Roche’s Vabysmo demonstrates sustained two-year results in a difficult-to-treat form of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)

 Roche’s Vabysmo demonstrates sustained two-year results in a difficult-to-treat form of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)

The SALWEEN study showed significant improvements in vision and retinal health1

More than 60% of Asian patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), an aggressive subtype of nAMD, treated with Vabysmo showed no signs of polypoidal lesions1,2

By the end of year two, more than 60% of patients were on an extended 20-week treatment interval, reducing treatment burden1

Vabysmo was well tolerated with a consistent long-term safety profile1

Basel, 28 August 2026 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today new two-year data from the Phase IIIb/IV SALWEEN study of Vabysmo® (faricimab), presented at the 19th Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS) Congress in Australia.1 The results showed significant improvements in vision and retinal health in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a severe sub-type of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60.1-3

“The two-year SALWEEN results demonstrate the sustained efficacy and durability of Vabysmo in people living with PCV, a difficult-to-treat subtype of nAMD that is common in Asia,” said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “Since its initial approval, Vabysmo continues to demonstrate strong efficacy, durability and a favourable safety profile in treating a range of high-burden eye diseases.”

"PCV is an aggressive subtype of nAMD that accounts for up to 60% of cases in Asian populations — a burden that will only grow as the population ages,” said Professor Gemmy Cheung, MBBS, FRCOphth, MD, PhD, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore. “These two-year results show that dual Ang-2/VEGF-A inhibition can change the trajectory of this vision-threatening disease. Achieving polypoidal lesion inactivation in nearly nine out of 10 patients, while allowing most to maintain a 20-week dosing interval, means Vabysmo can provide disease control while also drastically reducing the treatment burden."

The study showed that patients experienced a gain of 7.3 letters in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and a reduction of 127 µm in central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline averaged over weeks 100–108. At year two, 74% of patients had no retinal fluid. Vabysmo also had a clinically meaningful impact on the abnormal, polyp-like blood vessels characteristic of PCV, with complete regression (62%) and inactivation (86%) of polypoidal lesions in the majority of eyes. At the end of the first year, 51% of patients were assigned to extended 20-week dosing, which increased to 61% by the end of year two. Vabysmo was well tolerated, with a safety profile in PCV that was consistent with its known safety profile in nAMD.1

Governor Healey’s Order Protecting Massachusetts Residents from Dangerous Kratom Products Goes into Effect Today

Governor Healey’s Order Protecting Massachusetts Residents from Dangerous Kratom Products Goes into Effect Today

State restricts the sale of kratom products that can have opioid-like effects; expands public education and treatment outreach

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s order to protect Massachusetts residents from dangerous, largely unregulated kratom products goes into effect today and will remain in effect for up to one year.

The order, issued earlier this month by Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, at the direction of Governor Maura Healey, temporarily places all forms of kratom into Schedule I under Massachusetts law. The order restricts the sale of kratom products across the state and gives local boards of health and other municipal officials additional authority to take enforcement action against retailers selling kratom products. 

Schedule I controlled substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. They are illegal to possess, distribute or manufacture.

“We’re taking action to protect Massachusetts residents from kratom products that are being sold without basic safety standards or clear information about what is in them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Parents and residents have raised serious concerns about these products being sold in smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations, often in forms that are easy for young people to access. No one should have to guess whether something on a store shelf could be addictive, dangerous or even deadly.” 

Kratom is a leafy plant native to Southeast Asia containing naturally occurring substances, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Kratom use can relieve pain and can produce stimulating or sedating effects, depending on the amount taken and potency of the product. Some newer products contain highly concentrated or laboratory-modified compounds that can have significantly stronger opioid-like effects. 

Kratom products have been widely sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations as powders, tablets, capsules, gummies, dissolvable strips, and in other forms.  Because these products have been largely unregulated, their potency and ingredients can vary significantly, leaving consumers with no reliable way to know what they are taking or what health risks they may face. Regular kratom use can also lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.

Kratom use has been associated with serious health effects, including seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.  The risks can increase when kratom products are highly potent, adulterated with unknown substances, or used with other substances such as opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines or sedatives. While uncommon, kratom-related deaths have been reported, particularly when kratom is used with other substances or by people with underlying health conditions.

At the federal level, the Drug Enforcement Administration has now temporarily classified concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three synthetic kratom derivatives as Schedule I substances, while natural kratom leaf with trace 7-OH remains exempt. This order went into effect on August 26 and will remain in effect for up to two years.

“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of the residents of Massachusetts. As this order goes into effect, we are providing for the public, retailers, and local public health departments relevant information about the risks of kratom use, potential treatment options, and resources that are necessary,” said Commissioner Goldstein. “Kratom products can carry serious health risks, which can be hard for consumers to assess. Not taking any action to protect the public from these preventable risks was simply not an option.”

As part of the statewide effort, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is expanding efforts to educate the public about the health risks associated with kratom use. DPH is also providing information and guidance to local boards of health, health care providers, and substance use treatment programs about the new restrictions and available treatment and recovery services.

Because these products can act like potent opioids, people who regularly use them may experience opioid tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce their use, including craving, nausea, diarrhea, muscle and head aches, sniffling, sneezing, sweating, and irritability. They should seek medical care and/or substance use treatment.

Existing substance use treatment programs are available to assist people experiencing kratom withdrawal and dependence with medications, counseling, peer support, and behavioral health services. Individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one can call or text “HOPE” to 800-327-5050 to reach the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

DPH has also launched new resources at mass.gov/kratom to help residents understand the risks, recognize the signs of an overdose, learn how to respond to an overdose, and access treatment and recovery services.  

法院發出臨時禁制令 川普郵寄選票新規定暫停14天 訂9/3聽證

    （Boston Orange綜合編譯）波士頓聯邦地方法院法官塔爾瓦尼（Indira Talwani）27日發布緊急臨時限制令，裁定美國郵政署（USPS）14天內「不得實施」郵寄投票新規，訂9月3日舉行聽證會。在距離11月期中選舉倒數不足70天且選務時間極度緊迫下，這項裁決等同宣告川普（Donald Trump）政府的新規已無法用於今年的大選。

    這起緊急法律戰源於美國最高法院本週一（24日）以「原告過早提告」為由，暫緩了先前阻止川普3月行政命令的早期禁令。郵政署隨即於週三（26日）正式公佈實施新規，要求選票信封須印上獨特條碼並將選民名冊上傳至郵局電子系統，否則郵局將拒絕投遞。 對此，包括「麻州婦女選民聯盟（LWVMA）」、全美「婦女選民聯盟」、全美海外美籍人士協會（AARO）、美國投票基金會（U.S. Vote Foundation）等民權團體，在美國民權聯盟（ACLU）與紐約大學布倫南正義中心（Brennan Center）等律師團隊代理下，連同 24 個州與華盛頓特區組成的州檢察長聯盟，於新規發布當天（26日）緊急補充訴狀重新提告。白宮與郵政署則未立即回應置評請求。

