Kamala Harris to Attend Pittsfield Fundraiser

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It appears that Vice President Kamala Harris will be attending a campaign event in Pittsfield on Saturday. 
 
Harris had been scheduled for the sold-out event before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances. 
 
The Berkshire Eagle reports that organizer Sherwood Guernsey has confirmed she will attend. 
 
The event will also feature James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, former Gov. Deval and former first lady Diane Patrick, Boston College historian and political commentator Heather Cox Richardson and former Pittsfield Mayor Evan Dobelle and his wife, Kit, both of whom worked in the Carter administration.
 
Guernsey, an attorney, is a leader of the Berkshire Brigades local Democratic organization and president of Rural Freedom Network. 
 
Tickets sold out almost immediately; they ranged from $100 to thousands of dollars. 
 
The last political fundraiser in Pittsfield was with Michelle Obama for her husband's second presidential run in 2012 against former Gov. Mitt Romney, now a U.S. senator for Utah. Taylor also performed at that event and a private roundtable was held afterward at the Patricks' Sweet P Farm in Richmond. 
 
iBerkshires has reached out to the campaign for more information. 
 

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.  

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year. 

Charges: 

  • armed assault with intent to murder
  • attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
  • witness intimidation
  • malicious destruction of property
  • resisting arrest
  • assault and battery on a police officer
  • illegal possession of a firearm
  • illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card 
  • possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads. 

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