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NWACC, MIT program collaborate on artificial intelligence curriculum
Representatives of NorthWest Arkansas Community College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Pathways for AI Training and Hiring program met for two days in Bentonville recently to explore developing artificial...
NWACC, MIT program collaborate on artificial intelligence curriculum
Representatives of NorthWest Arkansas Community College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Pathways for AI Training and Hiring program met for two days in Bentonville recently to explore developing artificial...
The Lindsay Clancy trial brings maternal mental health into the spotlight
Mental health issues are the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States, but they are often overlooked.
Massachusetts high school sports start date for football & fall sports
The start of the 2026-27 high school sports season is just around the corner in Massachusetts. See when football, soccer and other fall sports begin.
12 Health: World Breastfeeding Week
WPRI 12 News on WPRI.com is Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts' local news, weather, sports, politics, and investigative journalism source.
Washington County Fair kicks off with five days of agriculture, entertainment
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Experts Talk Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms and Diagnosis Amid Lindsay Clancy Trial
Whether Lindsay Clancy was suffering from undiagnosed postpartum psychosis when she killed her three children is central to her defense. Her Massachusetts murder trial is ongoing.
Lindsay Clancy murder trial resumes with mental health treatment in focus
Former FBI special agent James Gagliano joins 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss the resumption of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts, focusing on the defense's insanity plea.
Massachusetts man accused of stealing, altering check mailed by Hudson business
A Massachusetts man is accused of stealing and altering a check that was put in the mail by a New Hampshire business.
5 dead, 4 hospitalized in Louisiana from flesh-eating bacteria outbreak: health officials
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Former Clancy nanny testifies about mother's mental health issues before killings
Months before Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children, she lost significant weight, couldn't sleep and complained of postpregnancy mental health issues, the family’s former nanny testified at her murder trial Wednesday. But the nanny never worried the Massachusetts mother might be a danger to her children or to herself.
Readers sound off on why Massachusetts has lost its competitive edge
Once a star performer, Massachusetts is losing ground to other states on job growth and new business creation.
DHS: Mass. lawmakers putting ‘politics above public safety’ with signing of Protect Act
DHS is slamming Massachusetts lawmakers after Gov. Healey signed the Protect Act into law, which limits ICE’s capabilities, saying Bay State politicians are “putting politics above public safety.”
Business confidence in Mass. rebounds to January 2025 levels
The state's business confidence index rose for a fourth straight month in July, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts said on Wednesday, amid modest expansions in the state and national economies.
National Guard deployment to Washington through 2029 will cost roughly $1.4 billion, estimate shows
The cost estimate is for fiscal years 2027-2029 and came in response to questions from Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Massachusetts House primary spotlights Lowell's growing Cambodian political influence
State Rep. Tara Hong is challenged by former Lowell Mayor and current Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau for the 18th Middlesex District seat.
Massachusetts marijuana repeal effort threatens social equity businesses
A November ballot question could end recreational marijuana sales, potentially sinking dozens of businesses in the state's social equity programs.
UMass Chan receives Massachusetts Life Sciences Center funding to advance health equity in pregnancy care and biomedical discovery
UMass Chan Medical School researchers have received funding from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to advance research using artificial intelligence to improve early identification of pregnancy-induced hypertension and to establish a colorectal cancer biobank that will accelerate biomedical discoveries.
Healey announces first steps to lower health care costs, investment in primary care
Massachusetts is setting out to lower health care costs with steps like investing more state resources in primary care, supporting nursing recruitment, standardize out-of-network service rates and more, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday…
Attleboro business closes temporarily after vehicle crashes in to support column
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Will business back smaller lot sizes?
Business groups are considering backing a ballot measure that would reduce minimum lot sizes in Massachusetts.
GOP gubernatorial candidate fighting to flip blue state unveils healthcare plan to lower costs, expand access
Massachusetts GOP hopeful Mike Minogue outlines a healthcare overhaul centered on innovation, outpatient care, mental health and cutting waste.
Lindsay Clancy was having 'one of her best days,' ex-husband says. Then everything changed.
Patrick Clancy testified his ex-wife Lindsay was having "one of her best days." But psychosis can change suddenly.
Meet & Greet with Laura Galloway
Laura Galloway began her new role as dean of Whitworth University’s School of Business on July 1 after relocating to Spokane from San Diego, where she previously worked for University of Massachusetts Global, a California-based online institution, most recently as associate vice chancellor for institutional curriculum, assessment, and academic policy.
