吳弭市長公佈“海岸風暴風險管理研究” 呼籲民眾協助爭取最高65%聯邦補助

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（20）日宣佈，美國陸軍工兵團（USACE）完成「波士頓海岸風暴風險管理可行性研究」草案。一旦計劃獲批准，波士頓市可爭取最高65%的聯邦經費補助，來推動歷史性的海岸防洪建設，對抗海平面上升。

    這草案將在2026年7月24日至9月18日之間，公開徵詢大眾意見。

    這項大型海岸防護計畫由波士頓市與美國陸軍工兵團新英格蘭分部合作主導，預計耗資百億美元，將在全市16英里的海岸線上，建造防洪牆（floodwalls）、堤岸（berms）及防潮閘門（floodgates）等20多項防洪基處設施，藉以改善並永久封閉20處主要的洪水入侵通道，全面提升波士頓內陸社區的氣候韌性。

    吳弭市長強調，這份研究是爭取聯邦資源來保護易淹水社區的關鍵一步；美軍工兵團代表也指出，面對日益嚴峻的沿海洪水風險，「什麼都不做」絕對不是選項，地方與聯邦必須深化合作。

    研究數據顯示，波士頓目前有高達28.4萬名居民及2萬棟建築位於海岸洪水高風險區。若維持現狀不採取任何防護措施，本世紀末的累積經濟損失恐達540億美元。目前估計，每投入1美元建設可減少4美元的災損。整體基建費用預計需約100億美元。

    這研究計畫的整體可行性報告，預計可於2028年正式完成，隨後送交國會爭取授權與撥款。

    波士頓市府與陸軍工兵團呼籲居民和利益相關者，在9月18日前踴躍參與社區會議並提交回饋，以作為後續設計與施工階段的修訂依據。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ANNOUNCE DRAFT PLAN TO PROTECT BOSTON AGAINST SEA-LEVEL RISE AND EXTREME WEATHER

Coastal infrastructure projects would help protect the over 40% of Boston residents at risk of flooding and prevent over $40 billion in economic loss by end of century 

BOSTON – Monday, July 20, 2026 – Today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the release of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, a once-in-a-generation study to protect Boston against coastal flooding and sea level rise. This study, projected to be completed by 2028, will allow the City of Boston to access up to 65% federal cost-sharing to construct coastal resilience projects to prevent an estimated $41 billion in damages from coastal flooding. The proposed projects outlined in the draft report are open to public comment from July 24 through September 18. Residents and stakeholders can submit their feedback and learn about upcoming community meetings and webinars at boston.gov/flood-prevention.

“Boston leads with bold action to protect our communities and our future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The future of our city depends on the steps we take now to build resilient communities. With more frequent flooding in vulnerable areas during extreme weather events, the Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study is critical to understanding how to protect inland neighborhoods most at risk and unlocking resources to take action. I’m grateful for all our partners working to ensure Boston is resilient, prepared, and beautiful.”

“Today marks a major milestone in our shared mission of community resilience,” said Lieutenant Colonel David MacPhail, Deputy Commander of the New England District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “The reality is that doing nothing is not a viable option. Without action, the costs to public safety and economic vitality from coastal flooding will only be compounded.”

Flood Risk in Boston

Roughly one sixth of Boston is built on filled tidelands and is in danger of flooding due to sea-level rise and extreme weather. Since 1991, Boston has experienced 24 severe storm events that triggered federal or state disaster declarations,14 of which caused major flooding. Flooding already affects many coastal neighborhoods even on blue sky days, and flood paths on Boston's low-lying land will carry coastal storm flooding deep into neighborhoods in the decades to come.

Boston is at greater risk of coastal flooding due to expected increasing storm intensity and sea-level rise. According to USACE, over 40 percent of Boston residents (an estimated 284,000 total) live in areas that are at risk of coastal flooding, and approximately 20,000 buildings are at risk of severe flooding. 

Building coastal infrastructure is critical to protect inland parts of Dorchester, Roxbury, the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, East Boston, Charlestown, and even Allston, as well as access to hospitals, the MBTA, I-93, the Mass Pike, Logan Airport, and more. Without any action, some neighborhoods over a mile away from the ocean could experience severe flooding in the next 25 years.

USACE Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study

The draft Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study outlines a multi-decade scope of work consisting of over 20 infrastructure projects along 16 miles of Boston’s 47-mile coastline, largely in alignment with Boston’s Climate Ready Boston neighborhood plans. These projects would permanently close 20 long-term coastal flood pathways (inland areas that could flood during extreme weather events). These sites have been identified by the federal government as key areas of risk that could compromise the safety and economic future of both Boston and the country at large.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) estimates $54 billion in projected losses by the end of the century if Boston takes no action to improve its coastal resilience. However, USACE estimates that every $1 invested in Boston’s resilience through these projects will save residents, businesses, and the public sector at least $4 in future avoided disaster losses. According to USACE’s draft report, it will cost approximately $10 billion for the baseline infrastructure to close all of Boston’s coastal flood pathways. This draft report does not include additional cost estimates for project upgrades to improve public access to Boston Harbor. As these projects are further designed in the years to come, the City expects to invest billions of additional dollars through federal, state, and private funding streams to enhance USACE’s baseline coastal resilience infrastructure and improve residents’ access to green space and recreational opportunities along Boston Harbor. 

By partnering with USACE, the City of Boston can access up to a 65% federal cost-share for construction of the baseline infrastructure to protect Boston from flooding. Boston will work closely alongside the Commonwealth and private-sector partners to secure the remaining funding needed to finance these critical projects as they are further designed and delivered over the coming several decades. On June 1, the Boston Green Ribbon Commission announced the launch of a one-year study to identify how Boston and its government and private sector partners can fund and finance the 35% non-federal cost share to deliver on these critical coastal resilience projects. This study will analyze the total cost of inaction, the benefit and Return on Investment (ROI) of resilience investments, the funding gap to fill, funding and financing options from public and private sources, and a recommended financial strategy.

The USACE draft Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study report contains:

• Locations for projects to protect Boston against coastal flooding

• Different types of infrastructure projects proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers, such as floodwalls, berms, and floodgates

• Neighborhood characteristics, such as the environmental resources, cultural institutions, and local history, that will affect what types of projects are constructed.

Public Feedback

The locations for coastal resilience infrastructure proposed by USACE in this study are not final. As of today, the public can visit boston.gov/flood-prevention to see:

• A summary of the USACE draft study report,

• A storymap, an immersive multimedia presentation highlighting maps, proposed coastal infrastructure projects, and notable features of the draft study report,

• Proposed neighborhood plan summaries, including the possible locations and types of coastal infrastructure projects, and

• Upcoming community meetings and webinars, including a webinar on best practices for providing public comment on August 6 at 10 AM.

USACE will publish the full draft Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study on their website later this week. Residents and stakeholders can submit their feedback by September 18 at 5 PM.

Coastal Resilience Planning in Boston 

This work to protect Boston would not be possible without the collaboration and perspective of our communities. Over the last decade, the City of Boston has engaged thousands of residents and stakeholders across coastal neighborhoods, making this one of the most extensive community-driven resilience planning processes in the country.

In 2016, the City of Boston published its Climate Ready Boston plan, which outlined the adaptation efforts to protect Boston from extreme heat, stormwater flooding, and coastal and river flooding. It also identified climate resilience initiatives to enable Boston to address these risks and continue to thrive in the face of climate change. 

From 2017-2022, the City of Boston created local Coastal Resilience Solution Plans to identify the location of flood risks and opportunities for flood prevention infrastructure across each neighborhood. As a result, the City developed coastal resilience solutions and an implementation roadmap that outlines the timing by which strategies need to be constructed and next steps for advancing each proposed project in each neighborhood. USACE will be a critical partner in implementing these projects.

Following the completion of the neighborhood coastal resilience plans, the City has taken action to implement priority projects across the city’s waterfront to reduce near-term coastal flood risk for Boston’s communities. The City projects underway in each coastal neighborhood include 11 projects currently in design, two projects actively in construction, and three projects that have been constructed and are open to the public. Progress on project implementation are available through the City’s Coastal Resilience Project Tracker.

