東方銀行基金會頒「社會正義獎」 表揚麻州前州長Deval Patrick推動公立教育

東方銀行基金會頒「社會正義獎」表揚曾任麻州州長的Deval Patrick>

        （Boston Orange編譯）東方銀行基金會（Eastern Bank Foundation）日前頒發「社會正義獎」（Social Justice Award），表揚麻州第71任州長派區克（Deval Patrick），頒發首屆「南西·亨廷頓·斯泰格協同影響力獎」（Nancy Huntington Stager Collaborative Impact Award）表揚非營利組織「Just A Start」，對波士頓及鄰近地區深化社會平等與經濟流動性的卓越貢獻。

        東方銀行基金會在這年度「社會正義慶典」（Celebration of Social Justice）活動中，稱許2006至2015年間擔任麻州首名非裔州長的派區克（Deval Patrick），成功的麻州健保覆蓋率提升到98%以上，還大力推動公立教育。

        派屈克曾在美國前總統柯林頓（Bill Clinton）時期，擔任民權助理檢察總長，積極打擊住房與就業歧視，並統籌調查黑人教堂遭縱火案。現任 Vistria Group 資深合夥人的他，持續跨領域推動社會影響力。

        在劍橋市和大波士頓長期耕耘的「Just A Start」，獲得首屆協同影響力獎。「Just A Start」，倡議聯合多方跨界合作夥伴，打造占地 70,000 平方英尺（約 1,967 坪）的「林奇綜合廣場經濟流動中心」（Rindge Commons Economic Mobility Hub），創新性地要把可負擔住房、職業培訓與早期兒童教育整合於同一建築內，透過「同址營運」（colocation）模式，一站式解決家庭的多元需求。

紐英崙中華總會新增 2 條金龍 華埠僑團活動將更如虎添翼

洪青體育會舞龍隊和僑教中心主任康雅雄（第二排右三起），紐英崙

中華總會會長余麗媖，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝一起慶祝2條新龍來到。

         (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)紐英崙中華總會9月27日假中華公所禮堂迎接2條新龍，請波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄來點睛開光，再由洪青體育會敲鑼打鼓，翻騰跳躍的試身手，預告大波士頓僑社活動今後將更歡欣鼓舞。

僑教中心主任康雅雄為新龍點睛。

        這天其實剛好是波士頓的「東北風暴 （Nor’easter）」來襲之際，不少社團都因為天氣預報有強風暴雨，積水量可高達2到6英寸，紛紛發出活動取消通知，但紐英崙中華總會決定慶祝儀式照常。

        紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝在儀式結束後笑說，這是有如天助，平日有其他僑團佔用的中華公所禮堂，這天因為天氣預報大風雨，取消了場地預訂，於是2條祥龍在康雅雄主任點睛後的舞動，得以更見灑脫，游刃有餘。

洪青體育會輔導員游成康率領新龍報到。

        洪青體育會的十幾名舞龍隊員在輔導員游成康，伍少武率領，以及曾任波士頓洪門致公堂主席的前輩，陳偉雄親自敲鑼助陣中排練，為這慶祝儀式帶出傳承味道。

波士頓洪門致公堂前主席陳偉雄親自敲鑼。

        洪青體育會是洪門致公堂為團結海外華裔青年，傳承舞獅，武術等中華傳統技藝，也為海外第二代華裔提供正當課餘活動與聯誼平台的麾下組織。波士頓洪青體育會成立於1948年，是全美歷史最悠久，組織最龐大的洪青體育會之一，甚至比紐約洪青體育會的1956年成立都早。

        康雅雄主任當天稱許洪青體育會的青少年們充滿朝氣，個個生龍活虎，相信大波士頓僑團的活動，將來有洪青體育會舞動新龍助陣，必定氣勢如虹。

新英格蘭青商會「有錢大家賺」座談為有心創業者搭橋

新英格蘭青商會舉辦「有錢大家賺』座談會。左起波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄，
青商會長高名震，TCCNE會長賴怡殷，創業家盧彥君。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會（TCCNE）和新英格蘭青商會著眼於創造商機，9/27日在尚莫維爾市（Somerville）The Green Room舉辦了一場別開生面的「有錢大家賺 - 創業頭腦風暴與 Co-founder 盲盒」聚會。出席的人不多，商機卻不少。

新英格蘭青商會活動，出席者合影。（周菊子攝）

        新英格蘭青商會會長高名震指出，這是該會新嘗試，希望吸引有興趣「斜槓創業，或是有興趣拓展人際關係，為將來發展探尋各種可能的學生、專業人士、投資人等提供平台，藉著3分鐘「電梯簡報（Elevator Pitch）」，讓不同領域人才彼此認識，分享各自想法與資源，從而發現機會，也習慣一下創業圈的作業風格。

