MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE EMT GRADUATES AND RECENT PROMOTIONS

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE EMT GRADUATES AND RECENT PROMOTIONS

Ceremony marks the completion of Boston EMS Recruit Academy for 20 new EMTs and recognizes 12 members advancing in their careers

BOSTON – Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined Boston Emergency Medical Services (Boston EMS) and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) at historic Faneuil Hall to celebrate the graduation of 20 new EMTs and the promotion of 12 Boston EMS members to new roles within the department. The graduates successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an intensive training program that prepares recruits to deliver high-quality prehospital care across the city. The new class strengthens Boston EMS’s ability to meet growing demand for 9-1-1 ambulance and dispatch services.

“We’re welcoming 20 new EMTs to Boston EMS and honoring those who have been promoted into new leadership roles,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every day, the skill, professionalism, and compassion of Boston EMS make a difference in every neighborhood across our city. We’re proud to welcome this new class and celebrate the important role of Boston EMS in serving the people of Boston.”

“Graduating from the Boston EMS Recruit Academy is an important accomplishment, and the start of an important new chapter in your career,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “You’ve spent months learning how to assess patients, make critical decisions, work as a team, and remain focused in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. This new class is joining a department with a long tradition of excellence and a responsibility to be there for people when they need us most. We’re proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited to see the impact you will have in our city.”

The Boston EMS Recruit Academy is a full-time, paid program that combines classroom instruction with field training to prepare EMTs to respond to a broad range of medical emergencies and complex situations, including mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials exposures, and other high-risk calls. During their training, the graduates collectively responded to more than 2800 9-1-1 calls, treating patients experiencing everything from cardiac arrests and behavioral health crises to respiratory illnesses, overdoses, and serious traumas.

“Emergency medical services are an essential part of a healthy and resilient city,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Boston EMS brings life-saving medical care directly to people when and where they need it most, often under incredibly difficult circumstances. Congratulations to the new EMTs beginning their careers with Boston EMS and to EMS personnel who have been promoted. Your knowledge and commitment strengthen our ability to care for our residents every day.”

During the ceremony, the department also recognized four EMTs who were recently promoted to the rank of Paramedic following their successful completion of an intensive paramedic program, departmental promotional exams, and a demanding three-month field internship.

Promoted to Paramedic
• Meghan Keough
• Baird Lashley
• David Rossi
• Andrew Shea

Additionally, the department recognized the promotion of two individuals to the rank of Captain and six individuals to the rank of Lieutenant. 

Promoted to Captain
• Rachel McPherson
• Michael Regan
Promoted to Lieutenant
• Jessica Finn
• Kevin Franck
• Greg LaPlant
• Ryan McLoughlin
• Michael Walker
• Rachel Williams

These eleven members collectively contribute more than 160 years of combined service and leadership experience to the department’s supervisory ranks.

“Leadership at Boston EMS is earned through experience, judgment, and a commitment to the people we serve,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “The members recognized in this ceremony have demonstrated those qualities throughout their careers, and these promotions reflect the trust we place in them to lead their colleagues and help shape the future of this department. Congratulations to our newly promoted Paramedics, Lieutenants, and Captains.”

Boston EMS is the largest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 141,000 emergency medical incidents each year. 

慶祝中華民國115年國慶

 

麻州出現第13宗人類感染西尼羅病毒個案

State Health Officials Announce 13th Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

Some risk will continue until the first hard frost

BOSTON (October 9, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the 13th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual is a woman in her 40s who was likely exposed in Middlesex County. 

 

Risk levels for WNV continue to be high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop. Most of the rest of the state is at moderate risk. The risk from WNV will continue until the first hard frost. 

 

DPH announced the state’s first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, 344 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been no animal cases of WNV reported this year.

 

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 27 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

 

Surveillance information, including case updates, is updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state. 

 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, is available on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT Omar Cabrera Omar.Cabrera@mass.gov State Health Officials Announce 13th Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts   Some risk will continue until the first hard frost

Registration Now Open for Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament Taking Place in October and November

Registration Now Open for Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament Taking Place in October and November

Boston, MA - October 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced the 2026 Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament and Festival, expanding this year to two locations at Boston Scores Soccer Fields in East Boston on October 24-25 and at Moakley Park in South Boston on November 7-8, 2026. 

“In Boston, we’re working to ensure that all kids can spend time outside, learn to work as a team, and enjoy our beautiful parks and green spaces,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Registration is now open for the Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament, and we are excited to add two new locations to expand our tournament even further. I look forward to cheering on all of our young athletes.”

