MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS MONTH City hosting Small Business Resource Fair for businesses to learn more about existing City programs and resources on May 8

BOSTON – Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Small Business launched Small Business Month, an annual opportunity to highlight how local businesses shape our neighborhoods and recognize the ecosystem and support network throughout the city. The month will feature a slate of events, resources, and curated social media content grounded in the theme “City of Opportunities.” The City of Boston is home to 18,000 small businesses that employ 127,000 people and generate close to $28 billion each year.  “Small businesses are the foundation of our community and vital to the functioning of our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This month we celebrate all of the small businesses right here in Boston and showcase the relentless work they do to fuel our communities.” Through the Office of Small Business, the City seeks to provide support to businesses owners in various ways in order to enhance their economic impact on our communities. Since 2022, the City has provided more than $20 million in critical grant relief to over 1,500 small businesses through initiatives like the Small Business Relief Fund, SPACE, and ReFresh. The City also continues to provide other important assistance such as providing over 8,300 hours of one-on-one Technical Assistance for over 350 businesses; funding over 50 ReStore signage and facade renovation projects; and streamlining the process and reducing financial barriers for participation in the annual Outdoor Dining program.  "As Chair of the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure — and as a small business owner myself — I know firsthand the grit, creativity, and determination it takes to build something from the ground up,” said District 4 Boston City Councilor, Brian Worrell. “In Boston, small businesses aren’t just economic engines — they’re cultural anchors. They bring life to our corridors, from Blue Hill Avenue to Washington Street to Fields Corner. But too often, our entrepreneurs face barriers that stall progress and stifle potential. That’s why Small Business Month can’t just be a celebration — it has to be a call to action. Programs like the Resilient Recovery Fund and Biz-M-Power are steps in the right direction. But reports like the City’s Disparity Study and the 'Barriers to Business' report make it clear: equity can’t be seasonal — it has to be structural, sustained, and built into the way we do business in Boston every single day."  Throughout Small Business Month, events will celebrate and support the small business ecosystem across Boston. City-led programming include:  City of Boston Small Business Resource Fair Thursday, May 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Location: DotHouse Health, 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester Register to attend here Small Business Solutions Technical Assistance Consultation Hours Friday, May 9, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Virtual. RSVP for a consultation here Annual Legacy Business Award Ceremony and Reception Tuesday, June 3, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Location: Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont Street, South End Register to attend here “Mayor Wu and the Office of Small Business have worked to strengthen our local firms by providing them the three critical resources they need: access to capital, technical assistance, and markets,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion for the City of Boston. “Small Business Month is another way for the City to both celebrate the achievements of our business owners, who bring so much vibrancy to our neighborhoods and commercial cores, and to continue connecting them to the important offerings that we have available, for the betterment of our community.” Through Small Business Month events, the Office of Small Business will connect small businesses with City departments and other local resources and offer support through technical assistance office hours.  “While we celebrate Small Business Month throughout  May, at the Office of Small Business, we are supporting small businesses through programming, and resources all year long,” said Aliesha Porcena, Director of Small Business for the City of Boston. “We are creating a place where business owners can receive support throughout their business’s lifecycle.  Boston is opportunity unleashed. This month is just a taste of the vibrant, energized small business ecosystem we're igniting across Boston.” In addition to the events spearheaded by the City, Small Business Month will also feature 13 events led by Boston Means Business, a grant opportunity for community-led activations. The Office of Small Business awarded organizations up to $9,500 for events that provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow, thrive, or celebrate success.  “This grant helps us build on that momentum and expand how we support small businesses, artists, and creatives, with a focus on those led by women, through intentional programming, creative platforms, and safe spaces to simply be and feel inspired,” said Therlande Louissaint and Marlyn Urquiza, co-founders of SIDE Presents. “We are grateful to receive this grant from the City. It is a meaningful sign that we are on the right path and a reminder to keep building a business that serves not just us, but our entire community.” Grant applications launched in March 2025. During the three week application period, 68 nonprofits applied for the grant. The selected recipients submitted proposals that demonstrated a knowledge of Boston’s multifaceted small business community and proposed innovative activations in education, retail opportunities, and platforms for collaboration. The Boston Means Business Grants—and all Small Business Month activations—aim to celebrate and support small businesses.  "The City of Boston has been an incredible partner in maintaining and expanding our business,” said James Razsa of Democracy Brewing. “With the City's help we have been able to gain access to amazing marketing support and workforce development. I can absolutely say with confidence we would not be adding a second location right now if it were not for the City of Boston." Throughout the month, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion will also share information about Small Business programs, connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance to successfully start, grow, and build a business in Boston.

