Gov. Healey Releases Dashboard Detailing Federal Cuts

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have cut $3.7 billion in funding from Massachusetts' budget, and a $1.4 million toward a local digital equity effort is on the chopping block. 

On Tuesday, Gov. Maura Healey's administration released an updated dashboard detailing the impact of federal funding cuts on the state over the next several fiscal years.

"This is funding used to support programs and services that assist millions of state residents with everything from health care to housing," a press release from Healey's office reads. 

"This is on top of an estimated $2.6 billion in terminated National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants for lifesaving research and development at Massachusetts universities, hospitals, and research institutions." 

UCP of Western Massachusetts, in Pittsfield, which serves people with all types of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, is facing a potential loss of $1.4 million in federal funds for expanding internet access to rural areas. 

The website explains that UCP was in the process of collaborating with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission for a digital equity initiative, but "due to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration terminating the $14.1 million grant for the Digital Equity Act, this collaboration will not move forward as we need funds to educate, assess, and [train] people on safe Wi-Fi-use." 

The Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst could lose more than $380,000 in federal funding associated with an Environmental Justice grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United Way of Central MA could lose $283,000 in federal funds related to a food and shelter program run by the Department of Homeland Security.

Healey's office wrote that the $3.7 billion in cuts to the state budget include a loss of up to $3.3 billion in funds cut by Congress, and another $399 million in cuts from executive action by Trump.

Massachusetts received $22.9 billion in federal funding last year. 

Car Fire Briefly Shuts Down Section of North Street

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
04:18PM / Monday, June 22, 2026

The street was briefly shut down. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters responded to a car fire on Eagle Street at about 4 p.m. Monday.

 

The 1986 Chevrolet Camaro was parked next to Persip Park when it "blew up," according to a passerby. Firefighters swiftly put out the engine fire but the northbound lane of North Street was briefly shut down and traffic redirected.

 

The blaze that started in the engine compartment was small but smokey, with smoke visible looking north from Fenn Street. 

 

Fire Capt. Mitchell Keller said there were some flames, describing it as a "well involved car fire." He estimated it took about 10 minutes to put out. 

 

"The initial response was Engine 6, right here, because Engine 3, the closest engine was was on another call because of the close proximity to headquarters," he said, referring to the Columbus Avenue station. "Our deputy car two and truck company responded to make sure that the car was unoccupied and that there was no people requiring aid. And then they waited for the engine to get here to for fire extinguishment.

 

He said the cause was undetermined but not suspicious. No one was injured in the fire and authorities were trying to track down the owner.