活動中還為出席者介紹台灣的海外信用保證金。（周菊子攝）

        這天的出席者，有紐英崙玉山科技協會副會長，已啟動Lutro Studio ，以及Oryntra Inc.等2家初創公司，為台美生技人才搭橋的盧彥君博士，有在波士頓創投連接（Boston Venture Connect）工作的趙松凱（Songkai Zhao），正在麻州大學波士頓分校修讀全球融合與社會發展博士，曾任台灣妥瑞人協會理事長，得過2015年總統教育獎的曾琮諭，以及一名想發揚光大台灣傳統針織手藝的女士等人。

尚莫維爾的The Green Room是個新場地。（周菊子攝）

        其中一名出席者聽到盧彥君描述其新創公司需要首席工程師，做競爭性AI研發時，興奮表示，他的一名清華同學正好是數理電機人才。盧彥君感嘆表示，許多名校人才，還沒畢業就已有Meta之類大公司拋橄欖枝，開出甚至年薪50萬美元的條件，初創公司找人才，並不容易。

盧彥君（左）和出席者互動。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會會長賴怡音表示，該會的使命就是幫助會員尋找商機。她自己小時候隨父母移民阿根廷，後來才到美國深造，進哈佛大學相關科研機構服務，目前從事金融業，有西班牙語需要的人，可以找她協助。

波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄這天為該會安排，插播了一段「海外信用保證基金」報告。出席者中的律師張宣業表示，很多初創公司就需要這樣的實用資訊，廣告周知，說不定就不經意的幫助了一家新創落地。

Songkai Zhao （右）介紹Boston Venture Connect這組織。

曾琮諭想要為妥瑞人創建服務方案。（周菊子攝）

出席者在會中各自自我介紹。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處教育組教師節聚餐 歡迎各校組學生團返台參加半導體人才培訓計劃

波士頓經文處教育組慶祝教師節，請中文教師們聚餐。（周菊子攝）

 （Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導）波士頓經文處教育組 9月26日假貝德福鎮（Bedford）「薑 （Ginger）」餐廳慶祝教師節，邀得近30名中文老師歡聚一堂，交流經驗。黃薳玉組長說明，教育部推出「半導體人才培育」政策，歡迎各校老師與教育組合作，帶學生赴台參加半導體人才培育計劃。

教育組長黃薳玉提醒老師們教育部新推「半導體人才培育」政策。（周菊子攝）

9月28日是教師節，波士頓經文處教育組每年都在這天前後，邀請新英格蘭地區各州在不同學校教中文的老師聚餐，感謝老師們一年來的辛苦教學，也向老師們匯報華語文教學相關活動概況。

麻省理工學院中文項目負責人廖灝翔（右）和波士頓慈濟聯絡人鄧淑芳
和與會老師們交流。（周菊子攝）

這天有來自麻州，羅德島州，以及緬因州的大中小學中文老師們參加，包括麻省理工學院全球語言學系（The Global Languages）資深講師廖灝翔，波士頓市公校世界語主任岑秋婷，聖十字學院林宇容，布魯克蘭公校張福增，Natick高中鄭淳文，以及3名羅德島大學老師，和康可鎮（Concord），勒星頓鎮（Lexington），溫切斯特鎮(Winchester)，劍橋市，波士頓市等學區的中小學老師，還有勒星頓中文學校校長吳正江，以及波士頓慈濟學校的老師們。

波士頓公校世界語主任岑秋婷。（周菊子攝）

來自緬因州寄宿學校Thornton的謝佳如在老師們做自我介紹時透露，她的一名學生，畢業後赴台深造，進了實踐大學，還拿到第一名的優異成績，令人欣慰。

勒星頓中文學校校長吳正江（後左三）等老師們自我介紹。（周菊子攝）

黃薳玉組長當天在會上報告，教育組目前和 Williams College、Middlebury College 等大學，以及 Lexington 中文學校、慈濟人文學校等合作辦理的「華語文能力測驗（ TOCFL）」 ，已獲麻州和羅德島州政府的教育廳認可，可作為高中畢業生取得雙語徽章（Seal of Biliteracy）的第二外語認證。

黃薳玉組長也提醒出席老師們，教育部為老師們提供有線上華語教學的AI輔助工具，國立故宮博物院也授權，免費提供教材給老師們使用。

勒星頓中文學校老師王月娥（右）協助教育組工作人員謝博雅辦理報到。（周菊子攝）

當天在聚餐交流中，廖灝翔透露，現在的外語教學有回歸溯源教學趨勢， MIT每年約4500名本科生，自主選修中文的400餘人，其中就有至少三分之一是華裔，和其他大學相比，已然頗讓人欣慰。岑秋婷則指出，波士頓公校是因為總註冊學生人數下降，學中文的人也比往年少些，這是大環境因素。

Thornton學校老師謝佳如專程從緬因州趕來出席聚會。（周菊子攝）

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES $700,000 IN OVERDOSE RESPONSE GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCES $700,000 IN OVERDOSE RESPONSE GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Boston Public Health Commission is also announcing expansion of care coordination and street outreach initiatives.