Boston Athletic Association Awards $125,000 in the spring round of B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program

 Boston Athletic Association Awards $125,000 in the spring round of B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program

Boston - Ten organizations have received support from the 2025 spring edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program and were celebrated at the Welcome Reception for the 129^th Boston Marathon on the Friday of race weekend.

Since the program’s inception in spring 2023, $650,000 has been awarded to organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who align with the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.

 

Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The ten selected organizations live out the mission of the B.A.A. every day and we are delighted to be able to support their wonderful work in their local communities. Together we can do more and have a greater impact across a wide range of activities, additional programing and support services.”

To date, 45 organizations have benefitted from B.A.A. Gives Back Grants.
The B.A.A. awards monetary grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 through an application process open to all nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria:

• Organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or a public agency.
• Organization is not political.
• Organization's program advances the B.A.A.'s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.
• Organization is located in and serves residents of Massachusetts.

 

The next round of grant applications will launch in the fall of 2025.

Find out more information HERE.

Spring 2025 B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients:
Active Kids & Minds, Inc.
Active Social Communities DBA Volo Kids Foundation
Boston Police Activities League Inc.
Charles River Watershed Association
Codman Academy Foundation
Fast Feet Running and Athletics, Inc.
Franciscan Children's Hospital
Keep Massachusetts Beautiful
Newton Athletes Unlimited (NAU)
Brookline Recreation Department

Governor Healey Thanks Departing Top Lawyer Paige Scott Reed, Appoints Jesse M. Boodoo as Chief Legal Counsel

 Governor Healey Thanks Departing Top Lawyer Paige Scott Reed, Appoints Jesse M. Boodoo as Chief Legal Counsel 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today is thanking her Chief Legal Counsel, Paige Scott Reed, who has announced that she will leave the administration this month to return to the private sector. Governor Healey has appointed Jesse M. Boodoo to be Scott Reed’s successor.  

Paige Scott Reed was one of Governor Healey’s first appointments in December 2022. She is the first African American woman to lead the Governor’s legal office. Scott Reed has been a key part of the mechanics of bringing great ideas to fruition right from the beginning. She brought together a team of lawyers from across secretariats to draft effective legislation as Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll worked to drive greater affordability and transform housing, beginning with the creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.  

Scott Reed and her team, which included a historically diverse and richly talented Judicial Nominating Commission, also shepherded an impressive collection of judges through the judicial nominating process. Governor Healey has appointed two Supreme Judicial Court Justices, three Appeals Court justices, and more than 60 judges overall, not to mention a historic register of probate, three additions to the Parole Board, and several clerk magistrates. Scott Reed has earned the steady support of the Governor’s Council and the appreciation of the judiciary.   

“I’m deeply grateful to Paige Scott Reed for her service to our administration and to the people of Massachusetts. She leaves an enduring legacy – from the lives that have been transformed because of her work on clemency to the dozens of judges she helped nominate to the bench whose decisions will shape our state for generations to come. We wish her the absolute best in her next steps,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Jesse Boodoo has been a trusted advisor to me for years, and he has a track record of bringing people together and getting results. We are thrilled to see him step into this new role.” 

“Paige and Jesse are both valued members of our team and their leadership has had positive impacts for our administration and the people of Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We thank Paige for her outstanding service and wish her luck going forward. We are excited to see all that Jesse will accomplish as Chief Legal Counsel.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration brought a renewed focus to executive clemency and the work of the Parole Board. During Scott Reed’s tenure, Governor Healey pardoned 21 individuals and issued a blanket pardon for simple marijuana convictions that is impacting hundreds of thousands of people. This month, Governor Healey announced four more pardons that will soon be considered by the Governor’s Council. Because of this historic work, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has made more equitable use of pardon power, reworked the Governor’s new clemency guidelines to be more just and effective, and nominated Parole Board members with the experience, knowledge, and commitment to support the process of rehabilitation and reentry. The Parole Board is also more reflective of the diversity of Massachusetts and more energized to do hard reentry work. 

