CITY OF BOSTON ELECTION DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF STATE PRIMARY, ISSUES CALL FOR POLL WORKERS

CITY OF BOSTON ELECTION DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF STATE PRIMARY, ISSUES CALL FOR POLL WORKERS Early voting will take place at sites throughout the city starting Saturday, August 22 through Friday, August 28

BOSTON - Monday, August 17, 2026 -  The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Primary will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This election will determine the candidates on the ballot in the upcoming State Election on Tuesday, November 3. Poll Worker Recruitment The Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming State Primary on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160-200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful way to give back, participate in democracy, and help neighbors vote in elections. Residents can request to be assigned a location close to their home. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged.  Residents can apply or get more information at boston.gov/pollworkers, by emailing the Election Department at pollworkers@boston.gov, or by calling 617-635-0905. Voter Registration The voter registration deadline for the State Primary on September 1 is Saturday, August 22, 2026. Voters may register: In person: At the Boston Election Department, 1 City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, by Saturday, August 22, 5:00 p.m. Online: At voteinma.com by Saturday, August 22, 11:59 p.m. By mail: Registration forms must be postmarked by August 22 In-Person Early Voting In-person early voting will run from Saturday, August 22 through Friday, August 28. Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location. Boston City Hall will serve as the primary early voting site, with voting on: Monday, August 24, Wednesday, August 26, and Friday, August 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to enter Boston City Hall using the North side entrance on Congress Street (across from the Haymarket T-Station). Additional early voting locations are available in neighborhoods throughout the city on the following dates: Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Tuesday, August 25, and Thursday, August 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check-in. Early voting locations will be well-staffed with poll workers and interpreters. All sites are fully accessible to voters with disabilities. Vote By Mail Application The vote by mail application deadline is Tuesday, August 25 at 5:00 p.m. Voters may apply for a vote by mail ballot through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, by visiting the Election Department in room 241 at City Hall, or by mailing an application. Voters should not place applications in ballot drop boxes as this will delay processing. Voters can track vote-by-mail or absentee ballot at trackmyballotma.com. Accessible Voting The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply online. The deadline to apply for an accessible ballot is Tuesday, August 25, at 5:00 p.m. To get access to the electronic ballot, voters will need to provide their email address. Poll Pads Electronic Check-in Poll Pads will be used to check-in voters at each Early Voting location. The voting process for voters remains the same: voters will check in with a poll worker, receive a paper ballot and envelope, mark their vote, seal it in the envelope, and return it to be counted on Election Day or processed in advance at an authorized facility. Central Tabulation On Monday, August 24, the City of Boston will begin processing mail-in and in-person early voting ballots cast in the State Primary for all 275 precincts. Ballots will be removed from their envelopes and fed into a tabulator at Boston City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 801, Boston, MA 02201.  Only ballots received prior to Friday, August 28, 2026, will be removed and deposited in Room 801. Advance Processing Schedule Ballot removal and processing will occur daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning on Monday, August 24 through Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with processing beginning at 7:00 a.m. on September 1 (if necessary) and continuing until all ballots have been processed. All ballots advance processed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, will be centrally tabulated. All other ballots received by 2:00 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, September 1, 2026) will be delivered to their respective precinct for processing. Ballots received after 2:00 p.m. on Election Day will be processed after the close of polls at 8:00 p.m., once the voter lists from each precinct have been received by the Election Department. The list of precincts to be processed can be found on the public notice.

緬因州發現” 獨立宣言“ 1776年手抄本

緬因州1776年手抄版「獨立宣言」。（取自Wells鎮臉書）

     （Boston Orange編譯）緬因州威爾斯鎮（Wells）8月13日在臉書上貼文，聲稱在查察鎮上的歷史紀錄時，發現一份該鎮1776年書記員Nathaniel Wells手寫的獨立宣言副本。

        威爾斯鎮書記官辦公室表示，緬因州是到1830年時，才成為美國第23個州，之前是麻州的一部分。這獨立宣言手寫本是該鎮當年書記Nathaniel Wells在1776年7月抄錄的。

1776年手抄版獨立宣言。（取自Wells鎮臉書）

        在第二屆大陸會議（Secon Continental Congress）於1776年7月4日採納了「獨立宣言」後，麻州議會下令將獨立宣言的印刷本送到每個市鎮宣讀，並交給市鎮書記，存為官方紀錄，「做永久的紀念」。