    原告團隊向法院強調，郵寄投票新規嚴重侵犯了憲法賦予各州與國會的管理選舉權限，不合法的強把審查角色加給郵局。塔爾瓦尼法官在裁決書中明確指出，案件記錄至今仍「完全缺乏任何關於郵寄投票存在詐欺的證據」；法官更直言：「郵政署欲透過很可能違憲的手段來修正未經證實的問題，其利益遠低於可能導致廣大公民喪失郵寄投票權的巨大風險。」

    這項裁決揭示了新規對選務時間軸的致命衝擊。各州選票與信封早在8月初印製完畢，且依聯邦「軍人與海外公民不在場投票法（UOCAVA）」，各州必須在大選前45天（今年為9月19日前後）將選票寄給海外美軍與僑民，隨後於9月底寄給國內選民。在距離規定寄發日期不到一個月的情況下，印刷廠根本不可能重印數千萬份新信封，各州系統也無法在幾天內完成選民名冊對接。

    選情分析人士指出，這份限制令雖然名義上僅凍結新規 14 天，但在選務運作已進入倒數日子階段，重印信封與系統測試技術上均需耗時數月，今年 11 月大選已確定完全無法採用該新規。全美約 30%，近 1 億張的郵寄選票，將確定繼續沿用現行規範正常投遞。

Federal Court Grants Emergency Relief Blocking USPS From Implementing Newly-Finalized Mail Ballot Rule For November Election

The temporary restraining order will remain in place for 14 days while the parties brief the pending motion for a preliminary injunction

BOSTON — This evening, a federal court granted voting rights organizations’ emergency request to block the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from implementing the newly-finalized mail ballot rule for the November midterm elections. That rule would assign USPS an unprecedented and illegal gatekeeping role in the administration of mail voting, and jeopardize the delivery of mail-in ballots to many voters.

The plaintiffs in this case, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, are the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, League of Women Voters, Association of Americans Resident Overseas, U.S. Vote Foundation, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, Legal Defense Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

In response to the Court’s order, counsel and plaintiffs released the following statement:

“The Administration previously dismissed plaintiffs’ ongoing harms from the executive order as speculative, but the newly finalized rule confirmed what plaintiffs have been saying all along. The Rule implements the Executive Order’s unprecedented attempt to usurp electoral authority from the states and Congress at the expense of voters. We welcome the court’s order, which recognized the immediate need to protect the entire electorate from the damaging impacts of this unlawful final rule in the lead up to November’s general elections. This is an important step towards affirming the public’s confidence in the system of mail ballots, which thousands of eligible voters nationwide rely on as a core method of democratic participation.”

On Aug. 11, 2026, the court issued an order in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, blocking USPS from implementing Section 3 of the executive order, regulating mail voting, for the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections. On Aug. 24, 2026, the Supreme Court stayed a different court order issued in the separate Trump v. California case blocking the implementation of the executive order, reasoning that it was premature for the California plaintiffs to bring that case before USPS issued a final rule implementing the order. On Aug. 26, 2026, the district court vacated the injunction in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts based on the Supreme Court’s stay decision, but allowed plaintiff organizations to amend their complaint to reflect the fact that USPS has now issued the final mail ballot rule. Plaintiff organizations then supplemented their original complaint to do exactly that, adding challenges to the newly finalized mail ballot rule and seeking immediate emergency relief on those claims.

In their papers, the plaintiff organizations argued that USPS’ newly-finalized mail ballot rule violates the Constitution’s separation of powers, which put the states and Congress in charge of election rules, not USPS or the president. The final rule also violates a number of the laws that govern how USPS operates. The plaintiffs sought emergency relief because these violations are causing irreparable harm to plaintiff organizations, their members, and the voters they serve each day that USPS is allowed to proceed with the new mail ballot rule, which is all the more severe as there are now fewer than 70 days before the November midterm elections.

Today, the court agreed that plaintiff organizations were likely to succeed in their claims that USPS lacked the authority to issue the final rule and that the final rule unconstitutionally imposed election requirements on the states. Noting that the “record continues to lack any evidence regarding fraudulent absentee or mail-in voting,” the Court emphasized, “USPS’s interest in correcting an unsubstantiated problem through likely unconstitutional means is dwarfed by the overwhelming risk of pervasive disenfranchisement of citizens who need access to mail ballots in order to vote.” In light of this immediate and irreparable harm, the Court granted emergency relief, ordering defendants to take no steps to prepare, implement, or enforce  several sections of the final rule for 14 days. In the interim, the parties will fully brief the plaintiff organizations’ request for a preliminary injunction. A hearing on that motion has been set for Sept 3, 2026. 

The order is available here: https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/publication/lwvma-et-al-v-trump-memorandum-and-order-granting-part-plaintiffs-motions-temporary

麻州長 Healey和聯邦眾議員 Clark攜手呼籲民眾10/6前遞交反對川普政府“學前啟蒙教育”法規草案

麻州州長Maura Healey為捍衛“學前啟蒙教育”，在摩頓市發言。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和聯邦眾議員Katherine Clark，8月26日在摩頓市（Malden）ABCD會址，呼籲民眾在 10 月 6 日公開意見徵詢截止收件前提交反對意見，以阻止川普政府所提“學前啟蒙教育（ Head Start）”法規一旦實施，幼教品質崩壞的後果。

聯邦眾議員Katherine Clark在她的選區發言。（周菊子攝）

    美國衛生與公共服務部（HHS）於 2026 年 8 月 7 日正式發佈「減少學前啟蒙計畫之聯邦負擔（Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs）」擬議法規草案，並展開為期 60 天的公開意見徵詢。該草案預計修改或廢除逾 1,400 條聯邦標準，將班級人數、師生比限制及資質審查全數下放各州。

麻州長Maura Healey和出席正要合影。（周菊子攝）

    擬議中的法規，要讓聯邦政府放寬多項嚴格規範，把班級人數上限、師生比例及師資審查等施行細則，全數下放的交由各州自行決定，並將承辦機構的行政開銷上限從 15% 強制壓低至 5%。

麻州長Maura Healey和支持的她的女性民眾。（周菊子攝）

    聯邦政府估計，這樣的大幅「去管制化」，能為聯邦政府節省約 22 億美元的營運與行政成本。當局強調，這些省下的資金將能重新挹注到計畫中，在全美現有 70 萬受惠兒童的基礎上，維持或額外擴大服務多達 23.6 名兒童。

麻州州長Maura Healey（右三）和麻州教育廳廳長 Steve Zrike (右二），
麻州眾議員Steve Ultrino (左一）等州政府人員合影。（周菊子攝）