“All of Massachusetts benefits from the protection of Boston’s coastline,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer for the City of Boston. “Failure to protect our city jeopardizes the entire region’s economic prosperity and access to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, higher education, rail networks, highways, and job opportunities. The more we invest in Boston’s resilience now, the more we will all prosper in the future.”

“If we do not act, many people in Boston and across the region could have their home, work, school, commute, or medical care affected by coastal storms and sea-level rise," said Chris Osgood, Director of the Office of Climate Resilience. "Investing in resilience will not only save lives. It will protect our regional economy and critical services, as well as enhance recreational, and natural spaces along Boston Harbor.”

“The Army Corps partnership is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock significant federal funding to protect Boston’s major job centers and our state’s economic competitiveness,” said Lindsey Butler, Executive Director of the Green Ribbon Commission. “With this plan as our foundation, now is the moment for pragmatic collaboration to protect not just the coastline but the economic vitality of our city for generations to come." 

Sign up for project updates on the US Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study.

波士頓麥特潘民宅驚傳槍擊案 受害者一槍斃命 業主為聯邦眾議員之夫

（Boston Orange編譯）波士頓麥特潘（Mattapan）7月18日下午驚傳命案，一名警方知道是誰的人，陳屍在聯邦眾議員普萊斯莉（Ayanna Pressley）丈夫所擁有出租公寓中，一槍斃命。

波士頓警方表示，18日下午1點52分，有人走進警察局報案，聲稱有人在麥特潘的Malta街25號之2遭遇槍擊，受害者仍在案發現場。

警方與波士頓緊急醫療服務（EMS）人員隨後趕抵現場，並在公寓後方臥室發現受害者，並在下午2時宣布其死亡。

警方報告指出，警方知道受害者是誰，已通知家屬，但未公受害者姓名。

法醫初步檢驗證實，死者一槍斃命，惟具體「死亡方式」仍待法醫進一步鑑定。波士頓警局謀殺案調查組已正式接管此案，並保有最終管轄權。

涉案的馬爾他街（Malta）住宅是一棟具歷史意義，有7間臥室的多戶型出租公寓，估值91.9萬美元，一個月前就已掛牌準備出售，開價115萬元。業主為聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley的丈夫Conan Harris。

洛士百利圖書館冠Shaw姓 紀念波士頓市首名非裔女電視新聞記者

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu，右二)和政要聯袂宣佈洛士百利圖書館加冠Shaw姓。
（市政府提片）

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和波士頓公共圖書館（BPL）7月18日把洛士百利（Roxbury）分館改名為「蕭－洛士百利分館（Shaw-Roxbury Branch）」，以表揚莎拉．安．蕭（Sarah-Ann Shaw）對新聞專業、社區服務及提升非裔女性媒體代表性的貢獻。

    波士頓市府表示，Sarah-Ann Shaw是波士頓首名非裔女性電視新聞記者，在 1969年至2000年間，任職WBZ-TV，長期報導地方新聞，並投入教育、識字推廣、黑人歷史文化及社區服務。

    2024年，住在洛士百利的Sarah-Ann Shaw辭世，享壽90歲。市府與家屬一起提出用Sarah-Ann Shaw的名字來命名一棟市政府建築物，以作為紀念的構想。

    2025年，波士頓公共圖書館董事會高票通過，把Sarah-Ann Shaw名字，加冠在她長年支持的洛士百利公共圖書館之上，再經過市長及負責市有建築命名的公共設施委員會（Public Facilities Commission，PFC）核准定案。

    吳弭市長表示，Sarah-Ann Shaw以新聞工作讓長期被忽略的社區故事受到重視，也為波士頓媒體及公民社會留下深遠影響。

    Sarah-Ann Shaw的女兒克萊兒．蕭（Klare Shaw）則表示，希望圖書館能讓更多年輕人認識母親的生平，從中獲得啟發。

    聯邦眾議員普利斯莉Ayanna Pressley、麻州參議員米蘭達（Liz Miranda）、眾議員泰勒（Chynah Tyler）、沃瑞爾（Chris Worrell），以及波士頓市議員卡爾佩珀（Miniard Culpepper）與路易珍（Ruthzee Louijeune）等人，都肯定Sarah-Ann Shaw打破種族與性別障礙，長年為洛士百利社區發聲的貢獻，認為圖書館改名有助於保存她對新聞與公共服務貢獻的歷史。

    洛士百利分館位於努比亞廣場（Nubian Square），1978年啟用，由創立於1873年的洛士百利分館及1915年的芒特普萊森分館（Mount Pleasant Branch）整併而成，目前是波士頓公共圖書館系統最大的分館，服務整個洛士百利社區。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, CITY OF BOSTON DEDICATE ROXBURY BRANCH OF BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY IN HONOR OF SARAH-ANN SHAW

Renamed library honors longtime Roxbury community leader and trailblazing Black television news reporter

BOSTON - Monday, July 20, 2026 - On Saturday, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Public Library celebrated the Roxbury Branch of the BPL being renamed after Sarah-Ann Shaw, Boston’s first Black woman TV reporter. Shaw worked at WBZ-TV in Boston from 1969 to 2000 and was a lifelong resident of Roxbury. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 90. Photos from the event are available at this link.

“Sarah-Ann Shaw’s brilliance in reporting, love for Roxbury, and passion for uplifting stories and communities that might otherwise have been overlooked helped reshape Boston’s media landscape and strengthen civic life across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The Shaw-Roxbury branch library will proudly carry her name for all future generations to learn from her legacy and carry forward the values she championed. Thank you to Klare and her entire family and community for their partnership in renaming this branch in her honor.”

In an effort to recognize Sarah-Ann Shaw’s exemplary service and impact to Boston, Mayor Wu and the City of Boston worked closely with the family on the best way to honor Shaw, putting forward a request to rename a municipal building in her honor. In 2025, The Trustees of the Boston Public Library voted overwhelmingly in favor of the renaming, noting Shaw’s substantial contributions to the Roxbury community and to representation for Black female journalists in the television news industry. Following this vote, the proposal was officially approved by Mayor Wu and the City’s Public Facilities Commission (PFC), which oversees the process for the renaming of municipal buildings.

"Our mother Sarah-Ann Shaw was a treasured Roxbury native, BPS graduate and showed everyone in our community that more is possible. The family is very grateful to Mayor Wu and the Trustees of the Boston Public Library for this recognition of our matriarch," said Klare Shaw, daughter of Sarah-Ann Shaw. “Whether pushing for community members to be empowered, or collaborating with her colleagues at the "Friends of the Library," my mom dedicated her life to promoting education, literacy, Black History, and culture in her community. The entire Shaw family is thankful to everyone who knew and loved our mom and made today's important dedication happen. It's our hope that young people and future generations will visit this library, learn about her life and discover their passions."

“Sarah-Ann Shaw spent her career making sure Roxbury’s stories were told with the seriousness they deserved,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “The Shaw-Roxbury Branch will carry that legacy forward for generations of patrons to come.”

“This renaming ensures that generations to come will walk through the doors of the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library in Nubian Square knowing more about the story of a trailblazer, activist and champion of education and literacy.” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. “Sarah-Ann Shaw had a lifelong relationship of service and dedication to this library, Roxbury, and the City of Boston"

“The legacy of Sarah-Ann Shaw is one of activism, community uplift, and sharing of untold stories as a journalist,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “I can think of no better way to honor her contributions than renaming a library after her, especially in her home neighborhood of Roxbury.”

"Today we celebrate Sarah-Ann Shaw, a trailblazing, beloved, and proud daughter of Roxbury. Sarah-Ann Shaw dedicated her life to educating and empowering our communities and shattered concrete ceilings while remaining intentional about mentoring other Black journalists here and across the country,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. "Her lifelong commitment to shed light on the joy and brilliance of Boston’s Black and brown communities and lift up neighborhood grassroots movements is an inspiration to us all. I’m grateful for her family, for Mayor Wu and the Boston Public Library, and to everyone who advocated for this library renaming as a powerful tribute. May her legacy live on forever in the Roxbury community at the newly renamed Shaw Roxbury Branch Library at Nubian Square.”

