The Mount launches summer lecture series with a look at First Ladies

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The Mount, Edith Wharton estate
The Mount’s 2003 “Women of Achievement” lecture series will open Monday June 30 with author Kati Marton’s look at “Hidden Power: The Role of Marriage in the American Presidency - from Edith Wilson to Laura Bush.” The lecture is at 4 p.m. at The Mount at 40 Plunkett St., Lenox. Barbara Walters called Marton’s bestselling book, which looks at the public impact of the relationships of 12 first couples, “both dishy and informative.” In it, Marton uncovers the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the ultimate power couples, showing how first ladies have used their privileged access to the president to influence staffing, promote causes, and engage directly in policy making. Through extensive research and interviews, Marton reveals the substantial – yet often overlooked – legacy of presidential wives, providing insight into the evolution of women’s roles in the 20th century and vividly depicting the synergy of these unique political partnerships. “It’s more than style, more than hairdos and White House décor and inaugural gowns and controversies over china and guest lists,” Marton says. “The role of presidential spouses is vital to a full understanding of their husbands’ administrations and the presidency itself.” Marton is the author of three previous works of non-fiction – Wallenberg, A Death in Jerusalem, and The Polk Conspiracy – and a novel, An American Woman. She has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, Vanity Fair, and The New Republic. A former correspondent for National Public Radio and ABC News, Marton received a George Foster Peabody Award for broadcast journalism. She lives in New York City with her husband and her son and daughter. Marton’s lecture will be followed by refreshments and a book signing. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations are recommended. For reservations, call The Mount at (413) 637-1899, ext. 104. For a complete schedule of lectures, including Thursday’s Civilized Living series, call or visit www.EdithWharton.org.
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North Adams Lifts Boil Water Order for Most of City

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city has lifted a boil water order — with several exceptions — that was issued late Monday morning following several water line breaks over the weekend. 
 
As of 2:20 p.m., repairs have been completed, and water tests have shown no presence of total coliform or E. coli bacteria, according to the mayor's office. 
 
However, the state Department of Environmental Protection has continued the boil water requirement for buildings affected by the breaks: 40 Main Street, 10 to 36 American Legion Drive, and 40 American Legion Drive; and 74 to 264 State Road, and 15 to 57 Biltmore Ave.
 
Those areas were directly affected by a water line break on American Legion Drive and one on State Road. 
 
These properties remain under an order to boil water or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, food preparation, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
 
"Since the initial public notification, we have made repairs and utilized an interconnect between our High and Low Service Areas, increasing pressures throughout the system. Bacteria samples were collected on December 15, 2025, at areas affected by low pressure," a statement from the Water Department reads. 
 
"Repairs are underway to restore water to the remaining affected areas. Bacteria samples will be collected once water is restored. We will notify these affected areas when it is no longer necessary to use boiled or bottled water."
 
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