“Parks are where our communities come together to play, connect, and make memories, and youth sports are such an essential part of that,” said Diana Fernandez Bibeau. “We’re thrilled to bring back the Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament with two weekends of play, more divisions, and more opportunities for young people across Boston to get outside, be active, and enjoy our parks together. We can’t wait to see our fields filled with young athletes, families, and neighbors cheering them on.” 

Young athletes from across Boston will compete for the title of “Boston’s Best” in both competitive and recreational divisions across two weekends:

Grades 3–5
On Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, boys and girls in grades 3, 4, and 5 will compete in both the Premier Division (Competitive) and Recreational Division at Boston Scores Soccer Fields in East Boston.  

Grades 6–12
On Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, boys and girls in grades 6, 7/8, and high school (grades 9–12) will compete in both the Premier Division (Competitive) and Recreational Division at Moakley Park in South Boston.

Tournament play will be organized into two divisions, competitive and recreational, and will feature 7v7 play with a maximum roster size of 15. Grades 3-5 teams must register by Tuesday, October 13 with final rosters due by Friday, October 16. Grades 6 - High School must register by Monday October 26 with final rosters due by Friday, October 30. Teams are required to provide their own uniforms and are guaranteed to play at least three games. All participants receive exclusive Mayor’s Cup swag.

The Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Thank you to our partners at Boston Scores for supporting this year’s tournament by donating time on their fields. For more information, please contact Woodley Auguste at woodley.auguste@boston.gov. 

Learn more and register for the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament at boston.gov/parks-sports. 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 at @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky and @bostonparksdept on Facebook and Instagram.

CITY OF BOSTON PREPARES TO LAUNCH FIVE FREE LINK BUS ROUTES ACROSS THE CITY

CITY OF BOSTON PREPARES TO LAUNCH FIVE FREE LINK BUS ROUTES ACROSS THE CITY

Free community shuttle buses in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the Seaport will build on Mayor Wu’s efforts to expand fare free transit 

BOSTON- Friday, October 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston will launch five free, publicly accessible Link Bus routes to expand neighborhood transportation options and strengthen connections to the MBTA, jobs, schools, healthcare, local businesses, and other essential destinations.

The new and expanded services will operate in Mattapan, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and South Boston Waterfront. The shuttle service will provide last-mile service along an established route between residential neighborhoods and transit stops at no cost for users.

“Boston is a city of incredible opportunities, but residents must have more reliable and affordable transportation for every family to build their fullest lives and strengthen our community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The Link Bus program will bring free transportation services directly into our neighborhoods, strengthen connections to the MBTA, and make it easier to get to work, school, appointments, and local businesses. We are grateful to our federal, state, and community partners for helping build a transportation network that works for everyone.”

The Link Bus program is supported by approximately $11.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Relief Program, administered through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The funding is part of the broader $21.6 million LINKUP Greater Boston award, which also includes approximately $10 million to expand Bluebikes and support greater access to e-bikes. The federal grant will support three years of operations for the free shuttle services. During that time, the City will be evaluating ridership, better understanding demand for the services, and identifying opportunities to support their long-term sustainability. 

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Boston (EDIC) authorized acceptance of the Link Bus funding at its September 17 meeting, allowing the City and its partners to move forward with contracting, community engagement, service planning, and launch preparation.

Three services will be operated in partnership with transportation management associations (TMA) serving Allston-Brighton, Charlestown and the Lower Mystic, and the Seaport. The City, through EDIC, will competitively procure operators for the Mattapan and Roxbury fixed-route transit services. The services are expected to launch in early 2027. 

“Transit is foundational to how Boston’s neighborhoods grow and thrive,” said Chris Osgood, Interim Chief of Streets. “Link Bus services will complement the MBTA by filling targeted first-mile and last-mile gaps and connecting people more directly to the regional transit network. Each service will reflect its neighborhood while sharing a commitment to being free, accessible, reliable, and open to everyone.”

The Link Bus initiative builds on the City’s experience supporting free neighborhood transportation services, including the Mission Hill Link, the Lower Mystic Link, and EZRide. Once launched, residents will be able to access rider information, including schedules and stop locations, through the city’s website. Community engagement, procurement, and detailed service planning will continue over the coming months.