    奚莉州長和民主黨國會黨鞭Katherine Clark等地方領袖指出，該方案並未提供新的實質資金，而是透過降低標準來掩飾削減服務。新法規打算要求多數課程僅能以英語授課、放寬安全監護，並提高無家可歸者的證明門檻，然而麻州的學前啟蒙教育（ Head Start）目前為全州 1 萬多名幼童服務，其中 64% 為雙語學習者、16% 遭逢無家可歸變故、12% 領有 IEP（個別化教育計畫）。

    包括這天出席記者會的麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州教育廳廳長Steve Zrike，摩頓市市長Gary Christenson，以及這天不在現場的麻州參議會議長Karen Spika等地方領袖都強調，川普政府研擬推行的新法規，將直接傷害最脆弱的兒童與家庭。

    麻州政府還強調，已在2027財政年度預算中編列 2,000 萬美元，比去年增加350 萬美元的來補貼學前啟蒙教育的營運，是全美少數自行加碼補助的州之一。麻州幼教主管機關與波士頓社區發展行動（ABCD 等）等組織嚴正警告，如果聯邦政府撤銷保護標準，麻頓市等門戶城市及麻州西部農村等又叫資源匱乏地區將大受衝擊。

Governor Healey Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Changes that Would Dismantle Head Start

Massachusetts leaders urge families and teachers to speak out against sweeping proposal that would weaken early education, safety and family supports

MALDEN – Governor Maura Healey today joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Secretary of Education Steve Zrike, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, Head Start providers, teachers and families to call on the President Trump to withdraw a sweeping proposal that would gut longstanding standards protecting children and families participating in Head Start.  

More than 10,000 young children in Massachusetts are served by Head Start, which provides early education, childcare, health and dental screenings, developmental supports and other services to children from families with low incomes. The proposed rule would weaken many of the standards that ensure families can count on these critical services and create new barriers for children and families Head Start was explicitly designed to serve, including dual language learners, children with disabilities and children and families experiencing homelessness. 

Governor Healey is urging Massachusetts families, educators, providers and advocates to speak out against the proposed changes during the federal public comment period, which runs through October 6.

“President Trump has repeatedly targeted Head Start, and now he is trying to dismantle it from the inside out,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This proposal would strip away the standards that keep class sizes small, keep kids safe and make sure they get the services they need. That isn’t flexibility. It means lower-quality care and fewer supports for families. We’re urging people across Massachusetts to speak out and help us protect Head Start.”

“Head Start helps children get a strong start and gives parents the reliable care and support they need to work and support their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We should be making high-quality early education more affordable and accessible. President Trump’s proposal would move us backward and put more pressure on families and communities across Massachusetts.”

"We are in an existential fight over Head Start and the future of early education," said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5). "Donald Trump and Republicans want to dismantle the program by watering down the quality of care it offers. Their focus is on enriching the billionaire class at the expense of everyday Americans. Democrats are committed to holding them accountable for their cruelty. We are determined to retake the House and enact an agenda that puts our kids and families first.”

"What Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are doing is unconscionable," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Early education is pivotal to children’s future success; that’s why we have fought hard in Massachusetts to increase its availability and affordability. These changes will not only weaken early education and hurt the families and children who depend on Head Start to get a leg up, they will undermine our state’s commitment to education. I stand with Governor Healey and families across our state in calling on the Trump Administration to reverse this decision and stop harming our kids' education."

“It's especially fitting that Governor Healey is visiting Malden on the day we welcome our students back to school,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. “Her commitment to expanding educational opportunity, beginning with our earliest learners, has made a difference for families across Massachusetts. By recognizing the critical importance of early childhood education, she is helping ensure that every child has the strong foundation they need to succeed.”

“We know that young children learn best when they have skilled educators, individualized attention and instruction that recognizes and builds on who they are,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “President Trump’s proposal ignores what educators and research tell us about how children learn, restricting support for multilingual learners and weakening standards that ensure a high-quality education. We should be giving educators the tools to meet the needs of every child, not taking those tools away.”

The proposed rule would roll back longstanding Head Start requirements that keep class sizes small, protect children’s health and safety, and ensure children with disabilities receive critical services. It would also require most Head Start education to be conducted in English and create new barriers for families experiencing homelessness to access the program. The Trump Administration has characterized its proposal as giving Head Start programs greater “flexibility.” But the proposal provides no additional funding and would eliminate many of the federal standards that guarantee children receive a consistent level of care regardless of where they live. Once services and staffing are no longer federally required, programs facing tight budgets could be pressured to cut them.   

The proposed rule would weaken the quality of education and care by:

• Eliminating federal limits on class sizes and teacher-child ratios, reducing individualized attention and undermining child development and safety.

• Removing federal teaching and learning standards, including specific requirements for curriculum implementation and teacher training.

• Removing critical federal health and safety protections, including standards against harmful practices such as seclusion and requirements to supervise children at all times.

It would also create new barriers and eliminate services for children and families by:

• Requiring English-only instruction, with limited exceptions, restricting support for dual language learners and weakening communication with families who speak languages other than English. In the last program year, 64 percent of children in Massachusetts Head Start programs were identified as dual language learners.  

• Making it harder for families experiencing homelessness to enroll by ending self-attestation and requiring documentation that can be difficult for families without shelter placements to obtain. In the last program year, 16 percent of children enrolled in Head Start in Massachusetts experienced homelessness.

• Removing critical services for children with disabilities and behavioral challenges, including timely developmental screenings and follow-up supports. In the last program year, 12 percent of preschool children in Massachusetts Head Start programs had an IEP, with additional children awaiting diagnoses or experiencing developmental delays.

• Weakening requirements for services to pregnant women, new mothers and newborns, new mothers and newborns, including newborn health and postpartum depression screenings.

The proposed rule would make it harder for families and programs to maintain the services they rely on by:

• Putting working families at risk of losing hours of care by eliminating requirements for the length of the Head Start day and year, potentially leaving parents to find and pay for alternative child care or miss work.

• Reducing parents’ role in shaping their local Head Start program by weakening their role in program development and decisions about curriculum, health, nutrition and other policies.

• Cutting the allowable administrative cost cap from 15 percent to 5 percent, a level only a small fraction of Head Start programs currently meet.  

• Disproportionately harming rural Head Start programs, which face higher operating costs and often serve families with few other early education, child care and health service options.  

Taken together, these changes would eliminate many of the standards that guarantee families a consistent baseline of high-quality services from Head Start programs. Even in Massachusetts, which has strong early education standards, eliminating federal Head Start requirements could put critical services and supports at risk.  Many Massachusetts Head Start programs also participate in the state’s Child Care Financial Assistance programs, allowing state and federal funding to be blended to serve children together. As a result, changes that weaken Head Start could have ripple effects across Massachusetts’ broader early education and child care system.  

“Head Start’s two-generation approach supports both parents and children, providing critical support to families and to the workforce that makes our communities and economy stronger,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “At a time when Massachusetts is working to strengthen and support our early education and child care, dismantling Head Start would move us backwards. We should be building on the strong foundation Head Start has provided for decades — not taking it away from the children, families, and educators who rely on it.”