Six of 11 Massachusetts congress members score ‘F’ grades in integrity: Group
Six members of the Massachusetts federal delegation received failing grades in the Political Integrity Index — an analysis of their stock trading, contributions from corporate PACs, and more.
Person experiencing mental health crisis armed with gun outside Mass. police station
According to police, a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis is armed outside of a police station in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the town's police department said.
George Regan steps back as chief executive of his namesake PR firm
George Regan steps back from day-to-day leadership of Massachusetts' third-largest PR firm while remaining chairman. Christian Nakkashian will become president of operations starting in September.
Fun with Mad Science of Southern Massachusetts & Rhode Island
The power of science has the ability to educate, empower, and entertain which is why this morning we were thrilled to welcome back our friend Jolting Jonathan from Mad Science of Southern Massachu…
Beacon Hill faces a different deadline this summer. Where do the major bills stand?
For decades, Massachusetts legislators have been under the gun of an end-of-July deadline to wrap up most of the major lawmaking they’ve worked on over the previous two years. But the vibes are different this session.
Business Starts for July 27
In April, 1,513 new businesses filed incorporation paperwork with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, in order to do business in the state.
Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary sets up a battle of generations
Rep. Seth Moulton, a frequent critic of the old guard of Democratic leadership in Congress, is now taking on one of his party’s progressive stalwarts.
Massachusetts Republicans eye larger foothold in Southeastern Massachusetts
Situated at the intersection of two reddening counties, southeastern Massachusetts is slowly transforming into fertile political ground for Republicans.
Haverhill Schools, Merrimack College Receive Grants to Support Life Science Careers
Haverhill schools scored more than $100,000 in grants from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, while Merrimack College took away $375,000 as part of a program to strengthen the state’s life sciences talent pipeline and prepare students for careers in the life sciences. Haverhill Public Schools was awarded $81,823 in the category of Elementary and Secondary Education
This is Massachusetts' most iconic ice cream shop, according to Business Insider
The publication highlighted a beloved Cambridge destination in its list of the most iconic ice cream shops in every state. Here's why it earned the honor.
Ranking Members Markey, Velázquez Push to Roll Back Trump Administration’s Discriminatory SBA Lending Policy that Blocks Immigrant Entrepreneurs from Pursuing the American Dream
Bicameral resolution would rescind Trump administration policy banning green card holders from accessing SBA loans Resolution Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF) (Washington, July 23) – Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-7) today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the Trump administration’s policy that bans green card holders from accessing essential Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to start and grow their businesses and invest in Main Streets nationwide. Trump’s SBA restrictions buck decades of precedent, attacking immigrant small business owners who are lawfully in the U.S. with no justification. The Trump administration’s green card holder ban is the most recent escalation of SBA’s draconian citizenship restrictions that are killing jobs and putting the American Dream further out of reach for entrepreneurs. In Fiscal Year 2025, the SBA made an estimated $5.7 billion in loans to green card holders, which supported more than 80,000 American jobs. Ranking Member Markey’s introduction of the CRA resolution follows his introduction of the Investing in the American Dream Act alongside Ranking Member Velázquez earlier this year. The Investing in the American Dream Act would roll back the SBA’s draconian lending restrictions and restore previous SBA lending policies for immigrant entrepreneurs lawfully in the U.S., including green card holders, refugees, and asylees. More than 100 organizations have called for the passage of the legislation and over 60 Massachusetts state legislators have raised concerns about the impact of the citizenship restrictions in their local communities. “Once again, Donald Trump is shutting hardworking immigrants out of the American Dream with his discriminatory and dangerous policies, fear tactics, and violent rhetoric. The anti-small business lending requirements implemented by Trump’s SBA won’t Make America Great Again—they are Making America Hate Again,” said Ranking Member Markey. “I am fighting every single day to roll back Trump’s brazen attempt to steal the American Dream from entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and across the country who enrich our communities, strengthen our Main Streets, and create jobs in the United States.” “Starting and owning your own business is one of the pillars of the American Dream. Under the Trump Administration, the SBA has sought to deny immigrant small business owners and entrepreneurs that dream by preventing them from accessing the capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. Not only is this policy cruel, but it is also self-defeating and holds our country back economically. As Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I will do everything in my power to reverse this terrible policy,” said Ranking Member Velázquez. Massachusetts state legislators applauded Ranking Member Markey’s actions and emphasized the critical contributions of green card holders to Bay State communities and the Commonwealth’s economy. "Green card holders