劉如謙共同創辦的Exo生物療法公司再募得7800萬元

劉如謙是台灣移民之子，於2021年獲選為美國
國家科學院院士。(圖片來自Wiki)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子整理編譯) 哈佛教授劉如謙 (David Liu) 共同創辦的 Exo療法公司今 (5)日宣佈，完成B輪融資，籌得7800萬元，使該公司在重新編輯酶活動的無毒性副作用精準療法研究，離臨床，也距離上市更進一步。

             Exo在2020年12月時，才完成A輪融資，募得2500萬元。

             根據Exo公司所發佈新聞稿，這一輪”超額認購”的募資由新投資者Nextech領投，其他參與投資機構包括BVF合夥公司，Samsara 生物資本，Morningside，以及 Casdin資本。原有的投資者，Newpath合夥公司，諾華(Novartis)創投基金，CRV，以及通和毓承(6 Dimension)資本等也參與了這一輪的投資。

            作為融資的一部分，Nextech投資合夥人Thilo Schroeder博士，以及BVF合夥公司的執行經理Kanishka Pothula，加入了Exo的董事會。

             募得的款項將用於把來自該公司專有ExoSightTM平台，有機會治療腫瘤及炎症的3種腫瘤，1種炎症的臨床前，小分子候選藥物，推向概念驗證，並進展到臨床使用。

             該公司希望解決3個重大問題，接觸到因為活動點被封閉，以前無法下藥的酶；只針對一群酶的其中一個來下藥；對那些能夠執行多重功能的酶，只針對其中特定功能來下藥。

             Exo執行長Michael Bruce表示，在1萬種已知酶中，只有7%曾經被下藥。Exo試圖藉由哈佛及MIT所聯合創立博德研究院(Broad Institute)的副主席劉如謙教授，以及Salk 生物邏輯研究院教授Saghatelian的研究，拉進實驗室和臨床應用的距離。

             籌得的資金也將用於藉由Exo的ExoSight平台追尋新的標靶藥物。

             Exo刻正打造能夠結合外部，遠端及獨特位置的綑綁空間，以為精準及更佳治療效果重新編造酶活動的候選藥物深層管道。

             Exo執行長Michael Bruce表示，Exo已為expsites所代表的巨大機會做好了收益準備。在世界及投資者的連成一線，以及劉如謙教授和Alan Saghatelian教授，以及曾是他們學生的Juan Pablo Maianti等人打下的基礎上，他說，”我們已有擴大ExoSigh平台的配備，可進一步朝向臨床前進”。

             Michael Bruce曾任Kaleido生物科學公司資深副總裁，把這公司上市了。之前他也曾協助CRISPR療法公司和Vertex及拜耳(Bayer)簽署協議。他說在這輪融資後，Exo將可進一步的想像上市，或是在布稀釋資本的情況下和其他製藥公司成為合作夥伴。

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor 

Michelle Wu and supporter Felix Lui and his wife.

Boston, MA— The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 (UFCW 1445), representing thousands of workers in the grocery supermarkets, healthcare, industrial laundries, meat packing, warehousing, cannabis, and retail industries across the city and state, endorsed Michelle Wu for Mayor today. Calling her a courageous leader and fearless fighter, UFCW 1445 said that Wu is the best candidate to lead Boston and champion issues of importance to members and their families.

“We share Councilor Michelle Wu’s bold and progressive vision and policies for Boston. Wu’s positions are not idealist but necessary. Our members in Boston take public transportation, need affordable housing, their children go to public schools, and contribute economically and culturally to this great city,” said UFCW 1445 President Fernando Lemus. 

“Our union looks forward to working with the Wu Administration to strengthen labor provisions in city ordinances, and as we enter into challenging negotiations and on-going organizing drives,” said UFCW 1445 Secretary Treasurer, Fabricio DaSilva.

 “UFCW 1445 members are excited and ready to mobilize for Councilor Michelle Wu’s campaign,” said UFCW 1445 Political Director, Gabe Camacho.

“UFCW 1445 and other labor unions create the opportunity and protections for working families to thrive. I am honored to receive their endorsement and stand alongside UFCW 1445 in the fight for strong wages, great benefits, and protections for every worker,” said Michelle Wu.

