MAYOR MICHELLE WU LAUNCHES "ICONS OF FRANKLIN PARK" POSTER COMPETITION

MAYOR MICHELLE WU LAUNCHES "ICONS OF FRANKLIN PARK" POSTER COMPETITION  A call to artists and designers to capture the spirit of Boston’s largest park

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA), the Planning Department, and the Franklin Park Coalition, invite artists of all ages to participate in the Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition, the City of Boston’s first citywide art competition to celebrate the rich history, contemporary culture, and landmarks of Franklin Park through original poster designs. Inspired by classic poster campaigns from the Works Progress Administration that have long celebrated the country’s national parks, this initiative calls on artists to capture the magic of Franklin Park through visual storytelling.

Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1885, Franklin Park is the City’s largest green space and a treasured destination for residents and visitors alike. Submissions are open now through August 1, 2025, with categories for professional and emerging artists. Winners will receive prizes and have their work exhibited at Boston City Hall, Franklin Park Clubhouse, and online. For full submission guidelines, eligibility details, and how to apply, visit https://www.bslanow.org/postercompetition.

“Franklin Park is one of the most iconic and beloved public spaces in our city—a place where generations of Bostonians have gathered, played, and connected with nature,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This competition is a chance to honor that legacy, while inviting our artists to share new visions for what makes Franklin Park special. We can’t wait to see how your creativity captures the special spirit of this space.” Artists may submit entries in one of three categories: Jury Selections (2 awards each selected by judge panel) and People’s Choice (1 award selected through public online voting) which require a series of three posters that form a cohesive visual series.  Emerging Artists (Ages 14–24) may submit one original poster on the theme of their choice, with two awards. Applicants are invited to submit poster designs that highlight the physical and cultural icons of Franklin Park’s past and present, such as beloved park features, notable figures associated with the park, and significant events. The judging panel will reflect community expertise and a shared belief in the power of art to elevate public spaces, with a focus on uplifting submissions from artists who live, work, or study in Greater Boston or have meaningful ties to Franklin Park. “Franklin Park has long been a place where culture, community, and nature come together,” said Chief Climate Officer and Interim Parks Commissioner Brian Swett. “The Icons of Franklin Park Poster Competition is an invitation for Boston artists and graphic designers to celebrate the park’s rich legacy while envisioning its future. We’re proud to partner with BSLA and the Franklin Park Coalition and look forward to seeing your creations.”  “Parks are the hearts of our communities, offering spaces for connection and festivity as well as quiet escape,” said Gretchen Rabinkin, Executive Director of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects. “From Balance Rock to the Bear Dens, Scarboro Pond to Schoolmaster Hill, we look forward to seeing Franklin Park’s many special places celebrated – and look forward to learning new special things about this iconic landscape.” “Public spaces hold stories of those who exist in them—and artists help us hear them,” said Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. “This competition honors that spirit asking local creatives to see, feel, and share Franklin Park through their own unique lens. As an artist and frequent early morning visitor to the Franklin Park Golf course, I am especially excited to see how the emerging artists honor the park’s history and celebrate our connection to one of Boston’s iconic green spaces.” Winners’ works will be exhibited at Boston City Hall and the Franklin Park Clubhouse, and featured across official City of Boston digital platforms. There is no fee to enter. Artists retain ownership of their original work as submitted, while winners grant the City a right to reproduce their posters for display and public use, with full credit to the artist.  “We are excited to see portrayals of the special places and people connected to Franklin Park,” said Rickie Thompson, President of the Franklin Park Coalition Board.“We look forward to giving local artists a chance to shine." For more information or to submit your entry, visit https://www.bslanow.org/postercompetition To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

New Analysis: Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability Bill to Save Customers At Least $13.7 Billion

 New Analysis: Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability Bill to Save Customers At Least $13.7 Billion 

Governor Healey testified in support of her legislation that will get costs off bills, implement an all-of-the-above energy approach, including nuclear, and foster economic development   

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today testified in support of her Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act to lower energy bills and bring more energy into Massachusetts. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, as well as business organizations, mayors, developers, university leaders, and labor, also testified in support of the legislation. 

