推廣在地保育 百頭大象進駐波士頓聯邦大道等角落

雀喜市（Chelsea)市政府大門外，早從7月25日就已經展示出其中一頭大象。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange編譯）100頭由印度原住民手工打造、體積和真大象一樣那麼大的實體雕塑大象，即日起至9月13日在聯邦大道廣場（Commonwealth Avenue Mall）展出。

    這項名為「偉大大象遷徙（The Great Elephant Migration）」的沉浸式裝置藝術，旨在串聯全球募款，推廣在地保育行動，並已為世界各地的保育組織及印度原民社區累積逾440萬美元善款。

    這批象群雕塑以印度尼爾吉里生物圈保護區（Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve）的真實大象為原型，目前陳列於阿靈頓街（Arlington Street）與費爾菲爾德街（Fairfield Street）之間。展覽共同創作者露絲‧加內什（Ruth Ganesh）表示，象群2024年從新港（Newport）啟程，已巡迴美國多地，此行選在美國獨立250週年之際落腳波士頓，是著眼於這座城市與茶葉及獨立運動的歷史連結——原型大象自幼生長於茶園，但展覽傳達的不是獨立，而是萬物互依互存的精神。

    展覽收益主要來自雕塑販售，價格依尺寸從8,500美元至22,000美元不等。加內什透露，團隊目標是在波士頓售出50至80頭，目前已提前售出數件。波士頓公共圖書館（BPL）、萊佛士酒店（Raffles Hotel）與萊諾克斯酒店（Lenox Hotel）等在地商家也「認養」了部分雕塑，讓多達27頭大象延綿在聯邦大道上，增添能見度。

    這些雕塑由印度南部泰米爾納德邦（Tamil Nadu）尼爾吉里丘陵（Nilgiri Hills）的300名原住民工匠，以入侵植物「馬纓丹（Lantana camera）」手工編製而成。該植物破壞森林生態，迫使野生動物離開棲地、加劇人獸衝突，展覽藉此傳達「動物具有個體性與情感」的原住民視角。加內什強調，工匠們視大象為「美麗的人類」，啟發團隊以尊重生命的態度策展。

    展覽期間的大象雕塑銷售收益，一部分將捐贈給新英格蘭水族館（New England Aquarium）用於露脊鯨保育工作，同時也將支持波士頓公共藝術三年展。

    大象展覽的主要贊助者為聯邦大道上的私人俱樂部「昆之家（The 'Quin House）」，波士頓市政府和旅遊推廣組織「Meet Boston」也參與支持。

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES 26TH ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST

 CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES 26TH ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST

Gospel Fest—free and open to all—is New England’s largest annual Gospel music celebration.

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 -  Friday, August 7, 2026 -  Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that Gospel Fest, an annual City event that showcases local and national gospel talent, will take place on Sunday, August 30 at 5:00 p.m. on City Hall Plaza. The show will be headlined by Billboard Gospel Charts-topping artist Todd Galberth. 

“This summer, Boston showed the world what it means to be a welcoming, beautiful and family-friendly city for everyone, and we are excited to keep that spirit going with our annual Gospel Fest,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This beloved tradition brings people together through music, community and faith and showcases the pride we take in celebrating the many cultures and communities that call Boston home.”

Galberth will be joined by a lineup of talented performers including the Community Choir, City Praise Team, Jesus Gang The Family,  Alexis Benoit, Angela Elizabeth, Pastor Jeremy D. Battle, and the lBoston Latin School Gospel Choir. The Community Choir features participation from more than 85 members representing nearly 40 churches across the city and region.

“This Summer proves what’s possible when Boston comes together,” said Donald Wright, Interim Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “Gospel Fest is a joyful reminder that our City’s greatest success is found in its people.”

“Gospel Fest is a Musical Celebration that helps connect various generations through faith, joy, hope and peace,” said Will Dickerson, Senior Advisor & Head of Faith-based Initiatives. 

“It’s an uplifting time to share with family, neighbors and friends as we reflect on what is truly possible when we come together in the city of Boston.” 

The event will feature food vendors, including Cool Shade Jamaican Food Truck, Gourmet Fingerz Southern Cuisine, Chivo Taqueria and delicious cookies from Boston Cookie Kitchen. All attendees should bring their own chairs to this event. For more information about the 26th Gospel Fest, please visit the Gospel Fest event page.

Building on the momentum of large-scale events earlier this summer, the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment is also activating City Hall Plaza with the Donna Summer Disco Party on August 28 and Summer Dance Parties on August 14 and September 12. 

In addition, the City will host the Friday Afternoon Concert Series on August 7 and 21 and Open Streets Boston from August through October. Open Streets Boston allows local businesses to expand into the street and safely make space for music, games, bicycling, and community tabling in Boston’s neighborhoods. All events take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s remaining Open Streets dates are as follows:

Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Mattapan 
Sunday, October 4, 2026 | Allston-Brighton
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Roslindale 

年收入20萬美元以下家庭今起入讀 BU 免學費

     (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓大學（BU）8月6日宣佈，從本學年起推出全新財務援助計劃「BU承諾（BU Promise）」，家庭年收入低於20萬美元的學生，可全額減免學費，且不強制申請學生貸款。

    波士頓大學的2026-27學年度總費用高達9.5萬美元，其中學費就占了大約三分之二。採行新財務援助方式後，符合資格學生入讀該校的每年實際負擔，將不超過2萬美元，將為中產家庭節省極爲可觀的開支。

    若學生的家庭年收入低於7.5萬美元，校方更保證全額補助學費、住宿及膳食費，等同免費就讀。

    波士頓大學在審查申請財務援助學生的資格時，將兼顧其家庭收入與資產。在年收入之外，還會評估申請人家庭擁有的現金、存款、投資、房產及企業股權等「典型資產」。若學生的家庭資產高出一般水準，即使年收入低於門檻，仍可能無法獲得學費全額減免的財務援助，但該校將提供其他客製化財務援助。年收入超過20萬美元的家庭，若同時負擔多名子女就讀大學或居住於高消費地區，校方鼓勵他們照常申請，將根據個案從寬考量。

    波士頓大學「BU承諾」計畫的最大亮點是「不強制貸款」，也就是新生的財務援助方案將不再包括強制性貸款，是否申領聯邦貸款來補足上學所需的全部費用，完全由學生自由決定，學生們畢業後揹負的貸款額，將因此大幅降低。