BOSTON – Tuesday, September 29, 2026 –Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are announcing the official launch of a new $700,000 round of Community Overdose Response Grant funding. This funding will allow local organizations to establish community-informed overdose prevention and response programs. BPHC is also announcing the expansion of the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program, which supports substance use care and treatment coordination, and additional street outreach capacity. Together, these initiatives offer Boston residents a holistic continuum of care throughout their recovery journey. These programs and investments have contributed to a 29% drop in deadly overdoses in 2025 compared to the previous year. 2025 also saw the fewest deadly overdoses in Boston in a decade.

“Everyone on the path to recovery should be able to easily access the resources, guidance and support they need to build a healthy life,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This expansion will improve access to the Boston Public Health Commission’s existing recovery services while creating a more coordinated system of support to connect residents with care that meets their individual needs.”

“Because recovery looks different for every person, support should be flexible enough to meet people wherever they are,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “By continuing to invest in our community organizations, we are strengthening our neighborhood networks of care, building a more collaborative response to the substance use crisis and ultimately saving lives”.

Following reviews by a community committee, the city, and BPHC, the new round of Community Overdose Response Grants will support overdose prevention programming at six community organizations through mid-2028. This funding is the result of major litigation that resulted in pharmaceutical companies paying settlements for their involvement in fueling the opioid epidemic that killed nearly 3,000 people in Boston from 2015 to 2024. The grant recipients are:

• Boston HEAT

• Bowdoin Street Health Center

• Casa Esperanza

• Community Caring Clinic

• North Suffolk Community Services

• Upham’s Community Care

The new grants build on the impact of BPHC’s previous community overdose prevention investments. In 2024, BPHC awarded grants to five community organizations that successfully connected nearly 2,000 people to substance use treatment and other services, trained 760 people in overdose prevention, and distributed 5,100 doses of the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

“We are thankful to the Boston Public Health Commission for their support to expand access to treatment,” said Samantha Taylor, MHA, Executive Director, Bowdoin Street Health Center. “Effectively addressing substance use requires community-based solutions, and this funding will help connect more people we serve to care when they need it most.” 

“Upham's Community Care is grateful for these funds to continue to close the health equity gap our communities are facing, while bringing awareness to our neighbors on how we can all play a part in aiding those struggling with the disease of addiction,” said Andrew Pinto, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator of Upham’s Community Care.

Building on a six-month pilot, BPHC’s PAATHS program is launching PAATHS Care Coordination (PCC), which will provide more ongoing support to people after they are referred to treatment. PCC staff will stay connected with clients as they move between providers and levels of care, helping them work through barriers that can make it harder to stay engaged in treatment, including transportation, language access, and housing instability. PAATHS provides assessments, treatment referrals, and care navigation and connects people to services including withdrawal management (detox), Clinical Stabilization Services, Transitional Support Services, and medication for opioid use disorder and outpatient treatment.

Beyond individual care coordination, BPHC is also strengthening provider and agency collaboration across Boston. The Mass and Cass Table is a case conferencing initiative co-chaired by the BPHC Recovery Services Bureau and Boston Police Department Citywide Hub program. For the past year, more than twenty agencies from across Boston have gathered weekly to support individuals with high behavioral health and housing needs. Coordinating continuously, the agencies have linked clients to a range of services, addressing multiple needs simultaneously and facilitating 90 connections to care.

BPHC has also expanded the service hours of the Recovery Services Bureau (RSB) Street Outreach team. Known as the “Red Shirts” because of their bright uniforms, the team is responsible for engaging individuals, connecting them and transporting them to care, and syringe collection. The team conducts proactive sweeps of parks and schools every morning and afternoon to clear syringe litter. Earlier this year, the team expanded service hours and now operates from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weeknights and 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

BPHC offers many additional programs and services for people in recovery and is one of the largest providers of Transitional Support Services for people living with substance use disorder in the region. BPHC’s Mattapan Recovery Campus offers inpatient treatment and services to 850 people per year. The short-term treatment programming at the Recovery Campus focuses on relapse prevention and behavior modification. Clients are offered access to additional mental health care through a partnership with The Joseph Nee Collaborative Center. In partnership with Boston Health Care for the Homeless, BPHC also operates medical clinics on the Mattapan Recovery Campus, and in the Finland Building, that help meet the basic medical needs of clients. 

Beyond the Mattapan Recovery Campus, BPHC also provides walk-in treatment referrals through the PAATHS and AHOPE programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine, naloxone distribution, and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. Individuals can visit both programs at 774 Albany Street during business hours and walk-ins are welcome. For support with substance use disorders, contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or 3-1-1. For more information, visit boston.gov/recovery.