“Sarah-Ann Shaw was more than an award-winning journalist—she was the conscience of our community. As a proud daughter of Roxbury, she understood that telling our stories truthfully and with dignity was an act of justice. She made sure our neighborhoods, our elders, our young people, and our movements were seen, heard, and remembered at a time when too often they were overlooked. I had the privilege of knowing Sarah-Ann personally, and like so many in Roxbury, I experienced her generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to lifting others as she climbed. Renaming the Roxbury Branch Library in her honor ensures that future generations will know her name and be inspired by her example. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who believed that knowledge, storytelling, and community have the power to transform lives,” said State Senator Liz Miranda

“We are living in a time when Black excellence is too often undermined and overlooked, even here in Boston. As a former Trustee of the Boston Public Library, I know how important it is for our libraries to remain inclusive and committed to uplifting Black history and culture. It is a true privilege to support dedicating the Roxbury Branch Library in recognition of Ms. Sarah-Ann Shaw- Boston's first African American woman television news reporter. Her achievements paved the way for future generations in media, and naming the library in her honor is a compliment to her legacy and reaffirms our commitment to recognizing the lasting contributions of Black leaders who have shaped our city,” said State Representative Chynah Tyler. 

"Sarah-Ann Shaw showed us what it meant to lead with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to our community. She didn't just make history as Boston's first Black woman television news journalist—she made sure our stories were told with honesty, dignity, and compassion. She believed in the people of Roxbury and dedicated her life to making sure our voices were heard. Sarah-Ann's legacy has always been about opening doors for others, and I can think of no more meaningful tribute than renaming a library in our community that will continue opening those doors for generations to come,” said State Representative Chris Worrell. 

“Sarah-Ann Shaw dedicated her life to uplifting our community's voices and sharing our stories. Naming the Roxbury Public Library after her is the ultimate tribute to a woman who embodied the very spirit of community engagement and learning. She was my mentor and my shero, and I am thrilled that future generations will connect with her legacy every time they walk through these doors,” said District 7 City Councilor Miniard Culpepper. 

“How fitting for the Roxbury branch to be renamed the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library. Sarah-Ann Shaw loved Roxbury and she loved this library.  She was Boston’s first Black woman reporter and now little Black girls in Boston - and everyone else - will know her name. Through her work in journalism, her neighborhood advocacy, and her ability to connect with everyone, and now this library, Sarah-Ann Shaw’s legacy will endure in this city,” said City Councilor At Large Ruthzee Louijeune.

The Roxbury Branch, located in Nubian Square, opened its doors in April 1978, replacing two smaller locations. The Mount Pleasant Branch opened in 1915 on Vine Street, while the Roxbury Branch, housing the Fellowes Athenaeum, opened on Millmont Street in 1873, and served patrons for more than 100 years. The two locations were merged into what is today the largest branch in the BPL system, serving the entire Roxbury community. 

麻州選票問題今年多達 9 個 廢除娛樂大麻及槍枝管制都在名單上

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州務卿威廉蓋文（William F. Galvin）辦公室17日宣佈，今年11月的麻州大選將有9項選票問題，交由選民公投，數量之多追平1994年時的歷史新高，從廢除大麻到管制槍枝，內容多元，目前有一項提案正等待最終審查。

        今年的麻州選民公投問題的數量，原本更多，但麻州最高法院（SJC）早前以麻州檢察長Andrea Campbell辦公室出現認證錯誤，摘要具誤導性等原因，駁回了有關租金管制及削減州所得稅的提案，因而縮減了公投提案的選票問題數量。

        在目前已確定的9個選票問題中，最受矚目的應為「廢除娛樂性大麻合法化」。該案若通過，麻州將成為全美首個逆轉大麻合法化的州。

        大麻產業倡議者已就連署簽名有效份數提出異議。由于威廉爾文辦公室認證的第二輪簽名（12,511份）僅比門檻（12,429份）多出82份，州政府小組預計於本週三做出裁決。

        另一項重大選票問題則是「廢除州內槍枝管制法」，保守派視之為透過公投削減槍枝限制的全美風向球。

        其餘的選票問題，政治與民生改革並重。在政府透明度與選舉方面，麻州審計長Diana DiZoglio推動將公眾記錄法擴大至州長辦公室與州議會；州務卿本人也支持「投票日當天登記」提案。政治體制上，有民主黨人提議取消政黨初選，改採不分黨派的「前兩名（top two）」晉級制。

        經濟與民生層面，有倡議團體提出透過調整體育用品等稅收，籌集逾1億美元以保護自然資源；也有建築提案“重塑區域規劃法（Reshaping zoning laws）」以降低購屋門檻。此外，公設辯護人也爭取集體談判權。最後，商業團體推動修改自動退稅法（Chapter 62F），訴求將「富人稅」納入計算以加速觸發退稅。

        將印在11月大選選票上，交由民眾公投表決的9個選票問題，分別為：

• 娛樂性大麻廢除案： 挑戰2016年通過的合法化法案，若通過將成全美首例（這一選票問題，目前正在做簽名資格審查）。
• 槍枝管制法廢除案： 由第二修正案支持者發起，旨在廢除州內部分槍枝管制措施。
• 公眾記錄法擴大： 訴求將州長辦公室與州議會納入公眾記錄法範圍，提高州政府透明度。
• 全面不分黨派初選： 提議取消政黨初選，改為單一選票，前兩名最高票者晉級大選。
• 選舉日當天登記： 允許居民在投票日當天直接登記並投票。
• 富人稅與自動退稅法（Chapter 62F）修改： 將百萬富翁稅納入退稅公式計算，使其更容易觸發自動退稅。
• 自然資源保護基金： 利用體育用品、高爾夫球場等稅收，預計籌集逾1億美元保護自然景觀。
• 基本款房屋（Starter Homes）地目改革： 調整分區法，允許在較小土地上建造單一家庭房屋以降低房價。
• 公設辯護人公會化： 賦予公共 counsel 服務委員會的公設辯護人集體談判權。

AAJC調查報告證實亞裔與主流社會的新聞消費習慣迥異

     （Boston Orange編譯）亞裔美國人促進正義會（AAJC）上週於華府（D.C.）發佈《匯聚曝光與分歧體驗》報告，首度證實亞裔族群的新聞消費習慣與美國主流大眾截然不同，且深受族裔、移民世代與語言能力影響。

        該研究報告由AAJC和密西根大學資訊學院合作，訪談 2,000 人，填補了過去全國性研究缺乏亞裔社群獨立數據的空白，也深入探討了 AANHPI（亞裔、夏威夷原住民及太平洋島民）社群由於文化背景的差異，對於「文化相關新聞」的需求強烈。

        在防範假訊息上，研究呈現出有趣對比：英語流利度較高者，雖然接觸到網路假新聞的頻率更高，但普遍對能否識別真偽更有信心；然而和一般人想像得不一樣的是，教育程度較高的受訪者，反而顯得比較沒信心。此外，年齡也是影響個體對假訊息擔憂程度的關鍵因素。

        AAJC的 科技、電信與媒體政策高級總監Lia Nitake強調，掌握這些真實數據，能打破過去將亞裔社群單一化看待的假設，對於未來制定公民參與和數位識讀課程至關重要。

        這研究延伸自 2025 年 4 月發布的焦點小組報告。面對現今地方媒體式微與人工智慧（AI）科技的衝擊，AAJC表示未來將持續深入研究，保護 AANHPI 社群免受網路惡意敘事與數位威脅的侵害。

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Releases New Report on Media Consumption Among Asian Americans

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), in conjunction with our partners at the University of Michigan School of Information, released findings from quantitative research exploring how members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community consume online information: Converging Exposures, Divergent Experiences: Asian Americans, News and Information Seeking, and the Circulation of Problematic Narratives Online.

 

There exists very limited formal research into how the information consumption habits of AANHPI communities differ those of the broader American public, as most national studies are conducted exclusively in English and often do not contain high enough proportions of Asian Americans for this group to be listed as a separate demographic category. This study shares findings from a multilingual survey of 2,000 individuals nationwide, 1,750 of whom who self-identified as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islanders, and provides important baseline research for how AAHNPI communities access news online. It builds off findings from a related focus group report, Beyond Language Translation, published in April 2025. This latest study found that:

 

• Asian Americans’ media diets are distinct from those of the general U.S. population and are greatly shaped by ethnicity and immigrant generation, language preference, and, at times, language proficiency. As such, there is a great desire among Asian Americans for more culturally-relevant news sources.

