Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss concerns among western Massachusetts immigrant advocacy groups about the possible end of a key federal program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), under Donald Trump’s presidency.We dig into the latest on the push for a passenger rail across northern Massachusetts, the Northern Tier project. Will this momentum catch wind after finding success from the West-East Rail movement?And, the head football coach fired by UMass Amherst this week is due a $1.4 million buyout from the school, according to a spokesperson. Plus, the holiday season is upon us, and we discuss some of the ways you can get into the giving spirit by helping those in need heading into Hunger Awareness Week.This week’s panel includes NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams; G. Michael Dobbs, reporter at The Reminder; and Ryan McCollum, principal of RMC Strategies.

A local healthcare provider, Baystate Health, cuts over 130 leadership jobs. We break down what it means for the workforce and healthcare in our area.Today, computer access is extremely important to stay connected, expand job opportunities, and so much more. The city of Springfield looks to ensure digital equity for all of its residents, and we discuss the next steps toward that goal.And, with Republicans securing majorities in the U.S. Congress, we dig into why it’s relevant to western Massachusetts. Plus, with a rise in counterfeit pills in Massachusetts, we look at the NEPM newsroom’s new series on methadone. Despite high rates of success, for many patients trying to escape addiction, why is it so hard to get?This week’s panel includes Larry Parnass, executive editor for the Springfield Republican; Matt Szafranski, editor-in-chief of Western Mass Politics and Insight; and NEPM reporter Karen Brown.

We dive into the aftermath of the 2024 election and take a look at what voters, both nationally and locally, had to say with the ballots they cast. Nationally, voters went big on President-elect Donald Trump. While Bay State voters were true to their blue roots with big support for Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump made gains. And, all three U.S. congressional incumbents, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Richard Neal, and Rep. James McGovern, kept their seats.And, in the five ballot questions that were on the docket, three things will change and two will remain the same. What does all of that mean and where do we go from here? We dig in and find out.This week’s panel includes Adam Hinds, chief executive officer for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate; Eric Lesser, senior counsel at WilmerHale; and reporter Jim Kinney of the Springfield Republican.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists wade into the state and congressional races on the ballot next week. Three incumbent congressional seat holders have challengers. We rundown what’s known about Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s race against Republican John Deaton, Rep. Jim McGovern’s race against Independent Cornelius Shea, and Rep. Richard Neal’s race against Independent Nadia Milleron.And, turning to Beacon Hill, there are three Massachusetts House seats and one senate seat. Visit NEPM’s comprehensive voter guide for information on the candidates and ballot questions.This week’s panel includes Sam Hudzik, news director for NEPM; reporter emeritus Paul Tuthill; and Berkshire Eagle reporter Clarence Fanto.

Today on The Rundown, we host a ballot question extravaganza. Massachusetts voters will decide on different proposals this time round the ballot box. We help you dissect the ballot bids including auditing state legislature; removing MCAS testing, or Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, as a graduation requirement; unionization for rideshare workers; legalization of some psychedelics; and increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers. This week’s panel includes NEPM reporters Adam Frenier, Jill Kaufman, Nirvani Williams, Karen Brown and Nancy Eve Cohen.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists unpack yesterday’s congressional debate between incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Warren and her Republican challenger John Deaton.For decades, a federal consent decree has governed hiring practices in many Massachusetts police and fire departments. With those court-ordered hiring rules set to expire, panelists unpack concerns of 'backsliding' on diversity in the ranks. And, from so-called “Elephant Snot” to GPS darts, new gadgets are being introduced in western Massachusetts to combat graffiti and high-speed chases. We discuss the rise in technology in policing.Plus, panelists weigh in on the aftermath of the eviction of an encampment in Northampton.This week’s panel includes NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams; Namu Sampath, reporter for the Springfield Republican; and independent journalist Dusty Christensen.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists discuss protests against proposed logging plans as forest management concerns arise for Notch Reservoir, Mount Washington and October Mountain in the Berkshires.In Franklin County, pushback on proposed plans to use the Connecticut River for hydropower for another 50 years following a state-hosted informational event on hydropower relicensing left residents with questions. And, we touch on protests in Hampshire County after a tent encampment of unhoused people was threatened with removal by the city of Northampton. We catch the latest on the developing story, break down the statewide problem and question what limited options are available for the unhoused community.Plus, scoops and predictions for the coming week…This week’s panel includes Elizabeth Román, managing editor for NEPM; Sten Spinella, reporter with The Berkshire Eagle; and independent journalist Sarah Robertson.

Today on The Rundown with Carrie Saldo, panelists react to Governor Maura Healey’s executive power to implement a new gun law in Massachusetts. This action swiftly bypasses opponent suspension efforts against tighter gun restriction.More details about Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s recent drunk driving arrest, and the questions that remain. We digest the disciplinary actions taken following the incident and other consequences he may face.And the mystery is solved! Project Skydrop’s nearly $30,000 golden treasure has been found in the western Massachusetts woods.This week’s panelists include Karen Brown, reporter for NEPM; Aprell May Munford, reporter for The Republican; and Matt Szafranski of Western Mass. Politics & Insight.

As Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi returns to work after his arrest for driving while intoxicated, panelists discuss what’s to come as this news develops.A recently declassified memo clears Ethel Rosenberg for being a Soviet spy, and her family here in western Massachusetts wants the government to exonerate her. What is behind dipping scores Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)? We dig in and find out.Plus, The Big E sees record-breaking attendance causing safety concerns.This week’s panel includes NEPM reporter Jill Kaufman; Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle reporter and columnist; and Heather Morrison, MassLive managing news producer.

Town clerks are in the midst of election 2024. Some are trying to streamline the work of counting ballots, so what might that mean in one small town?Get inside a new cybersecurity center in Springfield that is meant to monitor threats and train students for jobs in cybersecurity.What does the state climate chief do, and what brought her to western Mass. this week? Plus an update on the cleanup of the Housatonic River.This week’s panel includes NEPM reporter Nancy Eve Cohen, reporter and columnist G. Michael Dobbs, and Greenfield Recorder reporter Chris Larabee.

After taking a few days to simmer, panelists reflect on this week’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Shortages in affordable housing are impacting western Massachusetts residents from Springfield to the Berkshires. What is possible under the state’s new Affordable Homes Act, and what obstacles remain? We dig in and find out. And, with psychedelics on the ballot and a shakeup at the top of the Cannabis Control Commission, we discuss the evolving social and political climate surrounding medicinal and recreational drugs. This week’s panel includes Sam Hudzik, NEPM news director; Jim Kinney, reporter at The Republican and MassLive, and Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle.

The Rundown with Carrie Saldo is back from summer vacation, and ready to dig into the headlines of the week.Turnout was low for Monday’s state primary elections. What impact did that have on some of the local races throughout western Mass.? And looking statewide: The race for Massachusetts U.S. Senate is now decided. Republican John Deaton will be challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Plus, after arrests and a tense end to last semester, UMass Amherst students return with conflicted feelings. This week’s panel includes, NEPM reporter Nirvani Williams, reporter and columnist G. Mike Dobbs, and retired WAMC Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill.