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Ruberto, Bianchi Spar in 'Pub' Debate

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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Dan Valenti introduces the candidates at the PCTV studio on Thursday. The audio is below.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidates James M. Ruberto and Daniel Bianchi traded jabs for an hour Thursday afternoon in live match on Pittsfield Community Television.

The meet was the idea of commentator and writer Dan Valenti, who wanted to take the candidates out of a structured forum for a face-to-face conversation as if they'd sat down together discuss the issues at Patrick's Pub.

With but a slight push from Valenti, incumbent Ruberto and challenger Bianchi traded blows over crime statistics, campaign smears and financial acuity.

We'll have more on the story later, but for now you can hear the conversation for yourself.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes. 
 
According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.
 
Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states. 
 
The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them. 
 

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."
 
The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.
 
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