    波士頓大學去年已核發4.73億美元獎助金，約45%的大學部學生受惠。

    美國近年有越來越多大學院校，為學生提供更優惠的就讀援助，例如哈佛大學、麻省理工學院、都為家庭年收20萬美元以下學生提供免學費待遇（普林斯頓大學的門檻是家庭年收入25萬美元）；若家庭年收入低於10萬美元，哈佛和MIT還提供全額免費待遇（普林斯頓大學的門檻是15萬元），聖十字學院門檻為10萬美元；而麻州大學系統四校則強調，年收低於7.5萬美元者學費全免。

波士頓華埠National Night Out 頒社區服務獎給陽光幼兒園

波士頓市長吳弭（中）頒發幕後英雄獎給陽光幼兒園。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）全美各地一年一度的「全國治安夜（National Night Out）」，波士頓市由市長吳弭(Michelle Wu) 和警察局長Michael Cox率隊，8月4日傍晚來到華埠大同村，感謝居民合作，頒”社區服務“獎給”陽光幼兒園“。

波士頓市長和華埠民眾合影。（周菊子攝）

吳弭市長和波士頓警察局長Michael Cox等人，在8月3、4兩日的下午2點半到8點，共跑了布萊頓廣場（Brighton Common），華埠大同村（Chinatown Tai Tung Village），南端堡壘村（Castle Square），南波士頓（South Boston）等12個地方，和民眾晤談，促進警民交流。

波士頓市長吳弭感謝民眾和警察合作維持治安。（周菊子攝）

吳弭市長在大同村致詞時，先用中文開場的說「每年非常高興跟大家一起，慶祝波士頓的安全，然後，我們一起合作，努力工作」，再以英文強調華埠在波士頓的每個世代中都佔有重要地位，看到大家一起為社區努力，更是讓人高興。今年還選出了幕後英雄加以表揚。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（左起）頒獎給陽光幼兒園的黃旭麗等人。
（周菊子攝）

吳弭市長特地介紹，和她一起來到華埠的還有薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden，波士頓市議員愛德華費連，Erin Murphy，波士頓市消防局，急救中心（EMS），公共衛生局（BHPC），耆英局（Age Strong Commission）等許多市府部門。

吳弭市長還點名感謝華埠聯絡員林天琪（Katrina Lin）為華埠居民所做的貢獻。

波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox稱許波士頓華埠是該局最好的社區夥伴之一。希望警民繼續攜手合作，打擊犯罪。

波士頓市長吳弭（右起）和警察局長Michael Cox離開華埠
後，和麻州眾議員一起趕到堡壘村，出席National Night Out。 (周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠的National Night Out照例在大同村中央的庭院舉行，掛出「全美滅罪安全夜」橫幅，安排有陽光幼兒園小朋友，以及老師黃旭麗的歌舞，廣教學校的醒獅，K-Pop舞蹈，陳國航等人演唱卡啦ＯＫ。

AARP，塔芙茨大學，塔芙茨醫療中心，華人醫務中心，波士頓耆英居家護理，紐英崙中華公所等贊助單位，在現場擺出介紹服務攤位，波士頓警察局在現場分送爆米花和冰淇淋，小孩子們拿氣球，玩彈跳屋。

堡壘村的National Night Out有Vivian Lee（右四）做翻譯。(周菊子攝）

波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox稱華埠是最合作的社區夥伴之一。 (周菊子攝）

由於今年是麻州的州級選舉年，轄區包括波士頓的麻州參議員Nick Collins刻正競選連任，波士頓市長吳弭卻早就公開表態支持Latoya Gayle角逐這一席位，於是今年的華埠「全美滅罪安全夜」上演了同一個社區服務獎，頒發兩次的場景。麻州參議員Nick Collins單槍匹馬的先頒發了一次，波士頓市長率大隊人馬抵達大同村後，又頒了一次。陽光幼兒園的黃旭麗等人，於是就領了2次獎。

今年的華埠「全美滅罪安全夜」，較令人意外的是，主持台前臨時加裝的隔離塑膠柵欄，綁的比往年更多。

波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩和情報分析副總監陳定良等人，
都隨大隊拜訪地方居民。(周菊子攝）

由於8月3日凌晨大約12點38分左右，在海德公園大道（Hyde Park Ave.）海地餐廳（Little Haiti International Cuisine）外發生一起槍擊案，5人中彈，1人死亡，警察逮補了27歲的嫌犯Oliver Derima，而鄰近波士頓華埠的城中區在7月份內共發生3起槍擊案。根據波士頓前鋒報（Boston Herald）的整理，整個波士頓今夏槍案頻傳，踏入8月後，在東波士頓，海德公園和多徹斯特的藍山大道，一連發生3起致命槍擊案，以至今年以來已共有17起兇殺案，14人因槍擊案死亡。

陽光幼兒園的黃旭麗表演舞蹈。(周菊子攝）

        吳弭市長還在大同村的致詞結束後，和波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox一起被媒體追問。吳弭市長強調事前預防與跨部門合作的重要。她表示，儘管波士頓市兇殺案數量比去年低，但波士頓市的態度是零容忍。

今夏進波士頓市府ISD實習的楊定凱（右），經中華公所主席雷國輝（左）的招呼，
和吳弭市長合影。(周菊子攝）

余麗媖在活動現場遇見久未露面的廣教學校前校長湯鳳鳴（中）。(周菊子攝）

塔芙茨醫療中心在會場擺攤為人量血壓。(周菊子攝）

民眾被擋在圍欄外看主持台的表演。(周菊子攝）

堡壘村的National Night Out有攤位展示野生動物。(周菊子攝）

廣教學校表演醒獅。(周菊子攝）

昆士小學校長司徒玉英（中）也在活動現場。(周菊子攝）

波士頓A1區警員黃天輝為民眾哇冰淇凌。(周菊子攝）

大同村的National Night Out有彈跳屋供小朋友玩耍。(周菊子攝）

華人前進會也在現場擺攤。(周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（中）支持Latoya Gayle(左）參選麻州參議員。(周菊子攝）

麻州創全美先例 勒令牙保業者退款1450萬元

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）麾下的保險署今（6）日宣佈，九家健康與牙科保險公司因未達法定醫療支出比例，將退還共 1450 萬美元保費給數十萬麻州民眾與小企業。麻州因此成為全美首個依法強制執行牙科保險退費的州。

    州長奚莉表示：「民眾有權知道，當他們支付健康與牙科保險費時，這些錢確實用於醫療照護。麻州擁有全美最完善的消費者保護法規，並正在保嚴格執行，將 1400 多萬美元放回家庭與小企業的口袋」。