Alongside its testimony, the administration also provided an independent analysis of the customer savings associated with the bill, expanding on the administration’s assessment by providing more in-depth modeling of more provisions. Conducted by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. and Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC, the analysis found that the legislation could save customers at least $13.7 billion over ten years, billions more than the administration’s initial estimates. This is on top of the $6 billion in savings estimated from the Governor’s Energy Affordability Agenda announced in March. 

“We’re working on every front to lower costs, from cutting taxes, to building more housing, to lowering your energy bill,” said Governor Healey. “Our legislation gets charges off bills, lowers overall energy costs, and prevents big price swings that families and businesses can’t afford. We’re putting savings back in people’s pockets while continuing to move Massachusetts toward greater energy independence.” 

“Our legislation will provide the certainty and affordability that residents and businesses need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This innovative proposal includes provisions that will allow us to build our energy grid, so homeowners and developers aren’t waiting years to grow their business or get solar on their home. At the same time, we’re getting charges off bills and protecting ratepayers so they’re only paying for what they need.” 

“The more energy we build in Massachusetts, the more we can lower energy costs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “That’s why our administration has been laser-focused on cutting red tape for energy projects and unleashing the full potential of our state’s energy potential. Our legislation establishes a new procurement authority, removes barriers to cutting-edge nuclear power, and gets the energy projects already in the pipeline online faster. This will lower overall costs and grow our energy industry right here in Massachusetts.” 

The legislation saves customers money, brings more energy into Massachusetts, and increases accountability of the utilities and drives innovation. Key reforms include eliminating and reducing certain charges on the bill, including phasing out the Alternative Portfolio Standard and reducing the value of net metering credits for new large net metering. The legislation allows for innovative financing for Mass Save and other grid modernization programs, further lowering bills for customers. To bring more energy into Massachusetts, the bill enhances the state’s procurement authority and removes barriers to cutting-edge nuclear technologies. Further, reforms include changes to the interconnection process, new tools to boost geothermal heat loops, and support for Energy Ready Zones to boost housing and other development, while insulating ratepayers.  

廣教學校今年沒畢業生改辦文化慶典 新校長王焰彬頒獎鼓勵老師

廣教學校2025年以文化慶典取代畢業典禮。（周菊子攝）

          (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)創辦於1916年，大波士頓歷史最悠久的中文學校-中華廣教學校，今年沒有畢業生，6月22日下午在學校禮堂，以「學年文化慶典」代替畢業典禮，為學年結束做總結，逾百師生歡聚一堂，熱鬧十分。

廣教學校校長王焰彬（前左）和財政陳德慈（前右），以及部分校董嘉賓合影。
（廣教學校提供）

       文化慶典由學生石芷瑩、余欣桐擔任司儀，舞獅隊表演「祥獅獻瑞」，財政陳德慈，校長王焰彬依序致詞，黃澤率3名同學古裝上陣表演「唐詩唱演」，中文二年級班老師趙真代表學校老師，送上寄語。余曉聯代表學生發言。波士頓市議員愛德華費連 （Ed Flynn），波士頓僑教中心主任高家富等嘉賓也應邀致詞。

廣教學校學生，家長及嘉賓濟濟一堂。（周菊子攝）

            去年才接任的廣教學校，畢業於東北大學項目管理系的新校長王焰彬在致詞時恭喜學校同學順利完成一年的文化與週末課學習，據她所知，2歲到16歲的小孩，頭腦發育最快速，也是最適宜“修剪”的年齡段，科學家還說，頭腦不會停止成長，所以人們永遠可以活到老，學到老，希望同學們保持好奇心，不論走到生命的哪一個階段，都會繼續學習。

廣教學校校長王焰彬（左起）和頒發獎學金嘉賓合影，鄧北海夫婦，陳氏宗親，
余立昌夫婦，陳德慈，黃周麗桃，陳孟君，梁爾尊，Ｇenie Boland，
副校長余紹強，以及陳新友。（廣教學校提供）