        威爾斯鎮記錄簿含有獨立宣言，以及原始的只是，也使之和美國歷史這最重要時刻，有了令人年以置信的關聯。

        這紀錄被保存在鎮書記檔案中250年。

緬因州檔案館目前收藏並保護了兩份《獨立宣言》副本。

波士頓市喜獲 Welcoming America 四星級認證

波士頓市政府中英新聞稿：

波士頓市榮獲四星級「CERTIFIED WELCOMING」認證
麻薩諸塞州首個獲得「CERTIFIED WELCOMING」認證的城市。
波士頓 - 2026 年 8 月 17 日,週一 —— 吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 市長、市長移民促進辦公室 (Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement, MOIA) 與 Welcoming America 共同宣布,波士頓市已榮獲 Welcoming America 授予的四星級 Certified Welcoming 認證,此認證認可波士頓在制定支持移民融入與歸屬感的政策、計畫及實踐方面處於全國領先地位。
「波士頓一直是一座由來自世界各地的人們共同打造的城市,他們來到這裡,為自己、家人及社區創造更美好的未來,」吳弭市長表示。「我們為獲得這項具有歷史意義的認證而感到自豪,它認可了我們在全市範圍內取得的進展和持續不斷的努力,致力於讓波士頓成為每個人的家園。我衷心感謝我們的移民促進辦公室、社區合作夥伴以及各鄰里社區和文化領袖,協助我們實現這一重要里程碑,我們將繼續砥礪促進。」
透過其 Certified Welcoming 認證過程,波士頓在 Welcoming America 制定的歡迎標準(Welcoming Standard) 的全部七個領域均達到了相應標準,該標準是建立包容性社區的行動指南,涵蓋以下方面:政府和社區領導力、公平參與機會、公民參與、社區連結、教育、經濟發展和安全社區。
這項認可建立在 MOIA 透過其 City of Belonging “You Belong Here”(歸屬之城-
「你屬於這裡」)倡議所持續開展工作的基礎之上,該倡議是一項全市範圍的行動,旨在鼓勵每位居民感到受歡迎、受重視,並有能力為波士頓的未來做出貢獻。這項認證不僅代表著象徵性的承諾——波士頓已建立相應的體系、計畫和合作夥伴關係,協助長期居民和新移民共同參與並蓬勃發展。
透過每年 9 月舉辦的歡迎週 (Welcoming Week) 慶祝活動,MOIA 也持續進行全市範圍的宣傳工作,向居民傳遞訊息並分享資源,以此激勵每位鄰居支持建立歡迎移民的社區。
「波士頓的力量源於將這座城市視為家園的人們,其中包括我們的移民鄰居,他們為我們的公民、文化和經濟生活的方方面面做出貢獻,」公平與包容長 Mariangely Solis 表示。
「這項認證體現了我們持續致力於打造一座城市,讓語言服務、經濟機會和歸屬感深深融入我們服務居民的方式之中。」
作為認證過程的一部分,MOIA 主導了對本市有關移民融入的政策、計畫和實踐的全面審查。審查過程突顯了波士頓在語言無障礙服務、移民領導力培育、法律服務、勞動力發展、社區參與以及與服務移民居民的組織合作方面的投資。

「獲得這項四星級 Certified Welcoming 認證,是市政府各部門通力合作,以及移民社區積極分享自身經歷、優先事項和對波士頓未來願景的成果,」市長移民促進辦公室代理執行主任 Courtney White 表示。「這項認可既是對我們所取得進展的肯定,同時也強化了我們的承諾,即繼續建立一座讓每位移民居民都能獲得資源、充分參與並真正感受到歸屬感的城市。」
波士頓的移民社區體現了讓這座城市更加強大的多樣性、韌性和創新精神。透過包括移民領導力計畫、社區撥款、法律服務夥伴關係、公民身分申請支持以及社區參與工作在內的各項計畫和舉措,MOIA 致力於促進公平並為移民居民擴大機會。
「波士頓為獲得這項認證所做的工作——涵蓋市政府、社區組織和共同促成這一成果的移民居民——正是『歡迎』理念在實踐中的體現,」Welcoming America 副主任 DanielValdez 表示。「恰逢美國建國 250 週年,且正是在美國革命的發源地獲得這一認證,這再合適不過了。我們很自豪能將波士頓認定為麻薩諸塞州首個 Certified Welcoming 社區,並對未來的發展充滿期待。」
Welcoming America 授予的四星級 Certified Welcoming 認證,為波士頓日益增加的認可與里程碑再添一項,彰顯這座城市人人皆可安居。在這些成就中,MOIA 的舉措包括:
● 透過支持提供免費及低費用法律援助的值得信賴的社區組織,擴大移民法律服務的可及性。
● 推動「英語為其他語言使用者 (English for Speakers of Other Languages,ESOL)」 課程,協助移民居民提升語言能力、追求教育機會並增強經濟流動性。
● 啟動並擴展移民引領波士頓 (Immigrants Lead Boston) 計畫,該計畫已培訓了來自波士頓各社區的移民居民,使其成為社區領袖。
● 透過移民青年進步 (Immigrant Youth Advancement) 計畫為移民青年創造機會,該計畫將年輕居民與職業探索、導師指導、領導力培養及就業機會建立連結。
● 透過社區辦公時間 (Community Office Hours) 等措施加強社區參與,MOIA 在該活動中將本市資源直接帶入波士頓公共圖書館 (Boston Public Library) 各分館所在的社區。
● 推動本市語言服務工作,協助居民取得政府服務、資訊和資源,無論其使用何種語言。
9 月 10 日至 19 日,波士頓「歡迎週」將推出涵蓋藝術、健康、教育和經濟等領域的活動,並舉辦線上和實體活動,以進一步推廣市政服務及「歡迎標準」的七個領域。欲查看活動時程,請造訪:www.boston.gov/welcoming。