Governor Healey has repeatedly stepped up to protect Head Start programs and families amid federal threats to the program. During President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ 2025 federal government shutdown, Governor Healey accelerated state supplemental funding to help Head Start programs avoid layoffs and closures and keep children in care. Massachusetts is one of only approximately 14 states that supplements federal Head Start funding with state dollars, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has increased annual state funding for Head Start by $3.5 million, with the FY27 budget funding Head Start at $20 million. The administration has also fought federal efforts to weaken the program, including including calling on the Trump Administration to reverse a proposal that would weaken wage and benefit standards for Head Start educators.

“The proposal to deregulate Head Start would gut Head Start of the core services and functions that provide children and families with the highest quality care they deserve,” said Michelle Haimowitz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association. “Head Start is a lifeline for families and a cornerstone of our communities. It serves children whose unique needs are often not met by other programs. At a time when families are struggling to find affordable, high-quality child care, we should be expanding opportunity, not weakening a program that has delivered results for children for more than six decades. We stand with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Whip Clark, State House leaders, and our full Massachusetts Congressional delegation in opposing this harmful rule."

“We are grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Congresswomen Clark for their leadership and longstanding commitment to the well-being of families across the Commonwealth and to the Head Start program.  Head Start is a keystone to the work of Community Action Agencies in fighting poverty.  It provides families living with low incomes across the state at 16 Community Action Agencies and other nonprofits with access to comprehensive high-quality early education, said Joe Diamond, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action. “With Head Start we make and keep a promise to families that their children will be safe, healthy, and ready for school.  Head Start programs across the state are open and enrolling children for the Fall and the Head Start staff members – teachers, family advocates, cooks, bus drivers, health professionals, and program directors – are ready and dedicated to serving those children.”

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has added more than 22,000 child care seats and expanded financial assistance to help 17,000 families afford care. The administration also continued operational grants that have helped 8,000 child care programs stay open and invested millions in the state’s first-ever loan repayment program for early childhood educators and in training more than 250 early education apprentices.

The federal public comment period is open through October 6, 2026. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is encouraging Massachusetts residents to submit comments describing how the proposed changes would affect children, families, educators and Head Start programs in their communities.

“Head Start programs in Massachusetts provide vital early childhood education, health and wellness benefits, and other critical services to thousands of families each year,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am proud to stand with Governor Healey, Congresswoman Clark, and everyone else fighting to protect Head Start and the many communities they support here in Malden, throughout Massachusetts, and across the country.”

"We can all agree that programs like Head Start should reach more children and support more families. But giving each child less is not the solution," said State Senator Jake Oliveira. "Head Start is more than early education. It connects children and families with developmental supports, nutrition, community engagement, and other comprehensive services that make a difference long after a child leaves the program. Weakening those supports in the name of expanding access risks stretching the same investment thinner and fundamentally changing what Head Start provides. That is particularly concerning in Western Massachusetts for the families that I represent, where parents already have limited access to early education and care providers and fewer alternatives when services are unavailable. A family cannot access a provider where there isn't one. We should be expanding Head Start by investing in the educators, providers, and services that make it work, not asking children and families to accept less."

“I stand with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Representative Katherine Clark in opposing these proposed changes and in protecting the vital early education and support services that Head Start provides to Massachusetts families", said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The federal government’s proposal to weaken Head Start programs would harm not only low-income children and families, but also our workforce and economy."

“One in 10 families in Malden have at least one child enrolled in our Head Start program, and the demand keeps growing every year,” said State Representative Steven Ultrino, Ed.D. “The number of children enrolled in the Malden program alone has increased almost 50% since 2020. This is because Head Start provides indispensable, high-quality care and education to some of our most vulnerable children and their families. It is, and always has been, a successful program. Any federal changes that jeopardize Head Start, will no doubt threaten the safety, stability, and quality of care received by children across our Commonwealth. Simply put, the impact would be especially devastating to Gateway Cities, such as Malden, and rural communities where families are already struggling to access affordable early education and childcare.”

“As a former public school teacher and as a mom, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance and positive impacts of early education and childcare (EEC),” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “This federal administration continues to undermine and defund programs that support our most vulnerable residents, children, and families. Massachusetts is the only state that has made permanent the level of COVID-era funding for EEC that the federal government supplied during the Biden Administration, reflecting the Commonwealth’s recognition of the value of education and the significant role it plays in expanding opportunities. As a member of the Legislature, I was proud to support $20 million in state funding for Head Start programs in the FY27 budget. It is incredibly concerning that we are seeing a complete retreat from the federal government’s historic participation in this critical ecosystem."

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka regarding Attorney General Campbell's settlement with Meta

 Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka regarding Attorney General Campbell's settlement with Meta

(BOSTON — 8/26/2026) Today, Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka made the following statement regarding Attorney General Andrea Campbell's landmark settlement with Meta that requires design changes to protect Massachusetts' young people from social media harms: 

"Today's settlement is a victory for Massachusetts families and all of us who have been sounding the alarm about social media's impact on our children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. It reinforces my pride in having Attorney General Campbell as our state's lead law enforcement officer, fighting big tech in the courtroom on Massachusetts' behalf," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

"While social media is likely an aspect of our lives that is here to stay, we can and should push back against the features that increase the likelihood of addiction, promote harm, and collect data on our kids. In the Senate, we have fought to make sure every digital media company, not just Meta, takes steps to protect our kids. To that end, we will build on AG Campbell's victory and keep working to finalize a comprehensive youth social media protections bill so we can expand upon and implement these protections across the board."

麻州正副州長和 3聯邦眾議員攜手發聲明 誓言對抗川普政府保護科研

麻州州長Maura Healey（右二）、副州長Kim Driscoll （中），聯邦眾議院民主黨鞭
Katherine Clark（左二），和聯邦眾議員Lori Trahan （右一）、Jake Auchincloss （左一）。
（州長辦公室圖片）

        （Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）、聯邦眾議院民主黨鞭克拉克（Katherine Clark），和聯邦眾議員Lori Trahan、Jake Auchincloss等人8月26日聚會討論如何反對，並克服川普總統（Donald Trump）排斥外來人才，削減科研預算等政策對麻州科研、民生及經濟造成的衝擊。

奚莉州長和聯邦議員們發表了一份聯合聲明，稱生物醫藥與科研是麻州經濟命脈，直接或間接創造逾 160 億美元經濟產值，支撐了整個麻州 40% 的薪資總額。川普政府的政策，直接衝擊、干擾了麻州累計上千筆的科研計畫。

以哈佛大學為例，有高達22億美元的多年期研究補助，一度遭聯邦政府以行政裁量，部會指令等手段凍結，後來波士頓聯邦法院判決川普政府做法違反行政程序法，以及憲法第一修正案，補助解凍，但聯邦政府提起上訴，目前命運未卜。

