| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
|
@theMarket: No Valentine for Artificial IntelligenceBy Bill Schmick,
01:22PM / Friday, February 13, 2026 | |
The ongoing debate about the high spending by AI companies is intensifying, but a broader thesis is emerging. AI is now casting uncertainty across more industries, unsettling investors and markets alike. Software stocks have been the most obvious area of concern. The sector, and Microsoft in particular, has seen relentless selling. However, other areas, from finance to accounting to insurance, are increasingly being questioned. As a result, this week it has been a game of moving chairs, where suddenly a story appears touting a breakthrough in an accounting or finance tool. Down goes brokerage stocks. Anthropic PBC, an AI research and development startup, recently announced 0 Comments
Read More >> |
North Street Restaurant Serving Authentic Afro-Caribbean CuisineBy Breanna Steele, iBerkshires Staff
05:41AM / Friday, February 13, 2026 | |
Andre Lynch has transformed the former Lulu's on North Street into a bright and sunny space to serve his Caribbean cuisine. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dre's Global Kitchen is bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to North Street starting this weekend. The new restaurant at 137 North St. is holding its grand opening on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Owner and chef André Lynch said the cuisine is straight from his mom's cooking. Deborah Burchell, a well-known chef and instructor in New York, grew up in Trinidad and learned to cook when she was little. Lynch has taken her recipes and also made his own modifications to her 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Pittsfield Council Accepts $2.3M to Support Housing ProjectsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:22PM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is making inroads with affordable and supportive housing, and planning for more units. City Council has accepted a total of $2.3 million in state funds to support upcoming housing developments as the permanent supportive apartments on West Housatonic Street are preparing to open next month. And last week, The First's housing resource center had a soft opening at Zion Lutheran Church. ServiceNet, which operates the center, had planned to be open Tuesday through Saturday for the next few weeks to onboard staff, but that has since changed.
"I'm happy to report that as of today, The First is now open seven days a week, from
0 Comments
Read More >> |
The Retired Investor: More Nations End-Run U.S. In Trade DealsBy Bill Schmick,
04:33PM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
There were concerns that U.S. tariffs during the Trump presidency would spark similar responses from other nations. This could have greatly reduced global trade, possibly causing an economic recession. That outcome did not happen, but a different development did. While retaliation is still a possibility, Donald Trump's multiple tariff threats have proven to be more of a negotiating tactic than anything else. The downside for foreign nations is that it has disrupted trade, stock markets, and geopolitical discourse. After eight years of this, most countries have concluded that it is far easier to do business with someone else in trade. Since 2017, many trade deals between 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Victim in Fatal Dragging Identified as Pittsfield Man| 03:15PM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are searching for a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run on Tuesday. The victim was identified on Wednesday as William S. Colbert, 69, of Pittsfield. His body was found nearly four miles away from where he was reportedly struck. The initial report was that someone was in the road, possibly struck by a motor vehicle, at the intersection of Linden Street and Francis Avenue at about 11:33 p.m. According to the report filed by Sgt. David Hallas, officers were unable to locate either a victim or a vehicle at the intersection. They spoke with witnesses and canvassed the area. They found him in the road in the 1350 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Holiday Hours: Presidents Day| 01:00PM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
Gen. George Washington taking command of the Continental Army in Cambridge in 1775. Washington's Birthday will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 16.
The holiday was first enacted by Congress in 1879 to mark George Washington's birthday on Feb. 22 and later moved to the third Monday in February in 1968. While the name of the federal holiday remains Washington's Birthday, it is more often referred to as Presidents Day to include the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12.
Washington was born in 1732 (or Feb. 11, 1731, according to the old-style calendar) in Colonial Virginia. A Founding Father, he would lead the new nation as head of the Continental Army in the Revolution and as
0 Comments
Read More >> |
Balance Rock Investment Group Introduces New Hire| 10:18AM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. Balance Rock Investment Group announced that Adam Schnopp, MSF, has joined the firm as Paraplanner, with a goal of further enhancing the organization's commitment to comprehensive financial planning and exceptional client service. Schnopp brings an analytical background and hands-on experience in financial planning support and investment research. He earned his Master of Science in Finance with a concentration in Investments and Securities from Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Marketing from Elms College. His academic foundation combines rigorous financial analysis with practical business insight and 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications| 07:44AM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — UCP of Western Massachusetts is now accepting applications for the Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship honoring the life of Lisa Jacobs and her belief in living a "Life without Limits." The fund was established by Lisa's mother, Maren Jacobs, a Board Member of UCP of Western Massachusetts for nearly 50 years. Lisa passed away in 2019, and this scholarship carries forward her legacy by supporting college-bound students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and the betterment of others. Scholarship will be awarded to two students and help recipients cover the cost of college tuition and books, easing financial 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Lanesborough Short-Term Rentals Moratorium Not AllowedBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:21AM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tensions are still high over short-term rental regulations and a resolution appears to be months away. According to town counsel, the Select Board cannot impose a moratorium on short-term rental regulations, Select Board Chair Deborah Maynard said during its meeting on Monday. Maynard also read a segment from the town's website that explains the authority of the Select Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and building commissioner, in addition to procedural information surrounding short-term rental regulations. Under state law, the commissioner is the "primary interpreter of the town's zoning by-laws for the public, 0 Comments
Read More >> |
ArtSwitch Benefit to Raise Funds for Roots Rising| 03:54AM / Thursday, February 12, 2026 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The ArtSwitch is a live, collaborative art fundraiser benefiting Roots Rising, a Pittsfield-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and building community through food and farming. The event brings together 10 locally known artists who create artwork live, rotating through one another's pieces when the music stops. This shared process results in a series of one-of-a-kind works that reflect collaboration, adaptability, and community—values central to Roots Rising's mission. Community members are invited to observe the creative process, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in a silent auction featuring the
0 Comments
Read More >> |
House Passes AI/Election Legislation| 06:30PM / Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | |
BOSTON — The House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation on Wednesday to address election-related deceptive media and safeguard election integrity, one of which was filed by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. H.5093, An Act to protect against election misinformation, filed by Farley-Bouvier, safeguards election integrity by prohibiting the distribution of AI-generated and materially deceptive election-related communications within 90 days of an election with the intent to disinform voters or defame candidates. These tactics have already been used to suppress voter turnout and damage candidates' reputations in elections across the 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Pittsfield's 10x10 Festival Celebrates 15 YearsBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:22PM / Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's annual 10x10 Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of highlighting the city's vibrant atmosphere with events that have become iconic for many. Beginning Thursday and running through Sunday, Feb. 22, festivalgoers have the opportunity to choose from more than 50 events to celebrate the winter season. All events can be found here. Winter in the Berkshires is cold and this festival gives people an excuse to get out of the house in the dead of winter and experience the eclectic things the city has to offer from art, music, and an array of other adventures, said Jennifer Glockner, 0 Comments
Read More >> |
|
|