CITY OF BOSTON EARNS 4-STAR CERTIFIED WELCOMING DESIGNATION   First city in Massachusetts to be Certified Welcoming

BOSTON - Monday, August 17, 2026 -  Mayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), and Welcoming America announced that the City of Boston has earned a 4-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, recognizing Boston as a national leader in creating policies, programs, and practices that support immigrant inclusion and belonging. "Boston has been shaped by generations of immigrants seeking a better future and working hard to build the city we enjoy today,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud of the work of our Office for Immigrant Advancement, community partners, and neighborhood and cultural leaders to expand civic engagement, support our communities, and make Boston a city where everyone belongs.” Through its Certified Welcoming process, Boston met the criteria across all seven areas of the Welcoming Standard, Welcoming America's roadmap for building inclusive communities: government and community leadership, equitable access, civic engagement, connected communities, education, economic development, and safe communities.  This recognition builds on MOIA’s ongoing efforts through its City of Belonging “You Belong Here” initiative, a citywide campaign that encourages every resident to feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute to Boston’s future. The designation reflects more than symbolic commitment — Boston has built the systems, programs, and partnerships that help longtime residents and newcomers alike participate and thrive.  Through the annual Welcoming Week celebration in September, MOIA also continues its citywide outreach efforts to inform residents and share resources, so that every neighbor is inspired to support welcoming neighborhoods.  “Boston’s strength comes from the people who call this city home, including our immigrant neighbors who contribute to every part of our civic, cultural, and economic life,” said Chief of Equity and Inclusion Mariangely Solis. “This designation reflects our continued commitment to creating a city where language access, economic opportunity, and belonging are embedded into how we serve residents.” As part of the certification process, MOIA led a comprehensive review of City policies, programs, and practices related to immigrant inclusion. The process highlighted Boston’s investments in language access, immigrant leadership development, legal services, workforce development, community engagement, and partnerships with organizations serving immigrant residents. “Achieving this 4-star Certified Welcoming status is the result of a collaborative effort across City government and with immigrant communities who shared their experiences, priorities, and vision for Boston’s future,” said Courtney White, Interim Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. “This recognition celebrates the progress we have made while also strengthening our commitment to continue building a city where every immigrant resident can access resources, participate fully, and feel a true sense of belonging.” Boston’s immigrant communities represent the diversity, resilience, and innovation that make the city stronger. Through programs and initiatives including immigrant leadership programs, community grants, legal service partnerships, citizenship support, and community engagement efforts, MOIA works to advance equity and expand opportunities for immigrant residents. "Boston’s work behind this designation, across city government, community organizations, and immigrant residents who shaped it, is what welcoming looks like in practice,” said Daniel Valdez, Deputy Director of Welcoming America. “It's fitting that this comes in America's 250th year, here in the birthplace of the American Revolution. We're proud to recognize Boston as the first Certified Welcoming community in Massachusetts and excited to see what comes next.” The 4-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America joins a growing list of recognitions and milestones that reflect how Boston is a home for everyone. Among these accomplishments, MOIA efforts include:  Expanding access to immigration legal services by supporting trusted community organizations that provide free and low-cost legal assistance. Supporting English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs that help immigrant residents build language skills, pursue educational opportunities, and strengthen economic mobility. Launching and expanding Immigrants Lead Boston, a leadership program that has trained immigrant residents from across Boston’s neighborhoods to become community leaders. Creating opportunities for immigrant youth through the Immigrant Youth Advancement program, which connects young residents with career exploration, mentorship, leadership development, and workforce opportunities. Strengthening community engagement through initiatives such as Community Office Hours, where MOIA brings City resources directly into neighborhoods at Boston Public Library branches. Advancing the City’s language access efforts to help residents access government services, information, and resources regardless of the language they speak. From September 10 to 19, Welcoming Week in Boston will include art, health, education, and economic programming, as well as virtual and in-person events to further promote City Services and the seven areas of the Welcoming Standard. To see the schedule of events, visit: www.boston.gov/welcoming. This announcement is also available in the following languages at this link and below: لعربية (Arabic)  kriolu (Cabo Verdean Creole) Français (French)  Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole)  Português (Brazilian Portuguese) Русский (Russian) 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) Af Soomaali (Somali) Español (Spanish) 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese) Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