“It has been an incredible honor to work for Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and this entire administration,” said Paige Scott Reed. “I'm proud of the work we have done together to create a stronger Massachusetts and make a positive difference in the lives of so many people. I know the Governor's Office will be in good hands with Jesse Boodoo as Chief Legal Counsel, and I look forward to seeing all that the team will continue to get done in the years ahead.” 

Prior to joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Scott Reed was a Partner at Prince Lobel Tye LLP and had previously worked as General Counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA and also served as Corporate Secretary and General Counsel to the Boston 2024 Partnership for the city’s Olympic bid. She received her A.B. from Harvard College and her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she was an Executive Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Scott Reed is also a past president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association. 

Jesse Boodoo currently serves as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in the Governor’s Office, where he advises on a wide range of legal matters and is one of the principal legal advisors to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Since the early days of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Boodoo has helped lead the Governor’s Legal Office, supervising the legal departments of secretariats, overseeing major litigation involving the executive branch, and directing the review and drafting of legislation. 

“I’m honored to be appointed Chief Legal Counsel by Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll,” said Jesse Boodoo. “I’m grateful for Paige’s leadership and guidance these past couple of years. I look forward to the opportunity to build on her important work to faithfully represent the Governor’s Office, nominate highly qualified judges to the courts and advance clemency recommendations that are rooted in equity and fairness.” 

Previously, Boodoo served as Managing Attorney of the Trial Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, representing state agencies, public officials, and employees in matters involving employment issues, civil rights, administrative law, wrongful convictions, and ballot initiatives. He also served as Acting General Counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA, worked as a litigator at Ropes & Gray focusing on civil and criminal appellate work, and clerked on the Massachusetts Appeals Court. 

Boodoo has held numerous volunteer roles, including as a member and former Vice Chair of the Board of Bar Overseers and a member of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. He resides in Newton with his wife and two children. 

Elected Leaders, Healthcare Providers, and Neighbors Demand Action on World Asthma Day

 Elected Leaders, Healthcare Providers, and Neighbors Demand Action on World Asthma Day 

EAST BOSTON: A large crowd, including families with young children, gathered at Maverick Landing on World Asthma Day to rally in support of legislation addressing the dangerous levels of toxic air pollution in Environmental Justice communities. Elected leaders, including State Representative Adrian Madaro and Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, as well as pediatricians, advocates, neighbors, and youth leaders spoke out demanding passage of two bills to increase air monitoring in pollution hot spots and create enforceable pollution reduction targets in those communities: An Act to ensure cleaner air for communities overburdened by outdoor air pollution (S.1584/H.2639) and An Act to improve indoor air quality for highly-impacted communities (S.1546/H.2427). Additionally, local healthcare organizations and advocacy groups shared immediate steps neighbors can take to protect their families’ health including DIY air filters and information sessions on how to properly use inhalers. 

"Asthma is a growing public health crisis, made worse by air pollution that disproportionately affects our most vulnerable residents. I’m excited to join community members and advocates at the World Asthma Day Rally for Clean Air to raise awareness about air pollution and how we can protect our health together. I remain committed to advancing policies that promote better air quality and a healthier environment for all." -City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata (District 1). 

"As a parent in East Boston, which houses the highest rates of childhood asthma in Greater Boston, hosting the Clean Air Rally on World Asthma Day in our community was incredibly meaningful. We want to finally see legislation passed to protect our kids from the effects of our reliance on fossil fuels, especially as none passed during the last legislative cycle. We need to keep the fight going." -Sonja Tengblad, Mothers Out Front East Boston. 

“Families in overburdened neighborhoods have asked for clean air legislation again and again and then watched as bills languish. And now Trump has cut $1 million in grants intended to address the asthma crisis in Western Mass. We’re rallying today because we need the legislature to act with urgency to pass S.1584/H.2639 and S.1546/H.2427. No child should struggle to breathe because of their zip code.” -Emma Weis, Clean Water Action. 

