Senate probes GM supplier; new recall underway

The U.S. Senate is expanding its probe of General Motors' decade-long failure to recall vehicles with faulty ignition switches to include the part's supplier, as GM recalls even more cars for a different defect.

The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to question Delphi at an upcoming hearing about the ignition switches, which have been linked to crashes resulting in at least 13 deaths and prompting the recall of 2.6 million Saturn Ions, Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars.

"It certainly needs to be done," Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said of the hearing into Delphi's role. "We haven't seen the end of this yet."

GM recalled about 29,000 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruzes on Thursday because an incorrect part in their air bags could cause the metal casing of the inflator to shatter, sending metal shards into the passenger area.

"It's unfortunate timing for GM," said Jeremy Acevedo, an analyst at the automotive website Edmunds.com. "In the scheme of things, this (defect) is minor, but it does have the capacity to get shoppers' attention, which is never good for an automaker."

Robert C. Hilliard, a Corpus Christi, Texas, attorney who represents the families of 80 people who were killed and 300 people who were "catastrophically injured" allegedly as a result of the ignition switch defect that led to the earlier recall, said it's "almost reassuring" that GM has continued to recall vehicles as problems arise. But he said there is a danger that consumers may stop paying attention.

"Psychologically, it's like battle fatigue," Hilliard said. "You stop appreciating that the guy in the foxhole next to you just got his head blown off because you've seen it so many times before."

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Hub’s hot for solar benches

In search of that perfect spot to read, but worried a noisy field trip might ruin it? With a new crop of smart benches in the city, residents looking for a place to sit and relax can see noise level, weather conditions and more on the Internet before stepping outside.

"You want to know if you want to go to the Esplanade or the Greenway or the Boston Common to find a bench that is sunny, is quiet," said Sandra Richter, co-founder and CEO of Changing Environments, which is installing the benches in partnership with the mayor's office.

The benches have two charging ports for cellphones, but no cables. Richter said attached cables are often vandalized, and the company has found enough people travel with chargers.

"Your cell phone doesn't just make phone calls, why should our benches just be seats?" said Mayor Martin J. Walsh in a statement.
 "We are fortunate to have talented entrepreneurs and makers in Boston thinking creatively about sustainability and the next generation of amenities for our residents."

The benches send weather information, noise level data and whether the solar-powered charging ports are being used, all of which can be viewed online.

Changing Environments originated in the MIT Media Lab, and worked with the city's Office of New Urban Mechanics to pilot one of its benches last year.

Information from the benches can be seen at soofa.co.

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Marty Walsh to panel: Delay casino OK

A casino mitigation deal that appeared close to being inked between Boston and Mohegan Sun is now up in the air after Mayor Martin J. Walsh's surprise call for the state Gaming Commission to delay its decision on the Boston-area license until after November's casino repeal referendum.

Walsh said yesterday the Supreme Judicial Court's Tuesday decision to allow a repeal question on the ballot "changed everything."

"We're spending money, the taxpayers' dollars, on lawyers and legal fees to work on these agreements," Walsh said. "At the end of the day, if the voters vote it down, we wasted taxpayers' dollars on having a negotiation that should have been put off until after November."

Walsh — who faces commission-imposed arbitration deadlines this week and has been negotiating for months with Mohegan and competitor Wynn Resorts — has already requested several delays. His latest was delivered via email shortly after 3 p.m. yesterday, while the commission was in formal session.

The commission, which wants to issue a Boston-area license decision by September, said it will review the request and noted it retains "the ability to deal with the contingences of the licensing process in a manner that serves the best interest of the public."

Walsh's announcement blindsided many, including Suffolk Downs, where Mohegan is planning its casino on property in Revere. In a statement, Suffolk Downs chairman Bill Mulrow directly criticized Walsh.

"On behalf of the family of workers at Suffolk Downs, we are dismayed by the approach the mayor has chosen here in dealing with our tenant, Mohegan Sun Massachusetts, and its proposal to create jobs — many of which would undoubtedly go to Boston residents," Mulrow said.

Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo told the Herald he'd heard Boston and Mohegan "were pretty much in-sync and, but for a few details, primarily legalese, that they had conceptually been on the same page." Rizzo noted other licenses have been awarded contingent on the outcome of November's referendum.

