Friday, October 30, 2026

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JOHN BREASTED: The Great Barrington Selectboard’s credibility gap

Transparency does not require officials to reveal legal strategy. It does require them to tell voters when the town has been sued.

STEPHEN COHEN: Knowledge and responsibilities

I believe people must be told the truth in all circumstances.

Don’t miss the Sheffield Fair

Known for its old-time hospitality, accessibility, and emphasis on kids and multi-generational families, come join us for this year’s 24th annual Sheffield Fair at the Sheffield Town Park, Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I WITNESS: They’re here

There are few songs more timely or significant in this American moment than “Immigration Man,” as ICE agents and the unconstitutionally deployed United States military flood the streets of every village, hamlet, town, and metropolis of our country.

VIEWPOINTS: The gravitational allure of fascism: Why fascists like Hitler and Trump are so popular

As with Hitler, we get the distinct impression that many in the crowds at Trump rallies see him as a superman.

CDCSB is hosting a free End of Summer Block Party in downtown Great Barrington

The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire is working hard address the housing crisis by creating and preserving affordable housing so that our community can remain strong, inclusive, and sustainable.

Defending the Smithsonian’s integrity: Two lessons in courage

The Smithsonian is not a political playground, and its integrity is not negotiable.

BRIGHT SPOTS: Week of August 27, 2025

Standing up for Social Security, the CDC, and the Smithsonian!

I am an American — an editorial affirmation

I don’t care what party you identify with, if you think all Americans should have the right to vote, make some noise. All true Americans who love democracy and the principles of freedom for all need to band together.

I WITNESS: Hanky-panky

Don’t get excited, and don’t be disappointed—this is not a column about sexual exploits, not mine or anyone else’s.

Clarifying Stockbridge’s role in matters with Housatonic Water Works and the Massachusetts DPU

Despite a Berkshire Edge story suggesting otherwise, the Stockbridge Town Administrator writes that the town has not joined in litigation against HWW other than its original intervention in proceedings before the DPU.

Former President Jimmy Carter warned of an apartheid-like system in Palestine

Our tax dollars and political cover help sustain a strategy of destruction and removal rather than one of reconciliation and peace.

Trump treats Putin like the alpha male in their relationship, and it is embarrassing

When the heads of European countries, the E.U., NATO, and President Zelensky of Ukraine came together to discuss how to end Russian aggression, at a break in the meeting, Trump announced that he was calling Putin. Why would he do that?

What a contrast!

Let’s hope the Nobel Committee will look behind the curtain, which will reveal the actual moral vacuousness of our pretend Wizard.

State Rep. Leigh Davis is the real deal!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Rep. Davis, for helping my 73-year-old sister when she had nowhere else to go.

When museums are told to tell only one story

Once curatorial independence is compromised, the slide toward state-approved history can be quick.

The abuse of language in political discussions (not only about Gaza)

What Clayton Miller calls "the pollution of language" (I prefer to call it the abuse of language) is a corrosive problem in discussions of political subjects, too often indulged in by partisans of all political stripes.