“Every day we see children struggling to breathe after smoggy days, temperature swings, or exposure to allergens, dust, and smoke. We see them miss school because of uncontrolled asthma, despite doing everything right. We see families forced to move or make impossible decisions just to protect their children’s lungs,” said Dr. Shalini Shah, a pediatrician and environmental health expert at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Our children deserve homes that don’t make them sick, schools that are safe, and communities that are prepared to protect their health in a changing climate. Let’s make sure that every child in Massachusetts—no matter their zip code or background—can grow up breathing healthy air.” 

“Here in Boston, and across the Commonwealth, we see air pollution suffocating our residents. Whether from planes, trains, cars, or buildings, air pollution harms our health. Sometimes, it even sends our residents to the emergency room, which costs all of us money. Air pollution in schools makes it harder for our children to learn. It has never been more critical to invest in the life-saving air pollution measurement and reduction our families need. It's why we rally on World Asthma Justice Day year after year.” -Hessann Farooqi, Boston Climate Action Network 

"On World Asthma Day, we gather to demonstrate our commitment to clean air and healthier communities. Asthma is a daily challenge for too many, and ACE is committed to empowering residents to protect their health while demanding policy changes to ensure safe, breathable for all."  -Tristan Thomas, Alternatives for Community and Environment 

波士頓慈濟人文學校慶祝母親節 小朋友獻花奉茶行孝道

慈濟人文學校家長及師生合影，慶祝母親節。(周菊子攝)

       (Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導) 波士頓慈濟人文學校5月4日在貝德福市 （Bedford）高中校址，慶祝母親節，從幼小班到9年級，有近百學生分班次，依序上台向母親獻花，奉茶儀式，隆重的發揚孝親精神，場面極之溫馨。

慈青演唱手語歌。(周菊子攝)

      由於波士頓慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳當天人在臺灣，慶祝母親節活動由波士頓慈濟聯絡處負責人長金滿開場，馮美霞主持，簡小芳帶唱手語歌，黃湘霏，陳筠媞，黃秝淇，吳建發，陳裕逢，李豐等人安排小朋友獻花，奉茶。

       

波士頓慈濟聯絡處負責人長金滿開場致詞。（周菊子攝）

     長金滿師姐代表校長，慈濟基金會的所有師兄姐，歡迎家長們帶小朋友出席慶祝母親節活動，提醒眾人5月10日慈濟將在牛頓市會所舉辦三節合一的浴佛節慶祝會，藉以感謝佛恩，父母恩，眾生恩。她還特地感謝僑委會提供許多資源協助慈濟辦理人文學校，感謝家長及老師們為小朋友們學習中文的付出。

       波士頓僑教中心主任高家富主任當天應邀出席，致詞時稱許波士頓慈濟小朋友們參加世界地球日靜思語畫作比賽的成果，重申馮美霞師姐闡述的母親節意義，指出母親懷抱永遠是子女的最佳避風港灣，祝福慈濟人文學校校務昌隆。

馮美霞主持波士頓慈濟母親節活動。（周菊子攝）

       高家富主任還特地介紹僑委會的『i僑卡』，說明這張卡具有2重功能，一是持卡在海內外許多商家消費，可以享有優惠，二是代表認同中華民國，認同臺灣及僑委會，可用以簡潔便利的報名參加僑委會所辦各項活動。

       在馮美霞師姐告訴小朋友，母親是最美，最溫柔的天使，邀家長上座，請小朋友端著放有一朵康乃馨，一杯茶，一塊小蛋糕的捧盤，列隊上前，獻給自己的母親後，簡小芳師姐帶慈少演繹手語歌，呈現跪羊圖，還解釋慈濟重視手語歌，緣於證嚴上人訪視貧苦時，遇到聾啞人，無法溝通，從此要求慈濟人學習手語，以期將來遇到聾啞人時，也能溝通無礙。許多家長看到慈少們表演，忍不住讚嘆，感動。

波士頓慈濟人文學校慶祝母親節。（周菊子攝）

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富介紹i僑卡。(周菊子攝)

黃湘霏帶慈青服務。（周菊子攝）

簡小方說明慈濟重視手語歌緣由。（周菊子攝）

慈祐也向母親獻花，奉茶。（周菊子攝）

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（左三）介紹『i僑卡』。（周菊子攝）

波士頓慈濟人文學校為學生們準備好康乃馨，
一杯茶及糕點。 （周菊子攝）

慈濟的小朋友們從小學習母親節，行孝道。（周菊子攝）

金花師姐喝一口外孫女奉上的清茶。（周菊子攝）

小朋友獻花奉茶後和母親合影。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts

 Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today welcomed the leadership of Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, to celebrate their recent decision to launch their first U.S. health care startup accelerator in Massachusetts. The ARC accelerator will leverage Massachusetts’ world-class health care institutions, clinical research, tech innovation and talent combined with Sheba Medical Center's proven ARC methodology and global platform to address critical health care challenges through digital and AI-powered solutions. 

