry Parnass, executive editor of the Springfield Republican newspaper; Matt Szafranski, editor-in-chief of Western Mass Politics and Insight; and NEPM reporter Karen Brown.

This week, some local organizations and towns have received news that federal funding grants have been cut. The email from the Trump administration goes something like this: “Your award was terminated.”Western Massachusetts libraries, museums and historical societies are getting word out that tens of thousands of expected dollars in funding won’t be available for certain arts events or digital archiving, at least for now. We also catch up on how towns and cities are coping with rescinded FEMA grants for disaster prevention.Plus, we discuss how a new 10% tariff on goods could have local impacts on businesses and consumers.In for Carrie Saldo, NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman covers these topics and more with reporter G. Mike Dobbs of FOCUS Springfield; MassLive political editor John Micek; and political consultant Ryan McCollum.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss proposed federal funding cuts that could hit schools in Springfield and other western Massachusetts districts hard. What options, if any, does the city have?In other education news, we analyze why leadership turnover has reached critical mass at some Berkshire County school districts.Plus, the latest roadbump in the ongoing saga of a long-proposed economic development project in the town of Adams. Today’s panel includes Kevin Moran, executive editor of the Berkshire Eagle; Adam Hinds, former state senator and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate; and NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman.

In Holyoke, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia seeks to garner $1.8 million through Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), a voluntary program for tax-exempt organizations to contribute payments to the city. Will it stick?Plus, two different approaches for creating more places to live in the 413, accessory dwellings and affordable housing. We rundown the latest on both. Today’s panel includes Claire O’Callahan, affordable housing reporter at the Berkshire Eagle; Evan Garber, vice president of A.L. Cignoli Associates; and NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams.

This week, Gov. Maura Healey was in the 413 announcing $8.4 billion in new transportation and infrastructure funding. She says this package won’t raise taxes, but how’s that possible? What’s the money for? We’ll dig in and find out.Despite uncertainty on federal funding, Healey says the commuter rail from western Massachusetts to Boston is on track for continued development. And, we discuss how school districts in Springfield, Pittsfield, Northampton, Belchertown and more are working to make ends meet this budget season. Plus, will we finally have regulations for cannabis cafes and other social consumption venues this year? This week’s panel includes G. Michael Dobbs, host of Government Matters on Focus Springfield; Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle; and NEPM reporter Adam Frenier.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss Gov. Maura Healey’s plans to provide relief for Massachusetts residents with high energy bills. The Democratic National Committee has elected a new executive director with ties to western Massachusetts,  Roger Lau. We offer our analysis on this news as the Springfield Republican editorial board says that Democrats should not “play dead” in the face of President Donald Trump’s agenda. And, how has a judge shortage hampered legal proceedings in 413? We dig in and find out.This week’s panel includes Larry Parnass, executive editor for the Springfield Republican; Matt Szafranski, editor-in-chief for Western Mass Politics and Insight; and Elizabeth Román, executive editor for NEPM News.

Today on The Rundown, panelists react to President Donald Trump's address to Congress about the savings the Trump administration says it has identified through its efforts and how federal funding cuts are impacting western Massachusetts.And, we discuss state demands for the Southwick School District to amend its bullying policy following a civil rights violation.Plus, it’s time for another round of Rundown Pundown as we discuss the latest cannabis news in the 413.This week’s panel includes former State Senator Eric Lesser; Greg Sukiennik, news editor at The Berkshire Eagle; and Springfield Republican reporter Aprell May Munford.

It has been increasingly difficult to find a primary care physician in Massachusetts, but why is the issue worse in the 413 than the rest of the state?And, while area manufacturers look to local vocational and technical schools for recruiting new talent, many school districts struggle with teacher burnout and attracting new educators.Plus, panelists break down the battle between employers and employees over remote working.This week’s panel includes Springfield Republican reporters Jim Kinney and Aprell May Munford and NEPM reporter Karen Brown