• Experiences with, and exposure to, misinformation among Asian Americans were similar to those of the general U.S. population, with some exceptions. While all respondents reported moderate to high exposure to made-up news, higher rates of English-language proficiency correlated with higher exposure rates as well as higher confidence in recognizing made-up news.

• Age, language, education, immigrant generation, and race/ethnicity (especially Asian American vs. NHPI), greatly shaped levels of concern as well as individual attitudes and behaviors. Those with more English-language proficiency tended to be more confident in addressing misinformation concerns, whereas those with more education were less confident, nonintuitively. Age also proved to be a significant factor in concern levels and attributing responsibility to various institutions.

 

“Understanding the online media consumption patterns of communities is critical for everything from shaping civic engagement strategies to crafting digital literacy curriculum. Until now, there has not existed data-driven research focusing on how the broader AANHPI community across generations, ethnic groups, and English-language abilities consume information and engage with harmful online narratives,” said Lia Nitake, Senior Director of Technology, Telecommunications and Media Policy at Advancing Justice – AAJC. “This study allowed us to better understand the experiences of individuals who are often overlooked or homogenized and test assumption often made off of anecdotal evidence and personal experiences.”

 

With local news outlets increasingly under threat and artificial intelligence tools fundamentally changing how individual access information, we look forward to continuing work that explores how to best safeguard AANHPIs from misinformation and other digital threats.

向籃球傳奇Bob Cousy致敬 I-290南橋街通道更名

麻州州長Maura Healey(後中）與Bob Cousy及其家人。（州長辦公室提供圖片）

        (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（17）日和交通廳官員及地方代表，在伍斯特市（Worcester）舉行典禮，把跨越南橋（Southbridge）街的I-290公路大橋命名為「鮑伯·庫西通道（Bob Cousy Pass）」，表揚這位傳奇球星對麻州體育與社區的卓越終身貢獻。

    「鮑伯·庫西通道（Bob Cousy Pass）」大橋座落在鮑伯庫西母校聖十字學院（College of the Holy Cross）的門戶要道。麻州副州長Kim Driscoll和代理交通廳長兼麻州地鐵（MBTA）總經理伍偉華（Phillip Eng）都出席了這場盛會

    高齡90多歲的籃球名人堂傳奇球星兼在地英雄，對麻州體育與社區的卓越終身貢獻。

    麻州政府表示，用Bob Cousy這位現年90多歲籃球名人的名字，來命名這座每天連接無數人與社區的交通樞紐，完美契合了Bob Cousy無論在球場內外皆扮演著「連結者」的偉大人生。 

    有個「球場哈利·胡迪尼（Houdini of the Hardwood）」，綽號的鮑伯·庫西（Bob Cousy）在紐約市長大，隨後前往伍斯特市的聖十字學院就讀，並開啟了傳奇人生。

    鮑伯·庫西（Bob Cousy）進入職業籃壇後，居然能夠不看人就把球從背後傳出去，革新了籃球打法，被人稱為「球場魔術師」，還成為波士頓塞爾提克隊（Boston Celtics）的當家控球後衛，率隊奪下6座NBA總冠軍，更曾榮獲例行賽MVP、入選13次全明星賽，得過奧運金牌，名列NBA 75大球星之一。

    從球場退役後，鮑伯·庫西（Bob Cousy）以伍斯特市為家，著了數十年。庫西家族在典禮上感性表示，全家人都對慷慨接納他們的城市與社區深懷感激。

    麻州公路管理局長古利佛（Jonathan Gulliver）指出，「鮑伯·庫西通道（Bob Cousy Pass）」這座永久性的地標，不僅向傳奇致敬，更將持續激勵麻州未來的年輕運動員與後代子孫。

Governor Healey Celebrates Dedication of “Bob Cousy Pass” Honoring Basketball Legend   

WORCESTER — Governor Maura Healey today joined Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, Bob Cousy and his family, local officials and community members to dedicate the “Bob Cousy Pass”, honoring Hall of Fame basketball legend Bob Cousy for his extraordinary athletic achievements and lifelong contributions to Massachusetts. 

The bridge, which carries I-290 over Southbridge Street in Worcester, will serve as a lasting tribute to one of the greatest players in basketball history and one of Massachusetts' most celebrated hometown heroes. 

"Bob Cousy changed the game of basketball forever, but his impact reaches far beyond the court," said Governor Maura Healey. "He has represented Worcester and Massachusetts with integrity, humility and excellence throughout his life. It's only fitting that this bridge, which connects people and communities every day, will forever carry the name of someone who has inspired generations on and off the court, myself included." 

 "Bob Cousy's story is part of Worcester's story," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "His talent, determination and commitment to giving back have made him a role model for generations of young people across Massachusetts. We're proud to celebrate his incredible legacy with this permanent tribute." 

Known around the world as the "Houdini of the Hardwood," Bob Cousy revolutionized the game of basketball. As the legendary point guard for the Boston Celtics, Bob Cousy helped lead the Boston Celtics to six NBA championships during one of the most successful eras in franchise history. A 13-time NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player, Olympic gold medalist and member of both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, Cousy revolutionized the point guard position with his passing, ball handling and creativity. 

Raised in New York City, Cousy attended the College of the Holy Cross before beginning his legendary professional career. Throughout his life, he has remained a proud ambassador for Worcester and Massachusetts through his civic leadership, philanthropy and commitment to mentoring future generations. 

“We as a family feel ever so fortunate to have lived in Worcester, a community which is so generously embraced our dad and us,” said The Cousy Family. “Dad‘s love for Holy Cross and for Worcester infused all of us in the family. We are grateful that our parents to have chosen this community to make their home.” 

"As the ultimate Crusader Legend, Bob Cousy represents the very best of living for and with others," said Holy Cross Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "From our campus and the Worcester community to the global stage of basketball, his influence is immeasurable. We are deeply grateful to Governor Healey for permanently anchoring Bob's impact in our state's history by naming the Cousy Pass at the gateway of the Holy Cross campus. A truly fitting tribute!" 

“The dedication of this bridge in honor of Bob Cousy is a fitting tribute to a local legend whose legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. The recognition by the Healey-Driscoll Administration demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to preserving and honoring our history. The Bob Cousy Pass will stand as a lasting reminder of Bob Cousy’s remarkable contributions to Worcester, Massachusetts and generations of athletes and fans who continue to be inspired by his example,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation & MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.    

"Today, we were proud to honor one of Massachusetts' most iconic sports figures. Dedicating this bridge is a fitting tribute to a legend whose legacy of excellence, perseverance, and leadership continues to inspire the Commonwealth. We are proud to recognize Bob Cousy’s remarkable contributions with a lasting landmark that will serve as a reminder of his influence for years to come,” said Undersecretary of Transportation and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  

 

Today's dedication celebrates not only Bob Cousy's remarkable athletic accomplishments, but also his enduring legacy of leadership, service and community that continues to inspire people across Massachusetts. 

「吳弭市長戶外電影之夜」7/17~9/13 在波士頓市14個公園舉行

         (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓公園及休閒局（Boston Parks and Recreation Department）為慶祝美國250週年，將於2026年7月17日至9月3日，在全市14座公園推出「吳弭市長戶外電影之夜（Mayor Michelle Wu’s Movie Nights）」，全部免費入場，免費爆米花先到先得。
        片單由「波士頓市長青年委員會」（Boston Mayor’s Youth Council）票選產生，涵蓋闔家歡樂動畫（《動物方城市2》、《壞蛋聯盟2》、《艾立歐》、《跳躍者》、《山羊》）、賣座強片（《超人》、《大蟒蛇》、《魔法壞女巫：好戲上場》），以及慶祝美國建國250週年的特別放映（《馬爾科姆·X》、《十月的天空》、《國家寶藏》、《漢密爾頓》）。所有影片於黃昏時分開演，現場提供免費爆米花，送完為止。
這項活動由波士頓公園及休閒局主辦，美國銀行贊助，並獲市長旅遊、體育暨娛樂辦公室額外支持，是波士頓夏季最受歡迎的家庭活動之一。
        吳弭市長表示，今年的片單由青年領袖參與挑選，融入年輕視角，也呼應國家歷史紀念。
吳弭市長說：「波士頓公園電影之夜是每年夏天最受家庭喜愛的活動之一，也是免費又好玩，讓大家享受波士頓市美麗公園的方式。今年的片單由青年委員會成員精心挑選，並納入慶祝美國250週年的特別放映。

