EDUCATION

More than six years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts students continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels in both English language arts and math, and chronic absenteeism rates remain high.

Today on The Rundown panelists discuss the recent cyberattack on Springfield schools, the status of lawsuits involving a Springfield courthouse and MGM casino, and the root of data center discontent.

Tuesday night Springfield, Mass. school officials announced there had been a data breach in the cyber attack that happened around Labor Day, possibly of staff social security numbers.

After a week off due to a cyber attack Springfield Public Schools welcomed students back on Monday.

A small but growing number of public libraries across Massachusetts are reaching residents by bringing books directly to readers in a truck. These mobile libraries — known as bookmobiles — are attempting to bridge accessibility needs for library patrons who can’t easily go to a branch.

Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno would not give details on the incident but called it a "Level 4," or severe cyber attack.

All public schools in Springfield, Mass., will be closed Tuesday, September 8, following a cyber incident.

A pilot program of an AI teaching model will start being used at the end of September, in a single classroom at a public middle school in Springfield, Massachusetts. Some educators see it as an opportunity to address learning challenges and engage students, while others say the decision to use this AI program was made too quickly — and independently.

We visit Franklin County Technical School as their school year begins and we speak to 'Twin Peaks' star Dana Ashbrook.

We check out Gardening the Community to see initiatives to increase access to social services for people in need, see how Hampshire Next is seeking to preserve some of the mission of Hampshire College ahead of its closure, and McGovern with Rep. Jim McGovern.