UFCW 1445’s endorsement adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Adrian Madaro, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE REQUIRING ZERO EMISSIONS FOR LARGE BUILDINGS BY 2050

MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE REQUIRING ZERO EMISSIONS FOR LARGE BUILDINGS BY 2050 Ordinance builds on the Janey Administration's commitment to protect Boston against the impacts of climate change by setting carbon targets for existing large buildings

 

Acting Mayor Kim Janey sign ordiance. BOSTON - Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today signed the City of Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which was unanimously approved by the Boston City Council with the goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging efficient use of energy and water, and developing investments in a green economy. The amendment to BERDO gives the City greater authority to set carbon targets for existing buildings that decrease over time with all buildings achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This policy is the single most impactful initiative to curb Boston’s carbon emissions.  Baolian Kuang (In front, 2nd from right) representing CPA to this signing ceremony. “BERDO 2.0 is a monumental achievement that will have positive impacts on our residents for generations to come,” said Mayor Janey. “We know that the negative effects of climate change bear a disproportionate burden on our most socially vulnerable communities. I am grateful for this collaboration with the City Council to actively minimize the challenges associated with climate change and create more resilient communities.”  The BERDO amendment, sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley, sets emissions targets and reporting requirements for buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, establishes the Emissions Review Board with community representation to increase accountability and transparency, and establishes an environmental-justice focused Equitable Emissions Investment Fund. In order for buildings to reduce their emissions, building owners may choose to carry out: energy efficiency improvements, switch to clean, efficient and electric heating systems, or fossil fuel free systems, and purchase clean energy.  "Today is a historic day for Boston. By passing and signing this transformative climate legislation into law, we are codifying equity and resilience in our city's large buildings,” said Council President Pro Tempore O'Malley. “I am proud to have led and partnered with environmental justice organizations and various stakeholders across the city to create aggressive, but achievable sustainability goals for a carbon neutral future.” “The amended ordinance was designed with an equity lens to accomplish strategic emissions reductions, and prioritizes benefits to environmental justice communities, green jobs, and transparency,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “Through BERDO 2.0 we will ensure that climate justice is achieved so that those who have contributed the least to climate change do not continue to face the most extreme effects.” Buildings in Boston account for nearly seventy percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. Four percent of buildings in Boston are covered by the ordinance and they account for approximately sixty percent of Boston’s building emissions. The ordinance was originally passed in May 2013, and required that all commercial and residential buildings that are 35,000 square feet or have 35 units or more report their energy and water use to the City of Boston every year. Buildings covered were also required to show concerted efforts to reduce their energy use or emissions every five years through energy actions or audits. The ordinance required the City of Boston to make this data publicly available.  The 2019 update to Boston’s Climate Action Plan identified a building emissions performance standard as a principal tool to help the City accomplish a net zero transition for existing buildings and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The FY21 Climate Action Report includes the most recent updates regarding the status and implementation of the City of Boston’s plans and initiatives around climate, energy, and waste. The signing of the amended ordinance is part of a broader push by the City of Boston to lead on climate action and was supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. Boston is one of the 25 winning cities in the Climate Challenge, which is helping cities set and surpass ambitious climate goals. “With its new Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, Boston is taking a bold step to equitably lower its carbon footprint and achieve net zero by 2050. Designed in partnership with local stakeholders and community, this policy will also help make Boston cleaner and healthier, while creating new jobs,” said Kelly Shultz, who leads the sustainable cities program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies is proud to partner with cities at the forefront of the climate fight to push for the climate policies we know can reduce emissions and bring substantial benefits to communities.” “Our collaboration with the Mayor's Office and City Council is groundbreaking because it puts just transition theory into practice,” said Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE). “The Environment Department, the City Council, community groups including ACE, and stakeholders co-created a policy that will decrease emissions and support environmental justice populations. We look forward to continuing to partner with the City on its implementation."  "We are proud to have involved over 100 residents who live in buildings over 20,000 square feet in the design of the ordinance. This was a great model of the City partnering with community organizations to equitably involve residents in the decision making process and centering the most impacted. This ordinance will not only greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also improve air quality for environmental justice communities and enact rent stabilization measures for low-income tenants whose buildings receive assistance in retrofitting their buildings," said Mark Liu, Operations and Development Director, Chinese Progressive Association. "The Longwood Medical and Academic Area is home to mission-driven, non-profit healthcare, educational, and medical research organizations that deeply understand the public health impacts of climate change. Longwood shares in the commitment to make Boston a carbon-neutral city by 2050 and we want to thank Mayor Janey, Councilor O'Malley, and Chief White-Hammond for their leadership on BERDO 2.0. We look forward to our continued work together to advance climate solutions and sustainability citywide,” said Tom Yardley, Vice President of Area Planning and Development, MASCO (Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization).    This ordinance builds on Mayor Janey’s work to create a climate-ready, resilient Boston. Mayor Janey’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget includes significant investments for environmental justice and resilience, including: ·    $48 million for Phase 2 and 3 of Renew Boston Trust, which is designed to identify energy retrofit project opportunities in City-owned buildings to create future energy savings. ·    $5 million to support the development of a Climate Ready Boston Harbor Study that will examine the feasibility of measures along and within the harbor to reduce vulnerability of coastal flooding due to sea level rise caused by climate change. ·    $20 million to design and implement a signature, climate resilient waterfront park along the Fort Point Channel. ·    $4 million in workforce development and training opportunities for green jobs in the environment. ·    $1 million in workforce development and training opportunities for zero waste and mobility jobs. ·    $500,000 to support residents in making energy efficient upgrades to their homes. ·    $340,000 to support a new Healthy Places Initiative targeted for environmental justice populations, who often live in hotter neighborhoods with less tree canopy cover. ·    $200,000 towards the preservation and maintenance of historic and cultural sites in Boston.