are our neighbors, workers, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers,” said Massachusetts State Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. “They open restaurants, launch small businesses, create jobs, and contribute every day to the economic strength of Massachusetts. Denying lawful permanent residents access to SBA loan programs doesn't make our economy stronger—it makes it harder for small businesses to succeed. I support this resolution because opportunity should never be limited by unnecessary barriers that prevent hardworking people from investing in their communities and pursuing the American dream." “Senator Markey’s CRA Resolution provides a valuable moment for our federal leaders to show their commitment to small businesses and the American Dream,” said Massachusetts State Representative Andy X. Vargas (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. “The SBA’s recent policy restricting lawful residents from accessing the popular 7(a) and 504 programs has shut out some of the most entrepreneurial and hard-working members of our community from much-need capital. In Massachusetts, these programs have invested millions of dollars into small businesses owned by green card holders, supporting thousands of jobs. This should not be a partisan issue. People who worked hard, have legal status, and contribute so much to their communities via employment and economic impact don’t deserve to be in the crosshairs for political purposes. The Senator’s resolution is a step forward in restoring access to the American Dream that small business owners across the country deserve.” Several small business advocates and stakeholders voiced their support for Ranking Member Markey’s efforts to roll back Trump SBA’s discriminatory lending rules. “Immigrant-owned businesses are the foundation of the American economy. They power our neighborhoods, provide essential services, and employ our loved ones. Yet, systemic hurdles like the Small Business Administration’s citizenship restrictions unfairly block their path to prosperity," said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. "We applaud Senator Markey’s continued leadership and look forward to a future where immigrant entrepreneurs can share their ingenuity without arbitrary restrictions that hold us all back.” “Independent restaurants have always been built by people willing to work hard, take risks, and invest in their communities. When lawfully authorized entrepreneurs lose access to the financing they need to start or grow a business, we all lose. These are the businesses creating jobs, filling storefronts, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Access to capital should help good businesses succeed, and that’s exactly what restoring these SBA loan programs would do,” said Jen Ziskin, Executive Director of Massachusetts Restaurants United. “At the Latino Economic Development Corporation, we see firsthand that access to capital transforms lives, creates jobs, and strengthens neighborhoods. Many of the entrepreneurs we serve are lawful permanent residents who have invested their savings, opened businesses, and employ local residents. Restricting access to SBA financing doesn’t just impact business owners, it limits economic opportunity for entire communities. Main Street succeeds when every qualified entrepreneur has a fair chance to grow,” said Andrew Melendez, CEO and Founder of the Latino Economic Development Corporation. "Immigrants and immigrant-owned businesses are the heart and soul of small business communities in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, and across America. Limiting access to these SBA loans not only sends the wrong message about immigration, it will have significant negative economic impact on our small business ecosystem,” said Keith Mahoney, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Boston Foundation. “The SBA’s recent policy changes that prevent Legal Permanent Residents, and other non-citizens from participating in any of the SBA’s valuable programs are changes that are unwelcome, immoral, and antithetical to our purpose, our mission, and our vision for Massachusetts communities and businesses. Immigrant entrepreneurs and others have expressed concern that Common Capital will ‘report them to ICE,’ so loan demand has decreased. There is no valid reason for excluding Legal Permanent Residents and other noncitizens who are lawfully present in the U.S. from accessing the SBA’s programs. Immigrant entrepreneurs start businesses, they create jobs, they support their families and their communities. Our government should be in the business of encouraging their full participation in our economy,” said Raymond Lanza-Weil, President of Common Capital. "ECCHO-Latino now represents over 400 educators and 300 microbusinesses across Massachusetts, where immigrants make up 60% of the childcare workforce. When a green card holder is ready to grow her business—from expanding her home child care to opening a center—she shouldn't be turned away by local banks simply because of federal citizenship rules. Blocking access to SBA loans kills opportunity and deepens our state's childcare crisis. ECCHO-Latino strongly supports Senator Markey and Representative Velázquez in passing this resolution to put Main Street first," said Harold Antonio Blanco, Co-Founder & Executive Director of ECCHO-Latino Inc. "This is exactly how political ideology ruins an economy. Washington has taken lawful, tax-paying entrepreneurs who live in our communities, invest in America, and hire American workers, and declared their businesses ineligible for critical financing simply because a green card holder owns even a fraction of the company. Using policies ostensibly aimed at illegal immigration to punish lawful permanent residents is nothing short of ideological overreach and economic self-sabotage. The SBA exists to help viable small businesses grow, rather than imposing nativist