“It’s great that Sheba/ARC has chosen to expand here in Massachusetts. They had many options to choose from, but our state stood out because we are already a global hub for health care innovation with unmatched talent,” said Governor Healey. “We look forward to the opening of their new accelerator, which will be a valued contribution to our innovation-based economy, and I’m sure it will result in new discoveries that will improve the world and save lives.” 

“Massachusetts is home to the best hospitals, research institutions, and businesses in the world. This new accelerator will make our health care ecosystem even stronger,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We're grateful that Professor Zimlichman and his team chose Massachusetts as the site of this new venture, and we are excited for all of the important work that is to come.” 

“Opportunities for deeper collaboration between Israel and Massachusetts are both real and exciting—especially in biotech and life sciences, where both are global leaders,” said Consul General of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni. “Together, the innovation ecosystems of Israel and the Greater Boston Area can drive breakthroughs in science and medicine for the benefit of all. We are proud to continue working with both ARC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to further strengthen this great relationship” 

“Sheba’s strategic partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will create a hub for startups from our global network,” said Sheba Medical Center’s Chief Transformation Innovation and AI Officer and Founder of ARC, Professor Eyal Zimlichman. “This collaboration will connect digital and AI technology development with clinical needs, enhancing health outcomes and driving economic growth. By integrating startups into real clinical environments, we can validate and scale solutions quickly, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.” 

“Sheba Medical Center has long been at the forefront of medical discovery and healthcare transformation," said Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss. "By combining our innovation model with Massachusetts' unparalleled healthcare ecosystem, we can accelerate AI technologies that address the most pressing challenges facing patients and providers globally." 

ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) is the innovation arm of Sheba Medical Center, which was founded and directed by Professor Eyal Zimlichman. ARC is shaping the future of medical innovation by connecting entrepreneurs and clinicians, advancing the development and implementation of new technologies, and creating breakthrough economic frameworks in health care. The methodology of ARC Innovation has already supported more than 100 startup companies, including three unicorns with investments surpassing $1 billion. ARC portfolio companies receive full support through clinical validation programs and regulatory advice, and Sheba Medical Center’s physician network of 1,400+ for mentorship and strategic investor and partner connections. 

The ARC initiative will accelerate the development of digital and AI healthcare solutions, focusing on three key areas: advanced diagnostic tools, digital health platforms, and workforce support technologies. ARC will begin operations in early 2026 and will be part of Sheba’s global innovation network, which includes London, Melbourne, Singapore, Berlin, and New Zealand. 

Governor Healey was joined at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday by Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss, Chief Transformation Officer of ARC Sheba Medical Center Professor Eyal Zimlichman, MD, MSc (MHCM), Israeli Consul General Benny Sharoni, Advisor for World Jewry Affairs in the Office of the President of Israel Danya Leshed, Director of Sheba Global Yoel Har-Even (Lieutenant Colonel, Res), Chairman of the Friends of Sheba Medical Center Yoram Tietz, and Board Chair of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Bill Silbey. Representatives of the Healey-Driscoll Administration included Acting Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment Executive Director Jeevan Ramapriya, and President & CEO of Massachusetts Life Science Center Kirk Taylor. 