全美最大醫院研究體系，包括麻州總醫院（MGH）和布萊根婦女醫院的Mass General Brigham，也收到美國衛生研究院（NIH）和衛生與人民服務部（HHS）發出的終止撥款通知，近7000萬美元的初級醫療和生殖健康等計劃的經費受影響，引發實驗室裁員潮。

麻州州長奚莉為阻止人才與技術外流，2025年提出《DRIVE法案》，規劃 4 億美元的多年期投資框架。其中 2 億美元擬設立專項基金直接挹注研究機構，另 2 億美元用於支持公立高教人才留任與研究成本。不過，該法案目前仍處於州議會審議與授權階段，後續效果還看立法進度，以及如何分批發放。

2026年，奚莉州長還簽署了「麻州贏法案（Mass Wins Act）」，追加 1.75 億美元投入 AI、量子計算與生物安全創新，支持科研。

        為防止損害擴大，麻州總檢察長已聯合全美 20 多州提起訴訟，成功取得法院臨時限制令（TRO），阻止聯邦政府把大學與醫院科研經費中，包括實驗室設施，水電費，行政支援費等「非直接成本（Indirect Cost Rates）」的報銷上限，強制壓至 15% 的行政指令。

        奚莉州長和3名聯邦議員強調，地方救援資金只是杯水車薪，麻州團隊將在國會串聯各州力量，捍衛科研預算與法規制度。

Governor Healey, Whip Clark, Congresswoman Trahan, Congressman Auchincloss Sound Alarm on Trump’s Research Cuts

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and Congressman Jake Auchincloss issued the following statement after meeting today to discuss how to oppose and overcome President Donald Trump’s anti-science agenda.

“Science and medicine are cornerstones of the Massachusetts economy. We are home to world-class research universities and teaching hospitals. Our scientists and entrepreneurs are developing cures, vaccines and therapies for devastating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This sector directly and indirectly generates thousands of jobs and more than $16 billion in economic activity in our state. We’re home to one in every 10 research and development jobs in the United States, and R&D jobs directly or indirectly support 40 percent of all wages paid in Massachusetts, with benefits cascading across industries including construction, food services, health care, retail and administrative support. 

“Yet President Trump’s cuts to research funding, politics-over-science posture, and rejection of immigrant talent puts all of that at risk. We’ve seen clinical trials halted and patients left waiting. We’ve seen universities reduce admissions and lay off faculty, while other countries recruit our scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and graduate students.  

“We need action now to protect Massachusetts’ renowned research and innovation economy and the lifesaving discoveries, jobs and economic growth that come with it. We support Governor Healey’s DRIVE Act, which would direct critical state funding to our hospitals, universities, and independent research institutions. This investment will help retain world-class talent, protect jobs across industries and strengthen a key pillar of the Massachusetts economy. 

“But Massachusetts can’t make up for the loss of federal funding alone. We will work together to ensure that federal funding, regulation, and reimbursement policies support biomedical research and innovation.” 

CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATES MSBA DECISION ADVANCING MADISON PARK TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INTO FEASIBILITY STUDY PHASE

CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATES MSBA DECISION ADVANCING MADISON PARK TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INTO FEASIBILITY STUDY PHASE

BOSTON - August 26, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper today announced that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted favorably to advance the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School project into the feasibility study phase. This major milestone will help the City, BPS, and the Madison Park community identify the best long-term capital solutions for the school’s redesign, including options to create modern, high-quality learning spaces for Boston students. 

Madison Park was invited into the MSBA’s school building program in December 2025 and began its Eligibility Period in July 2026. The City and BPS completed the required eligibility period actions in approximately 60 days, well ahead of the typical 270-day timeline.

“This milestone brings Boston a big step closer to renovating Madison Park Technical Vocational High School into the world-class learning spaces that will match our students’ talent and dreams, and to supercharge workforce development in Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We thank the MSBA board for recognizing the transformative potential of investing in Madison Park and the entire school and alumni community for their persistence and dedication, which helped us move through the eligibility process months ahead of the schedule. This progress reflects our shared urgency to transform Madison Park into a state-of-the-art school that will continue to prepare students for rewarding careers while building the workforce Boston will rely on for years to come.”

“Today’s vote to move Madison Park Technical Vocational High School into the Feasibility Study phase is an exciting moment for Boston Public Schools and the Madison community,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are incredibly grateful to the MSBA for its partnership and to the City of Boston for its commitment to creating a transformational learning environment that connects our students to the careers of the future. In this next phase, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Madison students, staff, alumni, and families to shape a vision for a new school with world-class vocational and technical facilities. This investment will help prepare our young people for stable, well-paying, and fulfilling careers while strengthening Boston’s workforce and economy.”

“Madison Park has always been a place where students develop their talents, build valuable skills, and prepare for meaningful careers that allow them to make their mark on the world,” said Madison Park Technical Vocational High School Principal Paul Neal. “This next step gives us the opportunity to envision a school that continues to reflect the excellence of our programs and the extraordinary potential of the young people we serve. Our students, educators, families, alumni, and community partners bring tremendous expertise, creativity, and pride to this community, and their voices continue to help shape this vision. We look forward to continuing that work together, honoring Madison Park’s legacy while creating new possibilities for generations of students to come.”

Madison Park offers students the choice of 20 different Chapter 74-certified programs in Career and Technical Education, including building maintenance, carpentry, electricity, HVAC, metal fabrication, and plumbing. Beginning in fall 2026, Madison Park will launch a new Ch. 74 program in Construction Craft Labor.

Renovating Madison Park has long been a priority for Mayor Wu. As a Boston City Councilor in 2018, Mayor Wu convened public hearings and community conversations on expanding vocational education at Madison Park, including a visit with City and BPS leaders to Worcester Technical High School to learn from successful models across Massachusetts. In late 2022, Mayor Wu launched a community visioning process that gathered input from Madison Park students, staff, families, and partners on the future of the school. That input helped inform the City’s 2025 Statement of Interest to the MSBA. Today’s decision builds on years of advocacy, planning, and collaboration to deliver long-awaited investment in Madison Park.

The City will next begin the procurement process for an Owner’s Project Manager, followed by designer selection. Once selected, the team will lead the feasibility study, including a detailed evaluation of potential capital solutions to support Madison Park’s educational programming. The City and BPS will share regular updates and create opportunities for continued engagement with students, families, educators, alumni, industry partners, and the broader Madison Park community during the feasibility study and once the consultant team is on board. 

“Madison Park and becoming a member of the union building trades changed my life, and I know firsthand what this school and these career pathways can mean for a young person growing up in Boston,” said Chaton Green, General Agent of the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions and a Madison Park Technical Vocational High School graduate from Roxbury. “We applaud Mayor Wu and her team for moving this process forward with real urgency and helping bring Madison Park to this important milestone. A modernized Madison Park will build on a long legacy of collaboration and give students the facilities, technology, and hands-on education they deserve.”