            在大約2小時的活動中，學生們的表演還有粵語班演唱「真的愛你」，功夫班表演，中國舞蹈表演，助教和學生一起表演韓國舞KPOP，學生們合唱「相親相愛」。

            廣教學校今年還頒發服務獎項給老師，包括週年奉獻獎趙真，敬業獎中文班老師丁建華，耕耘獎古箏及揚琴老師許嘉欣，育才獎功夫和舞獅老師余文杰和中文班老師曹肸牧，桃李獎素描老師吳文輝。

頒給學生的獎項有最佳進步獎，樂於助人獎，最佳才藝獎，心靈手巧獎，堅持不懈獎，品行優異獎，成績優異獎，品學兼優獎等。

黃澤率3名同學古裝上陣表演「唐詩唱演」。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓安良工商會，美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會，黃氏宗親會，紐英崙至孝篤親公所，紐英崙余風采堂，波士頓至德三德公所，波士頓國民黨，紐英崙養生舞協會等多個僑團及姓氏公所都派出代表頒發獎學金。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn致詞。（廣教學校提供）

            在年刊上，廣教學校還表揚了在2024-2025年度新英格蘭中文學校協會競賽的朗誦必賽中獲得中年級第一名的石芷瑩，低年級第二名的胡盛安，公佈該校今年有陳卓勤、胡吳瑾汶，黃梓軒，梁燁華、梁咏琳、邱俊杰，李活權，伍梓茵，鄭瑩瑩等7人將升讀波士頓拉丁學校，李文雄，甄泳婷，朱柏羽，Jonathan Ho等4人將升讀 John D. O'Bryant 學校。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富致詞。（廣教學校提供）

           廣教學校董事長，梁爾尊醫師今年雖然沒有上台講話，但在學校年刊上的董事長寄語中指出，去年以來廣教學校的一大亮點是推出第一屆樂高聯賽（First Lego League），使得該校正式加入STEM(科學、技術、工程及數學)教育行列，讓學生們有親自動手體會機器人，工程，有創意解決問題的機會。該校去年的註冊人數也增加了15%。經由合作計劃，學生們的作品還得以展示在華人醫務中心，塔芙茨醫療中心內。

            中華廣教學校的董事會，今年再有變動，原任副董事長的中華公所主席雷國輝離任。14名校董包括董事長梁爾尊，副董事長黃偉濂，財政陳德慈，秘書Lina Fikri，名譽董事陳家驊，董事陳遇均，蔡麗梨，葉家威，阮愛玲，史月琳，鍾曼怡，黃瑞瑜，黃綺，Thomas Ho。（更新版，訂正人名，改標題）

廣教學校財政陳德慈做開場致詞。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校舞獅班表演。（周菊子攝）

趙真老師在司儀石芷瑩、余欣桐陪同中致詞。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校校長王焰彬（左）頒獎給古箏揚琴老師許嘉欣。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校校長王燄彬（左）頒獎給中文及書法老師史建華。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校校長王焰彬（中）頒獎給余文杰（左）和曹肸牧（右）老師。
（周菊子攝）

廣教學校校長王焰彬（左）頒獎給素描老師吳文輝。（周菊子攝）

學生們領取學業優良獎。（廣教學校提供）

同學領獎。（廣教學校提供）

美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會會長Genie Boland（右）頒發獎學金。
（廣教學校提供）

黃國麟頒發黃氏宗親會獎學金。（廣教學校提供）

余風采堂主席余立昌（左三）頒發獎學金。（廣教學校提供）

美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會會長Genie Boland代表該會出席頒獎。（周菊子攝）

法蘭克叔叔的兒子陳孟君（又）繼承父志，回歸社區服務。（周菊子攝）

同學領獎。（廣教學校提供）

Ｍassachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Awards Nearly $10 Million in Tax Credits to Businesses to Create, Retain Jobs

Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Awards Nearly $10 Million in Tax Credits to Businesses to Create, Retain Jobs    Projects Will Create 450 New Jobs, Retain 2,309 Existing Jobs, and Spur over $159 Million in Private Investment