AG HEALEY CO-LEADS BIPARTISAN COALITION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS ADDRESSING YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA USE

AG HEALEY CO-LEADS BIPARTISAN COALITION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS ADDRESSING YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Sends Joint Letter to U.S. Senate Committee Sharing Concerns about Social Media Platforms Exploiting Young People for Profit

 

BOSTON – Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey co-led a bipartisan coalition of 52 attorneys general expressing strong support for the hearings being conducted by the U.S. Senate Committee addressing protection and safety of kids and teens using social media. 

 

“Social media platforms cannot be permitted to ignore the threat that social media ​can pose to children just to make a profit,” said AG Healey. “We applaud the Senate for holding these hearings to examine the business model these companies use to drive young people to their platforms. We will continue to work with our partners to protect the well-being of our kids and prevent exploitation and harm.”

 

The hearings on protecting kids online are being held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security.

 

AG Healey, along with other attorneys general across the country, has been watchful and concerned over the impacts of social media on youth. Those concerns have grown with the recent research from Facebook’s own internal studies showing that social media can inflict harm—in the form of increased mental distress, eating disorders, bullying, suicide, and other self-harm—on a significant number of kids.

 

Today’s letter recognizes the hearings will uncover critical information about the business practices that social media companies are using to gain the attention of more young people on their platforms. In the letter, the attorneys general write that “more engagement by the user equals more data to leverage for advertising, which equals greater profit. This prompts social media companies to design their algorithms to psychologically manipulate young users into a state of addiction to their cell phone screens.”

 

In May 2021, AG Healey co-led a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in sending a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg urging the company to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. That request was ignored. Last week, in advance of the Congressional hearings, Facebook announced their intent to “pause” the project. The attorneys general believe the project should be abandoned altogether.

緬因州誌記1952首名華裔美國模範母親阮彩蓮

阮彩蓮的女兒阮月珠(左)，呂阮秋珠(右)出席掛牌儀式。(施維鈞提供)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子整理編譯) 你知道美國緬因州波特蘭市出過一名華裔美國模範母親阮彩蓮(Toy Len Goon)嗎? 她丈夫還是緬因州第一位華裔居民。緬因州一民間機構10月3日掛牌，誌記這段歷史。

