HEALTH

This week on The Rundown, our panel takes on the local impacts of the federal government shutdown, a Legionella bacteria outbreak in Pittsfield, and what the latest MCAS test scores mean for Massachusetts students.

During a press conference held at Johnny Appleseed Park in Springfield, a partnership between the city and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department was announced to address the needle problem in the city’s parks.

We talk to doctors from the Hilltown Community Heath Center about their anniversary, preview the Festival of the Hills in Conway, and learn about the Trappist System from Mr. Universe.

Massachusetts lawmakers are preparing for an impending federal shutdown Wednesday if Congressional Democrats and Republicans don’t reach an agreement on a vital funding bill.

The Justice Department is ramping up its efforts to root out health care fraud, expanding a regional strike force into Boston.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation analyzed the impact of two new Medicaid recertification and work rules passed by Congress, which are likely to shrink the number of MassHealth recipients.

Concerns are being raised over declining conditions for Western Massachusetts nursing home residents as for-profit operators cash in.

The Rundown with Carrie Saldo is back! On today's episode, we discuss protected access to COVID vaccines in Massachusetts, evolving labor movements, a statewide ban on “junk fees” and the status of invasive insects in the 413.

We learn about all the community-forward healthcare that is provided by local organization Tapestry Health, learn about the invasive spotted lantern fly with NEPM reporter Philip Bishop and Jennifer Foreman Orth of MDAR and check in with Rep. Jim McGovern.

Western Mass has among the lowest vaccine rates in the state. Officials say vaccine hesitancy is likely to get worse under Trump administration, which is attacking vaccines through rhetoric and funding cuts.