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved eight projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation commitments.   These projects are expected to create 450 net new jobs, retain 2,309 jobs statewide, and leverage more than $158 million in private investment in exchange for $9.55 million in state tax credits. Five of this round’s applicants are manufacturers and three are projects located in Gateway Cities. This new round of tax credits is the first set of awards since the Healey-Driscoll announced reforms to EDIP in April. Initiated by the Mass Leads Act, the new EDIP increases flexibility, transparency, and access for businesses, strengthening Massachusetts’ position as a top business environment.    “Through Mass Leads, we reformed the Economic Development Incentive Program to make it more accessible, transparent, and focused on what matters most – supporting businesses that want to grow, expand, and add new jobs in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program helps companies in high-demand industries grow and hire top talent, and strengthens our position as the best place to do business.”  “We’re proud to award eight new Economic Development Incentive Program awards this round,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “With these awards, businesses now have resources to renovate facilities, invest in new manufacturing equipment, and create new jobs, driving economic growth in Gateway Cities and other regions.”  "Massachusetts makes smart investments that give our business community the resources they need to thrive,” said Interim Secretary Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. “This round of Economic Development Incentive Program awards reflects the strength of our economy in important sectors like advanced manufacturing, climatetech, and R&D technology and demonstrates our commitment to creating high-quality jobs across every region of the state.”  EDIP is designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth. A company that participates in EDIP may receive state tax credits in exchange for a commitment to create new jobs, retain existing jobs, and commit private investment to the project. The EDIP certified projects include:   Formlabs Inc. – Billerica  Formlabs, a manufacturer of 3D printers, is opening a new open-concept industrial & lab facility in the Greater Boston area to expand capacity and capabilities for internal Engineering & Operations teams. The facility will accelerate the company’s ability to scale new products and services by placing space-intensive activities such as R&D, manufacturing, and print farm production within reach of Formlabs’ Somerville headquarters. The company will invest $400,000 in the project and create 25 jobs in the first year. The EACC has approved $375,000 in EDIP tax credits.  Emseal Joint Systems Ltd. – Westborough  Emseal Joint Systems manufactures and distributes pre-compressed sealants and expansion joints to commercial, industrial, and institutional users worldwide. In 1990, Emseal moved its U.S. operations from Stamford, Connecticut to the current 30,000-square-foot headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts. Emseal is investing more than $8.59 million to expand in Westborough, including leasing an industrial building adjacent to the company's current location to accommodate warehousing, manufacturing, and an additional office space that will result in 23 new jobs. The EACC approved $345,000 in EDIP tax credits.  Schneider Electric USA Inc. – Boston  Schneider Electric is a cleantech company focused on automation and energy management. The company will invest approximately $10 million to establish a new office headquarters as part of an expansion and relocation effort. The project will support ongoing growth and business operations in the region, resulting in the creation of 40 new full-time jobs. The EACC approved $600,000 in EDIP tax credits.  C2S Energy LLC – New Bedford  C2S Energy is a Mass Save contractor that is seeking to expand due to rapid growth and limited space at its current 70,000 square foot facility. The project would involve an investment of $500,000 in the property, retain 50 existing jobs and create 35 new jobs. The EACC approved $525,000 in EDIP tax credits.  Abside Networks Inc. – Acton  Abside, a communications hardware and software networking manufacturer, is making critical investments in the research, development, and production of open radio units. The project will invest $39 million and result in 62 additional jobs with an average salary of approximately $170,000. The EACC approved $930,000 in EDIP tax credits.  DRS Naval Power Systems Inc. – Fitchburg  DRS, a contractor for the U.S. Navy, will invest approximately $7 million to expand, renovate, and rehabilitate existing industrial and office space in Fitchburg, creating 50 new jobs and retaining 170 existing jobs. The expansion will grow operations related to submarine industrial base capacity and capability needs. The EACC approved $3.55 million in EDIP tax credits for new and retained jobs.  Eagle Management Co LLC – Methuen  Eagle Management, a service-disabled veteran owned small business that manufactures wooden doors and drawers, is seeking to combine its manufacturing facilities in Lawrence and Middleton into an expanded 37,700-square-foot manufacturing facility in Methuen. The business will purchase the property for $6.15 million, and invest $1.5 million to equip, outfit, and complete relocation. The new facility will support the creation of 25 jobs over the next five years. The EACC approved $375,000 in EDIP tax credits.  Masters Academy International – Stow  Masters Academy will invest $83.8 million to purchase and refurbish an 82-acre former Bose headquarters, converting it into an elite private sports academy focused on academics and athletics for more than 600 students. The project will result in 190 new jobs. The EACC approved $2.850 million in EDIP tax credits.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches ‘Future Ready: AI in the Classroom’ for Educators