tests that ignore an entrepreneur’s credit history, business plan, or ability to create jobs. When the federal government closes the door on qualified entrepreneurs, they’re also closing the door on American entrepreneurship and on American workers, while handing future companies, jobs, innovation, and investment to our competitors. America should be competing to attract people who want to invest and build here, not creating arbitrary barriers that drive their talent and capital elsewhere,” said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). "The U.S. Small Business Administration's decision to prohibit legal permanent residents, including green card holders, from accessing SBA-backed loans has the potential for disastrous consequences that could reverberate throughout America's economy for years to come. After all, immigrants are twice as likely to start small businesses as U.S.-born individuals. Congress must overturn rules requiring the SBA to block legal permanent residents from accessing lending resources because so many of the entrepreneurs who drive job creation in this country were born outside the United States," said John Arensemeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. “NCRC supports the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn SBA’s citizenship restrictions that bar green-card holders from receiving the 7(a) and 504 loans. When qualified entrepreneurs are denied access to SBA loans, all of Main Street gets hurt. Communities lose jobs. Neighborhoods lose services. Local economies lose the opportunity to build wealth and shrink disparities,” said Jesse Van Tol, President & CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). “We cannot afford to have the American Dream out of reach for hard-working, immigrant small business owners.” “Asian Americans and Asian immigrants have been integral in building local economies. They create businesses, jobs, and opportunities in communities across the country that benefit everyone. Lawful permanent residents pay taxes, invest in their communities, and strengthen Main Street, yet the SBA's discriminatory citizenship restrictions unfairly deny them access to the same tools that help small businesses grow and succeed. We applaud congressional leaders for advancing this resolution to overturn the latest restrictions on SBA lending for green card holders, and we urge lawmakers to also pass the Investing in the American Dream Act to fully restore access to SBA loan programs for all eligible people in the United States. Ensuring that immigrant-owned small businesses have a fair opportunity to access capital is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all,” said Joanna Derman, Director of Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights and National Security at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). "Immigrant-owned businesses often turn to SBA 7(a) and 504 loans because they face higher denial rates from traditional lenders,” said Imani Augustus, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity. "These programs provide the capital they need to expand operations, hire workers, and invest in their businesses. Reversing the ban on lawful permanent residents is a critical first step toward ensuring these financing tools are accessible to everyone strengthening their communities through entrepreneurship. We applaud this action and urge Congress to fully restore access by passing the Investing in the American Dream Act.” "Last year, nearly 5,700 SBA loans worth $5.7 billion went to businesses owned by green card holders, supporting more than 80,000 jobs. These are entrepreneurs who have put down roots here, hired their neighbors, and invested in the communities they call home. Barring them from capital doesn't protect Main Street—it starves it. What should matter is the strength of a business and its potential to grow, not the immigration status of its owner. This resolution doesn’t eliminate all the citizenship restrictions in SBA’s policy change, but it’s a step toward restoring a commonsense principle that stood for more than 30 years," said Howard Wial, Director of Research at ICIC. "I'm encouraged to see Congress moving to reopen access to capital for green card holders, a key tool for small business survival. Green card holders accounted for an estimated 5,700 SBA loans in Fiscal Year 2025, worth $5.7 billion and supporting more than 80,000 jobs across the country. That capital is often what keeps a business operating through its toughest stretches when cash flow gets tight. When qualified entrepreneurs lose access to that capital over their immigration status rather than their ability to repay a loan, it's the local economy that pays the price,” said Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome, Founder of Sumnu Marketing. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and entrepreneurs —including green card holders — take risks every day to build businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities. SBA loan programs should be administered with clear, consistent standards that safeguard public resources while ensuring these programs remain focused on supporting eligible entrepreneurs and job creators. This resolution responds to the opportunity to support all entrepreneurs and preserve the integrity of federally supported lending programs. We applaud the introduction of this resolution and remain committed to policies that strengthen small businesses, promote economic growth, and maintain confidence in these vital lending programs,” said Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO Network. “National CAPACD wholeheartedly supports the introduction of this resolution aimed at overturning the SBA's misguided policy prohibiting immigrants from accessing the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. As a coalition, we are committed to creating systems, organizations, and societies that are fair and just. We