North Adams Transcript WILLIAMSTOWN -- Fire trucks, floats crafted by local groups and businesses and members of the SteepleCats baseball team will make the journey from Southworth Street to Latham Street, as part of the annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday. The parade will begin at 11 a.m.   Full Story

On Saturday, June 20, over 50 people from North Berkshire County participated in the 2nd annual Tour de NA, a bike tour around bars and restaurants in North Adams that raises funding for local youth sporting leagues. Earlier in the day, a group of Tour de NA riders were honored at a Marty’s T-Ball game for raising $1,000 for the league last season.   Full Story

Associated Press BOSTON -- Gov. Deval L. Patrick pledged Friday to sign a 25 percent hike in the state sales tax now that lawmakers have approved three reform bills, including a massive transportation overhaul bill. "Because of that, I will approve the new revenues we need to bring our budget into balance, offset the need for even more difficult cuts and expand opportunity throughout the   Full Story