              緬因州中美友好協會 (Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine )歷經10餘年努力，10月3日終於在阮彩蓮位於波特蘭森林道 (Forest Ave.) 615號的當年住家，掛出一塊標牌，昭告世人，緬因州和華人的關係始自1917年，緬因州曾經有位優秀，被譽為全美典範的華裔母親。

阮彩蓮。(講座錄影截屏)

              當天應阮彩蓮家屬的要求，代表中華民國的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元也應邀出席、致詞。阮彩蓮的2名女兒，阮月珠，呂阮秋珠，以及媳婦阮陳金鳳這天也都專程趕到。阮彩蓮另外2名還在世的子女，因年事已高，未克遠行，只遙距送上祝福。

              在波士頓老一輩的華人圈中，阮陳金鳳和阮國富是大家耳熟能詳的名字，他們倆夫婦，以及阮陳金鳳的2個弟弟，陳毓璇、陳毓禮，對波士頓華人社區的諸多影響，更是迄今可見。

在阮彩蓮故居上的那塊牌子上寫著，「1952年的緬因州及美國年度模範母親阮彩蓮之家及洗衣店所在地。這棟房屋於1936年由阮彩蓮以其存款5000元買下，後於1956年出售」。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元應邀致詞。
(施維鈞提供)

              根據緬因州歷史協會的記錄，阮彩蓮的丈夫Dogan Goon (，可能是最早定居該州的華人，1893年在中國南部出生，其後移民來美，1917年抵達波士頓，因為違反禁止華人移民的排華法案而被捕，不過不知怎地，他脫罪了，然後被迫加入軍隊上戰場，並於1918年起在陸軍醫療隊工作，直到1919年1月。

              由於參軍，他得到了公民權，並於1922年從中國娶來1891年出生的阮彩蓮，把她帶到了波特蘭來。

              1941年，Dogan Good在Togus退伍軍人醫院辭世，留給阮彩蓮一家洗衣店和8名3到16歲的小孩。阮彩蓮秉承中國婦女傳統美德，在美國政府為減輕她的負擔，建議她把部分子女送人扶養時，斷然拒絕了。

              阮彩蓮的長子從Deering高中輟學，協助她經營洗衣店，後來才繼續學業。她所有的8名小孩，5名男孩，3名女孩，都學有所成，接受了高等教育。其中一名兒子當了醫師，一名兒子從麻省理工學院，其他的兒子也拿到物理、電機工程、化學及法律等學位。阮彩蓮的女兒們做過的工作包括法院記錄，社工，以及公務員。

緬因州中美友好協會代表致詞。(施維鈞提供)

              1952年， “黃金規則基金會(Golden Rule Foundation)”的 美國母親委員會頒給阮彩蓮”年度美國母親”榮銜，邀她到紐約市的華爾道夫酒店領獎。她在那酒店接受了全國性的媒體採訪，還成了影音新聞主題。聯邦眾議員議長邀她在Capitol共進午餐，美國第一夫人Bess Truman也在白宮接見了她，在她回波特蘭的路上，紐約市唐人街特地安排一場遊行歡送。波士頓的華埠和緬因州波特蘭，也都舉辦慶祝活動，祝賀她獲得的榮耀。

阮彩蓮的媳婦，阮陳金鳳(中)也由女兒Terry陪同，從波士頓趕到
緬因州出席掛牌儀式。(阮陳金鳳提供)

              緬因州中美友好協會 (Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine )的Gary Libby指出，在1952年那個年代，美國正在和中國共產黨對抗，和北韓打仗，卻選一名華裔當模範母親，的確非比尋常。阮月珠透露，阮彩蓮當初並不相信自己有機會當選，只是為了不拂逆顧客兼好友Clara Soule的好意，同意她去提名。

Gary Libby表示，過去10多年來，她一直想要讓森林道615號業主，允許她們在這棟房子外掛出一塊牌子，來紀念這位緬因州的第一位華裔全美模範母親。最近這棟房屋再次轉手，新業主收到她的電郵後，竟然在幾小時之內就回覆說很樂意。

美國總統夫人Bess Truman晤見阮彩蓮(左)。(講座錄影截屏)

              Gary Libby幾年前設計了 ” 波特蘭華美歷史徒步遊(Chinese-American historic walking tour of Portland) ”，她並希望每一個地點都可以有個標記。她的下一個標記目標是海關碼頭，那是緬因州第一家中餐館的所在地。