    根據麻州健康與牙科保險法規，九家保險業者在過去三年內的理賠支出未達法定標準，應向保戶退還部分保費，總額 1450 萬美元。退款將以支票或抵扣未來保費形式發放，保險公司自本月起陸續執行。每名保戶所得金額，依其保險公司與所繳保費比例計算。

    退款分為兩類：

    六家牙險公司因未達州定 83％ 的理賠支出率（DLR），合計退還 840 萬美元，涉案公司包括：麻州藍十字藍盾（Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.）、守護人壽（Guardian Life Insurance Company）、哈佛朝聖者健康保險（Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company, Inc.）、信賴標準人壽（Reliance Standard Insurance Company）、標準保險（Standard Insurance Company）及星山人壽（Starmount Life Insurance Company）。

    三家健保公司則因個人與小雇主健保保單未達 88％ 的支出標準（高於聯邦 85％ 的要求），退還 610 萬美元，分別為：哈佛朝聖者健康保險Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company, Inc.）、麻州綜合布萊根健康計畫（Massachusetts General Brigham Health Plan）與聯合健康保險（UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company）。

    麻州保險署署長麥可·卡爾朱（Michael Caljouw）表示，這項機制確保民眾繳納的保費確實用於醫療照護，而非行政成本或公司利潤。這項牙保退費制度為全美首創，是奚莉州長降低醫療費用整體策略之一環。

    奚莉政府早前已實施多項降低醫療費用的改革辦法，包括制定全美最嚴格的健保自付額與共付額漲幅上限，取消常規必要護理的事先授權，禁止醫療欠款列入信用報告等。奚莉州長還成立了可負擔醫療工作組（Health Care Affordability Working Group），近期已提出進一步降費建議。

    上個月，麻州保險署進一步協商調低七家保險公司原訂 2027 年的保費漲幅，並否決另一項過高調漲案，預計未來可為居民與企業節省逾 7200 萬美元保費支出。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Returns $14.5 Million to Health and Dental Insurance Consumers and Businesses

Massachusetts becomes first state in the nation to require dental insurance rebates

  

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey’s Division of Insurance announced today that nine health and dental insurance carriers will return $14.5 million to hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts consumers through rebates required under the state’s health and dental insurance laws. 

  

For the first time, Massachusetts is requiring dental insurance companies to issue rebates after failing to meet the state's Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) standard, making Massachusetts the first state in the nation to require and enforce dental insurance rebates. Six dental insurance companies – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., Guardian Life Insurance Company, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company, Inc., Reliance Standard Insurance Company, Standard Insurance Company, and Starmount Life Insurance Company – will return $8.4 million to consumers enrolled in their dental plans. An additional $6.1 million will be returned by three health insurance companies – Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company, Inc., Massachusetts General Brigham Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company – to consumers covered by individual and small employer health plans.

“People deserve to know that when they're paying for health and dental insurance, their money is actually going toward care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and we're making sure they are enforced. We are putting more than $14 million back into the pockets of families and small businesses while implementing nation-leading dental insurance protections that save people money.”

    

“Our efforts will help families and small business owners across the Commonwealth at a critical time. These rebates are important parts of our overall strategy to root out wasteful spending and reduce costs,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Massachusetts has some of the strongest consumer protections in the country to ensure that the money people pay for health and dental insurance is spent on patient care—not administrative costs or profits. State law requires health insurance companies offering individual and small employer plans to spend at least 88 percent of premium dollars on health care services, higher than the federal standard of 85 percent. Massachusetts law also requires dental insurance companies to spend at least 83 percent of premium dollars on dental care services. When insurers fall short of those standards over a three-year period, they are required to return a portion of premiums to consumers.”

The amount each policyholder receives depends on their insurance carrier and the premiums they paid. Rebates are issued as a check or as a credit toward future premium payments, and carriers will begin issuing refunds later this month. 

Today's announcement builds on Governor Healey’s ongoing efforts to lower health care costs and hold insurance companies accountable. Her administration has imposed the strongest limits in the country on the growth of health insurance deductibles and co-pays, eliminated prior authorization requirements for routine and essential care, and moved to prevent medical debt from appearing on consumer credit reports. Governor Healey also created the Health Care Affordability Working Group, which recently released recommendations to further lower costs for patients, families and businesses. 

Last month, the Division of Insurance negotiated down proposed 2027 health insurance rate increases from seven insurers and rejected another excessive increase, actions projected to save Massachusetts residents and businesses more than $72 million in future premium costs

Governor Healey Awards Nearly $25 Million to Improve Literacy Instruction Across Massachusetts

Governor Healey Awards Nearly $25 Million to Improve Literacy Instruction Across Massachusetts

Funding will help awardees implement and sustain evidence-based, high-quality literacy instruction
 
EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded nearly $24.7 million  to 71 school districts and one educational collaborative to strengthen literacy instruction and improve reading outcomes for students across Massachusetts.
 Through four Partnership for Reading Success–Massachusetts (PRISM) grant programs, districts will implement high-quality instructional materials, expand professional learning for educators and strengthen evidence-based literacy instruction from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
The awards build on Governor Healey's Literacy Launch initiative and legislation she signed to strengthen early literacy instruction. They also come as more than 1,000 educators are participating in Literacy Launch Institutes this summer to deepen their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction.
"Reading is the foundation for everything students do in school and throughout their lives," said Governor Maura Healey. "That's why we're making historic investments to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help every student build the skills they need to succeed."
"Districts across Massachusetts are doing important work to strengthen literacy instruction, and we're proud to support them," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These investments will help schools build sustainable systems that give every student a strong foundation in reading."
"Improving literacy outcomes takes more than a one-time investment—it requires sustained commitment to high-quality instruction," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "By helping districts strengthen curriculum, build educator capacity, and support effective implementation, these grants will create lasting improvements for students across the Commonwealth."
“We’re committed to strengthening implementation of high-quality literacy instruction and continuing to address persistent disparities in access and achievement,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Our work through PRISM grants and Literacy Launch Institutes is designed to help all students become strong readers and writers.”
 The four PRISM grant programs support districts at every stage of implementing high-quality literacy instruction, from building strong early literacy systems, to adopting new instructional materials, and expanding evidence-based practices through grade 12:
PRISM I continuation grant: 
$10.2 million to 13 grantees to continue helping a cohort of districts improve their early literacy programming so that all students can read at or above grade level by grade 3:
Brockton Public Schools, $1,159,500
Framingham Public Schools, $924,975
Gateway Regional School District (in partnership with Farmington River Regional School District), $289,875
Haverhill Public Schools, $822,200
Holyoke Public Schools, $616,650
Lynn Public Schools, $1,541,625
Nashoba Regional School District, $289,875
New Bedford Public Schools, $1,449,375
Northborough Public Schools (in partnership with Southborough Public Schools), $579,750
Norwood Public Schools, $676,375
Peabody Public Schools, $822,200
Salem Public Schools, $676,375
Stoneham Public Schools, $386,500
PRISM II continuation grant: 
$2.9 million to 13 grantees to strengthen early literacy through the implementation of high-quality instructional materials in pre-K through third grade:
Abington Public Schools, $217,500
Berkshire Hills Regional School District, $177,500
Community Day Public Charter School (in Lawrence), $217,500
Greenfield Public Schools, $177,500
Holliston Public Schools, $197,500
Kingston Public Schools, $197,500
Monomoy Regional School District, $197,500
Nantucket Public Schools, $197,500
Pittsfield Public Schools, $466,500
Plympton Public Schools, $177,500
Silver Lake Regional School District, $177,500
Somerset Public Schools, $217,500
Wayland Public Schools, $302,000
PRISM II second cohort grant:
 $5.9 million to 36 new grantees to support the evaluation, selection, purchase, launch, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials for pre-K through third grade:
Ashland Public Schools, $202,000
Bedford Public Schools, $146,000
Berkley Public Schools, $101,770
Berlin-Boylston Regional School District, $146,000
Braintree Public Schools, $309,000
Brookline Public Schools, $153,000
Canton Public Schools, $190,000
Chelsea Public Schools, $62,000
Dover Public Schools, $98,000
Everett Public Schools, $82,000
Fall River Public Schools, $584,000
Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, $146,000
Hatfield Public Schools, $34,046
Hoosac Valley Regional School District, $102,000
Leominster Public Schools, $289,000
Lowell Public Schools, $260,000
Lunenburg Public Schools, $25,000
Maynard Public Schools, $110,000
Mendon-Upton Regional School District, $221,804
Monson Public Schools, $86,718
Natick Public Schools, $119,000
North Reading Public Schools, $81,792
Norwood Public Schools, $230,500
Old Rochester Regional School District, $117,000
Quabbin Regional School District, $117,000
Randolph Public Schools, $245,000
Rockland Public Schools, $146,000
Sharon Public Schools, $70,000
Sherborn Public Schools, $98,000
South Shore Education Collaborative, $146,000
Southbridge Public Schools, $313,538
Ware Public Schools, $110,000
Wellesley Public Schools, $309,000
Westborough Public Schools, $214,000
Westwood Public Schools, $194,500
Winchendon Public Schools, $70,000
PRISM III second cohort grant: 
$5.6 million to 19 new grantees for resources, targeted coaching, and professional learning support to evaluate, select, purchase, launch, and implement high-quality instructional materials for grades 4–12:
Baystate Academy Charter Public School (in Springfield), $176,130
Brockton Public Schools, $474,525
Gill-Montague Regional School District, $176,130
Haverhill Public Schools, $467,685
Lawrence Public Schools, $500,175
Lowell Public Schools, $221,445
Medford Public Schools, $261,630
Methuen Public Schools, $221,445
Monson Public Schools, $181,260
Pittsfield Public Schools, $467,685
Quaboag Regional School District, $221,445
Randolph Public Schools, $467,685
Rockland Public Schools, $261,630
Salem Public Schools, $176,130
Southbridge Public Schools, $261,630
Springfield Public Schools (Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership), $271,890
Taunton Public Schools, $277,020
Woburn Public Schools, $261,630
Worcester Public Schools, $236,835

波士頓市穀倉墓地發現疑似美國最古老自由非裔人墓碑

波士頓市府提供

    （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市政府8月6日宣佈，在穀倉墓地（Granary Burying Ground）修復工程中，發現一座刻有「波士頓」字樣的1728/29年逝世自由非裔人士墓碑，相信是美國現存最古老的自由非裔人墓碑之一，為殖民時期波士頓的多元種族歷史補上關鍵拼圖。

波士頓市府提供

    這座墓碑長年遭土壤掩埋與風化，字樣不清，在20世紀後期的官方墓地調查中沒有記錄。波士頓公園局歷史墓地主任凱利・湯瑪斯（Kelly Thomas）進行文獻比對後，確認碑文中的「波士頓（Boston）」和2024年由賓夕法尼亞大學出版的「歸屬：早期新英格蘭奴隸制與家庭親密史（Belonging: An Intimate History of Slavery and Family in Early New England）」一書所記載的塞巴斯蒂安（Sebastian）為同一人。

波士頓市府提供

    學者推測，這名字可能是由「Sebastian」轉為「Bastian」，再演化為「Boston」。墓碑年份標記「1728/29」源於英國舊曆新年（3月25日）與現代公曆的換算差異，並非書寫錯誤。

    史料顯示，「波士頓」生前深受鄰里敬重。1729年2月24日「新英格蘭週刊（New England Weekly Journal）」的訃聞稱他「為人節制、誠實可靠，樂於助人，備受愛戴」。

    「歸屬：早期新英格蘭奴隸制與家庭親密史」一書作者、學者格洛麗亞・麥卡洪・懷廷（Gloria McCahon Whiting）指出，波士頓年輕時曾為爭取與同為奴僕的妻子合法結婚而奔走，間接促成麻州通過保障奴隸婚姻權的法令。他獲得自由後養育六名子女，在社區中建立深厚的人際網絡。

    修復工作由戴達洛斯公司（Daedalus, Inc.）團隊執行，先將墓碑移至室內進行清潔與黏合，再以碎石和土壤重新豎立於原址（編號GR-A-141）。經過修復，刻文時隔數十年後清晰可辨。波士頓自由之路基金會（Freedom Trail Foundation）執行長蘇珊・塞古拉・泰勒（Suzanne Segura Taylor）表示，未來導覽將納入這段故事，讓民眾更全面認識波士頓的建城歷程。

    波士頓市府指出，這項發現恰逢美國獨立250週年與波士頓自由之路75週年，凸顯歷史保存工作對發掘長期被忽略社群聲音的重要性。墓碑位置與相關研究已公佈在市府官網歷史墓地專頁。

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES RARE GRAVESTONE OF FREE BLACK BOSTONIAN REDISCOVERED IN GRANARY BURYING GROUND

BOSTON - Thursday, August 6, 2026 – As the City of Boston continues to commemorate the city’s foundational role in the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy of activism, innovation, and community leadership through Boston 250, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department announced the discovery and restoration of a rare gravestone belonging to Boston, a free Black man who died in 1728/29, following a conservation project at the Granary Burying Ground. The gravestone, which had been obscured for decades and was absent from modern surveys of the site, offers a glimpse into the lives of Black Bostonians in the colonial era and adds an important chapter to the city's early history.

