The Rundown with Carrie Saldo
NEPM PodcastsThe Rundown with Carrie Saldo
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.
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.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss rent control as western Mass. towns see tenant rights advocacy, how school districts are addressing infrastructure needs, inconsistent leadership in higher education and continued delays from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss legal social consumption coming to Mass., a lack in racial diversity in western Mass. public offices, and stalled development of Sublime Systems following a grant rescission.
Panelists break down the latest on the fires that devastated the UMass Amherst community, a rise in enrollment in vocational schools, collapsed plans for a long-awaited community center in Springfield, concerns about Mercy Medical Center’s future and more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists breakdown Tuesday’s elections throughout western Massachusetts, which largely favored incumbents in contested races.
On The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss changes to the MassWildlife board, how an aerial survey may solve New England's pyrrhotite problem, why school districts in the Berkshires are eyeing regionalization, and what happened at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Springfield.
We discuss protections to access to the COVID vaccine in Massachusetts, evolving labor movements, a statewide ban on “junk fees” and the status of invasive insects in western Massachusetts.
Today on The Rundown, we discuss how a new state budget could aid local homeowners with crumbling foundations, relicensing hydropower facilities in Franklin County, talks of reinstating “happy hour” for Mass. restaurants and bars and more.
Today on The Rundown, we discuss local reaction to U.S. strikes in Iran, threats waged against Job Corps, local advocacy for digital equity and public schooling in rural areas and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss local involvement in the “No Kings” protests, how people in western Mass. are surviving under rising costs of living, and how communities in the 413 celebrated Juneteenth.
Today on The Rundown, Carrie Saldo and panelists discuss the legal landscape of cannabis and gambling in western Massachusetts.
Panelists discuss the evolving Cannabis Control Commission, DOGE’s decision to close Springfield’s Small Business Administration, a call for more water protections for the Quabbin Reservoir and much more.
Today on the Rundown, Carrie Saldo and panelists discuss how a large Franklin County drug bust became a windfall for law enforcement, toxic lead in local phone lines,the concerningly low costs of nursing home food, and more!
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss the possible consequences and solutions to massive bee colony collapse, plans to repurpose the vacant Berkshire Mall for senior housing, the latest in a controversial biomass plant development in Springfield and much more.
Today on The Rundown, Carrie Saldo and panelists discuss ICE presence in western Mass., how federal funding cuts could impact the local arts and culture economy, how municipalities prepare for future climate disasters and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss the first 100 days of the Trump administration, the Mass. Latino population’s significant contributions to the state’s economy, returning Holyoke schools from state to local control and much more.
In for Carrie Saldo, NEPM reporter Adam Frenier and panelists discuss the local impacts and legacy of Pope Francis, concern for veteran services as federal funding cuts continue, advocacy to eliminate life without parole sentencing and much more.
In for Carrie Saldo, Jill Kaufman discusses with panelists about continued federal funding cuts to library and historical services and disaster prevention in western Mass. Plus, how a 10% tariff will impact local commerce.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss large federal cuts looming over schools across western Massachusetts, the high leadership turnover rate in Berkshire County schools, the latest on economic development in Adams and much more.
Today on The Rundown, we discuss how the city of Holyoke hopes to gather funds from tax-exempt organizations with voluntary Payments in Lieu of Taxes and how the state plans to combat the housing crisis in western Massachusetts.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss Gov. Maura Healey’s new $8.4 billion package for transportation and infrastructure, continued development for the west-east rail despite federal funding uncertainty, public school budget strains, evolving cannabis regulations and more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss Gov. Healey’s plan to combat high energy bills, the local ties to the DNC’s new executive director, the legal impacts of a judge shortage in western Mass. and much more.
Today on The Rundown, we discuss President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, state demands for Southwick School District to update its bullying policy and discuss the latest in the cannabis industry.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss the struggle to find primary care in western Mass., educator shortages as teachers face burnout, employer efforts to bring employees back into the office and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss ice and snow removal shortfalls this winter, take a closer look at a donation made to MCLA, analyze public opinion on the Trump administration so far, and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss the great legacy of local Black author James Weldon Johnson, discuss the absence of fluoride in drinking water in the Berkshires, remember the life of Bishop Bryant Robinson and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss investigative reporting on alleged child sexual abuse at some western Mass. Catholic dioceses, the impacts of ongoing cutbacks at Baystate Health, updates in the west-east rail project and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists continue to digest the many executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, the cost of living in mobile home parks, the prospect of a new courthouse in Springfield, the future of municipal leadership around western Massachusetts and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists digest President Donald Trump’s first week back in office, and how his many executive orders could impact western Massachusetts.
Panelists discuss Gov. Healey’s State of the Commonwealth, the lack of EV chargers in the Berkshires, the consequences of decreased food support for low-income people in western Mass., gender inequality in sober homes, and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists unpack newly released footage of Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s OUI arrest, a potential ban on fossil fuels for construction projects in Northampton, a $20M deal to preserve 2,400 acres of land and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists continue a news retrospective for 2024 by discussing efforts to clean up toxic waste, how western Mass. institutions begin repatriation processes of Native remains and artifacts, and the ongoing impacts of a deregulated climate.
What were the biggest news stories of 2024 in western Mass.?
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss why wildfire severity has increased in western Massachusetts, how a long-closed landfill in Windsor can teach lessons on climate resiliency, how some cases of alleged deed fraud are mysteriously linked to a Florida prison, and much more.
Today on The Rundown, we weigh in on concerns among immigrant advocacy groups about the possible removal of the Temporary Protected Status program, the latest push for the Northern Tier rail project, a $1.4 million buyout owed to a fired UMass football coach, and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, we discuss Baystate Health’s giant job cut, the rise in counterfeit pills and need for methadone access, and how Springfield is working to increase digital access for its residents.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists weigh in on this week’s election results in both national and statewide.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, we breakdown the state and congressional races that will be on the ballot for residents of western Massachusetts.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, a full panel of 5 NEPM dissect and analyze the ballot questions you will see when you visit the polling station.