              Gary Libby說，阮彩蓮是住在緬因州的最著名華裔美人，公共電視台有5集的2020年”華裔美人”，其中一集就是阮彩蓮。緬因州歷史協會也曾經邀阮彩蓮的外孫女，密西根大學亞美研究教授Andrea Louie，在2021年6月做了一場網上講座(https://www.mainehistory.org/events/event/1031/video)，闡述阮彩蓮的一生，其中還有一段阮彩蓮當選美國首名華裔模範母親時的電視新聞錄影。 (更新版)

Danielle Allen calls for Improvements to the Test and Stay Program

With DESE and CIC Failing to Deliver Promised Pooled-Testing to Schools, Danielle Allen calls for Improvements to the Test and Stay Program and Mobilization of the National Guard to Prepare for Pediatric Vaccine Implementation

“Now is the time to mobilize the National Guard to prepare for a speedy pediatric vaccine roll-out via school-based clinics and to secure and deliver at-home tests to families whose students are required to test for five consecutive days after exposure.”

Cambridge, MA -- With public schools across Massachusetts back in school and significant delays in the implementation of school-based testing programs for many schools, gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen is calling on Governor Charlie Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to improve implementation of the test-and-stay program by securing at-home antigen tests for use by those students who are required to complete five days of testing in place of quarantine after exposure. In addition, with approval of pediatric vaccines anticipated by the end of October, Allen is calling on the Governor to activate the National Guard to prepare vaccination clinics at schools across the Commonwealth for speedy implementation of a pediatric vaccine roll-out. 

Danielle Allen spearheaded a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector COVID response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board, an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources, and Covid Collaborative guidance on infection prevention and control in K-12 settings that has been disseminated nationally, including through the US Dept of Education. She worked with the Cambridge Public School District throughout the 2020-21 school year to achieve a successful return to healthy and safe in-person teaching and learning.

Allen has called on Baker and DESE to develop and implement a system of COVID alerts and advisories, similar to weather advisories, to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state, our communities, and to trigger mask mandates and other safety protocols. Allen has also called on Baker and the legislator to do the legislative work now necessary to fold COVID-19 vaccines into our state laws for required school vaccinations. 

Now, Allen has released the following statement regarding the safety of our students and school personnel: 

“Now is the time to mobilize the National Guard to prepare for a speedy pediatric vaccine roll-out via school-based clinics, and to secure and deliver at-home tests to families whose students are required to test for five consecutive days after exposure,” said Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. “Rather than using the National Guard to address the implementation challenges of the Test and Stay program, we should address those challenges by securing a Commonwealth-wide supply of at-home antigen tests and activate the National Guard to prepare for rollout of pediatric vaccines.” 

The current implementation model for the Test-and-Stay program with testing conducted in schools has significantly increased the quantity of testing that must be conducted. The Governor and DESE have mandated this increase in testing without securing the necessary implementation resources. Massachusetts has insufficient health personnel in schools to implement this program. While some elected officials have called for the activation of the National Guard to address this problem, the Allen for MA campaign believes the more effective short and long-term solution is to equip families to test at home by securing rapid antigen at-home tests to be given to all students required to fulfill the five days of testing requirement.

Danielle Allen is advocating for the National Guard to be activated for the purpose of preparing school-based vaccine clinics for the successful implementation of a pediatric vaccine roll-out. The time is here to prepare for this implementation. The success of the National Guard in this vaccine rollout will require the projected month of planning for implementation that is now available to us.

Like the initial adult vaccine roll-out, the school-based testing program has been operationalized via a contract with CIC as the sole provider. The administration has now made the same mistake twice in selecting an ineffective implementation pathway. We should not make the same mistake again with the pediatric vaccine rollout.