“The rediscovery of Boston’s gravestone, likely one of the oldest markers of a free Black person in America, is a significant moment in our city’s history. Through the preservation of names and stories, we are restoring agency, dignity, and humanity to people and communities who have shaped our city and have too often been erased. Sharing the story of Boston, a man remembered as both loved by his neighbors and respected in his community, deepens our understanding of American history,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to our Granary Burying Ground conservation team and partners for their critical work in helping our residents, families and visitors engage with a fuller account of our past.”

"Boston's historic burying grounds connect us to our history and to the people who shaped our city," said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space. "As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, discoveries like this remind us that preserving these historic places is essential. We are proud of the dedicated work of our Historic Burying Ground Initiative and thankful to our partners at Dadedulus Inc., whose expertise not only preserves these remarkable sites but helps restore forgotten voices, like Boston’s, to the City’s historical record."

The gravestone was identified during an ongoing conservation project led by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Historic Burying Ground Initiative. While documenting the ongoing conservation, Director of Boston’s Historic Burying Grounds Kelly Thomas noticed an epitaph bearing only the name “Boston” dated 1728/29. The marker had not appeared in a late twentieth-century survey of the site. 

Further research led Thomas to connect the gravestone to the life of Sebastian, a formerly enslaved man whose story is detailed in the 2024 book Belonging: An Intimate History of Slavery and Family in Early New England" by Gloria McCahon Whiting. Through historical records and scholarship, Thomas determined that the man memorialized as “Boston” and Sebastian were the same man. It is likely his name transitioned from Sebastian to Bastian, then Bastian to ‘Boston’ over the years in the documentary records.

“The rediscovery of this gravestone highlights the important role of historic preservation and the historic burying grounds in bringing to light overlooked stories in the City’s rich history,” said Kelly Thomas, Director of Historic Burying Grounds. “Learning more about Sebastian/Boston’s life illustrates the complex, multicultural and multiracial society that created the conditions from which the American Revolution was born.”

The finding of Boston’s grave is particularly significant as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Boston celebrates the 75th anniversary of Boston’s Freedom Trail. Its presence in the Granary Burying Ground also expands historians’ understanding of burial practices in colonial Boston and is believed that this is the oldest gravestone for a free Black person in the United States.

According to historical accounts, Boston was known for being a respected member of the community. An obituary for him was published in the New England Weekly Journal of February 24, 1729, reading: “He having born the character of a sober, virtuous liver, and of a very trusty, honest, and faithful servant to all that employed him, and having acquired to himself the general love and esteem of his neighbors by a readiness to do any good offices in his power for everyone; his funeral was attended with uncommon respects, and his death much lamented.”

“Boston lived a life of influence. As a young man in bondage, he cultivated white allies in his years-long campaign to obtain a legal marriage to his wife, who was also enslaved. Evidence suggests that his advocacy helped inspire both the publication of New England’s earliest antislavery tract and the passage of legislation in Massachusetts supporting marriage rights for the enslaved,” said Gloria McCahon Whiting, author of Belonging: An Intimate History of Slavery and Family in Early New England. “Boston would later obtain his freedom and father six children, whom he baptized in a local church and supported economically. When he died in 1729, Boston left a community bereaved; over the course of his life, he had built intimate relationships with neighbors from all walks of life, ranging from people in bondage to those of great wealth and political power."

Boston’s gravestone was discovered partially buried and obscured by soil with significant structural damage caused by centuries of weathering. Conservators from Daedalus, Inc., carefully documented the marker before removing it to an indoor climate-controlled conservation studio where it underwent thorough cleaning to help reveal details of the inscription. Conservators also repaired parts of the grave with conservation-grade materials to prevent further deterioration. The conservation effort ultimately made the inscription legible enough to support the research that identified Boston and restored his story to the historical record. 

In the first photo above, repairs were made to re-adhere the marker along a bedding plane. In the second photo, a specialized adhesive is injected at the void between the stone’s strata layers to slow the rate of delamination.

Following treatment, the gravestone was returned to the Granary Burying Ground and reset vertically at its original location using soil and crushed stone. This conservation work not only preserved a rare colonial-era artifact but also made the inscription legible for the first time in decades, enabling the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to identify the man memorialized as Boston. 

“The discovery of Boston’s gravestone and possibly the oldest one of a free Black person in the United States right here in the City of Boston’s Granary Burying Ground is truly remarkable” said Suzanne Segura Taylor, Executive Director of the Freedom Trail Foundation.  “The Foundation’s Preservation Fund helps support the Historic Burying Grounds Initiative’s important restoration/preservation efforts, which uncovered this history, and the Foundation’s team is excited to be able to bring Boston’s story to life and show people the gravestone, while interpreting all of our city’s history along the Freedom Trail.“

The gravestone is located at GR-A-141. This location can be viewed on a map on our website at boston.gov/historic-burying-grounds-initiative. 

Learn more about the Granary Burying Ground and our Historic Burying Ground Initiative at boston.gov/historic-burying-ground-initatives. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

Senate Applauds Housing Progress on Affordable Homes Act Anniversary

Senate Applauds Housing Progress on Affordable Homes Act Anniversary

Landmark Law Has Increased Housing Opportunities Across Massachusetts as Senate Continues Fight for Affordability

(BOSTON—8/6/2026) Two years after the Legislature passed the landmark Affordable Homes Act, the law continues to deliver measurable progress toward increasing housing production, lowering barriers to building, and helping more Massachusetts residents find homes they can afford.

Signed into law on August 6, 2024, the Affordable Homes Act represented the largest housing investment in Massachusetts history, pairing more than $5 billion in housing authorizations with sweeping policy reforms designed to increase the Commonwealth's housing supply, preserve affordable homes, and make housing more accessible for residents across the state.

“We have made real progress in addressing our housing crisis because of the Affordable Homes Act,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We invested in building more homes, we cut red tape, and we strengthened protections for renters and homeowners. This session, we built on that progress with innovative solutions, from shifting brokers’ fees away from renters, to eliminating the sales tax on building materials for certain housing construction. There is more work to do, and the Senate will continue pursuing policies that lower housing costs and expand housing opportunities across Massachusetts.”

