The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor.

Good morning Jill and Miles… here’s a list of stories we can discuss Wednesday morning. Call us at 413-528-3408

1. Gov. Charlie Baker has announced a “stop the spread” initiative whereby free COVID19 testing sites will be extended through June: https://theberkshireedge.com/baker-targeted-free-covid-19-testing-sites-expanded-to-june/

2. Meanwhile, Ed Abrahams, vice chair of the Great Barrington Selectboard has outlined how the town could allocate its $3 million in marijuana revenues, including lowering the tax rate: https://theberkshireedge.com/what-happens-to-great-barringtons-pot-revenue/

3. Cannabis farming could also be coming to the town of Sandisfield (population 1,000)… where a large-scale cannabis growing operation is being considered. It’s caused a ruckus between full-time residents and second-home owners: https://theberkshireedge.com/proposal-for-large-scale-cannabis-grow-facility-stirs-the-pot-in-sandisfield/

4. Our business writer Julie Dixon takes a look at the potential of sports betting being introduced at Berkshire bars and restaurants, as the Legislature seems poised to permit it: https://theberkshireedge.com/business-monday-is-sports-betting-coming-to-berkshire-bars-and-restaurants/

5. The stresses of the pandemic have also produced a movement — “Change Berkshire Culture” — to improve the working conditions of employees of the vaunted “cultural economy,” the museums and performing arts organizations: https://theberkshireedge.com/can-an-instagram-initiative-change-berkshire-culture/

6. And we’d like to call attention to a new series of articles about Pittsfield history, as seen through the eyes of Bob Connors who summons up in his narratives what it was like growing up in the Berkshire city … he is a Berkshire version of Jean Shepherd who used to broadcast his stories of a childhood in Indiana. https://theberkshireedge.com/recollections-of-a-pittsfield-kid-making-lemonade-from-lemons/