CITY OF BOSTON SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO DEFEND CRITICAL HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS FUNDING

 

CITY OF BOSTON SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO DEFEND CRITICAL HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS FUNDING  Mayor Wu joins multicity lawsuit challenging HUD’s unlawful attempt to withhold $48 million in previously-awarded funds to provide housing and services for people experiencing homelessness

BOSTON - Monday, May 5, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston joined a lawsuit with cities and counties from across the United States to challenge the Trump Administration’s unlawful move to cancel $3.6 billion in grants for housing and homelessness prevention unless Boston and other communities agree to the President’s unconstitutional Executive Orders.  The suit challenges the move by the Trump Administration to withhold nearly $48 million in previously-awarded funding for Boston to fight homelessness unless the City agrees to comply with a raft of new Executive Orders and grant conditions, which are unrelated to housing and likely unconstitutional. The Administration’s actions threaten billions in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program, the single largest source of federal funding Boston and other cities use to address homelessness. This lawsuit seeks to defend the City from executive overreach and many unlawful and arbitrary conditions being added to the CoC program. “The Trump Administration is threatening to hold up nearly $48 million for Boston to tackle homelessness unless our City complies with unconstitutional Executive Orders,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are joining other cities and counties across the country to protect critical funding to prevent homelessness and house families in need. Boston will not back down on making our city a home for everyone.” The Continuum of Care program supports individuals experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless Boston residents with finding stable housing connected to health care, counseling, and other supportive services. Each year, the City of Boston works with local nonprofit organizations to assist more than 2,000 households experiencing homelessness —individuals, families, young adults, and veterans. These services are part of Boston’s broader “housing first” strategy, which focuses on helping people move into stable housing as quickly as possible with supports to help them stay housed. The actions by the Trump Administration threaten these resources and the housing that the City and its partners are able to provide.  The new requirements from the federal government would force Boston and other cities to make legal promises that conflict with local laws, values, and long-standing efforts to support residents and connect them with stable housing. These include conditions related to immigration enforcement, health care, DEI, and how cities support transgender and gender-diverse individuals. If Boston agreed to these terms and was later found to be out of compliance based on this federal administration's unfounded and unsupported interpretation of the laws, the City could be forced to pay back all the grant money—up to three times the original amount—leaving thousands of residents without housing support and putting the City in an unnecessary position financially. Each year, the Continuum of Care program funds services in Boston such as permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid re-housing for those exiting homelessness, and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and others in crisis. More than 18 nonprofit organizations receive this funding annually to do their work, including Metro Housing | Boston, Pine Street Inn, HomeStart, and Casa Myrna. These groups also employ more than 125 people with this support. “Our nonprofit partners work every day to make sure our most vulnerable residents have the housing and the support services that they need to stabilize their lives,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The Continuum of Care federal funding is too important to be compromised by the federal administration’s unrelated policy agenda.”   "We cannot allow the federal government to abdicate our collective responsibility to provide housing for our homeless and neediest residents, including veterans and those struggling with mental health issues. Boston will continue to fight for critical funding to care for our residents and will protect their basic rights," said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. Boston joins seven other jurisdictions in filing this lawsuit in the federal Western District of Washington, including King County, WA; the City of New York, NY; the City of Columbus, OH; the City and County of San Francisco, CA and Pierce County and Snohomish County, WA.

Governor Healey, Northeast Governors Invite Canadian Premiers to Convene in Boston on Trade and Tariffs

 Governor Healey, Northeast Governors Invite Canadian Premiers to Convene in Boston on Trade and Tariffs  

Invitation acknowledges ‘cherished relationship’ between leaders founded on mutual financial advantages and centuries-old familial and cultural bonds  
 

BOSTON – Six northeastern Governors, led by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, formally invitedCanadian Premiers to a convening in Boston to discuss the impacts of President Trump’s tariffs and how American and Canadian leaders can continue to work together to maintain strong trade relations that benefit local businesses and residents.  

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and Vermont Governor Phil Scott extended the invitation to the Premiers of six Canadian provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Québec. 

“Canada is Massachusetts’ number one trading partner. For generations, we have enjoyed a strong partnership and a healthy exchange of energy, lumber, dairy, cars and car parts, seafood and more. Our businesses and our residents all benefit from this relationship,” said Governor Healey. “But President Trump’s tariffs are undermining this partnership, making it harder for businesses to keep their doors open, and increasing the cost of everything that the New England and Canadian people rely on. That’s why I’m proud to be joining my colleagues from across the northeast in inviting Canadian Premiers to convene in Boston, so that we can discuss how to continue our partnership, lower costs for people, and support local businesses.” 

“Canada is Maine’s single largest trading partner, with more than $6 billion in cross-border commerce occurring last year alone. Our economies and our cultures have enjoyed strong relationships for generations, which is now strained by the president’s haphazard tariffs and harmful rhetoric targeting our northern neighbors,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “I look forward to meeting with my Eastern Province counterparts to tell them that Maine deeply values our Canadian partnerships, and that we will work to ensure our historic friendship and deeply intertwined economies endure for generations to come.” 