believe we and our economy are stronger when we uplift our rich and diverse communities. Access to capital helps small businesses create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen neighborhoods. Restoring this pathway is an important first step toward ensuring immigrant entrepreneurs can continue to grow their businesses and contribute positively to our economy as a whole. We urge Congress to build on this momentum by passing the Investing in the American Dream Act, which would fully restore fair access to safe and affordable credit and uphold our commitment to a fair economy that works for everyone,” said Seema Agnani, CEO of National CAPACD. Ranking Member Markey is fighting for small business owners and immigrants that rely on SBA loans to start and run their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to their communities. In May, Ranking Member Markey highlighted the significant contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and across the country and condemned the Trump administration’s repeated attacks on immigrant communities at a Small Business Committee hearing. MIRA’s Elizabeth Sweet, who participated in Ranking Member Markey’s listening session earlier in May, provided testimony at the hearing. Also in May, Ranking Member Markey hosted a listening session at the Urban College of Boston to hear directly from several Massachusetts immigrant small business owners, lenders, and chambers of commerce how President Trump’s cruel and callous anti-immigrant policies are hurting Main Streets in the Bay State. Earlier in May, Ranking Member Markey hosted a press conference alongside Ranking Member Velázquez, Democratic lawmakers, and stakeholders to condemn the Trump administration’s harmful anti-immigrant lending policies and to introduce the Investing in the American Dream Act. In March, Ranking Member Markey released a comprehensive report detailing the harms to small business owners, workers, and consumers caused by the Trump administration’s ICE raids in communities across the country. In February, Ranking Member Markey introduced the Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act, which would provide grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the Trump administration’s violent immigration enforcement actions on Main Streets across the United States. Earlier in February, Ranking Member Markey, Ranking Member Velázquez, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) sent a letter urging the SBA to rescind their lending rule change that bars legal permanent residents from receiving SBA loans. Previously, Ranking Members Markey and Velázquez released a statement condemning the actions of the SBA after it announced that small businesses with legal permanent residents will be barred from receiving SBA loans. In December 2025, Ranking Member Markey and all Democratic members of the Senate Small Business Committee sent a letter to the SBA reiterating concerns with the SBA’s citizenship requirements and highlighting a drop in SBA lending volume. In September 2025, Ranking Member Markey heard directly from SBA lenders about the issues with the citizenship verification requirements. In July 2025, Ranking Members Markey and Velázquez sent a letter to the SBA expressing serious concerns with the agency’s new, draconian citizenship verification requirements that require small businesses seeking SBA loans to be 100% owned by U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal permanent residents. SBA has not responded to the letter. ###
NSF will support effort to build “self-driving” chemistry laboratories - College of Arts and Sciences
NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will work together as part of a new National Science Foundation-funded effort to establish a nationwide network of artificial-intelligence-enabled automated laboratories across the United States.
Southeastern Mass., Azores business groups form Sister Chambers
One SouthCoast Chamber and Ponta Delgada officials signed a pact to boost trade between Massachusetts and the Azores.
Question 3 would switch Mass. to a jungle primary. Dems are split
The referendum, which Secretary of State Bill Galvin on Tuesday officially certified as Question 3, would switch Massachusetts elections to what’s known as a jungle primary,
Governor Healey announces $72 million in health care savings for 2027
Gov. Maura Healey announced today that the Massachusetts Division of Insurance has secured a projected $72 million in health care premium savings for residents and businesses in 2027.
Wyss Institute receives Massachusetts Life Science Center award to advance metabolomics and lipidomics research across Massachusetts ecosystem
By Benjamin Boettner (BOSTON) — The Wyss Institute at Harvard University has received an award from the Massachusetts Life Science Center (MLSC), enabling it to host a next-generation metabolomics and lipidomics analytical platform. The platform will allow its researchers to creatively pursue new approaches to biomarker and drug discovery across multiple health challenges the Institute...
As Massachusetts codifies science of reading, experts expect results to take a few years
The state’s law takes effect in 2027-28, but one former state education chief doesn’t expect meaningful performance data until three years later.
States with the best and worst school systems, ranked
Massachusetts leads WalletHub's school system ranking, which measured US states on test scores, safety, and dropout rates.
AI Researcher Receives $745K Bits to Bytes Award from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to Create the World’s Largest Annotated Spleen Ultrasound Dataset
Principal Investigator (PI) Daniel Haehn, PhD, director of UMass Boston’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Core Facility and an associate professor of computer science, will lead SPLEEN-US: Open Annotated Spleen Ultrasound Dataset for Precision Neuromodulation.