油漆工及相關行業工會支持Annissa Essaibi George當波士頓市長

 PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES ENDORSE ESSAIBI GEORGE FOR MAYOR

  (Boston Orange編譯) 在波士頓會員近千的油漆工及相關行業工會(IUPAT)DC35於10月4日宣佈支持Annissa Essaibi George參選波士頓市長，稱她一直以來致力支持該會會員，呼籲更公平的工作環境與經濟。

            IUPAT DC35的企業經理Jeff Sullivan表示，DC35為能在此選戰中和Annissa Essaibi George併肩而立感到驕傲。他說Annissa Essaibi George一直積極爭取工人權益，爭取以打工人們為優先的經濟。波士頓需要的領袖，不只要了解這個城市中打工家庭面對著什麼，更要能夠迎面接受這些挑戰，這就是為什麼Annissa Essaibi George必須是下一任的波士頓市長。

            Annissa Essaibi George表示，”我很感謝油漆工及相關行業工會(IUPAT DC35)在這場選舉競爭中支持我。我們必須要確保我們的經濟能扶持起辛苦工作的居民，就像扶持起整個城市一樣。做為市長，我將藉由排定經濟正義的優先順序來打造更好的波士頓，我為有勞工們站在我身邊來做成這事感到驕傲”。

Annissa Essaibi George的經濟正義及工人權益政策計畫，將包括在預定成立的，有史以來第一個”波士頓市經濟正義及工人權益局”之中。該局將由一名內閣及首長領導，直接向市長報告，並且在政策制定桌上有一席位，以評估所提政策及計畫可能對波士頓打工家庭造成的影響。

Annissa Essaibi George也是改善麥迪遜公園(Madison Park)技術職業高中，以及波士頓公立學校的職業科目的堅定支持者，以期學生們可位畢業後的就業做準備。(更新版)

PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES ENDORSE ESSAIBI GEORGE FOR MAYOR

Boston, MA — Today, the Painters and Allied Trades DC 35 (IUPAT DC 35) officially endorsed At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George in her candidacy for Mayor citing her ongoing commitment to their members and a more equitable workforce and economy during an event at their office in Roslindale. IUPAT DC 35 is made up of nearly 1,000 members in Boston.

“DC 35 is proud to stand with Annissa Essaibi George in this race,” said Jeff Sullivan, Business Manager of IUPAT DC 35. “Annissa has been a fierce champion for workers’ rights and an economy that prioritizes working people. Boston needs a leader that not only understands what working families are up against in this city, but is ready to take those challenges head on. It’s why Annissa needs to be the next Mayor of Boston.”

“I’m so grateful to have the support of IUPAT DC 35 in this race,” said Essaibi George. “We must make sure that our economy lifts our hard working residents up, just as they lift this entire city up. As Mayor, I’ll build a better Boston by prioritizing economic justice—and I’m so proud to have labor by my side to get it done.”

Essaibi George’s economic justice and workers’ rights policy plan includes the creation of the first-ever City of Boston Department of Economic Justice and Workers’ Rights, headed by a cabinet-level chief who will report directly to the Mayor and have a seat at the policymaking table to assess the potential impact proposed policies and initiatives may have on Boston’s working families. 

Additionally, Essaibi George has been a strong advocate for improvements to Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and vocational programs in the Boston Public Schools to provide students with career readiness after graduation. 

EIGHT CHARGED AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR LAWRENCE FENTANYL TRAFFICKING OPERATION

 EIGHT CHARGED AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR LAWRENCE FENTANYL TRAFFICKING OPERATION

Investigation led by Attorney General’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force; Law Enforcement Seized more than Two Kilograms of Fentanyl

 

LAWRENCE – After a joint federal, state, and local investigation led by Attorney General Maura Healey’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force, eight individuals have been charged in connection with running a major fentanyl trafficking operation in Lawrence. Authorities seized more than two kilograms of fentanyl during the course of the investigation.

These charges are the result of a months-long investigation by AG Healey’s Enterprise & Major Crimes Division, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) North and the AG’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Lynn Police Department, and the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab into a drug distribution enterprise operating in and around the Lawrence area.

 

Last week, authorities executed search warrants at six locations in Lawrence, yielding approximately $150,000 in cash and 700 grams of fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized an additional 1,800 grams of fentanyl and 500 pressed fentanyl pills.