“President Trump’s tariffs are the largest tax hike in American history — and they’re devastating to the small businesses, family farms, and local manufacturers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “New York and Canada have a $50 billion trade relationship, and Trump’s tariffs are hurting our businesses hard. It’s more important than ever that governors work together to protect their states from these costs, which is why I’m working with Governor Healey and our colleagues across the nation on a path forward that helps our economy.” 

“Thousands of businesses in the northeast have strong connections with business partners in Canada and depend on these partnerships to grow their companies and support their employees,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “Connecticut’s largest trading partner is Canada, making our relationship a critical one for countless small and large businesses. Raising tariffs between the U.S. and Canada will undermine these businesses, increase costs, and put American jobs at stake.” 

“As states face growing challenges brought on by tariffs, it’s critical that we come together to protect the jobs and industries that depend on strong, stable U.S.-Canada partnerships,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to Governor Healey’s convening of New England governors and Canadian premiers so we can continue to build on the long-standing relationships we rely on to prevent cost increases for residents and keep our regional economy growing and competitive.”  

“As I have said in the past, I don’t believe increasing tariffs on our friends and close allies is in the best interest of Vermont or the United States. A trade war with our friends to the north, our largest trading partner, seems like a bad idea,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “I’m looking forward to meeting with fellow Northeast Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to find ways to mitigate both cost increases for families and businesses, and just as importantly, to preserve our long-standing relationship.” 

For months, Governor Healey has been sounding the alarm about the negative impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Her administration released an analysis showing that his tariffs on Canadian energy would raise gas and heating oil prices by over $0.20 a gallon and could cost nearly $1 billion a year for Massachusetts consumers and $2.5 billion for the New England region. Earlier this month, she convened Massachusetts business leaders to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and then launch a new initiative to support impacted businesses, especially manufacturers. 

Governor Healey has worked closely with Eastern Canadian Premiers since taking office. Last year, she hosted the annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference in Massachusetts to discuss coordinated efforts on shared economic, energy and environmental priorities. 

Details of the convening between Northeast Governors and Canadian Premiers will be forthcoming. 

曾因千人計劃被控的哈佛名教授Charles Lieber受聘入職清華大學

圖片擷取自維基百科。

    (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓環球報5月5日刊文報導，曾以在與中國關係上向聯邦探員撒謊這理由而被判罪的哈佛大學教授Charles Lieber，4月28日傳出他加入清華大學深圳國際研究院全職教授行列消息。

    Charles Lieber是著名的奈米科學傢，也是哈佛大學化學及生物化學系系主任。2020年時被聯邦調查局逮補，2021年12月，他被控2項罪名，一是他否認參加中國大陸早在10多年前就辦理的『千人計劃』，二是他在2013和2014年未申報來自武漢科技大學的所得稅，另外就是未申報他開設了中國的銀行漲戶。

    檢察官在審訊時呈交的證據是Lieber在2011年和中國的大學簽署了一份5年合約，大學同意付給Lieber每月5萬元，另加15萬8千元生活開支。據說，他還收到150萬元，以在中國的大學內設立哈佛-武漢聯合研究實驗室。

    那時候，Lieberg在哈佛大學是Lieber研究小組的主要調查人，收取了1500萬元的國家衛生院（NIH）和國防部的獎助款，照規定必須揭露收取來自外國機構或政府經費。檢控官稱他一再否認收取任何外國經費。

    有7名諾貝爾獎得主，以及數以打記得科學家在2021年發表公開信，聲援Charles Lieber，稱政府控訴Lieber的做法不正義。

    美國聯邦政府當年在駐麻州聯邦檢察官Andrew E. Lelling率領中，為遏制學術間諜，調查，指控了不少科學家，Charles Lieber是其中最出名的一個。

    2023年2月，他從哈佛大學辭職。

    2023年4月時，一名聯邦法罐判處Charles Lieber居家監禁6個月，同時罰款五萬元，補繳漏稅三萬三千六百元。.