完整放映場次（所有場次皆於黃昏開演，免費入場）：
7月17日（週五）—在洛士百利（Roxbury）的Malcolm X Park放映《馬爾科姆·X（Malcolm X，美國250週年場）》。
8月4日（週二）—在南端（South End）的Titus Sparrow Park，放映《動物方城市2（Zootopia 2）》。
8月10日（週一）—在布萊頓（Brighton）的Rogers Park，放映《壞蛋聯盟2（The Bad Guys 2）》。
8月11日（週二）—在洛士百利（Roxbury）的Marcella Playground ，放映《超人（Superman）》。
8月12日（週三）—在羅森岱爾（Roslindale）的Healy Playground放映《十月的天空（October Sky）》，美國250週年場 + 流星雨觀測活動。
8月15日（週六）—在牙買加平原（Jamaica Plain）的Jamaica Pond，放映《國家寶藏（National Treasure）》，美國250週年場。
8月17日（週一）—在多徹斯特（Dorchester）的Walsh Playground
，放映《超人（Superman）》。
8月19日（週三）—在西洛士百利（West Roxbury）的Draper Playground，放映《山羊（Goat）》。
8月20日（週四）—在海德公園（Hyde Park）的Iacono Playground，放映《大蟒蛇（Anaconda）》。
8月25日（週二）—在東波士頓（East Boston）的東波士頓紀念公園，放映《艾立歐（Elio）》。
8月26日（週三）—在查理士城（Charlestown）的Training Field，放映《山羊（Goat）》。
8月27日（週四）—在南波士頓（South Boston）的Moakley Park，放映《跳躍者（Hoppers）》。
8月29日（週六）—在後灣（Back Bay）的柯普利廣場（Copley Square），放映《魔法壞女巫：好戲上場（Wicked: For Good）》。
9月3日（週四）—在市政府廣場（City Hall Plaza）放映《漢密爾頓（Hamilton）》，美國250週年場。
所有「公園藝術」（ParkARTS）活動均免費。最新資訊請上 Boston.gov/MovieNight，或致電 (617) 635-4505，訂閱電子郵件，或追蹤社群頻道：Facebook、Instagram 請搜尋 @bostonparksdept，Bluesky 請搜尋 @parks.boston.gov。

Mayor Michelle Wu’s Movie Nights begin July 17 

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department ParkARTS program presents Mayor Wu’s Movie Nights, a free outdoor film series featuring family favorites, blockbuster hits, and special screenings celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The series will take place in parks across Boston from July 17 through September 3, 2026. 

“Boston’s Movie Nights in the Parks are one of our most popular activities for families every summer, and they are a free, fun way to enjoy our beautiful parks,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This year's lineup was curated by members of our Youth Council and includes special screenings celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Thanks to our partners and organizers for helping us create a fun and safe environment where families can make new memories and share our history and culture through these films.” 

The Mayor’s Movie Nights series is hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Bank of America with additional support from the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. All movies begin at dusk. Free fresh popcorn will be available while supplies last. 

“There is nothing like watching a movie under the stars, and Mayor Wu’s Movie Night Series makes that magic possible,” said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space. “Our parks are where people come together to make memories with family and friends. We’re thrilled to bring back free screenings of some of this year’s biggest family films and are excited to debut a selection of special America 250 showings. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Tourism, and Entertainment for helping bring these experiences to people of all ages across Boston.”

This year’s lineup was shaped with guidance from the Boston Mayor’s Youth Council, whose members voted to select films. The Mayor’s Youth Council empowers young people to be civic leaders, share their perspectives, and help shape programs and initiatives that impact Boston communities. 

"We're thrilled to continue this partnership with Boston Parks and Recreation, bringing free movie nights to communities across the city this summer,” said Director of Special Events, Amy Yandle. “These events are about more than just films on a screen, they're about creating shared moments and lasting memories for Boston families.”

Special screenings celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will feature films including Malcolm X, October Sky, National Treasure, and Hamilton. 

Dates and locations are as follows:

Friday, July 17 
Malcolm X
Malcolm X Park, Roxbury, Movie Night 250

Tuesday, August 4
Zootopia 2
Titus Sparrow Park, South End

Monday, August 10
The Bad Guys 2
Rogers Park, Brighton

Tuesday, August 11
Superman
Marcella Playground, Roxbury

Wednesday, August 12 
October Sky 
Healy Playground, Roslindale 
Meteor Shower Program + Movie Night 250

Saturday, August 15
National Treasure
Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain, Movie Night 250

Monday, August 17
Superman
Walsh Playground, Dorchester

Wednesday, August 19
Goat
Draper Playground, West Roxbury

Thursday, August 20
Anaconda
Iacono Playground, Hyde Park

Tuesday, August 25
Elio
East Boston Memorial Park, East Boston

Wednesday, August 26
Goat
Training Field, Charlestown

Thursday, August 27
Hoppers
Moakley Park, South Boston

Saturday, August 29
Wicked: For Good
Copley Square, Back Bay

Thursday, September 3
Hamilton
City Hall Plaza, Downtown, Movie Night 250

All ParkARTS performances are free of charge. For more information please go to  Boston.gov/MovieNight. 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 Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

Massachusetts Senate passed bill to protect healthcare workers

Legislation responds to reports that nearly 7 in 10 nurses have experienced workplace assault, requiring annual security reviews and new protections for victims 

(BOSTON—7/16/2026) The Massachusetts Senate acted today to support the safety of frontline health care workers by improving vital security protocols at hospitals and doctors’ offices across the state.  

Responding to a troubling spate of violent incidents, the Senate’s legislation would require annual reviews of security protocols and potential risks at health care facilities. 

The legislation passed by the Senate, S.3171, also helps law enforcement make timely arrests for assaults at health care facilities, extends new supports to health care employees who are assaulted on the job, and shields victims’ personal information from assailants. 

“Health care workers show up every day to take care of us. The least we can do is make sure they're safe while they do it,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today we are giving hospitals and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent violence before it happens and respond quickly when it does, so our nurses, doctors, and health care staff can focus on what they do best: caring for patients. I am grateful to Chair Rodrigues for stewarding this legislation, to Chair Lovely for her leadership, and to each member for their support.”  

“No health care worker should ever be subjected to violence in the course of their duties, working long hours to selflessly care for their patients,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It’s alarming that almost seven out of 10 nurses have reported workplace violence, an unacceptable statistic that must end now. Our dedicated health care workers will now have updated workplace violence prevention programs and a stronger support system to ensure a safe and professional workplace environment. The legislation also addresses privacy issues, shielding a victim’s identity to allow for retribution-free reporting of violent incidences, and safeguarding an employee’s earned time for injuries sustained on the job. I would like to thank Senator Lovely her tireless efforts to move this legislation forward.” 

“Health care workers do God’s work every day to selflessly care for our loved ones and all Massachusetts’ residents,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “Today, the Senate took action so our laws better protect our health care workforce when they’re taking care of us.” 

“Every 36 minutes, a health care worker in Massachusetts is assaulted or threatened on the job,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “That is not the job description, and it never should be a reality for any professional. The bill the Senate passed today is built on legislation I have filed session after session on behalf of our nurses, our front-line caregivers, and our hospitals. It requires every facility to assess its own risks with its own workers, build a real prevention program, and ensure accountability. It gives an assaulted worker paid leave, privacy, and a lawful response. I thank Senate President Spilka and Chair Rodrigues for making this a Senate priority, and I thank the nurses who never stopped telling us what was happening on their floors.” 

Nearly seven out of 10 nurses report having experienced an assault in the workplace, according to data shared by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, 1199SEIU, and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association. 

The Senate bill backs up law enforcement officers who respond to those incidents by allowing timely, warrantless arrests for line-of-duty assault and battery on a health care employee. This reasonable use of a warrantless arrest, in situations where the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect committed the assault, is similar to existing exceptions to allow timely arrests in domestic violence cases. 

Supporting health care employees who are assaulted on the job, the bill requires employers to offer paid leave that covers an employee’s time seeking medical treatment and aiding in the prosecution of their attacker. It would also shield the victim’s personal, residential address on criminal complaints. 