第131屆波士頓馬拉松賽共收到33,649份申請 將有25,630跑者參賽

     (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓體育會（B.A.A.）今（29）日宣佈，第131屆波士頓馬拉松賽訂2027年4月19日（週一）舉行。該會共收到33,649份申請，其中24,630名跑者達標，以及1000名中籤幸運兒，有資格參賽，該會正陸續寄出通知。

    第131屆波士頓馬拉松賽的參賽成績門檻再創新高，申請者的個人成績必須比所屬年齡與性別組別的參賽標準快上5分17秒（5:17）才能確保獲得錄取，共有24,630人以此成績標準通過審核；另有8,019名達標跑者遺憾落榜。

    由於波士頓體育會今年首度推出「波士頓符合資格者隨機抽籤機制」（Boston Qualifier Selection），成績達到基本標準，但沒能突破比標準快5分17秒這門檻，經隨機抽籤抽中的1000名幸運兒，將也會陸續收到參賽通知。

    波士頓體育會總裁兼執行長傑克·弗萊明（Jack Fleming）表示：取得這場比賽的參賽資格需要極大付出與韌性，全球馬拉松人口正持續成長。該會雖無法錄取所有申請者參賽，但向每一位以波士頓馬拉松賽為目標的選手致敬。

    第131屆波士頓馬拉松賽錄取的跑者，來自全球120個國家與全美50州，年齡介於18至84歲，其中約10,745人為首次參賽。賽事總參賽人數設為30,000人，其餘名額將分配給公益慈善計畫、邀請選手及各類特別組別。

Record Field of Qualifiers Accepted into the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America
A record 25,630 qualified athletes entered in April’s race

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today began notifying qualified applicants of their acceptance into the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. The race will be run on Monday, April 19, 2027.

 

Qualifiers who were 5 minutes, 17 seconds (5:17) or faster than the qualifying time for their age group and gender have been accepted into the 131st Boston Marathon. A total of 25,630 qualified applicants have been accepted to date or are in the process of being accepted, pending final verification of their qualifying performance. Email notices to athletes accepted and not accepted will continue through the coming days.

New for 2027, the B.A.A. has incorporated a Boston Qualifier Selection, an additional random selection component specifically for applicants whose qualifying times were not faster than the 5 minute, 17 second cut-off. A total of 1,000 qualifiers are in the process of being randomly selected for entry and will be notified of their acceptance over the coming days. More information on the Boston Qualifier Selection can be found here 

“The Boston Athletic Association looks forward to welcoming thousands of qualifiers who are officially now entrants into the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America on Monday, April 19,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “To earn a spot into this race takes dedication and resiliency, and the number of marathoners world-wide only continues to grow. Although we are unable to accept all applicants into, we want to recognize each and every athlete who trains and aspires to participate in the Boston Marathon.”

An updated total of 33,649 qualifier applications were received during registration week (Sept. 14-18). The Boston Marathon field size is set at 30,000 official entrants.

Registration facts and statistics can be found below. The remainder of the Boston Marathon field will consist of invitational entrants, including runners participating as part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, as well as invited professional athletes and Para athletes.

A history of qualifying times and past registration acceptance information can be found here.

131st BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFIER REGISTRATION BY THE NUMBERS: 

All statistics are preliminary and are subject to change during the verification process.

• 33,649 applications were received during the registration period for qualifiers 

• 25,630 qualified applicants have been accepted to date or are in the process of being accepted, pending verification of their qualifying performance.

o 24,630 qualified applicants have been accepted based on a qualifying time faster than 5 minutes, 17 seconds under their age group standard.

o 1,000 additional qualified applicants are in the process of being selected based on the Boston Qualifier Selection.

• 8,019 qualifier applicants were unable to be accepted into the 131st Boston Marathon.

• This year’s ‘Cut-Off’ time needed to gain acceptance into the Boston Marathon was 5 minutes, 17 seconds or faster (5:17) than the qualifying time for each respective age group and gender.

The following statistics are based on those whose qualifying times were faster than the cut-off and does not include athletes in the process of being accepted based on the Boston Qualifier Selection.

• This year’s qualified field includes 13,898 men, 10,641 women, and 91 non-binary athletes so far. 

• Citizens of 120 countries have been accepted into the 131st Boston Marathon.

• Residents of all 50 U.S. states (plus Washington, DC and additional U.S. territories) were accepted into the 131stBoston Marathon.

• The top five most popular qualifying races were the 2026 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America (4,448 entrants), 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2,043 entrants), 2025 TCS New York City Marathon (826 entrants), 2025 California International Marathon (812 entrants), and 2026 TCS London Marathon (610 entrants).

