The Berkshire Argus is a digital newsmagazine and free e-mail newsletter that provides in-depth, long-form reporting on local and regional issues and their broader national context.
Established in 2023 by the writer and journalist Bill Shein, today The Argus is a fiscally sponsored project of the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation. It is funded exclusively with tax-deductible contributions from readers. It is both ad-free and paywall-free.
Major Argus projects involve weeks or months of reporting to deliver engaging, fully-told stories. That includes immersive, narrative journalism that explores complexity and nuance, as well as investigative reporting that uncovers the truth and challenges long-unquestioned narratives—always without fear or favor.
The Argus also features audio reporting and podcast interviews that go far beyond sound bites and pull-quotes. There’s also informed comment and analysis, engaging and offbeat profiles, and some (much-needed) humor and irreverence—all meant to inform, enlighten, and entertain.
It’s nonprofit journalism that fills a vital gap in the Berkshires’ news and information landscape.
The Argus is a member of the Alliance of Nonprofit News Outlets (ANNO) and Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION).
∎ What does “Argus” mean?
Taken from Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes is an all-seeing guardian with 100 eyes—with some that remain open even as it sleeps. It was once popular as a name for newspapers, suggesting a watchful eye over government and the powerful. As the Greek poet Hesiod wrote of Argus: “Sleep never fell upon his eyes; but he kept sure watch always.”
∎ Who funds The Argus?
You do. ;)
The Argus is now a fiscally sponsored project of the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has promoted independent and watchdog journalism for more than twenty years. That means we can rely on tax-deductible recurring and one-time donations from contributing members to fund this work.
For full details on all the ways to give, see our support page.
∎ No paywall, that’s great! Do I still need to subscribe or become a contributing member?
The Argus has no paywall to ensure our stories are widely read, impactful, and available to all. We hope you'll at least become a free subscriber, and if you can afford to, join others who support this work as contributing members.
We may ask Argus readers to become free subscribers to access some stories, requiring only an email address. Your email is only used to provide that access and to send occasional emails with new reporting and Argus updates. We never sell or share your information; see our privacy policy for details.
In some stories you may reach a prompt to login with your email or become a free subscriber to continue reading. The Argus uses easy, password-free login security.
∎ How do I submit a news tip?
Visit our news tip page.
∎ Can I submit a letter to the editor?
Yes! Instructions here.
(Online comments are currently disabled as we explore options for constructive online discussion. Commenting is available on our Facebook and Instagram pages.)
∎ How do I contact The Argus?
Visit our Contact Us page.
∎ How do I change or cancel a monthly or annual recurring membership contribution?
Sign in your account at berkshireargus.com with your email address. (Look for “Sign In” in the upper right corner.)
- Click the “Account” button in the top right of the screen and click “Change” next to the list of membership categories.
- From here you can select a monthly or annual membership level.
- To end a monthly or annual recurring contribution, click the button that says “Cancel Subscription.” Then, in the next window, click “Confirm Cancellation.”
As you click “Confirm Cancellation,” you may feel a powerful-but-non-fatal electrical shock delivered through your keyboard or phone. (Kidding!)
But have no fear! After cancelling a recurring membership contribution, you’ll still be a free subscriber with full access.
∎ How do I unsubscribe from the occasional Berkshire Argus newsletters/emails?
We send very few emails: An emailed version of new articles and occasional updates on the Argus project. (We respect your inbox and value your time.)
To unsubscribe, click the “Unsubscribe” link located at the bottom of every newsletter and email we send.
You can also manage your email preferences at berkshireargus.com: Sign in to your account with your email address, click the “Account” button, and then click “Manage” under “Emails.”
(Note: Unsubscribing does not automatically cancel a recurring monthly or annual membership contribution. See instructions above for ending a recurring membership contribution.)
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