Full details of the bill are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means redrafted the legislation and advanced it to the full Senate with a 13-0 vote on July 9, 2026. Previous versions of the bill were reviewed by the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and passed by the House of Representatives. 

The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

PLANNING ADVANCES AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ALLSTON, EAST BOSTON, MISSION HILL, AND ROSLINDALE

BOSTON – Thursday, July 16, 2026 – The Planning Department this month recommended approval of seven new development projects representing approximately 531,254 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 501 new homes, including 82 that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 475 construction jobs and 46 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Development Projects Project at 1200 Soldiers Field Road to bring new housing to Allston Housing: 58 residential units, ten income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 71 construction jobs Community: Bike parking, roof deck, public realm improvements Sustainability: Passive House, LEED Gold Located in Allston, this new, six-story building will include 58 homes, ten of which will be income-restricted. This project aligns with the Western Avenue Corridor Study and Rezoning, adopted by the Board in 2022, which encourages the development of multi-family housing along Soldiers Field Road. As part of the community benefits and mitigation for this project, it will contribute new sidewalks in the vicinity to enhance pedestrian safety, as well as a bikeshare dock on site. In addition, the project will contribute $25,000 to the Department of Conservation and Recreation in support of open space in the area, and $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. Residents will also benefit from a subsidized MBTA pass for the first year that they live there. 34-36 Pratt Street project to build housing in Allston Housing: 39 residential units, seven income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 42 construction jobs Community: Bike parking, close proximity to public transportation Sustainability: Green space, preservation of tree canopy, energy-efficient building This project will convert two residential buildings in Allston into 39 new homes, seven of which will be income-restricted. The homes will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The new six-story building will feature bike parking and improved sidewalks to support the goals of the Allston-Brighton Needs Assessment and the Allston-Brighton Mobility Plan. The project will contribute $10,725 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system.  New hotel, restaurant space to be built at 275 E Cottage Street in Dorchester Housing: 42 hotel rooms/extended stay suites Jobs: Commercial space, approximately 38 construction jobs Community: Providing a new place for tourists to stimulate the local economy Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon, all-electric building Located near the corner of Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester, this project will build a new six-story, 42-room hotel with extended stay suites. The project will connect to the adjacent development, creating a large restaurant space on the ground floor. The restaurant will also have a presence on the rooftop. The project will provide an alternative to short-term rentals in private apartments throughout the neighborhood, while also providing a new place for tourists to stay and support the local businesses in the area. Public realm improvements will include wider sidewalks, as well as new street trees. The project will make a $3,258 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare program.  9 Chelsea Street project to build new, transit-oriented housing in East Boston Housing: 120 residential units, 22 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 73 construction jobs, retail space Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Passive House, LEED Gold This project will build a new, mixed-use building including 120 new homes, 22 of which will be income-restricted. The units will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedrooms. The ground floor will include retail and amenity space, and the building will also include a roof deck for residents. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is located between the Maverick and Airport MBTA stations. The project aligns with the goals of PLAN: East Boston by providing ground floor retail to activate Maverick Square, and by supporting a pedestrian-friendly environment. The project will contribute new and wider sidewalks in the vicinity of the new building, as well as bike parking, and $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. The project will also contribute $103,000 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the implementation of the City’s Maverick Square Transportation Action Plan. 85 Parker Hill Avenue project to build new housing in Mission Hill  Housing: 103 residential units, eight income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 80 construction jobs Community: Outdoor space Sustainability: Renovation and reuse of existing building Located in Mission Hill, this project will fully renovate the existing assisted-living facility into multi-family housing with 103 new homes, eight of which will be income-restricted. They will be a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The building will also include bike parking. The project will also contribute $28,325 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, as well as $5,000 to the Mission Hill Link Bus. 4301 Washington Street project to bring new homeownership opportunities to Roslindale Housing: 16 homeownership units, two income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 23 construction jobs Community: New trees, contribution to bikeshare program, close proximity to public transit Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon What is currently a vacant building will be demolished to make way for a new, four-story residential building which will include 16 new homes. These will be a mix of two- and three-bedroom homeownership units. Two of these units will be income-restricted. The development will include new landscaping, and pedestrian access to the new building. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to the MBTA Commuter Rail. In addition, the project will contribute $15,125 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare program. This project fulfills the original goals of the Roslindale Square: Squares + Streets plan for incremental growth in neighborhood centers such as Roslindale Village. Because it is compliant with this plan and recent rezoning, the project will not require zoning relief. Project at 3841 Washington Street will build more than 100 new homes in Roslindale Housing: 165 residential units, 33 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 123 construction jobs Community: Close proximity to MBTA Orange Line, bike parking Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon, LEED Gold Located in Roslindale, this project will build a new, mixed-use building containing 165 new homes, 33 of which will be income-restricted, and ground-floor commercial space. These will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Mitigation for this project will include wider sidewalks, the relocation of an MBTA bus shelter, and new landscaping including new street trees. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to the MBTA Orange Line. The building will also provide bike parking to encourage alternate forms of transportation. The project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. In addition to these projects, the Board approved: An update to a previously approved project at 3326 Washington Street to make the project larger, and amend the amount of income-restricted units on site.

打擊黃牛票 向歌手Noah Kahan致敬 Healey州長提交「大分歧法案」

歌星Noah Kahan（左）連線出席麻州州長Maura Healey(右）打擊黃牛記者會。
（周菊子攝）

       (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（16）日宣佈將提出「大分歧法案（The Great Divide Act）」，規定體育賽事與演唱會門票的二次轉售價格不得超過原價的110%、平台服務費上限設為10%，建立全美最嚴格的保護消費者免受黃牛票之苦機制。

麻州州長Maura Healey說明她提出這法案，是為遏止黃牛票亂象，
還給民眾以合理票價欣賞音樂會，看球賽的機會。（周菊子攝）

        該提案為打擊二次轉售的票價過高，同時要求全面禁止賣家銷售尚未實際取得的「投機性票券（speculative tickets）」，手續費也只允許頂多收10%。

        奚莉州長將在遞交補充預算時，納入這一提案。

        近年在美國流行樂壇迅速崛起的民謠流行（Folk-Pop）與自傳式獨立民謠歌手，以木吉他演唱的Noah Kahan，甫於 7 月 7 日、8 日、10 日及 11 日，創下芬衛球場（Fenway Park）連續四晚演唱會門票售罄歷史紀錄。

        奚莉州長還特地把2026 年 7 月 11 日訂為麻州的「諾亞·卡漢日（Noah Kahan Day）」，向他致敬。

        然而，Noah Kahan這次在芬衛球場舉辦的「大分歧巡迴演唱會（The Great Divide Tour）」，門票價格炒得實在太高了，原本一張一般座位或站票的門票價格，是$50~$150之間，但在例如StubHub等二次轉售平台上，即使是距離舞台最遠、甚至有柱子遮擋的「視野受限區（Obstructed View）」，二手票最便宜也要 $450 至 $800 美元起跳。靠近舞台或球場草皮區（Turf/Field Zone）的好位置，一張二手票更被炒到 $2,700 至 $5,300 美元。

        更可惡的是，由於芬衛球場採用美國職棒大聯盟（MLB）的Ballpark App票務系統。黃牛為了搶出售機會，會在二手平台上掛出許多賣家根本還沒取得的「預測票/投機票（Speculative Tickets）」。結果許多歌迷大老遠跑來波士頓、訂了飯店，臨到開演前一刻才發現賣家交不出票，只能在球場外“徒呼負負”。

        再加上，FIFA世界杯足球賽在吉列體育場（Gillette Stadium）舉辦期間，也出現許多球迷買到假票而無法進場情況，

        麻州州長奚莉因此決定遞交法案，訂定除非演出者或場館有書面協議特別授權，否則票券轉售上限為面額的110%（例如100美元的門票最高僅能賣110美元）。如 StubHub 與 SeatGeek 等轉售平台收取的服務費，必須從目前的動輒20%以上，降至10%以下，有如直接砍半。同時禁止轉售網站偽裝成官方場館的誤導民眾。

        Noah Kahan本人也長期反對掠奪性的黃牛票轉售，曾推動佛蒙特州（Vermont）通過類似法案。16日這天，他應希莉州長之邀，特地連線出席記者會，直言他極力支持麻州打擊黃牛與黃牛市場操控，保護廣大歌迷權益。

        奚莉州長特地把這法案名稱訂為 「大分歧法案（The Great Divide Act）」，藉以向Noah Kahan這次的同名巡迴演唱會致意。

Governor Healey Takes Action to Cut Concert, Sports Ticket Resale and Fees  

Legislation caps ticket resale prices at 110% of original price, cuts resale fees in half and prohibits speculative ticket sales 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that she will file An Act Relative to Closing the Great Divide between Ticket Prices and Affordability, or The Great Divide Act, to lower sports and concert ticket resale prices and ensure that fans have a fair opportunity to enjoy the events they love without paying exorbitant prices on the secondary market. The legislation would establish some of the nation's strongest consumer protections for the secondary ticket marketplace, building on reforms recently adopted in states such as Vermont and Maine. 