“This investment demonstrates how transportation and planning can work together to connect residents to opportunity and support the economic vitality of our neighborhoods,” said Kairos Shen, Chief of Planning. “This will create stronger connections among homes, jobs, commercial districts, community institutions, and the broader transit system.”

The routes, stops, schedules, and service models for the Mattapan and Roxbury services have not yet been finalized. The City will work with residents, businesses, elected officials, and community organizations to identify the destinations and connections to improve access to neighborhood commercial districts.

A Better City, Lower Mystic TMA and Seaport TMA will play a central role in operating and coordinating three of the five grant-supported services. TMAs work directly with employers, institutions, residents, and commuters to improve commuters' experience and ease traffic congestion.

“Transportation Management Associations are built to bring partners together and develop practical transportation solutions that respond to how people actually travel,” said Pat Sullivan, Executive Director at Seaport TMA. “This investment gives us an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen existing connections, expand free public access, and create services tailored to the needs of the Lower Mystic and Seaport communities.”

A Better City will support the development of the Allston-Brighton service through its transportation demand management work and partnerships with the neighborhood’s employers and institutions.

“Reliable first-mile and last-mile connections are essential to a transportation system that supports workers, businesses, and a growing regional economy,” said Scott Mullen, Transportation Demand Management Director at A Better City. “The Link Bus program combines significant public investment with the local knowledge and partnerships needed to deliver useful, accessible service. We are excited to work with the City and the Allston-Brighton community to help shape this new transportation option.”

The Link Bus program builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to making transit more affordable and accessible, including the City-supported program that keeps MBTA Routes 23, 28, and 29 fare-free through the end of 2026. Link Bus services will complement the MBTA by closing targeted transportation gaps, improving connections to transit stations, and serving destinations that can be difficult to reach through the existing network. The MBTA supported the City’s application for the federal award.

Governor Healey Calls for Girls Flag Football to Become Official MIAA Varsity Sport

Governor Healey Calls for Girls Flag Football to Become Official MIAA Varsity Sport

Participation has grown from eight Massachusetts high school teams in 2023 to 90 teams in 2026

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey called for girls flag football to become an official Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) varsity sport, citing its rapid growth across Massachusetts and the opportunities it is creating for young women to compete, lead and represent their schools.

“The question is not whether young women in Massachusetts want to play flag football; they have already answered that through their participation, commitment, and advocacy for the sport,” wrote Governor Healey. “The opportunity before us is whether we will provide them with the same level of recognition, support, and competitive structure afforded to other varsity student-athletes.” 

“One of the best parts of this job is hearing directly from students about what they want to see in their schools, and students have been clear that they want girls flag football to be recognized as an official MIAA varsity sport,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Young women across Massachusetts have made their voices heard. Their advocacy and the remarkable growth of the sport across the state show the enthusiasm behind it. I’m grateful to stand with Governor Healey in supporting these student-athletes and expanding this opportunity to even more students and schools.”

“Governor Healey has been a champion for girls flag football and the young women who are driving its remarkable growth across Massachusetts,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots. “When the Patriots Foundation launched this program with eight schools in 2023, we believed it could create meaningful opportunities for girls to compete, lead and represent their communities. To see it grow to 90 teams that we have been proud to financially support in just four seasons demonstrates that these athletes are ready for the next step. We strongly advocate for the effort to make girls flag football an official MIAA varsity sport and provide these student-athletes with the recognition, resources and competitive structure they have earned and we look forward to continuing to support and grow the program with additional teams in the coming years.”

Making girls flag football an official varsity sport would provide student-athletes with greater recognition and a more consistent competitive structure, while creating more opportunities for girls to represent their schools, build leadership skills and experience the benefits of interscholastic athletics.

Governor Healey has consistently supported expanding opportunities for girls and young women in sports. In August, she joined girls flag football players at Patriots Training Camp to celebrate the growth of the sport and the athletes helping lead its expansion across Massachusetts.

The sport is also growing beyond the high school level. Collegiate programs are expanding across the country, creating new opportunities for student-athletes to continue competing after graduation, and flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Participation in high school girls flag football has increased for five consecutive years and recently hit another all-time record. In 2021-22, there were 15,716 girls participating in flag football nationally. That number has now ballooned to 102,360 – an increase of 87,000 participants in just four years. Last year alone, participation in girls flag football increased 48.7 percent, and the sport now ranks in the Top 10 most popular among girls.