Ranking Member Markey, Senator Hirono Reject Trump’s SBA Policy Proposal that Harms Underserved Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Letter (PDF) (Washington, July 17) – Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) submitted a comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) opposing a proposed rule change by Trump’s SBA to the 8(a) Business Development Program that would harm underserved small business owners and entrepreneurs. The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress more than 50 years ago to level the playing field for small business owners and entrepreneurs who have faced discrimination in starting and operating their businesses. The SBA’s proposed change ignores the existence of historic discrimination that minority and underserved small businesses have faced and continue to face. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “SBA’s proposed rule ignores present-day barriers that entrepreneurs from minority and underserved communities face. Discrimination is not dead; minority entrepreneurs continue to face reduced access to contracting opportunities and capital, as well as racial threats and targeting, including unequal treatment, refusal by others to work with minority-owned firms, being called racial slurs, and bias in the workplace. These barriers lead to wide underutilization of, and less revenue for, minority-owned businesses compared to majority-owned businesses, as supported by decades of disparity studies. The proposed rule diminishes the history of systemic racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States by claiming that remedies for discrimination create discrimination in and of themselves.” The lawmakers continued, “The program has always been open to anyone who can prove they have experienced prejudice or cultural bias in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and other facets of our society. Nonetheless SBA has moved forward with the proposed rule. It lacks a reasoned basis, purporting that the federal government has discriminated against White Americans, but offering no substantive qualitative or quantitative data or research in support. If the examples provided in the proposed rule are the only basis for what constitutes discrimination to the agency, they are woefully insufficient. The final rule must provide strong evidence that there is discrimination against White individuals and show how the rule is narrowly tailored to address it. The record remains devoid of evidence of discrimination against White individuals on the basis of race.” Ranking Member Markey is fighting to protect federal programs that address historic discrimination against small business owners from minority and underserved communities, and for a small business agenda that ensures economic opportunity for all. In June, Ranking Member Markey released a statement condemning the SBA’s proposed changes to the 8(a) Business Development Program. Also in June, Ranking Markey released a new report highlighting Trump’s drastic reduction in federal contracting dollars awarded to American small businesses, including minority-owned small businesses. In February, Ranking Member Markey, alongside Senators Hirono and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), introduced the Strengthening Place-based Access, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) Act to spur entrepreneurship and increase access to capital and resources for underserved entrepreneurs nationwide. Ranking Member Markey previously held a field hearing in Roxbury, Massachusetts, to discuss how government and the private sector can come together to make entrepreneurship more accessible for underserved communities. Earlier in February, Ranking Member Markey secured funding with the Appropriations Committee for Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE Chapters, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and provisions to rein in the Administration’s attempts to eliminate programs that support women, veterans, and underserved entrepreneurs. In January, Ranking Member Markey sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to oppose rule changes that would gut protections against discriminatory lending practices that harm small businesses. In December 2025, Ranking Member Markey sent a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler expressing significant concerns with the SBA’s overly burdensome request and unclear guidance for extensive financial documentation over the holidays, as a part of their sweeping attempts to dismantle the 8(a) Business Development Program. In July and December 2025, Ranking Member Markey sent letters to the SBA Administrator demanding answers about the Trump administration’s efforts to limit economic opportunity for American entrepreneurs, including immigrants. In May 2025, Ranking Member Markey sent a letter to the SBA Administrator rejecting President Trump’s FY 2026 budget proposal and calling on SBA to immediately release funding for the entrepreneurial development programs, which include programs like the Women’s Business Centers and the Veteran’s Business Development Centers that support underserved small business owners. In April 2025, Ranking Member Markey introduced the New Start Act of 2025 to establish a five-year pilot program providing grants to support entrepreneurial development training for currently or formerly incarcerated individuals. In February 2025, Ranking Member Markey sent letters to the SBA Administrator and Government Accountability Office (GAO) condemning President Trump’s war on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and asking how the SBA intends to implement Trump’s anti-DEIA executive orders. ###
GOP frontrunner Minogue: Governors should put people above party politics
Mike Minogue, a Republican candidate for governor, says that he wants to make Massachusetts a place people can stay and raise families like his.
Turbulent national politics come to Maine
Learn about the most important issues facing Massachusetts from the people in charge and the people most affected.
The science behind Massachusetts' wildfire smoke-darkened skies
You’ve seen the smoky skies and hazy sunsets in Mass. caused by wildfires in Canada. Here’s the science behind it, and how it can affect your health.
Fenway Health Welcomes Governor Healey’s Signing of the FY27 Budget, Advancing LGBTQIA+ Health and HIV Prevention
Governor Healey’s signing of the FY27 budget marks an important step forward for LGBTQIA+ health, HIV prevention, and health equity in Massachusetts. At a t ...
Payback politics? Wu backs challengers to state senators who blocked her tax plan
In a highly unusual move in the insular world of Massachusetts politics, Wu is the first mayor in recent memory to openly campaign against state senators who have blocked her priorities.
Anthropic’s Claude Science app is coming for Kendall Square
Few places on the planet have more at stake in AI’s transformation and disruption of life sciences than the Massachusetts biomedical ecosystem.
