News from the 413 retrospective, part 1

By Carrie Saldo

Published December 13, 2024 at 11:41 AM EST

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NEPM News Managing Editor Elizabeth Román, left, Springfield Republican reporter Aprell May-Munford, and The Rundown host Carrie Saldo at NEPM Studios in Springfield on Friday, Dec. 13.

What were the biggest news stories of 2024 in western Mass.? The Rundown is recapping some of the most impactful events of the year — and discuss and debate where those issues might end up in 2025.

In part one of two, panelists take on the big news in local education. After nearly a decade in state receivership, Holyoke Public Schools is transitioning back to local control. In Springfield Public Schools, the search for a new superintendent was complicated by the abrupt early retirement of Daniel Warwick.

Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools faced a lawsuit from a teacher alleging civil rights violations. And in Southwick Regional Schools, six eighth graders face criminal charges for allegedly creating an online group chat facilitating a mock slave auction.

And, on the higher education front, community college became tuition-free for all Massachusetts residents.

Plus, what will it take to disagree respectively?

This week's panelists include Elizabeth Román, managing editor at NEPM, and Springfield Republican reporter Aprell May-Munford.