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches ‘Future Ready: AI in the Classroom’ for Educators

New professional development pilot supports Educators in 45 classrooms across Massachusetts

educators at the professional development kickoff at the Massachusetts
Technology Collaborative Campus in Westborough

WESTBOROUGH – The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched this week, in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW),Future Ready: AI in the Classroom. Through a $135,000 investment, this professional development pilot will support teachers in 45 classrooms, estimating to reach over 1,600 students. The pilot is designed to provide high school educators with the tools, knowledge, and network to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms.

 

This experience is jointly funded through the administration’sSTEM Advisory Council and the Massachusetts AI Hub and will be administered by PLTW. This pilot marks an important step in expanding access to AI learning opportunities for students and educators across the state.

 

“Massachusetts has long been a global leader in both technological innovation and education,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With this pilot, we are building on that success, providing our teachers with the skills and tools so they can support the next generation and ensure Massachusetts remains a global leader in applied AI.”

 

“Our administration knows AI is a transformative technology that is already reshaping how we live and learn,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through this pilot, we’re giving educators the foundation they need to navigate this new era with confidence, fueling workforce readiness and expanding opportunity for students.”

 

This year-long, 50-hour professional development experience kicked off yesterday at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Campus in Westborough, where over the next two days participants will engage in curriculum design workshops, peer collaboration sessions, and targeted mini-trainings. This first experience aims to create a professional learning community that fosters innovation and shared best practices. The program introduces educators to the fundamentals of AI, explores ethical and responsible classroom applications, and facilitates ongoing collaboration with industry experts and peers throughout the academic year.

 

“As a former teacher, I know how important professional development is, especially in an ever-changing world. This pilot helps turn possibility into practice,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By investing in our educators and grounding their work in ethical, real-world AI applications, we’re making sure our students are not just consumers of technology, but future leaders in it.”

 

"Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead in the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence," said Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba. "This pilot reflects our forward-looking approach, aligned with the vision of the Massachusetts AI Hub. By investing in educators today, we ensure our students are prepared to shape the innovations of tomorrow. Supporting this kind of early, hands-on learning helps build the talent pipeline that will drive our future economy."

 

“When I was a young student interested in computer science, having passionate, experienced teachers as mentors was transformational,” said Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder. “This pilot helps ensure that our next generation of students in Massachusetts learn the fundamentals of data and AI literacy, and that our educators are empowered to lead with confidence and instill emerging technology proactively, in classrooms all over the state.”

 

This pilot is a cornerstone of the Massachusetts AI Hub’s mission to position the state as a global leader in applied and ethical AI. Future Ready: AI in the Classroom is the first in a series of educator-focused initiatives aligned with the Hub’s Education and Workforce Development strategy, ensuring that students across Massachusetts are not only prepared for the future of innovation but are actively shaping it. The pilot program also advances the goals of the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council by strengthening STEM education and supporting educators with a network of STEM resources.

 

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to expand access to information and unlock new learning opportunities for students across Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts AI Hub Executive Director Sabrina Mansur. “With this pilot program, our state will be able to empower teachers to incorporate the benefits of AI in student education. Ultimately, our goal is to create a strong pipeline of talent who understand how to use AI to build a stronger economy."