波士頓北端第116屆漁夫節 8/13~16 歡騰四日 吳弭市長、麥家威州議員都來賀

漁夫節的港口祈福在北端的哥倫布公園旁。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）波士頓小義大利區（North End）歷史最悠久，從1910年迄今的傳統盛事「漁夫節（Fisherman's Feast）」，8月13日至16日在北街、弗利特街（Fleet Street）與路易斯街（Lewis Street）慶祝第116屆，從「港口祈福」起，一連四天到音樂、美食，熱鬧非凡。

夏卡救濟聖母互助會的聖母像巡遊。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），以及薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden都親自出席「港口祈福」儀式，與民同歡。

左起，薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden，麻州眾議員麥家威 （Aaron Michlewitz)
和波士頓市長吳弭（左四），以及夏卡救濟聖母互助會幹部及神父合影。（周菊子攝）

        13日的開幕首日傍晚，北端民眾及遊客在管樂團伴奏中，跟隨著夏卡救濟聖母互助會（Società Di Mutuo Soccorso Madonna Del Soccorso Di Sciacca），護送救濟聖母像（Madonna del Soccorso）的巡遊隊伍，從北街（North Street）一路緩緩前行至哥倫布濱海公園（Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park）。

夏卡救濟聖母互助會主席致詞。（周菊子攝）

        夏卡救濟聖母互助會介紹波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），稱呼他們為麻州最好的市長，最好的眾議員，接著再請出神父主持祈福許願，安排3名身穿白衣、扮演小天使的當地小女孩，轉身走向海邊，將鮮花撒向波士頓港的水面，完成象徵著對航海人員與漁民出海平安、滿載而歸的虔誠祈求儀式，全場歡呼鼓舞的場面溫馨美麗。

儀式有3名小天使要獻花。（周菊子攝）

        漁夫節的來源可追溯至 16 世紀西西里島漁港小鎮夏卡（Sciacca）。當地漁民把救濟聖母奉為守護神。 19 世紀末與 20 世紀初，大量夏卡移民落腳波士頓北端後， 1910 年成立了「夏卡救濟聖母互助會」，並舉行了第一屆漁夫節。

        儘管時代變遷，波士頓市北端的漁業色彩已不如往年濃厚，但這項慶典仍由當年移民的後代嚴格傳承，成為凝聚義大利裔社群與展示傳統民俗的重要活動。

主持人稱吳弭是最好的市長。（周菊子攝）

        今年的第116屆漁夫節從 8 月 13 日持續至 8 月 16 日，北街、弗利特街（Fleet Street）與路易斯街（Lewis Street）全天候擺有豐富的義大利街頭美食攤位，包括炸飯糰（Arancini）、義式香腸堡、Cannoli 煎餅捲以及新鮮海鮮料理。

麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)和波士頓市長吳弭 （Michelle Wu)。（周菊子攝）

今年的活動亮點包括：Carnivale 嘉年華巡遊與音樂會，有8 家北端知名義大利餐廳角逐「波士頓最佳肉丸」頭銜第8屆最佳肉丸大賽：，以及8月16日登場，長達9 小時的聖母巡遊，這晚8 點，還將有最受注目的「天使飛翔」儀式——年幼的小女孩將繫上鋼索從三樓窗戶降落至聖母像上方朗誦祈禱文，為第116屆慶典劃下最完美的句點。

麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)和波士頓市長吳弭 （Michelle Wu) 。（周菊子攝）

漁夫節的皇冠裝飾。（周菊子攝）

麻州天主教徒不滿墮胎法 要求廢除Healey州長教籍

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）日前簽署新法案、取消懷孕24週後僅限特定危急情況才可墮胎的限制。擁護生命組織「LifeSite」發起連署，收集到1.9萬多個簽名，要求天主教波士頓總教區總主教亨寧（Richard Henning）把奚莉州長逐出天主教會。

    這項七月下旬迅速通過的法案，不再限制懷孕24週以上孕婦，只能在孕婦或胎兒有生命危險等四類特殊狀況，才可墮胎。支持法案者認為，此舉可避免麻州婦女須遠赴外州就醫的需要；反對者則批評法案「極端且危險」。麻州公共衛生部數據顯示，2024年全州有99例懷孕24週以上的墮胎案例，2023年則為84例；同時，受惠於遠距醫療，跨州求診人數增加，使麻州去年總墮胎數明顯上升。

    反墮胎倡議組織「LifeSite」發起請願，指責奚莉州長「嚴重違背上帝律法」，呼籲亨寧總主教把她逐出教會。華盛頓遊說團體「天主教投票（CatholicVote）」亦致函麻州主教，強調要求把奚莉州長逐出教會的「目的在於促其悔改，而非報復」。波士頓總教區發言人則對外重申，教會反對該法案，因為那是「嚴重不道德之舉」，但尚未明確回應是否將對奚莉州長啟動教會法規懲戒。

