Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joins Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre on this episode of So That Reminds Me for an in-depth discussion on the major issues shaping the state and Western Massachusetts in 2026.

Driscoll discusses the Healey-Driscoll administration's proposal to suspend the Massachusetts gas tax and weighs in on the controversial Hampden County courthouse project in Springfield, growing concerns over Proposition 2½ overrides and efforts to address the Massachusetts housing crisis as residents face rising costs and affordability challenges.

The conversation also covers the state audit and legislative transparency, data center development across Massachusetts and local control over proposed projects in communities such as Holyoke, Westfield and Agawam, and the administration's response to potential federal SNAP benefit cuts. Driscoll also reflects on the accomplishments of the Healey-Driscoll administration's first term, her priorities moving forward and her approach to the election season.

In addition to the interview, Hackett and Feyre discuss other top stories from around Western Massachusetts, including The Big E, regional 9/11 memorial events, Springfield Public Schools' recovery from a cyberattack and data breach, local communities' responses to data center proposals and other news impacting residents throughout the region.

• 00:30 Welcome
• 05:52 Western Massachusetts Headlines
• 14:45 Interview: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll
• 15:40 Massachusetts Gas Tax Relief
• 19:26 Springfield Courthouse Debate
• 21:37 Proposition 2½ and School Funding
• 24:05 Massachusetts Housing Affordability
• 28:40 State Audit and Government Transparency
• 29:52 Data Centers and Community Impact
• 30:58 Supplemental Budget and SNAP Benefits
• 33:46 Healey-Driscoll Administration Accomplishments
• 40:34 Wrap-Up

In this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni to discuss the work of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, youth outreach, public safety and community engagement across Western Massachusetts.

Gulluni talks about his office’s youth programs, including Hoop Up Springfield and HERizon, the importance of building relationships with young people and why approaches such as “Scared Straight” may not be the best way to prevent crime. He also discusses other community outreach programs, how their effectiveness can be measured and the importance of connecting with residents throughout Hampden County.

The conversation also covers the Hampden County courthouse, including Gulluni’s concerns about the process behind the selection of the Liberty Junction bid as well as Springfield’s recent multi-agency public safety initiative, which resulted in more than 50 arrests, more than 200 motor vehicle citations and firearm seizures over a two-day period.

Ryan and Tyler also recap the Sept. 1 Massachusetts primary election, including several key results in Western Massachusetts, U.S. Senate and Congressional races and the South Hadley tax override vote.

• Welcome: 0:30
• Primary election results: 1:08
• District Attorney Anthony Gulluni: 10:17
• Wrap up: 45:09

Ahead of the upcoming election for Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District, So That Reminds Me spoke with Democratic congressional challenger Jeromie Whalen and independent candidate Nadia Milleron about the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, their campaigns and the issues facing voters in the district. The interviews were conducted at Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual picnic.

Whalen and Milleron discuss their candidacies, priorities and views on the issues as they seek to represent Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District in Congress.

Note: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was invited to participate in an interview at the sheriff’s picnic, and other invitations to participate in an interview for this podcast were unanswered.

• Welcome: 0:30
• Top news in Western Mass.: 1:07
• Democratic candidate Jeromie Whalen: 13:10
• Independent candidate Nadia Milleron: 22:24
• Wrap up: 33:52