Anthropic's Claude Science could disrupt Kendall Square and biopharma
Few places on the planet have more at stake in AI’s transformation and disruption of life sciences than the Massachusetts biomedical ecosystem.
"Uncertainty" for 2 historic theaters in Massachusetts amid building sale, business owners say
The buildings that house the Somerville Theatre and the Capitol Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts are for sale.
Proposed federal funding rules could upend research and more
With Massachusetts receiving the most NIH funding per capita, the proposed rules are expected to have an outsized effect on a state.
FDA quietly pushes back deadline on electric shock ban
Massachusetts' biggest nursing strike ever, tackling the male loneliness epidemic, and other health news for Morning Rounds
Mass. House passes pilot for psychedelic mental health treatments
The Massachusetts House on Thursday passed language creating a five-year pilot program that would allow licensed mental health care clinics to offer on-site psychedelic treatments.
Bill to protect health care workers from workplace violence set for Senate vote next week
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka unveiled a bill Thursday mandating employers to offer paid leave to healthcare workers assaulted on the job.
High school sports community mourns loss of Herald legend Danny Ventura
The Massachusetts high school sports community revered Boston Herald legend Danny Ventura, who died Tuesday at the age of 66.
The Lexington Problem: Beating the Literacy Odds Without the Science of Reading
Aldeman: As Massachusetts implements a new literacy mandate, officials must not lose sight of the ultimate goal: helping more students learn to read
Academic Excellence Award Winner
Academic Excellence Award Winner Erin shares her experiences as a Public and Community Health Major, with double minors in Legal Studies and Health Policy and Management:"I came to Ithaca from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts knowing that I wanted an education that would allow me to change the world in a positive light. Admittedly, I was unaware when choosing the public health major just how much of an impact I could make, but through my experiences in this rigorous program, I know public health is where I am meant to be. Being a public health major during the COVID-19 pandemic was a unique experience. My education granted me the opportunity to work on and off campus with different populations to provide support during the pandemic. Professor Srijana Bajracharya was my professor for Research Methods in Health. She encouraged her class to create research projects that would benefit our communities. She was a mentor for me and helped me find my passion in research, which I have brought with me to my job as a research assistant for Rescue - The Behavior Change Agency. I thank Professor Bajracharya for her guidance and support throughout my time as a public health student."
UMass Lowell business students help an endangered species: Duckpin bowling
UMass Lowell business students in the Manning School’s Mill City Consulting course helped modernize North Chelmsford Lanes, one of only two remaining duckpin bowling alleys in Massachusetts, while preserving the qualities that have made it …
Court Stops USDA From Enforcing Funding Conditions Tied to DEI, Women’s Sports
The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts recently blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to withhold funding from states and grant recipients that have not confirmed their compliance with Trump administration policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), “gender ideology,” women’s and girls’ sports, and immigration.
Massachusetts Chooses Literacy Over Union Politics
Governor Maura Healey signs a major education reform bill, showing that even blue states can stand up to teachers’ unions.
All politics is local — even the Declaration of Independence
"What I found to my surprise," said Maier, "was this mass of local 'declarations of independence,' the greater part of which come from Massachusetts."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rent crusade might be coming to your city
Rent control movements surge in Massachusetts, California
Do this, not that: Health warnings, tips ahead of 4-day heat wave
To prevent illness and injuries, health officials recommend the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council.
Medicaid work requirements challenged by coalition of 26 states
Led by Massachusetts and California, the plaintiffs say CMS ignored the will of Congress by strictly defining a “medically frail” exemption that would allow a person access to safety net medical coverage.
Doctor warns of health risks as Massachusetts heat wave intensifies
Massachusetts faces a dangerous heat stretch, and a South Shore Health doctor warns the heat can strain the heart and other organs.
Opinion | Protect the workers who protect our health
Massachusetts lawmakers should pass bipartisan workplace violence reforms before the legislative session ends.
Sewer overflow from Haverhill leaves businesses scrambling as several Massachusetts beaches close
BUSINESS BRIEFS June 29, 2026: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond
Business news from Christine Bilé, BFAIR, UCP of Western Massachusetts, Lipton Energy, BCC, and more.
Pols & Politics: Why not make looser drinking laws for World Cup permanent, observers ask
Massachusetts relaxed its rules on public drinking to accommodate World Cup fans. One libertarian magazine is wondering why it isn’t permanent. Plus: Lawsuit to compel audit being considered.
What's Happening: RI Small business shopping village
WPRI 12 News on WPRI.com is Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts' local news, weather, sports, politics, and investigative journalism source.