    民主黨籍州眾議員傑佛瑞·圖爾科（Jeffrey Turco）等議員在該法案投票時，投了反對票，批評該法案未經公眾充分討論，兩週內就倉促通過，有「野蠻」之嫌。

波士頓台灣夜市、ＭassArt城中夜市、伍斯特首屆亞洲夜市將於 9/19 同日爭輝

第五屆波士頓台灣夜市。

    （Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導）2026年9月19日，麻州將出現「夜市」狂歡日。波士頓華商會第5屆「波士頓台灣夜市」，伍斯特市首屆「亞洲夜市」，以及麻州藝術學院的第2屆夜市，都看上了9月19日這個好日子。

    波士頓華商會早從7月下旬就開始宣傳，將於9月19日下午5點到10點，在華埠牌樓旁舉辦第5屆「波士頓台灣夜市」，現場將有珍珠奶茶，鹽酥雞，餃子，刨冰，燒烤等台灣食品，供民眾採購來大快朵頤。查詢可上網bostoncba.org，bostoncba@gmail.com。

    伍斯特市（Worcester）的非營利組織「麻州難民與移民文化賦權組織」（RICEMA），則是由共同執行長Boa D. Newgate宣佈， 9月19日下午4點至9點30分，在富蘭克林街（Franklin Street），盛大舉辦該市有史以來的首場「亞洲夜市」，藉以凝聚社區情誼並推廣多元美食與文化。

伍斯特市夜市。

    RICEMA 8月13日還在韋伯斯特街（Webster Street）辦公室舉辦預熱茶會，向民眾預告這當地社區積極爭取近3年，才得以舉辦的「亞洲夜市Asian Night Market」。茶會現場有醒獅團表演、打鼓與鈸樂奏鳴，燒烤香氣四溢。知名日式餐廳 Chashu Ramen + Izakaya 的大廚還現場演示如何製作握壽司， Anh Thư II 越南餐廳的熟食越式春卷與法國麵包（Bánh mì）都深受現場賓客喜愛。

    來自萊明斯特（Leominster）與威斯特福德（Westford）的韓式餐廳 Seoul Kitchen 總經理周凱西（Kathy Chau，音譯）表示，許多市民不需遠赴波士頓即可品嚐辣炒年糕（tteokbokki）與泡菜。Boa D. Newgate指出，已有超過80家業者提出申請，由於場地限制，團隊將嚴格篩選出約60家店家參展，為市民帶來最優質的夜市體驗。

MassArt 夜市。

    麻州藝術設計學院（MassArt）則是和波士頓城中心聯盟（Downtown Boston Alliance）合作，將於9 月 19 日（星期六）下午 5 點至 9 點，於波士頓市中心十字區（Downtown Crossing）舉辦免費戶外夜市，聚集100多MassArt的在校生與校友，擺攤販售原創藝術品、時尚服飾、首飾、陶瓷、版畫及各類手工藝品。

    HSPAA和哈佛廣場商會也將於9月5日（週六）的下午4點到晚上10點，在劍橋市的布瑞托街（Brattle）和教堂街（Church）交界處，舉辦第二屆哈佛廣場亞洲夜市，安排有現場音樂演出，快閃攤位，夜市嘉年華遊戲，以及 動漫 & K-Pop 隨機舞蹈（Random Play Dance）聚會，以及3×3 籃球賽頒獎典禮、三分球大賽與卡拉 OK 歌唱比賽。。

第二屆哈佛廣場夜市。

    根據網路資料，早從2000年代起，就有各地的台灣同學會在學校裏舉辦夜市，用鹽酥雞，珍珠奶茶和夜市遊戲，來念想家鄉。2011年時，Johnny Hwang在加州洛杉磯創辦「626夜市（626 Night Market）」，規模大如戶外嘉年華，吸引數萬人參加，從此「夜市」就席捲全美各大城市。

    大波士頓地區的夜市，據說是由Ho-Sik Group的聯合創辦人Ryan Kwan和他的亞裔美國人團隊，2018年9月時在波士頓市政府廣場舉辦了首屆的「波士頓夜市」，2019年5月，再舉辦了春季版，第二屆的「波士頓夜市」。

    在麻州，今年以來，還有波士頓市政府的移民進步辦公室在2月27及28日，在波士頓市府廣場舉辦過「波士頓齋月夜市（Boston Ramadan Night Market）」，The Brighton Bazaar 在7和8月，假查理士河畔舉辦「The Night Bazaar」舉辦了2場夜市，越助協會（VietAID）7月18日在多徹斯特舉辦的「波士頓小西貢夜市」。

    這一系列的夜市，顯示夜市文化已成倍受民眾歡迎的潮流。

國會山報：白宮指控40多國協助中國逃稅

 （Boston Orange編譯）國會山報（The Hill）稱，根據8月13日發佈的「大轉運詐騙（The Great Transshipment Scam）」報告，白宮指控中國透過全球影子轉運網，把價值數十億美元貨物從40多國轉運進美國，以逃避川普總統的2018年關稅，導致美國每年損失稅收逾190億元。

這份「大轉運詐騙」報告稱，從墨西哥到以色列，有超過40個國家，參與了「全球影子轉運網絡」。中國現在就是透過這個網絡，經由第三國轉運貨物，獲得較低的美國關稅稅率。 白宮估計，美國每年因此損失稅收高達190億至260億美元。

白宮報告指出，出口商能夠透過重新包裝或重新標籤商品，並在寄往美國前在其他國家進行有限組裝，來偽裝產品的來源。 白宮貿易顧問彼得·納瓦羅13日表示：「多年來，這個大型轉運詐騙讓共產中國洗錢」。 報告還點名了加拿大、歐盟國家、日本和南韓是中國商品被改道風險較高的國家。報告承認這些國家作為美國的主要貿易夥伴，也有大量合法貿易。 

美國商務部的另一項分析估計，去年約有670億美元貨物從中國經墨西哥、印度和越南轉運，導致約280億美元的關稅收入損失。 川普政府也正在開發一套名為「偵探邊境」的人工智慧系統，協助美國海關與邊境保護局識別可疑貨物。 該系統將審查航運路線、產品資訊、所有權及其他資料，協助官員區分合法貿易與逃避關稅的企圖。 

報告中寫道，「這個給全世界的訊息很簡單，無法追蹤的非法轉運時代已經結束」。「曾經看似低調的文書操作——重新標籤、重新包裝、重新開票——如今已成為經濟主權與國家意志的問題」。 

中國國家主席習近平預計九月訪美。

麻州政府為降低醫保費用 要集思廣益辦六場公聽會

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府14日宣佈，將舉辦六場公眾意見徵詢會，以推進降低麻州家庭和小型企業醫療保健開銷的建議。這些線上會議由保險部門（DOI）主辦，旨在收集患者、醫療服務提供者、保險公司、雇主和其他利益相關者的意見，以幫助制定新的州級法規，從而降低成本並穩定保險費。

    這些會議是落實州長奚莉（Maura Healey）醫療保健可負擔能力工作小組(Health Care Affordability Working Group)本月所發佈建議的下一步。該工作小組匯集了醫療保健提供者、保險公司、雇主、勞工和消費者權益倡導者，旨在確定使人們更加負擔得起醫療保健的短期和長期方法。

    奚莉州長表示，「醫療保健開支過高，給麻州各地的家庭和小企業帶來沉重壓力」 。 “我們成立醫療保健負擔能力工作組，匯集了患者、醫療服務提供者、保險公司和雇主，共同探討降低成本的途徑，現在我們正在推進這些建議的實施」。這些意見徵詢會是落實切實有效的減少負擔措施的重要一步。” 

    副州長Kim Driscoll說「如果我們想讓醫療保健更經濟實惠，就需要直接聽取那些每天支付帳單、使用醫療系統的人們的意見」 。 “這些會議將幫助我們完善細節，以便推進降低居民和小企業成本的改革。”

 保險專員邁克爾·卡爾喬表示，「只有透過集體參與和強有力的夥伴關係，才能建立持續的財政援助」。 “透過讓醫療服務提供者、保險公司、患者和企業參與進來，我們可以為麻州的每一個人打造一個更透明、穩定和負擔得起的醫療保健生態系統。”

  聽證會將重點討論州長醫療保健負擔能力工作小組所提出，保險局（DOI）正在推動的兩項建議：

    降低網路外醫療費用： 制定新標準以保護病患並降低過高的網路外醫療保健費用。

    穩定小型企業和個人市場： 探索加強個人和小團體保險市場並幫助抑制保費。

聆聽會行程安排

麻州保險局將以線上形式舉辦全部六場聽證會。 隨著聽證會日期的接近，政府將提供更多信息，包括每場聽證會的主題和註冊詳情：

• 9月9日星期三 上午11:00
• 10月1日星期四 上午10:00
• 10月5日星期一 上午10:00
• 10月19日星期一 上午10:00
• 11月2日星期一 上午10:00
• 11月5日星期四 上午10:00

  奚莉州長已經開始推動醫療保健負擔能力工作小組的其他建議。其中包括指示麻州醫療補助計畫（MassHealth）到2028年時，把療總支出中的初級保健投資比例提高到12%，以及努力降低處方藥價格。

  麻州政府鼓勵患者、消費者權益倡導者、醫療保健提供者、保險公司、雇主和其他相關利益相關者參與。查詢更多 資訊和註冊詳情可上網https://www.mass.gov/news/division-of-insurance-listening-sessions-out-of-network-costs-and-stabilizing-insurance-markets-to-drive-down-premium-costs。 

Governor Healey Announces Public Listening Sessions to Lower Health Care Costs for Massachusetts Families and Small Businesses

Division of Insurance to host six virtual forums gathering stakeholder input lowering out-of-network costs and making coverage more affordable for individuals and small businesses

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a series of six public listening sessions as it moves forward with recommendations to lower health care costs for Massachusetts families and small businesses. Hosted by the Division of Insurance (DOI), the virtual sessions will gather input from patients, providers, insurers, employers and other stakeholders to help shape new state regulations aimed at lowering costs and stabilizing insurance premiums.

The sessions are a next step in implementing recommendations released this month by Governor Healey’s Health Care Affordability Working Group, which brought together health care providers, insurers, employers, labor and consumer advocates to identify immediate and long-term ways to make health care more affordable.

“Health care costs are too high, and they’re putting real pressure on families and small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We created our Health Care Affordability working group and brought together patients, providers, insurers and employers to identify ways to lower costs, and now we’re moving those recommendations forward. These listening sessions are an important next step in delivering meaningful relief.” 

“If we want to make health care more affordable, we need to hear directly from the people who are paying these bills and navigating the system every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These sessions will help us get the details right as we move forward with changes to lower costs for residents and small businesses.”

“Sustained financial relief can only be built through collective engagement and strong partnerships,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “By bringing providers, insurers, patients, and businesses to the table, we can forge a more transparent, stable, and affordable health care ecosystem for everyone in the Commonwealth.”

 The listening sessions will focus on two recommendations from the Governor’s Health Care Affordability Working Group that DOI is moving forward:

1. Reducing Out-of-Network Costs: Developing new standards to protect patients and reduce excessive out-of-network health care costs.
2. Stabilizing the Small Business and Individual Markets: Exploring changes to strengthen the individual and small group insurance market and help moderate  premiums.

Listening Session Schedule

DOI will hold all six listening sessions virtually.  Additional information, including topics and registration details for each session, will be available as the dates approach:

• Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 AM
• Thursday, October 1 at 10:00 AM
• Monday, October 5 at 10:00 AM
• Monday, October 19 at 10:00 AM
• Monday, November 2 at 10:00 AM
• Thursday, November 5 at 10:00 AM

 Governor Healey has already begun moving forward with other recommendations from the Health Care Affordability Working Group. This includes directing MassHealth to increase its investment in primary care to 12 percent of total medical expenditures by 2028, along with efforts to lower prescription drug costs.

 Patients, consumer advocates, health care providers, insurers, employers and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Additional information and registration details are available at https://www.mass.gov/news/division-of-insurance-listening-sessions-out-of-network-costs-and-stabilizing-insurance-markets-to-drive-down-premium-costs. 

MBTA扯頭髮事件 今日傳出“付50萬元“和解

         (Boston Orange 編譯) MBTA扯頭髮事件，今（14）日傳出支付50 萬元，解決了。

2024年11月發生的MBTA總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng）在團建聚餐結束時扯了員工頭髮事件，事後據說伍偉華承認自己的行為敏感度不夠，已經道歉，但今年6月因這名員工辭職，條件沒談攏，爆了出來。

MBTA今日公佈了一份和解協議，説明從2023年起擔任MBTA通訊長的Gabrielle Mondestin，將從9月18日起，以包括薪資，損傷及律師費的一次性補償，約49萬5000元，辭職。

波士頓環球報（Boston Globe）稱，在該報得到的協議副本中，伍偉華和Gabrielle Mondestin於8月7日都簽字了的這份協議，沒有伍偉華承認錯誤的字句。

在一份聯合聲明中，MBTA稱許Gabrielle Mondestin的工作真的做得很好，而且知道對一名員工來說，要說出在工作場所中的問題，可能是困難的。

伍偉華當初在一份聲明中寫道，“我為我的行動感到後悔，已經從這經驗學到教訓，也感謝Mondestin女士把重點放在確保MBTA從這事上學得教訓。

Mondestin 在聲明中表示，儘管“我的一些經歷相當艱難”，但她對自己在 T 局（T）的那段時光心懷“感激”；此前，Eng 和 T 局在談及此事時均未公開透露過她的身份。

她說，「我也很高興MBTA的領導重新承諾要聆聽員工心聲，並致力為所有人創造公平及尊重的工作環境。我祝福 MBTA 及其領導團隊未來一切順利，」她說。

MBTA發言人 Joe Pesaturo 表示，“任何騷擾，歧視，或報復行為的指控，都是沒有根據的」。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）也在事件發生沒多久之後，立即表示她對伍偉華有絕對信心。

麻州贏得1.4億美元聯邦經費 MBTA將改善Haverhill 通勤鐵路交通

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長希莉（Maura Healey）14日宣佈，聯邦鐵路管理局（FRA）將撥款1.396億美元給MBTA，用於在海弗希爾（Haverhill）通勤鐵路的瑞汀（Reading）與安多福（Andover）之間增建約6.8英里雙軌路段，升級無障礙月台，改善15處交通號誌，改善麻州公共交通。