“IBEW Local 103 applauds Mayor Wu, Boston Public Schools, and the MSBA for taking this important step toward a modernized Madison Park Technical Vocational High School,” said Lou Antonellis, Business Manager of IBEW Local 103. “The Mayor’s leadership in moving the eligibility process ahead quickly is an encouraging sign of the City’s commitment to getting this long-awaited investment done. Local 103 and Boston’s building trades have a long and proud relationship with Madison Park, including years of mentoring students, sponsoring programs, and helping young people find pathways into the skilled trades. This investment will build on that legacy of collaboration and give the next generation access to world-class technical education and good, family-sustaining careers.”

The MSBA is a state agency that offers competitive grants to school districts to support capital improvement projects in public schools across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Funded by one-cent of the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax, the MSBA process involves close collaboration with school communities to design and build fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solutions to create safe, sound, and sustainable learning environments.

Voting Rights Groups Move to Block Newly-Finalized Mail Ballot Rule

Voting Rights Groups Move to Block Newly-Finalized Mail Ballot Rule

Plaintiffs in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump Supplement Original Complaint and Seek Emergency Court Order to Block USPS From Implementing Mail Ballot Rule for November Election

 

BOSTON — Voting rights organizations today supplemented the complaint in their lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order restricting mail voting to add claims against the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) newly-finalized mail ballot rule. The groups simultaneously asked a federal court to immediately block USPS from implementing that rule for the November midterm elections. 

 

The plaintiffs in this case, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, are the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, League of Women Voters, Association of Americans Resident Overseas, U.S. Vote Foundation, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Massachusetts, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, Legal Defense Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

 

On Aug. 11, 2026, the court issued an order in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump, blocking USPS from implementing Section 3 of the executive order for the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections.

The Supreme Court later stayed a different court order issued in the separate Trump v. California case blocking implementation of the executive order. Of note, the Supreme Court did not decide whether President Trump has the legal authority to impose these restrictions or whether the USPS rule is lawful; it simply held that it was premature for the California plaintiffs to bring that case. 

 

Earlier this afternoon, the court vacated the Aug. 11 injunction issued in League of Women Voters Massachusetts on the same narrow basis. Acknowledging that “Plaintiff Organizations have substantial arguments that might persuade the Supreme Court to reach a different result if Plaintiff Organizations have an opportunity to present them,” the court found “that in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. California, Plaintiff Organizations are not likely to prevail as to ripeness without amending their complaint to reflect the fact that a Final Rule has now issued.” Plaintiffs have now supplemented their complaint to do exactly that, adding challenges to the newly finalized mail ballot rule and seeking emergency relief on those claims immediately.

 

In their papers, the plaintiff organizations argue that USPS’s newly-finalized mail ballot rule violates the Constitution’s separation of powers, which put the states and Congress in charge of election administration rules, not USPS or the president, as well as a number of the laws that govern how USPS operates.

All of these violations are causing irreparable harm to plaintiff organizations, their members, and the voters they serve. The harm is particularly acute as there are now less than 70 days before the November midterm elections, which is why the plaintiff organizations are asking for emergency relief. 

 

After filing, counsel and plaintiffs released the following statement:

 

“The court has already found that the executive order unconstitutionally usurps the authority of the states and Congress to regulate elections, and the newly-finalized rule eliminates any doubt about the harms stemming from these unlawful acts. Implementing the newly-finalized rule less than 70 days before the general election would dramatically impair plaintiffs’ core voter engagement work and pose a grave risk of disenfranchisement. We are asking the court for emergency relief to prevent this harm and to affirm the public’s confidence in the systems voters rely on to conduct our elections.”

 

波士頓喜報名列 INDEED求職平台全美最適合工作城市第一名

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市政府8月26日欣喜宣佈，求職平台 Indeed在25日發表的「2026 年最適合工作城市」報告，把波士頓-劍橋市-牛頓市都會區，評為全美228個人口逾20萬城市中的2026年第一名。

    波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）表示，這排名肯定了波士頓市府為打造最適合人們生活、工作與創業城市所做的努力。

    Indeed平台首度推出的「最適合工作城市」指南，以勞力市場和該平臺專有數據為評估依據。

    Indeed 旗下的聘僱實驗室（ Hiring Lab） 研究中心根據市場數據與平台專有資料，從六大維度進行綜合評分。波士頓憑藉均衡的綜合表現拔得頭籌，其中「職涯發展與動態」高居全美第 2、「經濟機會」第 5、「薪酬福利」第 6、「工作品質與安全」第 7。此外，在「工作生活平衡」與「工作機會」上也分別名列第 13 與第 14 位。研究特別指出，波士頓強大的醫療與教育機構（eds and meds）提供了穩定的經濟基礎與卓越的職涯推動力。

    全美前五大最適合工作城市依序為麻州波士頓（Boston）、華盛頓特區（Washington, D.C.）、佛蒙特州伯靈頓（Burlington）、加州聖荷西（San Jose）及舊金山（San Francisco）。

    令人意外的是，紐約、洛杉磯及芝加哥等大型都市均未擠進前 25 名。研究員指出，這份榜單突破了過往僅看薪資或職缺的限制，展現出中小型及多元化發展城市在工作品質與生活平衡上的顯著優勢。

ICYMI: INDEED RANKS BOSTON AS BEST CITY FOR WORK
Boston-Cambridge-Newtown metro area ranked #1 out of 228 metro areas with populations of 200,000 or more
BOSTON - Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - In an article published yesterday, Indeed listed Boston as the best city for work in 2026. Indeed’s inaugural Best Cities for Work index, built on the labor market and Indeed's proprietary data, listed the Boston-Cambridge-Newtown metro area as #1 out of 228 metro areas with populations of 200,000 or more. This ranking affirms Mayor Wu and the City's efforts to ensure that Boston is the best place in the country to live, work and do business.
Read Indeed's full index here. Below is more on the Boston area's ratings.
"Greater Boston tops the list, and it’s a clear example of a metro area that wins through balance."
Boston metro area (#1 out of 228 metro areas):
• #2 in Career Mobility & Dynamism
• #5 in Economic Opportunity
• #6 in Compensation
• #7 in Job Quality & Security
• #13 in Work-Life & Flexibility
• #14 in Job Opportunity

麻州撥發 1530萬元支持商業樓宇改建成 856 住宅

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州副州長Kim Driscoll在Westford鎮宣佈，麻州政府將撥發1530萬美元「商業用途改造抵稅優惠（Commercial Conversion Tax Credit）」，資助波士頓市、戴德姆鎮（Dedham）、春田市（Springfield）、韋斯特福德鎮及伍斯特市（Worcester）等5個市鎮的商業地產改建案，把閒置空間變成856套新出租住宅，振興市中心。

    麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）表示，這麼做能活化空置資產、增加住房並降低生活成本。住房與宜居社區秘書長胡安娜·馬蒂亞斯（Juana Matias）補充，商業改建案常面臨融資瓶頸，該計畫能填補資金缺口，兼顧歷史建築保存與大眾運輸導向開發。

    這一輪資助的5個項目包含：波士頓華盛頓街294號（294 Washington, Boston）改建辦公樓為255套住宅開發案獲400萬美元；韋斯特福德小頓路219號（219 Littleton Road, Westford）拆除舊飯店，重建300套住宅案，由Redgate獲300萬美元；戴德姆Vantage公寓（Vantage Apartments, Dedham）案，新建154套住宅獲300萬美元；春田市主街發展（Main Street Redevelopment, Springfield）改建4棟歷史建築為99套住宅案，獲300萬美元；伍斯特歷史克拉克大樓（Historic Clark Block Rehabilitation, Worcester）由The Menkiti Group改建舊服飾店為48套住宅，獲約233萬美元。

    「商業用途改造抵稅優惠」計畫依據州長2024年簽署的「可負擔住房法案（Affordable Homes Act）」設立。加上首輪發放840萬美元建339套住宅，兩輪資助已累計在麻州推動10個項目，共建1195套新住宅。

Governor Healey Announces $15.3 Million to Convert Commercial Properties Into 856 New Homes

Tax credits will advance housing production and downtown revitalization in Boston, Dedham, Springfield, Westford and Worcester

WESTFORD — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $15.3 million in Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative awards to support five projects that will transform vacant or underutilized commercial properties into 856 new rental homes in Boston, Dedham, Springfield, Westford and Worcester.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll made the announcement today in Westford, where a former hotel at 219 Littleton Road will be redeveloped into 300 new rental homes, the largest project supported in this round by number of homes. The other projects will adaptively reuse historic downtown buildings, convert an office building in Boston’s Financial District and redevelop obsolete commercial buildings into new housing.

“Massachusetts has buildings sitting empty and communities that need more homes. These awards will put underused properties back to work, create 856 new apartments and help bring more residents, customers and energy to downtowns and commercial districts across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By making smart use of the spaces we already have, we can build more housing, strengthen local economies and lower costs.”

“Commercial conversions can solve two challenges at once: They create homes where people want to live and help communities breathe new life into properties that have been vacant or obsolete,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As a former mayor, I know how important it is to have active buildings and more residents supporting small businesses in our downtowns. These projects will help communities turn long-standing opportunities into lasting growth.” 

“The reality is that many commercial conversion projects are difficult to finance even when the sites are in prime locations, have community support and ready to move forward,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “The Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative helps close that gap. This second round of awards will not only unlock another 856 homes, but will preserve historic buildings, support transit-oriented development and help revitalize downtowns across Massachusetts.”

 The Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative was established through the Affordable Homes Act, which Governor Healey signed in 2024. The initiative helps transform vacant or underutilized commercial properties into residential or mixed-use developments by supporting eligible construction and substantial rehabilitation costs for projects that will be primarily residential.

This is the second round of awards through the program. Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $8.4 million to support five projects that will create 339 new homes in Boston, Fitchburg, New Bedford, Pittsfield and Worcester. Together, the first two rounds of awards will support 10 projects and 1,195 new homes across Massachusetts.

The projects receiving awards are:

Historic Clark Block Rehabilitation, Worcester — $2,330,406

The Menkiti Group will adaptively reuse the historic former Shack’s Clothes building in downtown Worcester to create 48 rental homes, including 43 market-rate homes. The project will help return a prominent downtown property to active use and will also include three ground-level commercial condominiums.

219 Littleton Road, Westford — $3 million

Redgate will demolish an obsolete hotel and construct 300 rental homes, including 270 market-rate homes, within Westford’s MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay District. The development will include a range of resident amenities and preserve a historic barn that could be used as amenity or retail space.

Main Street Redevelopment, Springfield — $3 million

McCaffery Interests Inc. will adaptively reuse four historic buildings in downtown Springfield to create 99 rental homes, including 79 market-rate homes, along with ground-floor retail space. The project is part of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority’s effort to create an active, walkable neighborhood with new housing, retail and restaurant opportunities near MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center.

Vantage Apartments, Dedham — $3 million

Nordblom Development Company Inc. will demolish two obsolete commercial buildings and construct 154 rental homes, including 131 market-rate homes, near Legacy Place. The shovel-ready, transit-oriented development will be within walking distance of the Dedham Corporate Center MBTA Commuter Rail station.

294 Washington, Boston — $4 million

Synergy will adaptively reuse a historic office building in the heart of Boston’s Financial District to create 255 rental homes, including 204 market-rate homes, and approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space. The transit-oriented development is within walking distance of four MBTA subway lines, businesses and other downtown amenities.

Governor Healey created the Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative through the  Affordable Homes Act to help transform vacant or underutilized commercial properties into residential or mixed-use developments. The program supports eligible construction and substantial rehabilitation costs for projects that will be primarily residential.

About the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities was created in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has advanced a comprehensive housing strategy that includes the Affordable Homes Act, statewide accessory dwelling unit reforms, MBTA Communities implementation, Seasonal Communities designation, the Momentum Fund, the Commercial Conversion Tax Credit and expanded Housing Development Incentive Program awards to support new housing production across Massachusetts.

雙囍燒臘在Braintree開張新店 市長Erin V. Joyce親自來賀

Braintree市長 Erin V. Joyce (左一）祝賀雙囍燒臘開張。（雷海提供）

 （Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導）麻州碧樹市(Braintree)的雙囍燒臘餐廳（Shoyu Boston II），8月24日在市長Erin V. Joyce和市議會副議長Elizabeth Maglio親自出席，向東主梅志堅、鍾偉檀致賀，洪青體育會舞獅祝福，十幾個花籃在店門外一列排開的喜氣洋洋中，隆重開幕。

梅志堅（右）、鍾偉檀（左）說明，這第二間雙囍燒臘像廣式茶餐廳，
還供應蝦餃、燒賣。（周菊子攝）

人口約3.9萬，亞裔佔約22.2%的碧樹市(Braintree)，因為緊鄰麻州亞裔人口第二多的昆士市，中餐館只有5家左右。既有傳統美式中餐，主打廣東燒臘，還供應蝦餃、燒賣、餛飩麵（雲吞），有茶餐廳風味，讓人有更多選擇的雙囍燒臘餐廳（Shoyu Boston II）開張，這天吸引來川流不息人群。

碧樹市市長Erin V. Joyce還送給「雙囍燒臘餐廳」東主一份表揚狀，感謝他們連同緊鄰的Culinary Pizza & Sub，在碧樹市一連開張2家餐廳，為該市增加就業機會，助長經濟。