• Approximately 10,745 athletes will be racing their first Boston Marathon.
• The youngest and oldest accepted athletes are 18 and 84 years old, respectively.
• 1,498 Massachusetts residents are entered in the Boston Marathon. 
• 215 athletes achieved their respective Para Athletics Division qualifying standards to gain entry.
• 849 athletes have been accepted based on completing at least 10+ consecutive Boston Marathons or qualifying as part of the B.A.A. Running Club.

240 Qualifying Times were accepted from events that incurred a net-downhill index.

A list of frequently asked registration questions can be found below. 

The next B.A.A. event will be the 2026 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund on Sunday, November 8. 

AMD 82億美元併購李飛飛World labs 蘇姿丰正面交鋒黃仁勳

     (Boston Orange綜合編譯) 晶片巨頭 AMD 於 2026 年 9 月 28 日在加州聖塔克拉拉（Santa Clara）宣布，將以大約 82 億美元的 AMD 股票收購「AI 教母」李飛飛（Fei-Fei Li）所創立的 World Labs，並於 2026 年底前完成交易，以強化空間智慧與物理 AI 布局，對抗輝達（Nvidia）。

    World Labs 總部位於舊金山（San Francisco），成立僅兩年，已募資約 10 億美元。該公司專注於開發「世界模型」（World Models），能透過圖像、影片與文字生成互動式 3D 環境，協助 AI 理解真實物理世界的運轉規律，為機器人與自動駕駛等自主機器提供核心技術支援。兩家公司從去年起已展開 GPU 晶片優化的深度技術合作。

    交易完成後，World Labs 團隊將全數併入 AMD，李飛飛將出任 AMD 執行副總裁兼首席科學家（Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist），直接向執行長蘇姿丰（Lisa Su）匯報。蘇姿丰表示，結合團隊的模型研究優勢與 AMD 的算力領導地位，將大幅鞏固開放式 AI 生態系。隨著 AI 技術從語言模型拓展至物理 AI，AMD 藉由此次收購補足軟體與模型研發短板，能更靈活回應下一代 AI 算力需求，在全球晶片競爭中進一步拉近與輝達的差距。

    科技業近年的競爭焦點，已從純文字的大語言模型（LLM）走向物理 AI 與機器人，業界普遍認為下一個戰場是能理解現實三維物理世界的「物理 AI（Physical AI）」和「空間智慧（Spatial Intelligence）」。AMD 併購 World Labs，有著晶片巨頭正式把戰線拉到人形機器人、自動駕駛和 3D 模擬，以及背後的晶片需求。

    AMD 以往最受詬病的就是軟體與模型優化不如輝達，收購 World Labs 將顯著補強 AMD 在軟體生態上的短板，進一步縮小與輝達的差距。

有意思的是，在 World Labs 先前融資 10 億美元時，AMD 和輝達都是投資人，也就是股東之一。業界認為 AMD 的收購 World Labs 是開始和輝達展開正面對決。

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PROTECT $20 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR STREET INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN ROXBURY

 CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PROTECT $20 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR STREET INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN ROXBURY

City argues that the U.S. Department of Transportation illegally withdrew funds for safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street in Roxbury.

BOSTON - Monday, September 28, 2026 - Today, the City of Boston filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful withdrawal of a $20 million federal grant for critical street infrastructure improvements along three major corridors in Roxbury. The grant, awarded to the City in 2022 under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, would fund the Roxbury Resilient Corridors project, including state of good repair, safety, transit, accessibility, and traffic flow improvements to Melnea Cass Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Warren Street.

“We’re fighting for every dollar of investment to improve quality of life for Roxbury residents, commuters, and businesses,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston earned this competitive grant to meet community needs and address long-needed infrastructure upgrades. The City of Boston will continue to fight back against lawless federal attacks, and we urge the court to reverse the Trump administration’s illegal actions and restore these critical funds for Roxbury.”

“These funds are an essential investment in Roxbury and the unlawful cancellation of this grant is more evidence of Sean Duffy and Donald Trump’s contempt for the people we serve,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “Our shared constituents should be able to get where they need to go and public transit is a public good. The law is on our side here and this lawsuit is a critical step in defense of this project that our office fought hard to secure funding for. There was no good reason to rescind these funds – DOT should reverse course so we can move this project forward, improve the daily lives of commuters, and enhance the climate resilience of at-risk communities—just as Congress intended.”

The lawsuit seeks to reverse the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) September 2025 decision to cancel the City’s $20 million grant award. In abruptly withdrawing the award, the City argues that DOT acted against the instruction of Congress, which created the grant program. In its letter cancelling the grant, DOT cited just one reason: the project included a small amount of money for electric vehicle charging (less than 1% of the project costs), which DOT had encouraged the City to include, yet DOT revoked the entire grant on that sole basis. 