 

"At Project Lead The Way, we believe in empowering students to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow. This partnership with Massachusetts represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to prepare educators and students for an AI-driven future," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. "By providing teachers with hands-on, project-based AI learning experiences, we're ensuring that students don't just understand artificial intelligence—they learn to harness it as a tool for creativity and innovation. This pilot will serve as a model for how we can scale AI literacy across the U.S."

 

The launch of this pilot reflects a broader, coordinated effort across Massachusetts state government to harness AI’s potential in a way that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and impactful. It follows the work of the Massachusetts AI Strategic Task Force, established by Governor Healey in 2024 by Executive Order 629to chart a path for AI adoption, talent development, and economic growth. The Task Force’s recommendations directly informed the creation of the AI Hub and highlighted the need for strong partnerships between government, industry, and academia. The Healey-Driscoll administration also invested $100 million through the Mass Leads Act to support AI innovation at scale and strengthen Massachusetts’ global leadership in AI.

 

In K–12 education specifically, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is also leading efforts to support educators as access to AI increases. Through a partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), DESE convened a K–12 AI Task Force focused on developing recommendations to support school communities in their use of AI. This Task Force produced a Multi-Year AI Roadmap focused on AI literacy, student data privacy, and educator preparation.

 

Pilot Schools:

• Barnstable High School
• Bartlett High School (Webster Public Schools)
• BMC Durfee High School (Fall River Public Schools)
• Bourne High School
• Brockton High School
• Carver Middle High School
• Central High School (Springfield Public Schools)
• Clinton High School
• Dedham High School
• Fitchburg High School
• Granby Junior Senior High School
• Holliston High School
• Hopkins Academy (Hadley Public Schools)
• John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science (Boston Public Schools)
• Milford High School
• Millbury Memorial Junior Senior High School
• Monument Mountain Regional High School (Berkshires Hills Public Schools Regional School District)
• Mount Everett Regional High School (Southern Berkshire Regional School District)
• Nipmuc Regional High School (Mendon-Upton Regional School District)
• Phoenix Academy Public Charter High School (Springfield Public Schools)
• Sandwich Middle High School
• Scituate High School
• Somerset Berkley Regional High School
• Taconic High School (Pittsfield Public Schools)
• Turners Falls High School (Gill-Montague Regional School District)
• Uxbridge High School
• Walpole High School
• Wareham High School
• West Springfield High School
• Westfield Technical Academy (Westfield Public Schools)
• Whitman-Hanson Regional School District

Huntington劇院6/30「一隻貓鼬說話」新作進展

      ( Boston Orange 編譯）亨廷頓劇院（The Huntington Theater Company）隆重宣布，將於 2025 年 6 月 30 日星期一晚上 7 點，在波士頓的 Calderwood Pavilion (527 Tremont St) 舉辦一場免費向公眾開放的「進行中作品」朗讀會，呈現 Mahira Kakkar 的新劇本《A Mongoose Speaks》（一隻貓鼬說話）。

    該劇由 Danilo Gambini 執導，《A Mongoose Speaks》是一部抒情且幽默的作品，探討了自我、犧牲和演變的主題。故事講述了一隻貓鼬在目睹一場神聖的獻祭後，毛髮變成金色並獲得了說話的能力，使其處於一種半轉化的狀態。本次演出將會有現場塔布拉鼓（tabla）音樂伴奏。

      這部劇是 Kakkar 更宏大系列作品「摩訶婆羅多循環」（Mahabharata Cycle）的一部分，旨在突顯這部史詩中被遺忘的聲音和被忽視的角色。亨廷頓劇院此前曾發展了該系列中的另一部作品《Draupadi》，並在 Barr 基金會的支持下委託創作了第三部作品。

    這次呈現強調了亨廷頓劇院對於發展和製作新作品的堅定承諾。自藝術總監 Loretta Greco 於 2022 年加入以來，這項承諾變得更加強烈。自 1982 年成立以來，該劇院已製作了超過 150 部新英格蘭地區、美國或世界首演作品，其中包括眾多獲獎製作和像 Ufot Family Cycle 這樣的開創性項目。

