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.

This week we talk about: 1. Elections, elections, elections

Of particular interest to Berkshire County residents was the race for Berkshire County DA…. and in the end, the outsider prevailed. Elizabeth Harrington was the apparent winner by a margin of 3 to 1:

https://theberkshireedge.com/harrington-apparent-winner-in-contentious-da-contest/

Meanwhile, in New York State’s District 19, just over the border from the Berkshires Democrat Antonio Delgado unseated Trump worshipping Republican incumbent John Faso.

https://theberkshireedge.com/mission-accomplished-delgado-repeals-and-replaces-faso-in-ny19/

And in other election news, Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Gov. Charlie Baker were re-elected.

And on the ballot side, Question 1, which would have mandated nurses to patient ratios at hospitals, was defeated.

1. State aid for rural schools

Thanks for the efforts of State Sen. Adam Hinds, the state will add $1.5 million to aid rural schools in Western Massachusetts who often struggle to meet the costs of transportation, for instance.

https://theberkshireedge.com/let-the-cash-flow-rural-school-aid-envisioned-by-hinds-becomes-a-reality/

1. In the aftermath of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, more that 1,000 people attended an interfaith vigil at the Knesset Israel synagogue in Pittsfield. It was a moving ceremony, with music and addresses by community leaders, including State Sen. Adam Hinds and a Muslim Imam from Williams College who deplored the violence against his Jewish brethren. And by the way, our report included a video of the event.

https://theberkshireedge.com/in-aftermath-of-pittsburgh-attendees-find-strength-in-interfaith-vigil/