“For decades, Roxbury has waited for significant investments to improve our roads and sidewalks, add more trees and public spaces, and keep our families safe. These federal funds are critical in delivering much needed improvements, making it easier for everyone but especially our kids and elders to breathe clean air and get to where they need to safely in their community,” said Rev. Willie Bodrick, II, senior pastor of Twelfth Baptist Church and president & CEO of The American City Coalition. “I’m thankful to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for standing up for our residents and look forward to continued partnership to ensure Roxbury receives this significant federal investment.”

The City’s lawsuit argues that DOT’s overtly political decision was illegal. Congress created the RAISE program with the explicit goal of making transportation and environmental investments in historically underserved communities. The Roxbury Resilient Corridors project was designed to do just that, bringing needed upgrades, safety, traffic management, and quality of life improvements to some of Roxbury’s busiest corridors.

“Boston lost a $20 million infrastructure grant over electric vehicle chargers that represented a fraction of 1% of the funding—infrastructure the federal government itself encouraged,” said Toby Merrill, litigation director at Public Rights Project. “That decision is arbitrary and unlawful. Federal agencies can’t rewrite Congress’s rules or their commitments to cities to fit changing political priorities, especially when residents pay the price. Public Rights Project is proud to represent Boston as it stands up for its residents.”

“For six decades, Madison Park Development Corporation has invested in the people and families who make Roxbury the vibrant community it is today. This $20 million investment is about more than roads and infrastructure—it is about safer streets for our children, more accessible sidewalks for our seniors and families, better transit for our workers, and a neighborhood that receives the investment it deserves,” said Monica Dean, CEO of Madison Park Development Corporation. “We thank Mayor Wu, Congresswoman Pressley, and our federal, state, and local partners for standing with Roxbury and fighting to ensure that commitments made to our community are honored.”

"Years ago, I volunteered to work with the City of Boston, and saw acres and acres of land that were cleared for highways and not for the benefit of Roxbury residents and the neighborhood. I agree with Representative Pressley and Mayor Wu’s efforts to restore funding for the Roxbury Resilient Corridors Project,” said Norman Stembridge, co-chair of the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee (RSMPOC).



The City’s lawsuit, City of Boston v. Duffy, was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:26-cv-14419. The City is represented by attorneys from the City of Boston Law Department and pro bono counsel from Public Rights Project.

Governor Healey Advances Sagamore Bridge Replacement with $956 Million in Federal Funding and Final Procurement Phase

Governor Healey Advances Sagamore Bridge Replacement with $956 Million in Federal Funding and Final Procurement Phase

 Major milestone moves long-awaited project closer to construction of a safer, more reliable Cape Cod

SAGAMORE – Governor Healey today announced a major milestone in the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge, securing authorization for $956 million in federal grant funding and releasing the Request for Proposals for the project’s design-build contract.

The RFP launches the final phase of procurement before construction and will lead to the selection of the team that will design and build the new Sagamore Bridge. The Federal Highway Administration is also expected to authorize an additional $371 million in federal grant funding in mid-October, further securing funding for one of the largest transportation projects in Massachusetts history.

“This is a major step toward delivering the new Sagamore Bridge that Cape Cod residents, businesses and visitors have waited decades for,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We secured historic federal funding, completed critical permitting and design work, and now we are moving into the final procurement phase before construction. We are going to keep pushing this project forward and deliver a safer, more reliable bridge that will serve Cape Cod and Massachusetts for generations.”

“The Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are lifelines for Cape Cod and the Islands, connecting people to jobs, schools, health care, businesses and everything this region has to offer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This milestone brings us closer to getting shovels in the ground and delivering the modern infrastructure this region deserves. We are grateful to our federal, state and local partners who have helped move this project forward.”

The RFP follows MassDOT’s March 2026 Request for Letters of Interest and May 2026 Request for Qualifications. MassDOT expects final proposals to be submitted in May 2027, with a public bid opening anticipated in July 2027. A Notice to Proceed is anticipated in late 2027, with construction expected to begin in winter 2027.

MassDOT will lead construction of the new Sagamore Bridge in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. Both bridges are 91 years old and provide the only roadway connections between Cape Cod and mainland Massachusetts.

The Sagamore Bridge replacement project will include two new bridge spans, reconstructed roadway interchanges, improved local and regional traffic movements and safer, more modern infrastructure for Cape Cod’s approximately 230,000 year-round residents and more than five million annual visitors.

MassDOT expects the new eastbound span to open in 2033. At that point, all traffic will shift to the new span while the existing Sagamore Bridge is demolished and the new westbound span is constructed. MassDOT plans to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction throughout construction to preserve existing roadway capacity.

“This is a big step forward for the Cape Cod Bridges Program. Replacing the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges is critical to modernizing Massachusetts’ infrastructure, and the procurement process is key to moving towards the finish line,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. 