     入場免費，但需預先索票，https://secure.bostontheatrescene.com/30366/30367。

THE HUNTINGTON ANNOUNCES A WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION

OF NEW WORK BY MAHIRA KAKKAR,

A MONGOOSE SPEAKS

 

The Huntington’s bold commitment to new work continues this June with a new work by Mahira Kakkar  

 

(BOSTON) – Artistic Director Loretta Greco and The Huntington are excited to announce a work-in-progress presentation of A Mongoose Speaks, written by Mahira Kakkar and directed by Danilo Gambini. A reading that is free and open to the public will be presented on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7pm at the Calderwood Pavilion (527 Tremont St). The event is not open to reviewing members of the press.

 

In A Mongoose Speaks, a little mongoose bears witness to a sacred sacrifice and he's changed. His fur turns gold; his silence breaks into speech. No longer fully animal, not yet something else, he is caught half-transformed — uncertain and becoming. Told in lyrical dialogue alongside a live tabla player, the story is a funny and surprising exploration of selfhood, sacrifice, and the desire to evolve again and again into something more. 

 

Growing up in India, playwright Mahira Kakkar found live performances of the Mahabharata spellbinding; now she's creating a bold cycle of plays that center the epic’s forgotten voices and overlooked characters. 

 

Kakkar previously developed another piece in the Mahabharata Cycle, Draupadi, at The Huntington in the December New Play Intensive in 2024. The Huntington has commissioned a third piece in the cycle with support from The Barr Foundation.  

 

NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT AT THE HUNTINGTON

 

The Huntington is passionately committed to supporting, developing, and producing new work, and has produced over 150 New England, American, or world premieres since its founding in 1982. The Huntington co-produced eight world premiere productions in August Wilson's Century Cycle. Endeavors to contribute to the American theatrical canon expanded considerably since 2004 with the creation of the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, which opened with a world premiere by local playwright Melinda Lopez.

 

The arrival of nationally renowned new play expert Loretta Greco as Artistic Director in 2022 has brought a vibrant era of new work at the theatre – including the world premiere of Joy & Pandemic by Taylor Mac; the world premiere of K-I-S-S-I-N-G by Lenelle Moïse (winner of the 2023 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script); second productions of Kimberly Belflower's John Proctor is the Villain and Lloyd Suh's The Heart Sellers; and the nationally recognized Ufot Family Cycle by playwright Mfoniso Udofia. The Ufot Family Cycle is an unprecedented, citywide festival that has brought a nine-play series, including five world premieres, to Greater Boston audiences in innovative partnership with more than 35 local organizations. Mfoniso Udofia's The Grove premiered at The Huntington this past season, and was recently recognized with the 2025 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script.

 

Loretta Greco has also commissioned work for The Huntington by Mfoniso Udofia, Lloyd Suh, Lenelle Moïse, Mahira Kakkar, Carmen Pelaez, Hana Kim, and Fan Zhou, among others. 

Governor Healey Signs $1.3 Billion Supplemental Budget to Make Major Investments in Transportation, Education

 Governor Healey Signs $1.3 Billion Supplemental Budget to Make Major Investments in Transportation, Education 

New transportation investments mark significant down payment on Governor’s $8 billion transportation financing plan, stabilize finances of the MBTA 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed a supplemental budget to invest $1.32 billion in surplus Fair Share revenue from Fiscal Year 2024 into education and transportation. This funding marks a major down payment in Governor Healey’s $8 billion plan to upgrade roads, bridges and public transportation across the state, stabilizes the finances of the MBTA, and helps make up the learning losses students suffered due to the pandemic by expanding proven programs like high-dosage tutoring. 

Overall, the bill uses $758.8 million in one-time funding to support transportation infrastructure needs across the state. Another $561.4 million will be dedicated to the state’s early education, K-12, and higher education systems. The funding comes from the $2.46 billion in surtax revenue collected in Fiscal Year 2024, of which $1 billion was appropriated in the FY24 budget. 

