Claim OwnershipThe Rundown with Carrie Saldo
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Dig into the week’s most important stories and know what’s up in western Mass. Join Carrie Saldo for The Rundown — where reporters from newsrooms across the region recap the biggest headlines and share their takes on the news and events that shaped the week in the 413.
What do you think was the most important news event of the week? Share your thoughts at 413-225-4922 or via email at therundown@nepm.org.
70 Episodes
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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.
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