“As a millennial, I’ve seen firsthand how Massachusetts’ dire housing shortage is harming our families, our workforce and our future prosperity,” said Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing Senator Julian Cyr. “The Affordable Homes Act demonstrates what we can accomplish with bold investments and new approaches to this persistent but solvable problem. Because of the Affordable Homes Act, we’re finally putting a real dent in a decades-in-the-making housing crisis with a sweeping array of tools and resources to construct and preserve housing across the Commonwealth. We’ve only seen the beginning of what this landmark legislation will deliver in the coming years. I’m also heartened that we’ve passed significant housing provisions in this legislative session, and I look forward to building on this momentum to make Massachusetts a place where everyone can call home.”

“Two years later, our work towards more affordable, accessible housing continues,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston), former Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing. “We’ve made meaningful progress in breaking down barriers to housing and expanding opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. That progress is especially evident in our eviction sealing efforts, with more than 8,220 petitions filed since the provision took effect in May 2025—giving thousands of people a fairer chance to secure stable housing and rebuild their lives. To every advocate, partner, colleague, and leader who helped make the Affordable Homes Act a reality: thank you. As I said two years ago, we are mission aligned and mission focused.”

“The high cost of housing makes it hard for people to stay in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Pro Tempore William N. Brownsberger, Senate Chair of the conference committee that reached agreement on the legislation. “The Affordable Homes Act has marked a big step forward and has already begun helping to control housing costs over the short and long run.”

Housing Stock 

In 2025, Massachusetts added more than 35,000 homes across the state, marking major progress toward building more housing and driving down costs. 

Eviction Sealing

A provision that has already transformed the trajectory of over eight thousand residents’ lives, the legislation granted the right to petition courts to seal certain eviction records. Before the law passed, an eviction, even if decades ago, would lock residents out of housing and opportunity. 

ADUs

As of February 2026, over 1,200 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) had been approved because of the legislation. The Affordable Homes Act allowed ADUs to be built by right in communities everywhere in Massachusetts. 

Momentum Fund: Catalyzing Middle Income Housing 

The legislation created the Momentum Fund, a first-in-the-nation state revolving fund to support mixed-income housing production. Using $50 million in public equity funding, the financing has already supported the development of 627 mixed-income rental homes, including 140 affordable homes across the state, as of July 2026. 

Protecting Homebuyers’ Inspection Rights 

The bill made Massachusetts a national leader in buyer protections by protecting a homebuyers’ right to a home inspection and prohibiting sellers or their agents from selling a home on the condition that a buyer waive an inspection. The policy also prevents a seller from accepting an offer if the seller is informed in advance that the buyer intends to waive their right to an inspection.

The Senate has continued to build on that progress during the 2025–2026 legislative session, approving legislation that would allow duplexes by right in residential districts statewide, shifting brokers’ fees away from renters, eliminating the sales tax on building materials for certain housing construction projects, creating new opportunities to convert underutilized commercial properties into housing, passing major permitting reforms so shovels get in the ground faster, requiring more timely review processes for housing construction projects, and providing incentives to communities building housing.

麻州府撥款590萬元資助12機構培訓勞動力

 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州政府8月5日宣佈，撥款590萬美元補助全州12個勞動力培訓計畫，預計培訓951名失業或低度就業居民，並協助他們取得證照，進入醫療照護、物流運輸、資訊科技及教育等急需人才的產業工作。

這筆「唐納利參議員勞動力成功補助金（Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants）」由麻州勞工與勞動力發展執行辦公室（EOLWD）編列預算，並委由「麻州公司（Commonwealth Corporation）」管理。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）表示，這項投資同時回應了雇主缺工與居民求職的雙向需求；副州長Kim Driscoll則指出，各地勞動力需求不同，補助計畫讓地方夥伴有更充分彈性，因地制宜提出解決方案。

勞工與勞動力發展廳廳長勞倫·瓊斯（Lauren Jones）在鱈魚角商會（Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce）公佈獲獎名單時說明，本次補助著重三大目標：縮短技能落差、擴大弱勢群體進入高薪職場的管道，以及強化雇主的人力競爭力。其中四個計畫特別融入「英語為第二語言」（ESOL）課程，協助非母語求職者跨越語言障礙。

自2023年1月至今，這類補助金累計已達7,700萬美元，總培訓人數超過1.05萬人。本年度12項計畫補助總額為5,998,069美元，平均每人培訓成本約6,300美元，合作雇主涵蓋醫院體系、學區、物流業者與科技公司，且均須參與課程設計並承諾優先錄用結訓學員，確保就業銜接。

12個獲補助單位與重點培訓職類

伯克希爾地區就業委員會（Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc.，Pittsfield）：50萬美元，培訓172人擔任醫療助理與護理助理，合作方為社區健康計畫及伯克希爾醫療系統。

鱈魚角商會（Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce，Centerville:）：約50萬美元，培訓56人取得工業卡車與拖拉機操作員資格，合作企業包括Sun Island Delivery、Steamship Authority等。

波士頓天主教慈善局（Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.，波士頓市）：50萬美元，培訓36人從事資訊安全分析、網路支援等IT職務，合作單位包括波士頓市創新技術局與CyberTrust。

Salem市(北岸MassHire, Salem市，北岸麻州聘僱“MassHire North Shore WB”）：50萬美元，培訓100人投入先進製造領域，擔任機械師與機電裝配工，合作企業為Krohne與Innovent Technologies。

新貝德福德勞動力委員會（Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, Inc.，New Bedford）：約50萬美元，培訓122名護理助理，合作機構涵蓋多家護理中心與醫療集團。

新英格蘭國際學院（International Institute of New England，波士頓）：50萬美元，培訓72名護理助理，合作方為Carleton-Willard Village等長照機構。

猶太職業服務社（Jewish Vocational Service, Inc.，波士頓）：50萬美元，培訓67名抽血員，合作醫院為麻省總醫院布萊根與波士頓醫療中心。

漢普頓麻州聘僱MassHire Hampden（MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Inc.，Springfield）：50萬美元，培訓85人擔任醫療助理、護理助理與緊急救護技術員（EMT），合作機構包括Baystate Health等。

北中區MassHire（MassHire North Central Workforce Board, Inc.，Lowell）：約49.8萬美元，培訓67名輕型與重型卡車駕駛，合作企業包括Cape Cod Lumber、Werner、Schneider等物流運輸公司。

開放天空社區服務（Open Sky Community Services, Inc.，Worcester）：50萬美元，培訓50名社會與人類服務助理，合作方為Seven Hills Foundation。

Polus經濟發展中心（Polus Center for Social and Economic Development，阿索爾）：50萬美元，培訓72名教學助理與特殊教育人員，合作學區包括菲奇堡、加德納、伍斯特等公立學校。

麻州大學安赫斯特分校（University of Massachusetts, Amherst）：50萬美元，培訓52名食品製備人員，合作對象為勞倫斯公立學校及校屬輔助企業。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $5.9 Million to Train and Hire Over 900 Residents in Jobs Statewide

Workforce development funding will train, upskill, and hire untapped talent in health care, technology, logistics, and more 

 

CENTERVILLE, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $5.9 million in workforce development grant funding for 12 initiatives across Massachusetts, representing partnerships with employers, training providers, and regional collaborators to train, upskill, and provide job placement for 951 workers for in-demand occupations in health care, logistics, education, information technology and more.