Today on The Rundown, panelists weigh in on yesterday’s congressional debate, the expiration of a federal consent decree to govern hiring practices in police and fire departments, the rise in technology to combat graffiti and high-speed chases, and updates from the eviction of a Northampton ‘recovery camp.’
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss Gov. Maura Healey’s new gun law, what consequences face Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi after his O.U.I arrest, the golden treasure hunt has been resolved in the woods of western Mass., and much more.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss what’s to come after Hampden County’s sheriff was arrested for drunk driving, why local family members of Ethel Rosenberg seek to exonerate her of being a Soviet spy, what could be impacting low MCAS scores, and much more.
This week on The Rundown, a look at how town clerks are modernizing elections, a new cybersecurity center in Springfield, and an update on the cleanup of the Housatonic River.
This week on The Rundown, panelists discuss the presidential debate, solutions to affordable housing scarcity, what’s new with controlled substances, and much more.
The Rundown is back to discuss the results of the Massachusetts primary elections, both local and statewide, and the start of a new school year at UMass Amherst, where students have conflicted feelings.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign stop in Pittsfield, the nomination of local federal prosecutor Deepika Shukla to the Superior Court, the burden of past-due property taxes on Massachusetts homeowners, the Summer Olympics and more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss the Republican National Convention, a new mobile methadone clinic in the region, grim allegations of patient maltreatment in western Massachusetts, and the latest on the MIFA Victory Theater restoration project.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss Mass. democrats’ support for President Joe Biden’s candidacy, the local struggle under the Cannabis Control Commission, the state of smalltown commerce, the rise of AI development, and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss the growing need for local flood mitigation, the future of reliable regional broadband internet access, and how western Massachusetts can increase access to the outdoors.
Panelists discuss the shortage of primary care doctors in the region, the possibility of state support for the journalism industry, the future of accessible public transportation, and the latest in changes in Holyoke Public Schools.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss racial segregation in Springfield and Holyoke schools, funding challenges faced by Pittsfield Schools as students choose other districts, the latest in the “Gender Queer” book controversy, and much more.
On The Rundown, panelists discuss use of the state’s opioid remediation funds, the ongoing divestment debate at UMass Amherst and Williams College, Hampshire Regional Schools new superintendent’s controversial history, and much more.
This week on The Rundown, panelists discuss ongoing tensions in the Springfield School District as disparaging remarks made by outgoing superintendent circulate on social media, how an ex-cryptocurrency executive and convicted felon has impacted real estate in Lenox, the latest results in UMass Amherst public opinion polling, and much more.
This week on the Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss the lawsuit to challenge the Controlled Substance Act by western Massachusetts cannabis couriers, the newly elected Springfield School District Superintendent, and LGBTQ+ social and legal climates.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists debate and discuss the UMass faculty vote of no confidence in Chancellor Javier Reyes, the evolving local housing market, and EPA assistance at the Ludlow Mills redevelopment project.
Today on The Rundown, panelists cover administrative responses to pro-Palestine encampments at UMass Amherst and Williams College, a recent civil rights complaint against Southwick Regional school districts leaders, varying safety ratings in local hospitals, and more.
Today on the Rundown, panelists dig into pro-Palestine protests on local college campuses, alleged discrimination against Palestinian and Arab UMass students, and the search for new superintendents at two local school districts.
Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss a controversy about potential state border tolls, the latest plans for connecting eastern and western Massachusetts by a future rail system, how the changing climate is impacting local residents, and more.
On The Rundown, we discuss the potential for local access to the Quabbin Reservoir drinking supply, the budget deficits facing many regional schools, and the termination of a key rail car manufacturing contract.
Panelists discuss a defamation and discrimination lawsuit out of Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, the future of psychedelics in Massachusetts, Springfield’s first Black police superintendent, and much more from the NEPM newsroom.
Panelists discuss the new North Adams Regional Hospital, PFAS manufacturers under legal fire for environmental contamination, the upcoming eclipse, and more reporting highlights from the NENC.
The panel discusses the latest with criminal neglect charges at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, the move for local control of Holyoke public schools, and the denial of federal funds for local counties impacted by flooding and much more.
This week on The Rundown, panelists discuss what happens after alleged racist student bullying, the development of clean energy infrastructure, and more from the NEPM newsroom and the NENC.
This week on The Rundown, panelists discuss impacts of gunfire at Springfield Sci-Tech, Gov. Healey’s effort towards economic development and marijuana pardons, the race for the 3rd Berkshire District and much more.
Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss Super Tuesday, the union strike at MASS MoCA, Gov. Maura Healey’s recent $20 million campaign targeting veteran homelessness, and much more from the NEPM newsroom and media partners.
Host Carrie Saldo and panelists discuss expectations for Super Tuesday, vacant properties owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese, the fate of to-go cocktails, and community activism with the W.E.B Du Bois Center.
Guest host Jill Kaufman talks to panelists about racist allegations at Southwick Regional School, Gov. Maura Healy's Supreme Judicial Court nomination, and more. Carrie Saldo interviews local activist Mpress Nembhard.
It’s prognosticating and postulating as host Carrie Saldo gathers a group of journalists to discuss what they think the standout stories of 2024 will be!
This week Carrie Saldo talks with panelists about connecting western Mass. to Boston, local control of Holyoke schools, demand for mail-in ballots, and abolitionist David Ruggles.
The debut episode of The Rundown with Carrie Saldo
Rent control, challenges in education, 'social' cannabis use
September 12, 202529min 27sec
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.