Massachusetts marijuana legalization repeal question battle heats up
Cannabis industry leaders are urging businesses to take the initiative seriously after many previously dismissed its chances.
Keith Flaherty: Translating Science into Medicine
Keith Flaherty: Translating Science into Medicine / American Association for Cancer Research, cancer, Keith Flaherty, Massachusetts General Hospital,
Massachusetts man among 455 charged in nationwide crackdown on health care fraud
A Massachusetts man is among 455 people charged in a nationwide crackdown on health care fraud, with the Stoughton man allegedly carrying out an over $5 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Approved ballot question would eliminate political party primaries for elections in Massachusetts
Massachusetts highest court approved a ballot question that would eliminate political party primaries for state elections.
Baystate Health and Oracle Health Expand Strategic Collaboration to Create a Connected and Patient-Centered Care Experience
/PRNewswire/ -- Baystate Health, a not-for-profit, integrated health system in western Massachusetts, is expanding its strategic relationship with Oracle...
Business Starts for June 22, 2026
In April, 1,513 new businesses filed incorporation paperwork with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, in order to do business in the state.
Popular beaches closed as high bacteria levels raise health concerns for swimmers
Several states warn beachgoers about elevated bacteria levels this summer, with beach closures in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington state.
UMass Amherst Ag and Food Science Programs Ranked Among the Best in the World
Source: UMass News & Media The University of Massachusetts Amherst Agricultural Sciences and Food Sciences and Technology programs have again been ranked among the Top 10 worldwide in the 2026-27 Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The 12th annual edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings evaluating more than 2,250 institutions in the U.S. and
A Coalition of Color Is Transforming Health Equity in Massachusetts
The Health Equity Compact is bringing together Massachusetts leaders of color to advance policy changes that improve health equity statewide.
Massachusetts school students discover the magic of scientific research at Clark
Hundreds of middle and high school students from throughout Massachusetts visited Clark to test out their research skills this spring.
When life gives you lemons, make batteries
Hundreds of middle and high school students from throughout Massachusetts visited Clark to test out their research skills this spring.
'None of this had to happen': Family says mental health system failed before triple killing
After three hospitalizations in four months, Chris Ferguson was released before allegedly killing three Newton residents. Now his family and advocates are pushing for changes to Massachusetts mental health laws.
Rhode Island health leaders recommend avoiding contact with Watchaug Pond in Charlestown
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Business seeks help finding 2 accused of stealing inflatable from Providence yard
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Tuesday Health Brings Community-Based Palliative Care to Massachusetts in Partnership with Commonwealth Care Alliance
/PRNewswire/ -- Tuesday Health, a leading palliative care provider group, today announced a partnership with Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA) to deliver...
Rural Health Transformation Program Application
Massachusetts submitted an application to the Rural Health Transformation Program through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
Rural Health Challenges and Opportunities for Transformation
Understanding the needs of rural communities and how Massachusetts can support better health, access, and care.
Massachusetts looks for ‘happy medium’ on swipe fee reforms
Mass. lawmakers are hoping that business groups, banks, credit card companies, and payment processors will help them cut a path through the thicket of credit card swipe fees.
Eddie Andelman, known as "godfather of sports radio," dead at 89
Eddie Andelman, a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame who is known as the "godfather of sports radio," has died.
Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore science and history to signs and exhibits at US…
A federal judge in Massachusetts on Friday ordered Trump officials to restore all signs and exhibits in US national parks that were changed as a part of the administration's efforts to remove any purp...
Mass. awards $17.9M grants for worker training, business boost
The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $17.9 million in grants for 1,255 Massachusetts businesses, intending to train, upskill, and retain more than 15,900 workers across the state.
Judge orders Trump administration to restore signs changed at national parks
A federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered the Trump administration to restore all signs that were changed or removed at national parks across the country as part of President Donald Trump’s controversial directive last year.
Mass. life science industry hits a slump — but these regions are bucking the trend
Massachusetts' life sciences industry just posted its first job decline in more than a decade — but the pain isn't spread evenly. Here's where the jobs are going, and where they aren't.
Mass. life science industry hits a slump — but these regions are bucking the trend
Massachusetts' life sciences industry just posted its first job decline in more than a decade — but the pain isn't spread evenly. Here's where the jobs are going, and where they aren't.
Massachusetts Ties Business Tax Breaks to Ballot Initiative
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) signed a budget bill Friday that ties five business deductions to maintaining the state’s 5% personal income tax rate, putting fresh pressure on a proposed ballot measure that could lower the rate to 4%.