“I proposed this bill to address two of the most critical needs we have as a state – transportation and education. For decades, our transportation system has been underinvested in, and Massachusetts residents and businesses have been paying the price. We’re delivering an historic infusion of funding to upgrade roads and bridges and finally stabilize the finances at the T,” said Governor Healey. “We’re also expanding access to the programs that have been proven to support students and help them recover from the learning losses they suffered due to the pandemic, like tutoring and career and technical education. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their continued partnership as we put these dollars to the best use for our people and our economy.” 

“As the school year comes to a close, educators and families can head into summer break knowing that significant funding is coming their way that delivers the support they need for special education, child care and tutoring,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “At the same time, we’re ushering in a new era of modern, reliable transportation across Massachusetts. We look forward to continuing to build on the progress we’ve been making on transportation and education across the state.” 

“Ensuring that every Massachusetts resident has access to a safe and reliable public transportation system, and that every student in the Commonwealth receives a high-quality education, are two of the most fundamental responsibilities that we have as elected officials. The investments being made in this supplemental budget are representative of the Commonwealth’s continued focus on meeting those responsibilities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for filing this legislation, as well as Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for prioritizing the critical funding that this supplemental budget allocates. The House looks forward to building on these investments, and to continuing to deliver improvements to the Commonwealth's most fundamental institutions and services." 

“No matter where you live in Massachusetts, you deserve reliable transportation and an education that opens doors to opportunities,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This funding moves us closer to a Commonwealth where everyone has access to both. At a time when the federal government’s commitment to safe transit and strong public education is in doubt, this legislation makes direct investments in local communities, our school systems, and the infrastructure projects that keep Massachusetts moving forward. I’m grateful to Governor Healey for signing this critical legislation, my colleagues in the Senate for their support, and our partners in the House. I look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in communities across the state.” 

The bill signed by the Governor puts a total of $548 million toward the MBTA, helping to rebuild operating reserves, support low-income fare discounts and invest in infrastructure and water transit. New funding will also go to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to support micro transit, small bridges and culvert maintenance. Another $80 million will be used to supplement local Chapter 90 road funding and $50 million will go to Regional Transit Authorities. 

In education, $190 million will be used to support local school districts with the rising cost of providing special education, as well as providing $58 million of additional support to fully fund the special education circuit breaker this fiscal year. It also includes $100 million to expand Career Technical Education program seats at comprehensive high schools and dedicated career technical high schools. The budget puts $25.6 million into early literacy high-dosage tutoring, a proven and effective tool to help students read and close achievement gaps and dedicates $115 million toward needed capital improvements at higher education campuses. Further, it includes $10 million to reduce the ESOL waitlist and $45 million for early education and care capacity building.  

“From helping to stabilize the MBTA to investing in our backlog of higher education capital needs, this budget fulfills our goal of using surtax resources to make transformative investments that will improve our transportation system, support local government and address areas of need that for too long have lack the necessary resources. I appreciate the support of our partners in the Legislature and look forward to continuing to work with them to find ways to maximize surtax dollars and,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. 

“Thanks to Fair Share revenue, we are better positioned to give communities the connectivity they need and deserve – and to support economic growth and improve quality of life across Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “From culvert upgrades to fare free bus service and everything in-between, with Fair Share funds and the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are launching the projects that will help make our transportation network safer, and more reliable, accessible, and resilient for generations to come”. 

“I want to thank the Legislature for their continued partnership in helping early education and care programs, schools and campuses address some of the most pressing equity gaps in education and support the capital needs of our public institutions. In Massachusetts, we are investing Fair Share dollars create the foundations for students to realize their dreams – from affordable child care, learning to read and building innovative, high-quality classrooms for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“This is an investment that serves all as education and transportation are essential to improving quality of life and connecting communities,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The future is bright, not just for the MBTA but for the people who rely on us every day. From students commuting to class to seniors accessing medical care to workers getting to their jobs on time, this funding helps us deliver more frequent, reliable, and accessible service. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the Legislature for their leadership and commitment to strengthening public transportation for people from all walks of life across every corner of the Commonwealth. The MBTA is both excited and grateful to be part of this moment and is here to serve.”