The Governor’s proposal, which will be included in her upcoming closeout supplemental budget, caps the resale price of concert tickets at 110 percent of the price of the face value of the original ticket. It also limits the service fees and charges that can be imposed by ticket resellers like StubHub and SeatGeek to no more than 10 percent of the total price of the ticket for resale. It prohibits the sale of speculative tickets, which are tickets that are not in the possession of the seller when they are listed for sale. Finally, it implements additional consumer protections measures, including prohibiting the use of deceptive websites by ticket resellers and misleading consumers about the availability of tickets.   

The name of the proposal is a nod to singer and songwriter Noah Kahan, who recently made history as the first artist ever to headline four consecutive sold-out shows at Fenway Park. Kahan has been a vocal opponent against predatory resale practices and successfully advocated for a similar bill in Vermont. 

“Far too many Massachusetts residents have experienced the pain of being excited to buy tickets to see their favorite singer or sports team, only to realize that resale prices and fees have driven up the cost to outrageous levels,” said Governor Healey. “Or how about when you do purchase tickets from a reseller, only to get to the venue to realize the seller never actually transfers them to you? Enough is enough. We are taking action to lower ticket resale prices so Massachusetts fans can better afford to see their favorite performer or team.” 

During the press conference announcing the legislation, Governor Healey was joined virtually by Noah Kahan, who threw his support behind the measure: “I heard about what you’re announcing today and I just wanted to let you know how excited I am about it. The artist community and fans will greatly benefit from limiting ticket scalping and the sales of speculative tickets. I love my fans and want to protect them however I can. Artists alone could not tackle the market manipulation of secondary resellers. So, thank you so much for making this a priority in Massachusetts.” 

Under the proposal, concert tickets cannot be resold for more than 110 percent of their original face value, unless an artist or venue explicitly authorizes a higher resale cap through a written agreement. For example, if a ticket originally cost $100, it could be resold for no more than $110.   

The bill limits the service fees charged by ticket resale marketplaces to no more than 10 percent of the listed resale price for sporting events and non-sporting events like concerts. For example, if a ticket is listed for resale on a resale platform for $300, the service fee charged by the resale platform cannot exceed $30. Today, many resale platforms charge service fees of roughly 20 percent or more, adding hundreds of dollars to the cost of tickets. This proposal is expected to cut resale service fees typically paid by consumers today in half. 

The legislation also prohibits the sale of speculative tickets, meaning tickets that a seller does not actually have when they list them for sale. Too often, consumers pay for these tickets only to find out they are never delivered. During this summer's World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, some fans who purchased tickets through online resale platforms were turned away after discovering the tickets they bought never existed. 

The bill includes additional consumer protections to prohibit deceptive resale websites that falsely suggest they are affiliated with artists or venues and to prevent resellers from misleading consumers about ticket availability or scarcity.

波士頓市府交通規劃師Louisa Gag在天滿街上騎自行車時遇撞身亡 倡議安全團體提5大要求

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市交通規劃師Louisa Gag於7月9日在天滿街（Tremont）上騎自行車時被撞死一事，引發自行車安全倡導團體以4000多人簽名的公開信，提出5大要求，促請波士頓市府於7月31日前書面回覆。

    波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）在7月16日晚的追思會上承諾，將全面升級自行車道保護並重啟道路安全計畫。

    現年35歲的Louisa Gag，生前致力改善城市交通，早年還是吳弭擔任市議員時期的實習生。7月16日晚在波士頓市府廣場舉行的追思會中，吳弭誓言波士頓市在改善道路上必須做得更好，自行車安全倡導團體則指出，市府早在 2023 年就評估該失事路段有安全隱患，相關改善工程卻遲遲未動工。

    波士頓環球報引述人群中長期倡議自行車安全的Peter Cheung的話，「我們只是想要看到改變，而且希望快點看到，只有那樣，情況才會更好」。

    自行車安全倡導團體在7月16日晚的追思會上，遞交給吳弭市長一封有4000多人簽名，其中約2300人為波士頓居民的公開信，並提出5大要求，包括在30 天內重啟所有延誤的道路安全專案並恢復預算，採取「先快速建設、後修正優化」的方針，公布高風險路段改善時間表，任命重視交通零死亡的街道局長，市府必須在 7 月 31 日前做出書面答覆。

    吳弭市長在現場情緒激動，坦言她曾掙扎是否出席這追思會，最後在Louisa Gag父母的鼓勵下到場。她誓言將全面分析事故路段缺陷，嚴厲打擊占用自行車道的違規停車。

    這起車禍警方目前仍在調查中。據匿名消息指出，事發時一輛 18 輪聯結車在狹窄路段為了繞過其他車輛而撞上Louisa Gag，肇事司機目前尚未被起訴。

麻州參議會通過法案 醫院禁用含致癌化學物醫療設備

        （Boston Ｏrange編譯）麻州議會今（16）日通過第S.3106號法案，全面禁止在麻州醫院使用的靜脈注射（IV）袋與軟管中添加致癌化學物質鄰苯二甲酸二(2-乙基己基)酯（DEHP）。

        麻州參議會議長Karen E. Spilka和參議會財政委員會主席Michael Rodrigues，參議會經濟發展與新興技術委員會主席Barry Finegold今日聯袂宣佈，參議會通過這項跨黨派法案，旨在消除醫療過程中的二次毒性風險，現已正式送交州長奚莉（Maura Healey）簽署，預計將帶動全美醫療器材安全的新標準。

        塑膠醫療設備長期以來廣泛使用DEHP來提升柔軟度，但「乳癌預防夥伴組織（Breast Cancer Prevention Partners）」等機構的研究指出，該化學物質會干擾人體內分泌系統，並顯著增加使用者罹患乳癌、肝癌、肺癌及睾丸癌的風險。

        麻州參議會新通過的「無毒醫療器材法案（An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices）」將禁止在麻州製造與銷售故意添加DEHP的輸液容器及軟管，全面要求醫院過渡至既有的安全替代品。

        麻州政界與醫療界都大力支持這法案。參議會議長Karen Spilka和眾議會議長Ronald J. Mariano強調，患者不應擔心救命設備會危害健康，這是維護公共衛生的常識性改革。

        主導提案的參議員Joan B. Lovely、眾議員James J. O'Day，以及參議會籌款委員會主席Michael J. Rodrigues、公共衛生聯合委員會主席William J. Driscoll Jr.和Marjorie C. Decker都表示，此法將給醫療機構靈活的轉型期，在確保醫療設備在安全無虞中順利完成替換。

        目前這法案正等待州長簽署生效，麻州將藉此創下醫療品質的新標竿，並加速醫療設備邁向無毒醫療時代。

Legislature Bans Cancer-Linked Chemical from IV Bags in Massachusetts 

Legislation prohibits DEHP — linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer — from intravenous bags and tubing used in Massachusetts hospitals 

  

(BOSTON—7/16/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature voted to ban the use of a toxic chemical commonly added to plastic intravenous (IV) bags and linked to cancer cases in Massachusetts. 

  

The bill would phase out the use of DEHP—a toxic chemical—in IV bags and tubing in Massachusetts. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. 

  

“Today the Legislature took action to make sure that no patient in Massachusetts has to wonder whether the equipment keeping them alive is also putting their health at risk,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill takes a known carcinogen out of common hospital equipment and replaces it with safer alternatives that are already available. I'm grateful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Driscoll, and Senator Lovely for their persistence on this issue, to our partners in the House, and to the doctors, nurses, and advocates who raised their voices to make sure we got this done.” 