梅志堅（右）、鍾偉檀（左）和這天因故未到現場的阮振富攜手打造雙囍集團。
（周菊子攝）

梅志堅、鍾偉檀和阮振富這3個查理士城高中( Charlestown High)同學，都是十一、二歲時隨家人移民來美的第二代，相識相知幾十年，做過早從十三年前在索格斯鎮開餐館後，就一直攜手經營餐飲業，並成立了雙囍集團（Shoyu Group），和不同合夥人合作，陸續開張了波士頓市，以及碧樹市的2間雙囍燒臘餐廳（Shoyu Boston II），加上在索格斯（Saugus），安多福（Andover）等地開設的雙囍餐廳酒吧（Shoyu Restaurant & Bar），麾下已經有4家雙囍餐廳了。

雙囍集團買下了「新美園」舊址，翻修成雙囍燒臘，旁邊再開披薩店，
照顧顧客的不同口味。（周菊子攝）

    下個月還要再添2家，在碧波地（Peabody）之外，他們已接手，位於波士頓市夏利臣街的竹笙餐廳，也將搖身一變成為雙囍集團麾下的日式，中式融合餐廳。

梅志堅透露，為了方便自己的餐館裝修及維護，他們甚至還經營有一家建築工程公司。

雙囍燒臘新開張，還有新人禮包。

8月24日這天，不但有碧樹市市長及市議會副議長致賀，還有洪門致公堂前主席陳偉雄，湯偉立，波士頓華人排球協會會長雷海都前來道喜，場面十分熱絡。

（碧樹市雙囍燒臘地址：217 Quincy Ave Braintree MA ）

昆士市訂9/6 晚昆士灣放煙花慶祝勞工節

     (Boston Orange編譯) 昆士市為慶祝「勞工日（Labor Day ）」週末，將於9月6日晚上8點，在昆士海灣（Quincy Bay）施放色彩繽紛的「美國250」煙花，向建造國家及昆士市的工人們致敬。

昆士市長柯奇（Tom Koch）在宣佈這消息時表示，「250年來，美國的故事是由一代又一代的打工男女撰寫的」。

他說，「在昆士市，我們對這故事再熟悉不過了。從製鞋匠到花崗岩切割工，到世世代代的碼頭工人們，以及從各類技術工種到今日建造並為我們這座城市服務的男男女女，辛勤工作一直是昆士故事的一部分。

    欣賞煙花的最佳位置，應該是在華勒斯頓海灘（Wollaston Beach），以及眺望海灣的昆士市東部社區。

    煙花秀由「昆士市慶祝美國250週年」呈現，這是昆士市長柯奇和「發現昆市（ Discover Quincy.）」領投，為期一年的市政活動。

    這煙火表演由昆西市慶祝美國250週年活動主辦，這是一項為期一年的市政活動，由市長科赫和昆西市旅遊局牽頭，由昆西基金會（Quincy Foundation）、Lee Kennedy公司的Lee Kennedy以及Suffolk Construction總裁兼執行長John Fish共同主辦。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights $2 Million to Expand Child Care Options for Working Families

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights $2 Million to Expand Child Care Options for Working Families

 

New partnerships with employers are testing innovative approaches to make child care more accessible and support Massachusetts’ workforce

GARDNER- The Healey-Driscoll Administration today highlighted nearly $2 million in investments through the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund to expand access to affordable, reliable child care for working families and help employers attract and retain workers. 

 The four inaugural projects bring together employers, child care providers and community organizations to test new approaches including expanded infant care, care during nontraditional work hours, employer-supported child care assistance and new technology to connect families with available care. 

“Every parent deserves access to affordable, reliable child care so they can go to work knowing their kids are safe and supported,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments are bringing employers and child care providers together to create new options for working families, while helping businesses attract and keep the workers they need.” 

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to child care, which is why we’re giving communities and employers the flexibility to try new ideas,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These partnerships will help us learn what works, expand successful approaches and make it easier for families across Massachusetts to find the care they need.” 

“Child care can look different across families, communities and industries, which is why it is so important to test new approaches and learn directly from the people putting them into practice,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Today, we heard how these inaugural projects are responding to the needs of working families and employers, and how what we learn from them can help identify promising approaches that could be adapted and scaled across Massachusetts.” 

Launched in 2025 as a $2.5 million pilot, the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund supports employer-driven approaches to addressing child care and workforce challenges. In July, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $1.9 million to four inaugural grantees testing approaches including expanded infant care, care during nontraditional work hours, employer-funded child care assistance, and new technology to connect families with available care. The pilot is designed to identify effective approaches that can be adapted and scaled across the Commonwealth. 

 "The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates the collaborations forged through this initiative, bringing together employers and community partners to expand access to affordable, quality child care services in Massachusetts," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. "Visiting Heywood Hospital with the United Way of North Central MA illustrates one of the many partnerships we celebrate through this grant funding to deliver an essential infrastructure that supports working families in this region and regions across Massachusetts." 

“Any parent knows there’s truth to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child; making sure working parents have a village around them strengthens families, businesses and our economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “These partnerships are testing creative, locally driven solutions that support working families, strengthen child care businesses and help Massachusetts remain a great place to build a career and a business.” 

“The innovative approaches we heard about today provide an important opportunity to learn directly from employers, providers and families about what can work in their sector,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Employers have an important role to play in addressing child care challenges, and their engagement will help us continue to build a system that better supports families, strengthens the workforce and meets the needs of communities across Massachusetts.” 

"Building a child care system that works for every family in Massachusetts requires more partners at the table, and employers are essential among them," said Board of Early Education and Care Chair Paul Belsito. "What makes this fund so valuable is that it generates real evidence about what works — in different industries, in different regions, for different families. The Board looks forward to learning from these grantees as we continue strengthening a system that families, providers and businesses all depend on." 

"These grants show that child care is part of our economy's infrastructure," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate was proud to invest in this work because it reflects the innovative, creative thinking that we need to make sure every child has a leg up, and every parent can jump back into the workforce. I applaud Governor Healey and her administration for prioritizing this program for Massachusetts residents. 

“In Massachusetts, we understand how essential access to affordable, high-quality child care is for both our families and our workforce,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “This program will expand access to early education, giving more of our youngest learners the opportunity to thrive while supporting working families by helping parents return to the workforce.” 

The four inaugural grantees are: 

• Berkshire United Way: $400,000 
• Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc. (dba The Community Group): $550,000 
• Seaport Orthodontics (dba Seaport Smiles): $150,000 
• United Way of North Central Massachusetts: $800,000 

Today’s event was hosted by Heywood Healthcare, a partner in the United Way of North Central Massachusetts project, which is working with regional employers and community partners to expand employer-supported child care options for workers in North Central Massachusetts. 

The Employer Child Care Innovation Fund advances the work of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, which is focused on making high-quality child care more affordable and accessible across the state.  

The initiative complements broader state investments to strengthen the child care system, including continued support for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) operational grants, the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership initiative (CPPI), and $1.2 billion in child care financial assistance to help approximately 72,000 children and their families afford care.