Massachusetts

At the WBUR Festival, exploring the good and bad scenarios for Massachusetts’ future

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2025

At the WBUR Festival, exploring the good and bad scenarios for Massachusetts’ future

On Friday morning, I had the opportunity to help kick off the inaugural WBUR Festival in Boston with a panel on “The Future of Innovation in Massachusetts.”

My panelists: Katie Rae from Engine Ventures, an MIT-affiliated venture capital firm; Julie Kim, president of the U.S. Business Unit at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, now the largest biopharma employer in Massachusetts; and Avak Kahvejian, a general partner at Flagship Pioneering, an incubator of new companies in Cambridge.

The group laid out some reasons for optimism about the future of innovation in our state, and also some reasons for concern. All three of them are parents, so I also asked what advice they would give to other parents who have children in school today about the job market.

Reasons for optimism

Rae made the case that federal research funding cuts may paradoxically stimulate innovation by pushing academic researchers to create startups and commercialize their work on a faster time frame. In the short term, “we might get more companies because of this moment than fewer,” she said. She cited Commonwealth Fusion Systems as a prime example — it emerged from an MIT lab that had lost its funding several years ago.

“They invented the company,” she said, instead of letting the science die on the vine.

Read more: MassLive’s 12 innovation leaders to watch in 2025

“It’s not that I’m not upset about what’s happening,” Rae said, “but I do think really good things are going to come out of it.”

But over the long term, she acknowledged, “we’re going to get fewer [companies] because there’s less [federal research] funding.”

Kahvejian made the case that, while national and global pressures exist, Massachusetts remains extraordinarily well-equipped to generate breakthrough innovations. Flagship Pioneering, where he is a general partner, raised a $3.6 billion fund last year — its largest ever — to invent and launch new biotech companies.

Kahvejian noted the state has shown resilience in the past: Many big names of the 20th century, such as Polaroid and Lotus Development Corp., have vanished, but new companies have emerged and grown.

Rae offered hope that even in a divided Washington, supporting technology development in areas like advanced chips and energy production has bipartisan support.

“No matter what party you’re in, you’re going to want to fund the things that are fundamental to long-term economic prosperity and security,” she said.

Rae said she was encouraged to see Harvard University standing up to pressure from the Trump administration, despite efforts to block the school’s enrollment of international students and to eliminate essentially all federal funding of research there. Of Harvard President Alan Garber, she said: “He’s doing all those things and actually gaining a lot of support, right? He got a standing ovation at Harvard [graduation] yesterday.”

Is there a way for Harvard to emerge victorious in the tangle with Trump and various federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security? “I think Harvard is winning in a lot of ways,” Rae said. “They’re winning in different court battles. And I think long-term, they will prevail. There’s great research there. It’s an institution that the U.S. should be proud of, and is proud of, and produces so many of our great leaders …”

Reasons for concern

Kim sounded the alarm about China’s scientific momentum.

“There are now 30% of the original publications [in the journal Science] coming from Chinese labs. The U.S. is now at 30%. The number is declining for the U.S., and it’s increasing for China, so … it’s no longer a copycat [economy.] There’s innovation coming from that country,” she said.

Kahvejian pointed to investor hesitation caused by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s inconsistency, and volatile stock markets. With regards to the FDA drug approval process, he said that some biotech companies are reporting delays and “strange responses” — but that’s not universal.

Kim and Kahvejian both expressed concern about a broader societal drift away from believing in science and supporting scientific research.

Kahvejian said that echo chambers, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and misinformation are amplifying anti-science sentiment. “We need to talk about how this stuff works. We need to make it accessible to people,” he said, calling for better science education and public engagement.

Rae echoed that point, warning that resentment of elites and academia is feeding distrust and division.

And Kahvejian warned that the federal government’s wavering stance on vaccines is damaging long-term public health preparedness and also investment in that industry sector.

“We’ve gone back the other way, almost worse than we were before [COVID], where vaccines are seen as a bad thing,” he said.

Advice about the future job market

Kim emphasized that the rapid pace of change makes it impossible to prescribe a single career path. Instead, she advises her own children to lead with intrinsic motivation: “Pursue your passions,” she said. In her view, the key is not locking into one trajectory, but embracing a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility.

In a world where entire industries can emerge or transform within 18 months, passion can be a compass — guiding students to stay engaged and resilient as the landscape around them changes.

Kahvejian took that one step further, recommending that students follow not just their passion, but their curiosity, especially across disciplinary boundaries.

“Pursue your curiosity almost more than necessarily your passion,” he advised, warning against rigid academic silos. A student who majors in chemistry but ignores developments in AI or statistics risks becoming obsolete, he said. “You will be pigeonholed, and you will end up marginalized.”

Rae argued that foundational technical skills are as vital as ever.

“Don’t be afraid of hard sciences. It is so fundamental to the future,” she said, referring to subjects like physics, biology and chemistry. All three of her children, she said, studied chemical engineering.

At the same time, she encouraged students to embrace AI as a partner, not a threat: “AI is your friend.” She also highlighted the importance of forming relationships with other curious, driven people.

“Cultivate friendships. Cultivate other curious people,” she said.

Kim underscored that opportunity doesn’t always require a four-year degree. She highlighted work with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to create “alternate pathways” into biotech and related fields for students pursuing vocational routes.

“There are a lot of things you can do in manufacturing, as well as on the administrative side — marketing, sales, etc.,” she said.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts bill to establish commission on status of transgender people moves forward

Published

10 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Massachusetts bill to establish commission on status of transgender people moves forward

Massachusetts lawmakers will be taking up a bill this session that seeks to establish a permanent commission on the status of transgender people.

The legislation (S. 2725) An Act Establishing a Commission on the Status of Transgender People, would task the commission with conducting an ongoing study of all matters concerning transgender people.

The commission would also report its findings to the public, serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with issues affecting transgender people; assess programs and practices in all state agencies that may affect transgender people, and identify and recommend qualified transgender people for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions.

An original draft was filed in February by state Senators Joanne Comerford (D-Northampton), Patricia Jehlen (D-2nd Middlesex), Jamie Eldrige (D-Marlboro) and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton). The group has since completed a second draft, which was reported favorably by the committee on Rules of the two branches and referred to the Committee on the Rules of the Two Branches, on Monday.

In a February 25th Facebook post announcing the filing of the original draft, Sen. Jehlen pointed to what she calls an “attack” by the Trump Administration on the “rights of minority communities across the country” as a motivator for her support.

“We have seen the federal administration attack the rights of minority communities across the country. One of the many affected groups whose rights are being stripped and jeopardized is the LGBTQIA+ community. Thanks to the hard work of incredible advocates over the last several years we have been able to codify and strengthen protections for many but not all,” Sen. Jehlen wrote.

“Part of ensuring everyone in our community is protected is making sure we know what changes could improve the lives of our neighbors who are vulnerable. Establishing a permanent commission on the status of transgender people that will focus on improving their lives can bring us one step closer towards equitable protections for all,” she said.

The commission would be made up of 21 unpaid members who each would serve three-year terms. Six members would be appointed by transgender-led organizations of groups that directly serve, support or advocate for transgender people in Massachusetts. Two members would be appointed by transgender-focused health programs at Massachusetts-based health centers, with another two members each appointed by an organization that supports LGBTQ+ students and by a group that supports homeless LGBTQ+ individuals with housing. The remaining nine members would be appointed by groups that LGBTQ+ people facing domestic violence, are incarcerated, and who are sex workers; as well as LGBTQ+ veterans and with disabilities.

The legislation calls for the commission to be made up of at least 11 transgender persons in total, two of which are between the ages of 18 and 24, with two more members aged 60 or older and another two being representatives of mental health professionals.

The development in this legislation comes a week after news broke of Gov. Maura Healey’s appointment of trans woman Giselle Byrd to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women in August. Healey has defended her appointment of Byrd, who says she’s been receiving death threats since she joined the commission.

Gov. Healey received widespread criticism for the decision, with many opposed to the move stating how they feel it would have been more appropriate and deserving for a biological female to have been appointed.

The Herald has reached out to state Rep. Sabadosa and state Senators Comeford, Eldridge and Jehlen for comment.

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Massachusetts

Friday is colder with a chance of flurries in Western Mass. Boston’s first shot at snow could come Tuesday. – The Boston Globe

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Friday is colder with a chance of flurries in Western Mass. Boston’s first shot at snow could come Tuesday. – The Boston Globe

A chilly Thanksgiving is now behind us, and we’re looking at an even colder day on Friday for those of you starting your holiday shopping this Black Friday or just taking the day to relax and recover from a day of eating.

High pressure builds in from Canada today, bringing gusty winds. The air is a little bit unstable, especially over Central and Western Massachusetts, where some clouds could blow up this afternoon and actually produce a quick snow shower or a snow flurry. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the northern Berkshires.

Temperatures today will only be within a few degrees of 40 but the wind will make it feel in the upper 20s to 30s most of the day. It will be bright except for those clouds popping up and blotting out the sun from time to time. The most sunshine will occur from Boston south toward Cape Cod and the islands.

Forecast highs across New England on Friday.Boston Globe

Wind gusts on Friday may reach 20 to 25 mph across much of New England.Boston Globe

Clear skies resume Friday night with temperatures in the 20s and lower 30s, with the wind still making it feel like it’s in the teens late at night.

Parts of Northern New England could pick up a few inches of snow Friday and Saturday.Boston Globe

Weekend: Saturday brings sunshine; Sunday rain

Saturday is my pick of the weekend with sunshine and a cold start. Temperatures will again be within a few degrees of 40 in the afternoon. This is below average for this time of year.

A new storm system is poised to move well west of New England through the Great Lakes and then into Quebec Sunday night and Monday. On this track, a southerly flow of air will boost temperatures to between 45 and 50 degrees Sunday afternoon as precipitation arrives. This obviously means that we’re looking at rainfall. The rain will continue for the first half of Sunday night before tapering off, with temperatures remaining above freezing all night.

Highs on Saturday may only reach the low 40s in Greater Boston.Boston Globe

Scattered rain and snow showers will push into New England Sunday afternoon and evening.Boston Globe

Monday: Chance of a morning shower; Tuesday, snow?

Monday brings the chance of a morning shower and high temperatures in the 40s, with breaks of sunshine. This active pattern continues into Tuesday when a new storm system approaches. The track of this storm will determine what type of precipitation we have, but some areas of New England could likely see their first measurable snowfall of the season.

Of course, you may be wondering if this will make it into the Boston area or not? Climatologically, it’s less likely that the coastal plain sees anything other than a cold rain or a wet mix, but Boston may end up with some accumulating snow if the track is a little farther offshore. This offshore track would keep the cold air in place.

If Tuesday’s storm were to move a little farther west, then the warm air would flood in from the Atlantic, which is still relatively mild this time of year, and we would only see rain from I-495 eastward. It’s too early to determine where the rain-snow line will fall or what the total snowfall would be, but just know that your plans could be disrupted on Tuesday. Of course, there will be more on this later in the weekend.

Greater Boston: Mostly sunny skies for your Friday with temperatures within a few degrees of 40 and a gusty wind at times. Chilly on Saturday with temperatures again right around 40.

Central/Western Mass.: Look for some pop-up clouds mixing with the sunshine, with temperatures in the 30s to near 40 and a quick flurry from some of those clouds. It’s sunny on Saturday with highs 35 to 40.

Southeastern Mass.: Mostly sunny skies both Friday and Saturday with a bit of a breeze, especially Friday. Temperatures will be in the lower 40s in the afternoon, starting just under 30.

Cape and Islands: About 43 degrees should be a common high temperature across much of this area both Friday and Saturday, with plenty of sunshine and a gusty wind, especially Friday. This will make it feel in the 30s.

Rhode Island: Look for partly to mostly sunny skies on Friday with highs in the lower 40s along with the wind. You can expect more sunshine on Saturday with highs in the lower 40s.

New Hampshire: Look for partly sunny skies with a couple of snow showers and a gusty wind on Friday, highs in the upper 30s. Look for sunshine with highs in the upper 30s on Saturday.

Sign up here for our daily Globe Weather Forecast that will arrive straight into your inbox bright and early each weekday morning.

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Massachusetts

What’s opened, what’s closed in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving day 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 27, 2025

Press Room

What’s opened, what’s closed in Massachusetts on Thanksgiving day 2025

Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, and this year it falls on Nov. 27, one of the latest dates it can possibly be.

The holiday is a time for friends, families and communities across the United States to come together to give thanks, enjoy a meal together and, for many, to take a break from their everyday lives and work.

Americans should anticipate that most businesses and public services will not operate or be open due to the holiday.

Here’s a list of what is open and what is closed in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving day 2025.

Government

Federal Courts: Closed

State Courts: Closed

Federal Offices: Closed

State Offices: Closed

Municipal Offices: Closed

Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV): Closed

Public Libraries: Closed

Finance

The New York Stock Exchange and the Dow Jones: Closed

Banks: Most banks will be closed, but most ATMs will remain open.

Alcohol & Cannabis

Liquor Stores: Closed

Cannabis Dispensaries: Massachusetts regulators don’t identify specific holidays for when cannabis dispensaries must close, according to the Cannabis Control Commission. It’s up to respective dispensaries to choose whether or not to be open or closed, so check with your local dispensary. However, most will likely be closed.

Shopping

Retail Stores: Most retail locations will be closed, with some operating on reduced or amended hours. Check with your local retailer.

Aldi: Closed

Auburn Mall: Closed

Big Y: Closed

Costco: Closed

CVS: Open, hours vary

Hampshire Mall: Closed

Holyoke Mall: Closed, but department store, restaurant, and entertainment venue hours may vary.

Market Basket: Closed

Natick Mall: Closed

Price Rite: Closed

Safeway: Open, hours vary

Star Market: Closed

Stop & Shop: Closed

Target: Closed

Trader Joe’s: Closed

Walgreens: Closed, but 24-hour stores remain open for essential pharmacy services

Walmart: Closed

Wegmans: Open, check with your local store on hours

Whole Foods: Open with modified hours, check with your local store

Read More: I ate Thanksgiving Oreos so you don’t have to, with the worst flavor I’ve ever had

Parcel

U.S. Post Offices (USPS): Closed

FedEx: Closed

UPS: Closed

Transportation

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority: No service

Brockton Area Transit: No service

Cape Ann Transportation Authority: No service

Franklin Regional Transit Authority: No service

Lowell Regional Transit Authority: No service

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA will have regular subway service. There will be weekend commuter rail service. There will be no ferry service. Other transit routes that typically do not run on weekends will not be in service.

Merrimack Valley Transit: No service

MetroWest Regional Transit Authority: No service

Montachusett Regional Transit Authority: Closed

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority: No service

Southeastern Regional Transit Authority: No fixed route service, but demand response service available

Worcester Regional Transit Authority: No service

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