  

“These are common-sense reforms that will protect patients in Massachusetts from toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Leader O’Day, Chair Decker, and all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for these important protections.” 

  

“Today the Legislature took a bold step forward, ensuring that residents in Massachusetts will be safer when they enter a hospital, now knowing that the medical implements and equipment utilized are free of unnecessary contaniments,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation will phase out the manufacturing and selling of DEHP, a known environmentally harmful additive to IV bags and tubing. We need to do all we can to make our health care environment the safest possible for all patients in Massachusetts. I would like to thank Senator Lovely and Representative O’Day for their staunch advocacy in the passage of this legislation.” 

  

The legislation—S.3106, An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices—would prohibit the manufacture or sale of IV containers and tubing made with intentionally added DEHP. DEHP—Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—has been linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. 

  

“We are once again elevating the standard of care in the Commonwealth and we should all be proud of that. When implemented, this will improve the health of patients by decreasing exposure to toxins and known carcinogens,” said Senator William J. Driscoll Jr. (D-Milton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. “We have a duty to keep patients and healthcare providers safe. As the Senate Chair of Public Health and a family member with loved ones receiving the types of care that this legislation applies to, I am grateful to all involved who took action to bring this to the legislature's attention and ultimately over the finish line into law. This result represents meaningful collaboration between legislators, staff, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, patients, and advocates.” 

  

“We know that DEHP poses serious health risks, disrupting hormone systems and increasing cancer risk,” said Representative Marjorie C. Decker (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. “This legislation is a vital step in protecting public health by banning the sale and manufacture of IV bags and tubes that contain this toxic chemical. By eliminating DEHP, we commit to safer alternatives, prioritizing the health and well-being of our communities.” 

  

“The Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act was filed because patients should never have to worry that the tools meant to heal them are exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical, especially when safe alternatives already exist in use right here in Massachusetts,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely, lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Seeing this advance through the Legislature brings Massachusetts to the brink of leading the nation on exemplary medical care. I want to thank Senate President Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues for their leadership, and our colleague Representative James O'Day for his partnership as House sponsor.” 

  

“Massachusetts has always been a leader in health care innovation, and we here in the Commonwealth have a responsibility to continue advancing policies that make care safer for the people who need it most,” said Representative James J. O'Day (D-West Boylston), Fourth Division Chair and lead House sponsor of the legislation. “This legislation reduces unnecessary exposure to DEHP in medical devices while giving hospitals and providers the flexibility needed for a responsible transition to safer alternatives. I’m grateful to Senator Lovely for her partnership, Speaker Mariano for his leadership, and all the advocates, stakeholders, and colleagues who worked together to bring this important public health measure across the finish line.” 

  

Having been passed by the Legislature, the bill has been sent to Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her signature. 

Governor Healey Announces Nearly $2 Million to Expand Employer-Supported Child Care

Governor Healey Announces Nearly $2 Million to Expand Employer-Supported Child Care 

 

Pilot program will help employers expand child care options, support working families and strengthen Massachusetts' workforce 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded nearly $2 million through the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund (ECCIF) pilot to support partnerships between employers, child care providers and community organizations that will expand access to affordable, reliable child care across Massachusetts. The grants will help working families find the care they need while helping employers recruit and retain the workforce they depend on.  

 

Launched in 2024, the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund encourages employer-led solutions that expand child care capacity, support care during nontraditional work hours and develop new employer-supported child care models. The initiative reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to making Massachusetts more affordable while strengthening the state's workforce and economy. 

 

"Finding affordable, reliable child care shouldn't stand between parents and a good job," said Governor Maura Healey. "These partnerships will help families access the care they need, help businesses recruit and retain talented employees, and make Massachusetts more affordable and competitive." 

 

"Communities and employers know what their workforce needs, and these grants will help them build solutions that work locally," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're proud to support partnerships that expand child care options, strengthen our economy and make it easier for families to succeed.” 

 

"Every family deserves access to high-quality, affordable child care," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "These projects will help expand opportunities for families, while supporting providers and strengthening the Commonwealth's early education and care system." 

 

This year's grantees represent employers and community partners from across Massachusetts, reflecting a range of industries, business sizes and regional needs. Their projects will expand child care capacity, increase access during nontraditional work hours and pilot employer-supported child care models that can be replicated across the state: 

• Berkshire United Way: $400,000 
• Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc. (dba The Community Group): $550,000 
• Seaport Orthodontics (dba Seaport Smiles): $150,000 
• United Way of North Central MA: $800,000 

The selected projects will pilot employer-supported child care models that reflect the needs of Massachusetts workers and businesses, including expanded infant care, care during nontraditional work hours, employer-funded child care assistance, and new technology to connect families with available care. Together, these projects will serve workers in industries such as health care, human services and hospitality while testing approaches that can be expanded statewide. 

 

"Early education and child care are critical parts of the Massachusetts' economic infrastructure," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. "Affordable, reliable child care is essential to a strong workforce, and employers have an important role to play in shaping solutions. This pilot program supports new partnerships that will directly expand access to high-quality child care for working families while helping the Commonwealth and employers identify new approaches to recruiting and retaining the workforce we need." 

 

"Massachusetts' economic competitiveness depends on employers being able to attract and retain talented workers, and access to affordable child care is a critical part of that equation," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "These grants will help employers and community partners develop innovative child care solutions that meet local workforce needs, support working families, and strengthen our economy for the long term." 

 

“Expanding access to affordable, quality child care is one of the most important steps we can take to support working families and strengthen our workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “By awarding these grants to community partners and a coalition of employers, we are creating new solutions to deliver child care services that will assist working families and, in turn, better position caregivers to participate in the workforce and help businesses attract and retain the talent they need.” 
 

"The Employer Child Care Innovation Fund demonstrates what's possible when the public and private sectors work together to solve workforce challenges," said Alanna Mallon, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation. "These grants will support innovative partnerships that help working families access reliable child care while strengthening employers' ability to recruit and retain talent. We are proud to partner with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Early Education and Child Care Task Force co-chairs and the Department of Early Education and Care to move this investment from vision to implementation and look forward to supporting these projects as they create lasting impact across Massachusetts.” 

 

The Employer Child Care Innovation Fund, administered by Commonwealth Corporation in partnership with the Department of Early Education and Care, is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader strategy to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care while strengthening the Commonwealth's workforce. The initiative advances the work of the administration's Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force and builds on historic investments included in the recently signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, including continued support for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program, the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), and $1.2 billion in child care financial assistance to help approximately 72,000 children and their families afford care. 

 

“Access to high-quality, affordable early education and care has long been a priority of mine. It is essential to our children's success, enables parents to participate fully in the workforce, and strengthens our economy. I am encouraged by these innovative partnerships and hopeful that this initiative will move us closer to ensuring every family in the Commonwealth has access to the child care they need to thrive,” said Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch.  

 

"I'm pleased to see this program put into action, helping expand access to affordable child care for working families across the Commonwealth." said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "It is an investment in our children, our families, and our businesses." 

 

"Innovative employer-engaged child care solutions have the potential to support the success of Massachusetts families, strengthen our labor force, and bolster our overall economic competitiveness,” said Tom Weber, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education. “These locally designed, pioneering child care partnerships will contribute to the creation of a world-class early childhood education system that will help Massachusetts continue to be best-in-class for family well-being and the smart choice for employers seeking top talent." 

 

“The Roundtable has long advocated for high quality early education and child care as a workforce development strategy, an economic development strategy, and an effective investment in children and their families,” said JD Chesloff, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. “The Employer Child Care Innovation Fund is the exact public-private model we need to encourage partnerships, identify innovative initiatives, and scale them to maximize their benefit statewide. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and legislature for their leadership and are encouraged by employer enthusiasm for this program and the promise it holds for future expansion of employer supported child care.” 

 

The administration will recognize this year's recipients at a celebration later this summer. The event will feature a roundtable discussion with grantees, employers, and child care leaders to showcase the innovative partnerships made possible through the program and explore how employer-supported child care can help strengthen Massachusetts' workforce and economy.