    根據清華大學發佈的消息，Charles Lieber在聘任儀式上説，“深圳的動力和創新精神和我想要與人在此共建全球科學樞紐的理念完全吻合”。

Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham

 Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham 

Healey-Driscoll Administration recently awarded $4 million in MassWorks grants for downtown Stoneham 

Governor also commends Stoneham for MBTA Communities Law compliance, efforts to lower housing costs 

STONEHAM – Today, to kick off National Small Business Week, Governor Maura Healey joined Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Representative Michael Day, Senator Jason Lewis, Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan and Stoneham Select Board Chair Tim Waitkevitch to tour local businesses in downtown Stoneham. They promoted the administration’s commitment to supporting small business and more than $4 million in MassWorks grants that they awarded to Stoneham last year for improvements to the downtown area.  

Attendees visited with several local business leaders at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater, a historic movie theatre that was renovated into a professional theatre and educational space, and also visited Ceramica Paint Studio, a woman-owned small business offering arts and ceramics to the public. 

During the visit, Governor Healey also commended Stoneham for their leadership in being one of the first 10 communities to submit zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will increase the production of reasonably priced housing near transit stops and lower costs across the state. 

"Our downtowns are essential hubs for community gatherings and economic development. Our administration was happy to support improvements to Stoneham’s incredible downtown, and it was great to meet some of the business owners who will benefit from these investments,” said Governor Maura Healey. "Stoneham is also an excellent example of housing leadership, as they’ve passed new zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will make a tangible impact in our efforts to lower housing costs across the state."  

“As a former Mayor, I know firsthand how important it is to invest in our Main Streets to fuel economic growth and help our local businesses shine,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding has paved the way for modern growth and innovation, and we're seeing real results with storefronts reopening, jobs being created and a renewed energy in our downtown streets.” 

The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to supporting small businesses, which employ 44 percent of the state’s workforce and serve as the backbone of local and regional economies. Through the Mass Leads Act, the administration is building upon existing programs with a proven track record of helping small businesses, including authorizing $35 million to support Community Development Financial Institutions across the state that help disadvantaged and underserved businesses gain access to capital, $25 million for Small Business Technology Grants to help early-stage companies commercialize new and innovative technologies, and $10 million for matching grants to help small businesses with capital-related needs such as purchasing new equipment. The Executive Office of Economic Development is also developing a centralized portal for businesses of all sizes to access state resources called the Business Front Door. The platform will help connect business owners with one-on-one business support and guidance tailored to their needs.        

Last year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded Stoneham more than $4 million in One Stop for Community Growth Grants from the MassWorks program to revitalize its downtown area. This includes funding to support safety improvements along the Main Street corridor, finalize the roadway design for the area to allow for housing and business development, and update the town’s Housing Production Plan to identify strategies to increase housing production and lower costs. 

"Small businesses are the heart of our communities and a critical engine of our economy," said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. "Through programs like the Community One Stop for Growth and MassWorks, and our quasi-government agencies like MassDevelopment, we are helping cities and towns invest in the infrastructure and public spaces that allow small businesses to grow and thrive. It's exciting to see how Stoneham is leveraging these resources to strengthen its downtown and support the entrepreneurs who bring energy, creativity and jobs to the region." 

"This partnership with the state will help us to continue to reinvigorate our downtown, making Stoneham a destination for families and individuals who want to take advantage of boutique shopping, outstanding restaurants and cultural attractions like our theater and zoo," said Representative Michael Day.  

“It was wonderful to bring together Stoneham town officials, community leaders, and small business owners to welcome Governor Healey to Stoneham this morning,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “Representative Day and I are extremely grateful for the $4 million MassWorks grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to make improvements to the downtown which will support local businesses and housing development, while increasing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.” 

"Bringing our shared vision for a better downtown Stoneham to life wouldn't be possible without the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis J. Sheehan. “I sincerely thank Governor Healey, Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, our local merchants, legislative delegation, and the Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to this effort. We look forward to welcoming our state partners back to a more vibrant, revitalized downtown." 

“The Stoneham Chamber is grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Stolba for visiting Stoneham during National Small Business Week and for taking time to connect with local business owners who will benefit from the downtown revitalization,” said Megan Day, Executive Director of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud of our small business community and local leadership and are excited for the improvements to Stoneham Square that will allow the business district to fulfill its potential thanks to the MassWorks grant.”