 

The following individuals have been charged in connection with the fentanyl trafficking operation:

Ricardito Aybar Franco, age 32, of Lawrence

Trafficking a Class A Substance, 18-36 grams (13 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (4 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (3 counts)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Chrisleyri Guerrero Tejeda, age 24, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 18-36 grams (1 count) 
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (2 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

She was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $25,000. Her next court date is Oct. 27.

Rafael Bernabel-Mejia, age 58, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (1 count)
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance (1 count)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Rafael Gonzalez-Polanco, age 26, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Wilkin Sanchez Tejeda (aka Marco Delacruz), age 41, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 30 and bail was set at $200,000. His next court date is Oct. 27. 

Alberto Aybar-Franco, age 28, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 30 and bail was set at $100,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Luciano Vasquez, age 28, of Lowell
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Aug. 18 and bail was set at $7,500. His next court date is Oct. 22.

Anthony Ramos Phillips, age 28, of Lowell
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Aug. 18 and bail was set at $7,500. His next court date is Oct. 22.

All of these charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey’s Office has prioritized combatting the opioid crisis and has been working closely with federal, state and local partners to fight illegal drug trafficking throughout New England. The AG’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force was created in 2016 using a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services Anti-Heroin Task Force and has since been strengthened with a nearly $3 million grant in 2018 and a $2.6 million grant in 2019, which have expanded ongoing multistate and cross-jurisdictional investigations.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Lynn Brennan and Division Chief Gina Masotta, both of the AG’s Enterprise & Major Crimes Division.

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair and members

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair and members

Vice Chair Manikka Bowman, Ayesha Wilson, and Rachel Weinstein 

CAMBRIDGE –  Lydia Edwards has been endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair Manikka Bowman and Cambridge School Committee members Ayesha Wilson and Rachel Weinstein in the special election to State Senate. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

Manikka Bowman, Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair, said:

“Lydia Edwards understands policy-making takes passion as well as nuance to move an agenda forward. Her commitment to policies that transform everyday people's lives is the leadership Beacon Hill needs. She will center the needs of children as state and local school committees work to mitigate the impact of learning loss and the mental health of students as a result of COVID.  I'm excited to see her run and know she will always lift up the needs of our most vulnerable and littlest of residents.”

Ayesha Wilson, Cambridge School Committee Member, said:

"As a product of public schools, Lydia Edwards will fight for the resources our schools need as a State Senator, but she also knows that our students cannot learn without safe and reliable routes to school, stable homes for rest and learning, affordable internet connections, and high-quality out-of-school-time programs. Her record on the Boston City Council reflects this commitment, as she has fought for equitable transportation for students with special needs and against budget cuts to public education. As a Social Worker with the Cambridge Housing Authority's Work Force program and as Chair of the Special Education and Student Supports subcommittee on the Cambridge School Committee, I know Lydia Edwards will be a strong partner for public school students both inside and outside of the classroom, and I encourage you to support her in the Democratic primary on December 14th."

Rachel Weinstein, Cambridge School Committee member, said:

"Lydia takes on tough fights to make the world better.  As a member of the Cambridge School Committee, I know that we need a champion like Lydia representing us in the Senate, relentlessly advocating for equitable education at a time when schools have been upended by a global crisis. Lydia Edwards will be there for Cambridge students and families.  I'm proud to endorse her for State Senate."

When housing costs and the displacement crisis resulted in students forced to leave Boston, Lydia stood with students, parents and teachers to fight back against draconian budget cuts and a downward spiral that continued to push students out. In East Boston and Charlestown, she has worked extensively to ensure full utilization of school building spaces, modular classrooms and other educational opportunities. 

Lydia has fought to address transportation inequities for special needs students. She has called for implementation of an ethnic studies program. She worked with Councilor Matt O’Malley to secure the availability of menstrual products in public schools. She’s fought to end hair discrimination that has resulted in discipline and suspension of Black girls across the nation.

Lydia Edwards is a candidate for State Senate representing the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, following the departure of Senator Joseph A. Boncore. For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, visit: LydiaEdwards.org/endorsements. 

Councilor Lydia Edwards is a career advocate, activist, and voice on behalf of society's most vulnerable. She is currently the Chair of the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on Housing and Community Development in the Boston City Council. Learn more at LydiaEdwards.org/meet-lydia.