Under a process approved by the MIAA Board of Directors in 2025, sports can seek designation as an “Emerging Sport” under MIAA governance before potentially advancing to championship status as participation grows. The process requires support from at least 15 percent of MIAA member schools.

The New England Patriots Foundation launched a girls high school flag football pilot with eight Massachusetts schools in 2023. Participation grew to 23 teams in 2024 and reached 90 teams during the 2026 season.

Governor Healey is supporting the effort to secure official MIAA recognition for girls flag football and ensure that student-athletes who want to play have access to the same recognition, support and competitive opportunities as athletes in other varsity sports.

波士頓雙十國慶遊行、升旗ㄓ 吳弭市長宣佈10/3為本地「中華民國台灣建國日」（圖片及視頻）

2026 波士頓雙十國慶遊行從華埠牌樓出發。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu)宣佈，10月3日為波士頓市的中華民國台灣建國日。
波士頓經文處帶處長黃耀良（右）代表接受。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極學校舞龍。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊的蕭靖穎揮舞國旗。（周菊子攝）

波士頓北一女校友會出動樂儀隊，為遊行助陣。（周菊子攝）

波士頓雙十國慶遊行升旗的幕後推手，左起紐英崙中華公所雷國輝，波士頓
華商會副會長陳文珊，紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖。（周菊子攝）

波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄（左起），波士頓經文處代理處長黃耀良
感謝波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦，華商會副會長陳文珊，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝
等人舉辦雙十國慶遊行、升旗。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊。（周菊子攝）

美國退伍軍人會華埠328分會的司徒文信（左起），伍振中，黃國麟，
司徒焯榮和黃周麗桃（後右起，黃耀良，康雅雄。（周菊子攝）

波士頓國民黨委員鄭增壽（左）指揮喊口號。（周菊子攝）

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭（右二）親自到場為遊行隊伍打氣。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會秘書長沈慶雲（左二）和榮光會員們扯旗。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會理事陳家驊率隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

劍橋合唱團團長林泓安（右一）和鄭雪卿，曾建斗，曾政明等人這天是
僑教中心志工。（周菊子攝）

在佛蒙特州Norich大學念軍校的台灣學生也來遊行。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙婦女新運會由共會長張青梅（右三）和李盧蓮馨（左三）率隊。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙余風采堂主席余雅倫（中）和余立昌宗親組隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙至德三德公所元老黃周麗桃（右二）邀波士頓市議員Ed Flynn（右三）合影。
（周菊子攝）

李氏公所遊行隊伍由李奇舜帶隊。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙昭倫公所主席謝如鍵（前中）和宗親一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙至孝篤親公所由陳孟君（左）和陳志新（右）抬旗遊行。

波士頓台灣生物科技協會共會長朱怡德（前右二起）和蔡景全，
以及前會長吳佩容，廖怡恩代表該會遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（右）和新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會一起遊行。
（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會的遊行隊伍。（周菊子攝）

波士頓大學同學會也派員出席。（周菊子攝）

麻省理工學院台灣同學會會長黃崇恩（前右）。

王月娥（右二）等璞石中華文化工作室同仁一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭中文學校協會。（周菊子攝）

勒星頓中文學校。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊的小朋友耍彩帶，一點也不含糊。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊的小朋友個個像花朵。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣龍舟隊隊長邱偉哲（佐貳）率隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

拓荒者隊由黃意庭（左一），李鴻宇領軍。（周菊子攝）

台大校友會會長邱亮德（右一）率領的隊伍有台灣黑熊助陣。（周菊子攝）

波士頓政大校友會會長吳宇懷（右起），前會長林遊嵐也為波士頓急難救助協會舉旗。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn致詞。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市議員Erin Murphy致詞。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊表演民俗舞蹈。（周菊子攝）

李佳蓉（右一）創辦的搖擺舞團表演。（周菊子攝）

李佳蓉（左五）等搖擺舞團團員和波士頓市長吳弭（右四）合影。

中華民俗藝術工作坊的蕭靖穎，遊行時沿路揮舞大國旗。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊表演結束後攜手謝幕。（周菊子攝）

洪青體育會的瑞獅來到波士頓市政府廣場前的英姿。（周菊子攝）

華林功夫太極學校邊舞龍，邊敲龍打鼓。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠牌樓。（周菊子攝）

遊行隊伍中還有摩托車隊。（周菊子攝）

遊行、升旗典禮前，大合照。（周菊子攝）

青天白日滿地紅國旗在波士頓市政府廣場上飄揚。（周菊子攝）