“With this announcement, we are one step closer to shovels in the ground, cranes in the air, and a brand new bridge for Cape Cod—the Sagamore will sag no more,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “I’m proud to have helped secure $1.7 billion in federal funding to replace the Sagamore Bridge, and I’m grateful for the close partnership with Senator Warren, Congressman Keating, Governor Healey, Secretary Eng, and all our state and local partners working to realize this long-awaited project.”

"The bids are out and at long last, the construction will follow,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “For nearly a decade, I have worked with Senators Markey and Warren, state, and local partners to secure federal funding to replace this federal asset and have championed full replacement over costly rehabilitation. As a committed partner in this undertaking, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has worked tirelessly to permit and design this historic project, which will improve daily life, ensure critical access for first responders, and bolster our economy. MassDOT's Request for Proposals begins the next chapter, bringing us closer to the day when our residents will begin crossing the new Sagamore Bridge."

“Today’s RFP release demonstrates that we are continuing to move this critical project forward with urgency, discipline and a clear focus on delivery,” shared Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration understands the importance of delivering major infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety and reliability. We are grateful to the communities, federal, state and regional partners, and stakeholders, who have helped us reach this milestone, and we look forward to working with the design and construction industry as we move toward construction.”

“Thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Megaprojects Executive Director Luisa Paiewonsky and the MassDOT project team, today marks the final stage in the procurement process for one of the largest transportation investments in a generation,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “Once under way, the Sagamore Bridge project will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs, while creating a new canal crossing that is safer, accommodates multi-modal travel, and supports commerce, helping Massachusetts maintain its competitive edge well into the future.”

The Cape Cod Bridges Program is being led by MassDOT in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The federal environmental review was formally completed in August following the Federal Highway Administration’s June 26 Record of Decision.

The Sagamore Bridge is the first phase of the broader Cape Cod Bridges Program, which will ultimately replace both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. MassDOT and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have jointly applied for more than $1 billion in federal funding for replacement of the Bourne Bridge and are awaiting a decision on that application.

"Today is a real milestone in our decades-long pursuit to replace the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges to safely and reliably travel to and from the mainland for the next century,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Cape and Islands). “These bridges are a lifeline to Cape Cod and the Islands, serving as a daily connection for locals and workers, and as the primary gateway for visitors to enjoy everything our spectacular region has to offer. Replacing these bridges is not an option — it’s essential for now and our future. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, our Congressional delegation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Army Corps of Engineers for the sustained partnership to ensure Cape Cod and the Islands thrive for generations to come." 

“The Bourne and Sagamore bridges are our lifeline on the Cape and Islands, connecting hundreds of thousands of people who live and work here and millions of visitors who come each year,” said State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Plymouth and Barnstable). “I'm proud to see this project continue to hit key milestones and move forward on schedule, and grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and MassDOT for their leadership on this. We'll keep working alongside local, state, and federal partners to deliver new bridges that Cape Cod can count on for generations to come."

“This is an important step forward for our district, all of Cape Cod and the Islands, and the millions of people who visit and enjoy this beautiful part of the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-5th Barnstable). “The Sagamore Bridge is a critical lifeline for our residents, businesses, first responders and visitors, and replacing it has been a long time coming. Securing the federal funding and moving into the final procurement phase brings us closer to delivering a safer, more reliable Sagamore Bridge that Cape Cod can count on for generations to come. I’m proud and grateful to see this project moving forward, and I look forward to seeing it get done.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue working with federal, state and local partners to secure the remaining funding necessary to deliver both bridges.

For more information, please visit MassDOT’s Cape Cod Bridges Program here.  

Governor Healey Announces $40 Million to Grow Massachusetts Life Sciences Industry, Create More Than 1,600 Jobs

 Governor Healey Announces $40 Million to Grow Massachusetts Life Sciences Industry, Create More Than 1,600 Jobs 

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center awards tax incentives to 38 companies to expand and create jobs across Massachusetts

DEVENS — Governor Maura Healey announced nearly $40 million in tax incentives for 38 life sciences companies that are expected to create 1,644 new jobs across Massachusetts.

The awards, made through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Tax Incentive Program, support companies that are expanding their research, development and manufacturing operations in Massachusetts. 31 of the 38 companies receiving awards are expanding outside of Boston and Cambridge and account for 71 percent of the new jobs expected to be created through this round of awards.

Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley joined MLSC Interim CEO Liz Graham and local officials to announce the awards at SMC Ltd. in Devens.  

“Massachusetts leads the world in life sciences because we invest in the people and companies that are creating the jobs, treatments and technologies of the future,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments will help 38 companies grow here in Massachusetts and create more than 1,600 new jobs in communities across our state. We are going to keep competing for jobs, supporting innovation and making sure Massachusetts remains the best place to start and grow a life sciences company.”

“Our life sciences industry supports good jobs and economic growth in communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments are helping companies expand, hire more workers and continue developing new technologies that can improve people’s lives. We’re proud to support their growth here in Massachusetts.” 

The MLSC Tax Incentive Program supports life sciences companies engaged in research and development, commercialization and manufacturing in Massachusetts. The program provides incentives to companies of all sizes that commit to creating and retaining new, long-term jobs in the state. Since the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center was established, companies participating in the program have committed to creating more than 22,300 jobs.

“The awards reflect our commitment to scaling life sciences companies here in Massachusetts. These companies reinforce that Massachusetts is the best place to invest, expand, and build for the future,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, co-chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “By helping these awardees deepen foundations in the Commonwealth, we’re strengthening our competitive position and supporting sustained growth throughout the industry.” 

“Massachusetts’ life sciences ecosystem drives our state's economy while strengthening our reputation as the national leader in life-saving scientific advances and research,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, co-chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “The awards we’re announcing today are strategic investments in this critical sector that will create jobs and spur innovation.”

“The MLSC’s Tax Incentive program is about helping life sciences companies reach the pivotal milestones that will move their innovations forward,” said MLSC Interim CEO Liz Graham. “For today’s awardees, that means adding the talent and capabilities needed to advance promising discoveries, bring new technologies closer to patients, and translate innovation into real-world impact.”

“We are honored to be recognized by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and appreciate its investment in SMC’s continued growth,” said Chetan N. Patel, CEO and Founder of SMC Ltd. “We are making significant investments in our Devens facility to support new pharmaceutical programs and expand our capabilities. The MLSC award will be a meaningful catalyst for that growth, helping us expand our facility, grow our team, and strengthen SMC’s role as a trusted manufacturing partner for innovative healthcare companies.”

This year’s recipients include companies working in artificial intelligence, women’s health, therapeutics, diagnostics, medical technologies, research and development and biomanufacturing.

The recipients include: 

Company	Expansion Location	Incentive Amount	Job Commitment
Alloy Therapeutics Inc.	Waltham	$180,000	10
Ardelyx Inc.	Waltham	$277,500	15
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	Cambridge	$900,000	50
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company	Devens	$2,875,000	125
CBSET Inc.	Lexington	$660,000	33
Cogent Biosciences Inc.	Waltham	$360,000	20
Dash Bio Inc.	Waltham	$285,000	12
Dyne Therapeutics Inc.	Waltham	$937,500	50
Eyepoint Inc.	Northbridge	$1,000,000	40
Gentuity LLC	Sudbury	$276,000	15
Insulet Corporation	Acton	$10,000,000	250
IPG Medical Corporation	Marlborough	$195,000	10
Kailera Therapeutics Inc.	Waltham	$900,000	50
KalVista Pharmaceuticals Inc.	Framingham	$324,000	18
Kymera Therapeutics Inc.	Watertown	$630,000	35
Lexington Medical Inc.	Bedford	$180,000	10
Lila Sciences Inc.	Cambridge	$3,600,000	200
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.	Waltham	$900,000	50
Mercy BioAnalytics Inc.	Waltham	$120,000	5
Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc.	Boston	$720,000	40
Nanopath Inc.	Cambridge	$288,000	12
Olaris Inc.	Framingham	$125,000	5
Pramand LLC	Burlington	$257,500	10
Rapport Therapeutics Inc.	Boston	$483,000	21
Rentschler Biopharma Inc.	Milford	$517,500	23
Repligen Corporation	Marlborough	$415,000	20
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.	Boston	$462,500	25
Sanegene Bio USA Inc.	Woburn	$235,000	10
SMC Ltd.	Devens	$1,350,000	54
Spear Bio Inc.	Woburn	$235,000	10
Terrestrial Bio Inc.	Woburn	$1,080,000	36
TransMedics Group Inc.	Andover	$1,860,000	62
Triveni Bio Inc.	Watertown	$288,000	12
Verastem Inc.	Needham	$437,000	19
Vericel Corporation	Burlington	$1,100,000	50
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.	Boston	$3,025,000	121
Werfen	Bedford	$1,303,500	66
Zoll Medical Corporation	Chelmsford	$1,100,000	50

The MLSC jointly administers the Tax Incentive program with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, which oversees the technical administration of the incentives. Awardees are required to maintain job commitments over a three-year period. The program includes regular reporting requirements for awardees to document jobs created as a result of the incentive. The MLSC has continued to use the Tax Incentive program to leverage diverse life sciences assets across Massachusetts and encourage growth, expansion, and retention on a statewide basis.

In November 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill building on the success of the state’s renowned life sciences sector. The legislation increased the statutory cap from $30 million to $40 million for life sciences tax incentives and made targeted reforms to strengthen the program.