“Across Massachusetts, employers are looking for skilled workers and residents are looking for opportunities to build successful careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants help us do both by connecting people with the training they need to fill in-demand jobs and helping businesses grow with the workforce they need.”

“Every region of our state has unique workforce needs, and these grants give local partnerships the flexibility to meet them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By bringing together employers, educators and workforce organizations, we're creating more pathways to good-paying careers across Massachusetts.”

The Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation through the state’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund. Each awarded grant aims to close the skills gap, increase access to well-paying jobs for unemployed and underemployed residents, and strengthen productivity and workforce needs among employers in regions throughout Massachusetts. Workforce Success grants fund job training and job placement for untapped talent and upskilling programs for incumbent workers. Among the 12 awarded grants, four grants are also dedicating efforts to incorporate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in planned job training—an effort to reduce employment barriers such as language that some jobseekers experience.

Since January 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded nearly $77 million in Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants to train over 10,500 unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers.

Secretary Lauren Jones of Labor and Workforce Development announced awarded grants at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce in Hyannis. Among the 12 grantees, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce plans to train, upskill, and provide employment for 56 unemployed and underemployed in Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator roles with chamber members including Sun Island Delivery, The Steamship Authority, Sid Wainer and Son, Cape Cod Express, and Eldredge & Bourne Moving & Storage.

“Workforce Success Grants offer an effective and proven tool for training providers to prepare skilled talent and for employers to access a skilled talent pool,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By partnering with industry, training providers, and regional organizations, we're creating talent pipelines for occupations that are essential to Massachusetts' economy. From health care to education to technology and beyond, these investments will help employers fill critical positions and enable more residents to build rewarding careers in regions across Massachusetts."

“We recognize and appreciate these twelve grantees for their dedication to expanding economic opportunities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “By investing in workforce training and job development, they are helping job seekers pursue meaningful careers in high-demand fields while also strengthening employers with a skilled and prepared workforce.”

The following is a list of the twelve grant recipients receiving a total of $5,998,069 to provide training and placement services to 951 individuals throughout Massachusetts:

Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc., Pittsfield: $500,000

Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc. will provide training and placement services to 172 unemployed and underemployed participants for Medical Assistant and Nursing Assistant roles. They will partner with Community Health Programs Inc. and Berkshire Health Systems.

 

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Centerville: $499,957

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce will provide training and placement services training to prepare 56 unemployed and underemployed participants for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator roles. They will partner with Sun Island Delivery, The Steamship Authority, Sid Wainer and Son, Cape Cod Express, and Eldredge & Bourne Moving & Storage.

 

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc., Boston: $500,000

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc. will provide training and placement services to prepare 36 unemployed and underemployed participants for Information Security Analyst, Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer User Support Specialist, and Network and Computer Systems Administrator roles. They will partner with the City of Boston Department of Innovation and Technology, CyberTrust, Onward, Aligned Solutions, and City of Boston.

 

City of Salem (MassHire North Shore WB), Salem: $500,000

City of Salem (MassHire North Shore WB) will provide training and placement services to prepare 100 unemployed and underemployed participants as part of the region’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) for Machinist and Electromechanical Equipment Assembler roles. They will partner with Krohne and Innovent Technologies.

 

Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, Inc, New Bedford: $499,865

Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, Inc. will provide training and placement services to prepare 122 unemployed and underemployed participants for Nursing Assistant roles. They will partner with Alden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Bane Care Management, Child & Family Services, Home Care for Seniors Massachusetts Inc Home Instead, Integritus Healthcare, Bay Path at Duxbury Nursing and Rehabilitation, Prima CARE, Beth Israel Lahey Health, People Incorporated, High Point and Affiliated Organizations, and Southcoast Hospital Group.

 

International Institute of New England, Boston: $500,000

The International Institute of New England will provide training and placement services to prepare 72 unemployed and underemployed participants for Nursing Assistant roles. They will partner with Carleton-Willard Village, and Hands-On Community Care Inc.

 

Jewish Vocational Service, Inc., Boston: $500,000

Jewish Vocational Service will provide training and placement services to prepare 67 unemployed and underemployed participants for Phlebotomist roles. They will partner with Mass General Brigham and Boston Medical Center.

 

MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Inc., Springfield: $500,000

MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Inc will provide training and placement services to prepare 85 unemployed and underemployed participants for Medical Assistants, Nursing Assistants, and Emergency Medical Technician roles. They will partner with Caring Health Center, Baystate Health, National Ambulance, Baystate OB/GYN, Holyoke Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Hilltown Community Health Center.

 

MassHire North Central Workforce Board, Inc., Lowell: $498,247

MassHire North Central Workforce Board will provide training and placement services to prepare 67 unemployed and underemployed participants for Light Truck Driver and Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver roles. They will partner with Cape Cod Lumber, Primo Brands, Werner, Schneider, Quality Towing and Recovery, AA Transportation, Knights Limo, Cruise Control, Worcester Public Schools, Atlas Distributing, Leominster DPW, Direnzo Towing and Recovery, City of Worcester DPW, Soil X, Coca Cola Northeast, Valet Park of America, and Greenwood Industries.

 

Open Sky Community Services, Inc., Worcester: $500,000

Open Sky Community Services, Inc. will provide training and placement services to prepare 50 unemployed and underemployed participants for Social and Human Service Assistant roles. They will partner with Seven Hills Foundation.

 

Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Athol: $500,000

Polus Center for Social and Economic Development will provide training and placement services to prepare 72 unemployed and underemployed participants for Teaching Assistant and Special Education roles. They will partner with Fitchburg Public Schools, Gardner Public Schools, Fitchburg Public Schools Paraprofessional Union, Worcester Public Schools, and Narragansett Regional School District.