Rumors swirled for weeks that Walsh was close to a deal with Mohegan. He declined yesterday to comment on the status of the negotiations.

Asked Wednesday if he was leaning toward Mohegan over Wynn, Walsh responded, "I'll probably let you know in 12 hours." Asked about traffic mitigation, he said, "One proponent is willing to invest some serious money in mitigation, and the other proponent's willing to not invest that much. You'll know pretty soon who those are."

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The Kensington using perks to full effect

When you're 90 percent rented, what's the best way to reach the fully leased finish line?

For The Kensington, a 27-story, 381-unit downtown luxury tower that's had a successful first year, it's generating some new ideas to attract tenants to its 26 penthouses on the top two floors.

Many buildings are offering concessions such as a month or so of free rent and reduced fees, but the Kensington is taking a different approach, as it competes with top-floor apartments at the nearby Radian, The Arlington in Park Square and the nearly completed Avalon Exeter at the Pru.

"There's lots of high-end penthouse apartments on the market, so we asked how could we differentiate ourselves other than by price," said Keri Walker, regional vice president of Bozzuto Management Co., which leases and manages the property. "We decided that adding free services was the best way to make tenants' lives easier and offers the best overall rental value."

If you sign a one- or two-year Kensington penthouse lease, you get a choice of a free Sports Club LA membership, free weekly housecleaning or free dog walking five days a week. There's a complimentary storage unit, as well as a premier space in the parking garage at the regular $425-a-month rate. Also, package and dry-cleaning delivery services are free to these floors.

Step off the access-controlled elevator on the top two floors and there are tables with bottled waters, Lindt chocolates and fresh flowers. Scented air is piped through hallways with stylish wall coverings and original art. Inside the penthouses are upgraded French door refrigerators, and California Closet built-ins are included in all bedroom closets.

And not all the penthouse units at the Kensington are super-expensive. A smaller 26th-floor one-bedroom with 553 square feet starts at $4,135 that includes all the extras. But if you want a spacious unit, be prepared to pay. A 27th-floor, 1,558-square-foot two-bedroom is renting for $8,825.

The penthouse units are nicely outfitted with stylish cabinets and quartz countertops, laminated oak floors and higher ceilings than apartments on lower floors.

"What's made the Kensington successful is that it has the best amenities package of any other luxury downtown building," said Kensington general manager Fred Colberg. "So our focus on adding more services makes sense for us."

The Kensington is one of the few downtown luxury buildings with a large outdoor pool and roof deck, and almost its entire sixth floor is a series of clubroom, conference, kitchen and billiards spaces, along with a 3,000-square-foot fitness facility.

"One reason why the building has done well is that there are no extra charges for any of the building's amenities," added Jason Gomes, The Kensington's assistant general manager.

Walker, whose company also manages The Victor and Waterside Place in Boston, says the Kensington's approach to penthouse-level service wouldn't work at all buildings. Kensington has been renting units from the bottom floors up and was able to save the choicest units, and views, for last.

The view from Penthouse 27G, a 1,073-square-foot, two-bedroom renting for $8,125, rivals the best in the city with the Boston Common and Public Garden serving as a front lawn and the entire Back Bay and Charles River beyond.

"The views from these penthouses are spectacular and beat those of our competitors," Walker said. "To be successful at this level, you need create a memorable experience for tenants from the front door to the top floor."

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Gambling foes court donors

Gaming foes biding their time until the state's high court cleared a casino repeal ballot question are now being courted to put their money where their mouths are as potentially millions of dollars in advertising money could flow onto Bay State airwaves ahead of a November vote.

"There were people who said, 'When you're able to get on the ballot, we'll step up and help fund your campaign,'" said Darek Barcikowski, campaign manager for the group Repeal the Casino Deal, after the Supreme Judicial Court sided with them Tuesday, giving voters a say on whether to keep the state's 3-year-old expanded gaming law.

"We will be launching an aggressive fundraising effort, and there have been a lot of people waiting on the sidelines," Barcikowski said. "Now that we shift gears into a full-blown campaign, it will take a lot more money."

Group officials declined to say which well-heeled donors they expect to chip in, but they've already counted a few in their $175,476 tally by year's end in 2013, including David D'Alessandro, the former CEO of John Hancock, who gave $10,000 last November, and Alan Lewis, CEO of South Boston-based Grand Circle Travel, who made $70,000 in donations.

"We don't think we'll be able to compete with the casino industry on the media buys, for sure," Barcikowski said. "But we definitely plan to be on the air close to the election. Our focus has mostly been on our ground game, on our grassroots outreach. We don't think the casinos can compete with us on the ground."

The law that cleared the way for three casinos and a slots parlor likely will still have support on Beacon Hill.

Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, one of its biggest proponents, signaled yesterday he'll use his position's bully pulpit to tout the law's "highlights," including 15,000 jobs and millions in revenue it's expected to produce.

"I will be active in the sense that I will be out there talking about what ... other folks have stated to be one of the strongest casino bills in the country," DeLeo told reporters, noting that the upcoming budget relies on $53.5 million in gaming revenue and another $20 million from an in-the-works Plainville slots parlor to balance spending.

"Come November, we would have to make cuts to the budget in matters where we've already had to place money" if the law is repealed, he said.

Boston Mayor Martin. J. Walsh, who as a state legislator voted for the casino law, said yesterday he doesn't plan to get involved in the ballot initiative.

"When this bill was filed and passed, it was an economic development bill," he said. "There was really a problem with jobs and opportunity. And I think the energy of the casino debate has been sucked, I think pro and con. The economy's doing better; there's more opportunity now for employment."

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Ruling may signal end of Aereo

Groundbreaking Internet TV startup Aereo's future is in doubt after a blockbuster Supreme Court ruling that it violated broadcasters' copyrights by taking their signals for free and sending them to Aereo's subscribers.

"This is pretty close to game over," said Mike Carrier, a Rutgers University law professor.

Nearly every major broadcaster had sued Aereo over its $8 a month streaming service, which lets subscribers watch over-the-air broadcasts on smartphones, iPads and other devices.

In his majority opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer said Aereo should be treated no different from a cable operator, and should pay the same retransmission fees to broadcasters.

"Aereo's system is, for all practical purposes, identical to a cable system," he said.

Aereo had argued that the individual antennas it gives subscribers are no different from traditional rabbit ears. Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia yesterday vowed to keep fighting.

"We are disappointed in the outcome, but our work is not done. We will continue to fight for our consumers and fight to create innovative technologies that have a meaningful and positive impact on our world," Kanojia said.

It's unclear what the future holds for Aereo's 80 Boston employees. Carrier said broadcasters will now have to ask a lower court for an injunction to stop Aereo from operating, which could take months.

For consumers, the biggest impact will be what does not happen, said Brett Sappington, a media analyst with Parks Associates.

"We were on the cusp of what could have been a very stark change in broadcast TV," Sappington said. "Had Aereo won, there might have been a very significant impact. This maintains the status quo."

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The Ticker

Pfizer sells Cambridge office/lab building

Waltham's King Street Properties, a private real estate investment management firm that focuses on science-based property, has purchased 87 Cambridge Park Drive for $14.8 million, according to documents filed with the Southern Middlesex County Registry of Deeds.

The Cambridge office and lab-space building is among several that Pfizer Inc. is selling as part of its consolidation of area employees into a new Kendall Square research and development facility that opened this month.

Mass. biotechs collaborating with
foreign firms to get state grants

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center has launched a new "universal partnerships" program to give grant funding to Massachusetts companies in research and development collaborations with life science organizations outside the United States, including other companies, academic institutions, hospitals or research institutes. First-year grants will range from $50,000 to $200,000 for eligible "milestone" projects. Gov. Deval Patrick made the announcement at the BIO International Convention in San Diego yesterday.

Staples to price-match Amazon.com

Framingham office supplies chain Staples Inc. is getting a jump on the back-to-school shopping season with a new price-match guarantee. Starting Sunday, it will price-match items sold and shipped by Amazon.com or any retailer who sells products in both retail stores and online under the same brand. Customers also will get an additional 10 percent off the difference between the Staples price and the competitor's price.

Today

•  Commerce Department releases first-quarter gross domestic product.
•  Commerce Department releases durable goods for May.

TOMORROW

•  Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims.
•  Commerce Department releases personal income and spending for May.
•  Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.
•  Katrine Bosley, left, has joined Cambridge-based Editas Medicine as its chief executive officer. Bosley brings to Editas more than 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry.

Prior to joining Editas, Bosley was CEO of Avila Therapeutics, which was acquired by Celgene in 2012, and most recently spent time at the Broad Institute as an entrepreneur-in-residence.

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New owner at Fox 25 after station swap with Cox Media

Boston TV station Fox 25 has a new owner under a surprise TV station swap announced yesterday — and the first big move is general manager Gregg Kelley, who is heading to the West Coast to helm two TV stations.

Under the switch-up, Fox Television Stations is giving Fox 25 and a Memphis TV station to Cox Media Group while Cox gives Fox two San Francisco stations.

Fox 25 will remain a Fox affiliate. Kelley is moving to San Francisco to run KTVU-TV and KICU-TV, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed. Kelley will stay on in Boston until they ink the deal.

Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute said Fox is moving up a market with the TV station trade, as San Francisco is the sixth-largest TV market in the country and Boston is seventh.

San Francisco is also home to the 49ers football team and Fox has the TV broadcasting rights to NFC games, Tompkins noted. (The Patriots are in the AFC).

"I suspect that's the biggest motivator behind this," Tompkins said of the TV market boost and football broadcasts.

As for any on-air changes at Fox 25 which might affect morning show personalities or longtime evening anchor Maria Stephanos, Tompkins said "anything could happen" but a new owner "doesn't usually walk in and clean house on the air."

"They don't want to disturb viewers," Tompkins said.

In a joint press release, Cox President Bill Hoffman said: "This is the first time we have had a media presence in Boston and Memphis, and CMG is excited about the prospects that WFXT-TV and 
WHBQ-TV bring to our business. These new stations fit nicely into CMG's broadcast portfolio, and we look forward to having a great news presence in these two markets and competing hard with the fine local broadcasters who already reside there."

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Virgin debuting new Dreamliner on Boston route

Virgin Atlantic is hoping for an edge when it debuts the second-generation Boeing Dreamliner aircraft this fall on Logan International Airport's most competitive international route.

The British airline yesterday said it will use the first of its $5 billion 787-9 fleet for its nonstop flights between Boston and London's Heathrow Airport.

Virgin will use the larger "stretch" version of the high-tech, carbon-composite jet six times a week starting Oct. 28. It will continue to use an Airbus A330 for the seventh day. "We've been flying to Boston for over 20 years, and we wanted to give some of our most seasoned customers the opportunity to experience our new aircraft, product and service," spokeswoman Laura Kilroy said.

The 787-9 fuselage is 20 feet longer than the 787-8 used at Logan by Japan Airlines and Hainan Airlines. The plane also holds 38 more passengers and has 23 percent more cargo room.

It will be 21 percent more fuel-efficient on a per-flight basis than the equivalent-sized aircraft in Virgin's fleet, allowing it to be a major driver of the airline's "return to profitability," the company said.

Virgin plans a new version of its upper-class suite and a premium-economy "Wander Wall," a social space where passengers can stretch and mingle. Tickets for the flights go on sale Thursday.

Boeing announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency had certified the 787-9 for commercial service. Air New Zealand is expected to take first delivery, possibly this month.

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High court sets limits on EPA

The Supreme Court yesterday limited an Obama administration program dealing with power plant and factory emissions of gases linked to global warming.

The court said the Environmental Protection Agency could regulate facilities responsible for 
83 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions emitted from stationary sources nationwide, provided those sources "would need permits based on their emissions of more conventional pollutants."

The ruling doesn't impact the EPA's proposals for first-time national standards for new and existing power plants, including its goal of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 
30 percent by 2030.

The decision also leaves intact the agency's authority over facilities that emit pollutants it regulates besides greenhouse gases.

"EPA is getting almost everything it wanted in this case," Justice Antonin Scalia said, noting that the agency had sought to regulate sources it said were responsible for 86 percent of all the greenhouse gases emitted from stationary sources nationwide.

Joseph Ferson, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said: "We are reviewing today's Supreme Court decision but continue to support the EPA's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases."

Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, said he does not expect yesterday's ruling to have a "material impact" on the group's members. 


Herald wire services contributed to this report.

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Aereo’s fate in court’s hands

The Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that has the potential either to shut down a Boston startup or dramatically change the media landscape.

"We're as prepared as we can be. There is no plan B," said Virginia Lam of Aereo, which is headquartered in New York City but has 80 of its 115 employees in Boston.

The nation's highest court could rule today on the legality of Aereo, which charges users $8 per month for retransmitting free broadcast channels to their mobile devices. Broadcast companies say Aereo is violating copyright law, while Aereo says its service is no different than old-fashioned rabbit ears.

One of the key legal issues in the case is the distinction between public performance, which is subject to copyright law, and private performance, which isn't. Supporters of Aereo have said a ruling against the company could have detrimental effects to the entire cloud computing industry, one of the hottest sectors in recent years.

"It's likely we'll see an opinion weighing these two constituencies and see if they can craft a rule that deals with both," said Matthew Schruers, VP of Law and Policy with the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which filed a brief in support of Aereo.

A win for Aereo could bring in many similar companies, threatening entrenched cable companies, Schruers said.

"We may see a lot of companies trying to get into this market," he said. "There will certainly be changes."

Dennis Wharton of the National Association of Broadcasters said an Aereo win would set a dangerous precedent.

"It would empower companies who want to build their businesses on pirated content to go forward with impunity," he said.

If Aereo prevails, some broadcasters have said they will pull their content from the airwaves and put it on cable, where Aereo can't touch it.

A loss for Aereo could mean many different things depending on how narrow or broad the ruling is. The justices could say that everything Aereo does is copyright infringement, a ruling that would effectively shut down the company. The court could also say the technology is legal but the way it is implemented is not.

If the ruling does go against Aereo, the company will evaluate its options after the decision has been made, Lam said.

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New Pebble: Time for a sharper look

Pebble Steel ($229, Best Buy)

Usually big upgrades contain big changes. But the latest iteration of Pebble's smart watch for iOS and Android is entirely the same on the inside. It's the outside that's changed.

The good: Finally, a smart watch that looks grown up. With two options for the watchband — matte black leather or stainless steel — this sharp smart watch resembles something you'd find in a glass case at a department store. Unlike its bulky, rubbery predecessor, it's a fine choice for an elegant dinner or business meeting.

The bad: Much like its predecessor, the Pebble Steel doesn't do a whole lot. It'll let you know when calls, emails or texts are coming in. It makes it easier to keep your smartphone on silent and in your pocket. But this is hardly a deep-functioning device.

The bottom line: If the fashion factor was the only thing stopping you from buying a Pebble, this is your best bet. But if you don't find yourself yearning for this fledgling piece of technology, wait until something more sophisticated and comprehensive comes out. It's bound to happen.

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Three ways to deal with stuck throttle emergencies

I read a recent article discussing GM's problems with their faulty ignition switch. You have given the advice in the past to turn off the ignition if the throttle sticks. This was mentioned several times when "unintended acceleration" was a common topic in the news. Does the information in this article change that advice?

Very timely and important question. In past columns I have written about how to deal with unintended acceleration/stuck throttle situations. In short, a driver has three tools to mitigate the threat of crashing: Push the brake pedal as hard as humanly possible, shift the transmission into neutral or turn off the ignition.

With the recent news regarding unintended "ignition off" scenarios in certain GM vehicles, it's well worth revisiting this issue.

First off, even if the engine is not running and the ignition switch is in the off position, the brakes and steering remain functional. Without power assist provided by engine operation, considerably more physical effort will be required to brake and steer the vehicle, but it will still stop and turn.

Shifting the transmission into neutral in response to the threat from a stuck throttle or unintended acceleration will disconnect the engine from the drivetrain while maintaining power assist to the steering and brakes. While it may seem potentially destructive to the engine, most modern engine management systems have limiters to prevent the engine from over-revving in neutral by cutting spark and/or fuel to limit engine speed.

Obviously, switching the ignition off will stop any type of unintended acceleration or stuck throttle. And doing so will not lock the steering. The ignition switch cannot be turned to the locked position unless the transmission has been shifted into park.

To address your specific question as to turning off the ignition in response to unintended acceleration or a stuck throttle, keep in mind that the air bags and supplemental restraint systems are not instantaneously disabled if the ignition is switched off. These systems have some type of backup power supplies in case the battery is disconnected or destroyed in the first instant of a crash. These systems, often based on a capacitor storing enough electrical charge to deploy the airbags, can keep the airbags operational for several seconds after loss of battery power — but just as obviously, not long enough to completely deal with an unintended acceleration or stuck throttle scenario.

With today's motor vehicles, the best response to unintended acceleration or some type of stuck throttle is to simply shift the transmission into neutral, deal with the situation by steering and braking to a safe stop and then turning off the key. Every motorist should mentally anticipate this scenario and understand the steps necessary to safely deal with it.

A: little forethought and practice can prevent unintended acceleration or a stuck throttle from ending in tragedy.

I have a 1994 Honda Accord with less than 48,000 original miles. For the past five years it has been suggested to have the timing belt replaced because of the age of the car. I just hate to touch something that isn't broken. I do understand if it does fail, I will be in bad shape. Are there any signs that I could look for to let me know it needs replacement?

A: Yes, the engine suddenly stops running! And since this is a so-called interference engine, expensive valve-to-piston contact and damage can occur.

It is possible to inspect the timing belt by removing the top engine cover, turning the crankshaft with a ratchet and visually examining the belt for wear, damage or contamination from oil or coolant.

But since Honda's recommendation is timing belt replacement every 72 months, it's long overdue. I'd suggest having the timing belt and water pump replaced as preventive maintenance. But it's your call.

Paul Brand, author of "How to Repair Your Car," is an automotive troubleshooter, driving instructor and former race-car driver. Readers may write to him at: Star Tribune, 425 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., 55488 or via email at paulbrand@startribune.com. Please explain the problem in detail and include a daytime phone number.

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Cambridge nonprofit trains immigrants to be medical interpreters

When Claudette Aspilaire fled Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, she left the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where she had lived a relatively comfortable life as a teacher, to come to the wealthiest country, and find herself suddenly plunged into poverty.

In the United States, she couldn't find work but she had one crucial advantage: She spoke French, Haitian Creole and English.

"There comes a point where you realize this is an asset not everyone has," said Maria Vertkin, a Russian immigrant who runs the Cambridge-based nonprofit Found in Translation. "There's a shortage of bilingual talent, but there are so many bilingual people like Claudette who are overlooked."

Aspilaire enrolled in the 
medical-interpreter training program and today earns $20 an hour as an interpreter at Sharewood Project, a free-health care organization run by Tufts Medical School students and faculty in Malden.

"It's interesting helping others like me," said Aspilaire, a 60-year-old mother of three. "It's a stable job to help my family."

Vertkin started Found in Translation in 2011 with a $40,000 grant after graduating from Regis College with a degree in social work. She wanted to help women find work as a way out of poverty, but she knew that minimum-wage jobs weren't enough.

She discovered that the need for medical interpreters was expected to grow by 42 percent over the next decade, with a median annual wage of $45,430.

"I thought: This is a perfect fit," she said.

In January 2012, Found in Translation began offering a 12-week medical interpreter certificate course that, unlike other programs, was free to income-eligible women.

The first year, Vertkin had 164 applicants for 21 openings. The second year, she had 195 applicants for 31 openings. And this year, she had 235 applicants for 32.

"They act not only as interpreters, but also as liaisons to the communities we serve," said Elena Hill, the sexual- and reproductive-health director at Sharewood Project. "They show compassion and help us understand our patients better. So it's mutually beneficial to us, to the patients and to the interpreters."

Recently, the program was one of 128 startups the MassChallenge accelerator selected to receive free office space, mentoring and a chance at a share of $1.75 million in cash prizes — money that could help Found in Translation become self–sustaining and eventually branch out into training women to become interpreters in other fields, such as the law, Vertkin said.

"The program is innovative and empowers women economically," said Imina Nosa, one of Found in Translation's language coaches. "I see them growing from being powerless immigrants to people who bring value by applying what they have to help others and earn a livelihood. It's gratifying to see that transformation."

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