Bill Shein - Reason Gone Mad

FIELD NOTES & EVIDENCE: A.I. Finds the “Donate Now” Button on Beacon Hill

More than $122,000 in campaign contributions from Anthropic employees flowed into Massachusetts political accounts this month in what appears to be a coordinated effort. Pittsfield Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier was among the recipients.

By Bill Shein

/ 28 Aug 2026

A Dry-Cleaning Chemical Is Turning Up on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. Where Did It Come From?

PCE was detected above a state indoor-air threshold at two buildings near where dry cleaners operated for more than four decades. MassDEP is overseeing an investigation into the source and extent of the contamination.

By Bill Shein

/ 23 Aug 2026

A Dry-Cleaning Chemical Is Turning Up on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. Where Did It Come From?

Six Months After a Fatal Crash in Great Barrington, the Same Malfunctioning Crosswalk System Remains

The town promised immediate improvements after Gary Fretwell’s death. Six months later, the old warning lights still malfunction, and a MassDOT-provided replacement delivered in April has not been installed.

By Bill Shein

/ 30 Jul 2026

Six Months After a Fatal Crash in Great Barrington, the Same Malfunctioning Crosswalk System Remains

A quick July 4th update (and thank you)

Welcome to RGM’s new paid subscribers, supporters, and readers

By Bill Shein

/ 4 Jul 2026

Six Months of Reporting No One Else Did

Here’s what RGM has produced this year—and your opportunity to support essential, in-depth storytelling.

By Bill Shein

/ 26 Jun 2026

NOTED: The Curious Case of 347 Main

A podcast conversation that revisits a quiet deal between Great Barrington and a private developer to secure $1 million in state funds for a luxury-apartment project—and the unresolved questions about what taxpayers received in return.

By Bill Shein

/ 10 Jun 2026

NOTED: A Trump Postage Stamp?

The United States Postal Service has long avoided putting living people—including presidents—on stamps. Last week, Trump’s postmaster general suggested that rule may no longer “match the moment.”

By Bill Shein

/ 29 May 2026

NOTED: The State Said It Didn't Do PCB Blood Testing. It Had Been Doing It for Years.

Massachusetts health officials told Berkshire County residents that PCB blood testing was “very unusual” and unavailable. Documents show they were working from a script—and that the state has been doing that testing for years.

By Bill Shein

/ 25 Apr 2026

NOTED: The State Said It Didn't Do PCB Blood Testing. It Had Been Doing It for Years.

RGM on Public Radio's "The Rundown with Carrie Saldo"

Continuing the discussion across Massachusetts about the recent "Nuclear Berkshires" investigation

By Bill Shein

/ 11 Apr 2026

RGM on Public Radio's "The Rundown with Carrie Saldo"

Welcome to the (Nuclear) Berkshires

In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the rebuilding of America’s nuclear arsenal is bringing a surge of money and jobs—and little public discussion.

By Bill Shein

/ 25 Mar 2026

RGM DISPATCH: New Crosswalk Lights, ICE Spending, and “On the Radio”

In this edition: Pedestrian safety in Great Barrington (including crosswalk lights with a mind of their own), more details of what ICE is buying from Massachusetts companies, and yes, that Donna Summer song.

By Bill Shein

/ 14 Feb 2026

RGM DISPATCH: New Crosswalk Lights, ICE Spending, and “On the Radio”

The BearCat Next Door: Built in the Berkshires, Deployed by ICE

A high-profile tool used in federal immigration enforcement is manufactured in Pittsfield, Massachusetts—in the heart of deep blue Berkshire County. Few seem eager to talk about it.

By Bill Shein

/ 3 Feb 2026

The BearCat Next Door: Built in the Berkshires, Deployed by ICE