 

University of Massachusetts, Amherst: $500,000

The University of Massachusetts will provide training and placement services to prepare 52 uneomployed and underemployed participants for Food Preparation Worker roles. They will partner with Lawrence Public Schools and UMass Amherst Auxiliary Enterprises.

天氣預報 8/6～8日高溫 波士頓市提醒市民注意安全

     （Boston Orange 編譯）波士頓市政府提醒居民，天氣預報8月6日至8日期間，氣溫可高達華氏95到98度，市府將開放納涼場所，籲民眾補水、減少外出、關懷弱勢。

        市府緊急管理主任阿曼多拉（Brooke Amendola）表示，天氣很熱時，911通話量增10-15%，籲民眾嚴肅應對。

        波士頓市今年更新預警標準：連續兩天體感華氏95度持續2小時，或單日華氏100度持續2小時，就發布「高溫警示」；單日華氏105以上持續2小時，或在24小時之內，溫度升高華氏25，且最高達華氏90度以上，就發佈「極端高溫警告」。

        在8月6至8日期間，市民及遊客可納涼的地方包括：波士頓青年及家庭社區中心（BCYF）、公共圖書館，噴水區與游泳池，詳細資訊可查市府官網。

        波士頓市府提醒民眾注意安全，多喝水、避酒精咖啡因，空調要直接插在牆壁上，禁用延長線；外出塗防曬油。若有大量出汗、皮膚濕冷、頭暈、噁心、肌肉痠痛等熱衰竭跡象，應立即撥打911。注意不要把兒童、寵物留在車內。若家有10歲以下兒童，離地12英尺以上窗戶需裝防護欄，去游泳，玩水時要穿救生衣，附近還要有救生員。

        耆英前往納涼場所，可撥打617-635-4366洽詢計程車券事宜。

        波士頓市府在氣溫達到華氏90度以上時，因輕微罪行而受法律約束者（如緩刑、假釋或保護管束對象），市府將暫時放寬限制，允許他們進入避難所。男性可到112 Southampton St.，女性可到794 Massachusetts Ave.。兩地都全天開放。

        波士頓公共衛生委員會將在週一至週五的上午5點至晚上11點，以及週六和週日的上午6點到晚上7點，派街頭社工與醫護人員上街巡邏，主動尋找需要幫助的無家者，發放飲水，協助送醫。

        波士頓市府籲請民眾一旦發現街頭有人虛弱或意識不清，立即撥打911。

        在這幾日間，波士頓市全面禁止戶外生火，在地面放置的炭烤爐，應遠離建築物，只有一樓陽台可以用瓦斯爐戶外燒烤，嚴禁攜瓦斯桶入室。詳情可查官網。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU URGES CAUTION AS CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES HEAT ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

BOSTON - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - The City of Boston is reminding residents and visitors of hot weather safety tips as high temperatures are forecast for Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, August 8. The highest heat indices for this period are expected to range from 95°F to 98°F with little relief overnight. "As high temperatures continue to impact our City, we encourage everyone to take the heat seriously and make a plan to stay safe," said Brooke Amendola, Executive Director of Emergency Management. "Stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, and look out for your neighbors; it can make all the difference." The City of Boston is taking immediate action to provide heat relief to residents and visitors. During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10-15% increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages. Anyone can feel the impacts of extreme heat, regardless of age or medical conditions. Some of the resources available include: AlertBoston, the City’s opt-in emergency alert system that provides guidance during major emergencies; cooling resources across the city; educational materials focused on kids’ safety; Boston Centers for Youth & Families locations and state-owned pools. All information about these and other City resources are available at boston.gov/heat. This year, the City has updated its heat preparedness categorization thresholds and language for hot weather events to be in line with other partners and ensure resources are allocated efficiently. The City will now issue a heat advisory if there is a heat index of 95°F for 2 hours over 2 consecutive days or 1 day with a heat index of 100°F for 2 consecutive hours. Additionally, the City of Boston will now issue an excessive heat warning for 1 day of a heat index of 105°F or above for 2 or more consecutive hours or a temperature increase of at least 25°F within a 24-hour period of time with the high temperature reaching 90°F or above.  Stay Informed Residents can sign up to receive updates through AlertBoston, the City’s emergency mass notification system, by phone, text, or email for information regarding extreme weather events. AlertBoston notifications are available in 11 languages. Residents, families and visitors are encouraged to visit boston.gov/heat, a city webpage with resources and tips to prepare for and stay safe during heat events. The page also has specific information for parents, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others. Places to Cool Off Splash pads are open at various parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Several city pools are also available for swimming. Find an updated list of splash pads, pool locations and their operating hours at Boston.gov/pools.  Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers are available during normal business hours on Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, August 8 for people to come in and cool off. Find locations and hours at Boston.gov/BCYF.  Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat during their regular hours on Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, August 8. Patrons are welcome to participate in BPL’s summer programming for kids, teens, and adults.  The City issued the following heat safety tips: Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. More tips for cooling down at home can be found on boston.gov/heat. If you can not avoid being outside, take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you are not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats. Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. To help prevent electrical fires, always plug air conditioners and fans directly into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords or overload power strips, as these can overheat and create a serious fire hazard. If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities. If you are an older adult and need help getting to a cooler space, the Age Strong Commission offers discounted taxi vouchers for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 617-635-4366 for more information. Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat. Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness   If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911.  The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.  Boston Public Health Commission's emergency shelters have air conditioning and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are 90 degrees or above, amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a cool respite from the heat.  Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need.  Boston Public Health Commission’s street outreach teams providing recovery services continue operating as normal from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends transporting people to shelter, day spaces, treatment, home, or places of origin. During this stretch of extreme heat, outreach workers will be passing out water to those who need it. Youth and Outdoor Safety    Hot weather affects infants and young children more than most adults because they heat up more quickly and sweat less. The potential impacts of heat on childhood health and development can be lifelong.  Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. If you have a child under the age of 10 in your home, install child window guards in addition to screens on any open window that is more than 12 feet above ground. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.    Parents, guardians, and educators can visit boston.gov/cool-kids to make an action plan and review heat guides for children. Shoes should be worn outdoors, including on splash pads, spray decks, playgrounds, and turf athletic fields, as surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns. Outdoor Fires and Grilling No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. Grills should only be used in a well-ventilated area. The City of Boston’s work is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston framework to prepare for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston.