AstraZeneca (AZ) currently employs about 1,800 people in the Greater Boston region, a figure that is significantly higher than the number of employees when AZ and Alexion operated independently. The company is planning to further solidify its presence in the area with the construction of a new glass-enclosed tower that will house labs spread over ten floors and include amenities such as an auditorium, a café, and open-air terraces designed to attract people from outside the company. This tower will be one of six major research hubs for AstraZeneca globally.
Despite facing challenges within the broader biotech industry, AZ’s senior executive, who has transitioned from academia to the biotech industry, believes that forming collaborations with local industry and academic partners is paramount for speeding up the development of new medicines. Previously affiliated with Stanford University, Barr articulated her passion for discovering life-altering medicines, stating, “The discovery of new medicines that changes people’s lives, I can’t think of anything more meaningful or fulfilling.”
Originally hesitant to join a “Big Pharma” company following AstraZeneca’s acquisition of Alexion, Barr’s experience has exceeded her expectations. “AstraZeneca has surprised me,” she said, emphasizing the collaborative culture of the company that captured her interest for both its scientific endeavors and the quality of its personnel.
Comcast is also playing a notable role in supporting the local economy with its RISE program, initiated in 2020 to assist small businesses grappling with challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has subsided, many small businesses continue to face difficulties, prompting Comcast to extend RISE into Greater Boston for another year. Jim Rooney, chief executive of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, announced this development at a recent event, which was met with applause from attendees.
Starting in May, small businesses in the Greater Boston area can apply for aid packages through the RISE program. These packages will encompass new computer equipment, professionally produced 30-second TV spots, access to online courses, coaching sessions, and a monetary grant of $5,000. The comprehensive value per business could approach $30,000. Comcast is partnering with Ernst & Young to review the applications and will announce 100 winners in August across the Boston market and four other metropolitan areas. The launch event is set to take place at the Boston Public Market, home to over 30 local businesses.
Comcast’s senior vice president, Carolyne Hannan, highlighted the decision to kick off the program at the Public Market, emphasizing the type of businesses they aim to support. “We were really purposeful about holding this at the Public Market,” she noted.
In the political arena, U.S. Representative Richie Neal recently cosponsored a measure to curb President Trump’s “emergency” tariff powers. Following this, Neal targeted the president’s trade actions during a speech at an event in Boston, aligning with his deep-seated interest in trade policy.
A prominent figure in trade legislation, Neal has played a crucial role in shaping the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during Trump’s first term. As the leading Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, he utilized a major portion of his recent speech to address this subject. While referencing an appearance by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer before his committee, Neal remarked on Trump’s unpredictable tariff maneuvers, noting, “All that means is: more suspense.”
In collaboration with Representatives Greg Meeks of New York and Rick Larsen of Washington, Neal sponsored a resolution designed to terminate Trump’s usage of emergency authority for imposing sweeping tariffs. Such a resolution needs to be addressed within 15 days or brought to a vote in the House—an uncertain prospect in the primarily Republican-controlled chamber.
During his address, Neal publicly expressed his disagreement with the rationale behind various tariffs imposed by Trump and later put on hold. Specifically, he questioned the logic behind tariffs affecting small nations like Liechtenstein, pointing out the absurdity in the situation: “I still haven’t figured out what Liechtenstein has done to offend us.”
Meanwhile, local developers are preparing to launch significant housing initiatives. Joseph J. Corcoran Co. is set to break ground next month on the 92-apartment Residences at East Milton, signaling an ambitious endeavor for the Healey administration. This project will serve as a pilot program to determine whether state investment can revitalize halted private-sector developments.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is optimistic about the initiative. The administration, through the quasi-public agency MassHousing, has earmarked $50 million from a 2024 housing bond bill to finance stalled private projects via the newly established “Momentum Fund.” MassHousing is expected to provide a $5 million investment in the Residences at East Milton, alongside a $30 million loan sourced from mortgage lender Berkadia.
Sean McReynolds, president of Corcoran, expressed relief over the funding, referencing turbulent economic factors such as tariffs and interest rates, stating that the assistance is essential. The Healey administration aspires to leverage the $50 million to support as many as 1,000 new housing units in the upcoming months, with MassHousing potentially also offering loan assistance.
With a repayment structure anticipated through refinancing or sales, Driscoll stated, “We have so many projects that are permitted, . . . that are ready to go, but can’t pencil out from a financing perspective. This tool, for us, [will] get those projects off the bench.”
At a recent lunch event hosted by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll filled in for Mayor Michelle Wu. Driscoll humorously noted her less conventional role, stating, “Not a problem. As lieutenant governor, I’m used to pinch hitting.”
Wu opted to skip the event, traditionally graced by the sitting mayor, due to her concerns regarding the Bureau’s political stance against corporate tax cuts. Consequently, she attended a gathering at Boston Latin School, where she interacted with Ayo Edebiri, a school alum and star from the popular show “The Bear.”
Meanwhile, mayoral challenger Josh Kraft utilized Wu’s absence as an opportunity to criticize her engagement with the nonpartisan organization, issuing an email that accused her of excluding voices over a policy disagreement.
House Speaker Ron Mariano tackled his engagement with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, despite contending with a lingering cold. He quipped about his health condition by invoking the name of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., humorously acknowledging the juxtaposition of his challenge and the obligations of public service: “You’ll have to forgive me. I’ve had a cold for a week but I’m on direct orders from Secretary Kennedy . . . to attend as many crowded events as possible. We’re trying to achieve herd immunity.”
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