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. A rather bizarre twist: a convicted drug dealer, Ryan Babcock of Great Barrington, is suing the town for $750,000 citing the circumstances of his arrest in 2013:
https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-fire-department-extinguishes-garage-fire-on-newsboy-monument-lane/
2.  WBCR-lp, a community based, low power FM station is back in business, with new studios on Main Street in Great Barrington:
https://theberkshireedge.com/community-radio-station-sees-rebirth-hopes-to-kickstart-its-bank-account/
3.  Berkshire county District Attorney Andrea Harrington has called for the end of cash bail, putting Berkshire County in the forefront of criminal justice reform:
https://theberkshireedge.com/district-attorney-andrea-harrington-calls-for-ending-cash-bail/
4. The town of Great Barrington culminated its celebration of its native son, the civil rights activist and scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, with a packed event at the First Congregational Church, where Du Bois had been a congregant:
https://theberkshireedge.com/a-legacy-of-greatness-community-celebrates-w-e-b-du-bois-151st-birthday/
5.  Tired of New England winter? Writer and journalist Andrew Blechman takes us on a tour of the Florida West Coast, Naples and Ft. Myers — and finds the culture there pretty tacky. His satirical take on life among the snowbirds provoked quite a reaction — from Floridians who didn’t appreciate his jaundiced viewpoint:
https://theberkshireedge.com/southwest-florida-blues-oranges-pizza-strip-malls-and-other-stuff/

6. A trio of creative restaurateurs have put new meaning into the concept of ‘Meals on Wheels’: They offer delivery service and meals to go — from their well-known kitchens — a service to boost business during the off season: 
https://theberkshireedge.com/local-food-businesses-rely-on-community-creativity-to-weather-the-unpredictable-berkshire-off-season/

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