    這筆資金將投入「海弗希爾雙軌計畫」的最終設計與施工，在雷丁（Reading）與安多弗（Andover）之間增設約6.8英里的新軌道，解決長期以來單軌路段造成列車必須交會等待、延誤連鎖擴散的問題。計畫也內容包括升級沿線四座車站，興建高月台，實現無障礙環境，現代化15處鐵路平交道的號誌系統，另增設約10英里圍欄與消除一處平交道，以全面提升安全性。

    麻州政府指出，這項改善不僅讓MBTA通勤乘客享有更順暢、可靠的服務，也同時惠及Amtrak的Downeaster號列車及CSX貨運鐵路，有助於提升區域客貨運效率，並為未來擴充服務奠定基礎。

    麻州政府強調，過去一年多來，MBTA已陸續消除慢速區、增加班次、強化人力，並重啟南岸鐵路（South Coast Rail），如今更結合票價優惠措施，包括秋季月票半價、週末假日同行者1美元優惠，以及長者與公車轉乘免費等政策，鼓勵民眾多使用大眾運輸。「海弗希爾雙軌計畫」是延續既有的改革基礎。

整體而言，這項投資是麻州政府提升公共運輸品質的重要一環，目標是讓民眾今天有更好的搭乘體驗，同時為未來更穩定、更永續的鐵路系統鋪路，進一步帶動區域經濟與生活品質的提升。

Governor Healey Announces $140 Million in Federal Funding for Haverhill Line Improvements

Major investment will reduce delays, improve safety and accessibility for Commuter Rail riders and strengthen Amtrak freight service

BOSTON – Governor Healey today announced that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has won $139.6 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make major improvements to the Haverhill Commuter Rail line, helping deliver faster, safer and more reliable service for thousands of riders every day.

The funding will support the final design and construction of the Haverhill Double-Track Project, a major upgrade project that will add approximately 6.8 miles of new track between Reading and Andover to allow trains traveling in opposite directors to keep moving instead of waiting for one another. The project will also upgrade four stations in Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover with high-level platforms, to make those stations more accessible, and will modernize signals to improve safety at 15 rail crossings.

“Since taking office, we’ve made historic investments to turn the T around, and riders are seeing the difference with fewer slow zones and more reliable service,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Now we’re keeping that momentum going. This $140 million award will help us make major improvements to the Haverhill Line that mean fewer delays, safer and more accessible stations, and better service for riders. We’re grateful to our federal delegation for helping us bring this funding home to Massachusetts.”

“This $140 million investment is not only going to make major safety, reliability, and accessibility impact along the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line, but it will also directly support Amtrak Downeaster operations and freight rail,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “New double track gives us more operational flexibility and the ability to decrease commute time along the line. Upgrading four stations with high-level platforms is another step closer to a fully accessible MBTA system, and modernizing our signals will help to move trains more safely and reliably through the intercity area. Improving freight allows for more efficient movement of goods and helps to control costs for the public. I’m grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey to make these continued improvements possible and for our Congressional Delegation, MassDOT, and the MBTA for advocating for this funding with the foresight that it will have benefits for decades to come. I also want to thank the Federal Railroad Administration for their partnership and ability to move this project forward and through construction.” 

”This is a big win that will mean fewer delays and smoother rides for Massachusetts commuters,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I fought hard to bring this funding home alongside state partners because investments like this are exactly how we build and strengthen our transportation system across Massachusetts.”

“Double lines deserve double track—I’m proud to have worked with Governor Healey, Secretary Eng, our federal delegation, and state and local leaders to secure this funding for the Haverhill line,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “By eliminating bottlenecks and improving both Commuter Rail and Amtrak service north of Boston, we can open our region to commuters, families, and visitors alike, better connecting our Commonwealth and northern New England. I’m honored to deliver real, tangible rail benefits to Massachusetts and beyond, and I won’t stop advocating for transformative investments in our state’s transportation system.”

“This is a significant federal investment in the future of commuter rail across the Merrimack Valley. This funding will deliver faster, more reliable service for riders in Haverhill, Lawrence, and communities throughout the region, along with safer crossings and modernized stations that are fully accessible to seniors and riders with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I've been proud to fight alongside Governor Healey for federal funding like this because Massachusetts families deserve a transit system they can count on.”

"This is a tremendous milestone for the Merrimack Valley and the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy to secure the funding needed for critical track and station improvements,” said Senator Barry R. Finegold. “For years, local leaders, residents, and stakeholders have worked together to make the case that investing in our rail infrastructure is essential to the future of our region. I want to thank Senator Markey, Governor Healey, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and the MBTA for their partnership and commitment in making this investment a reality. These improvements will not only enhance safety, but also create the opportunity for increased train service throughout the Merrimack Valley, helping to ease traffic congestion and shorten commutes for thousands of residents. Better public transportation connects people to jobs, educational opportunities, and economic growth, strengthening our communities and improving quality of life for families across the region." 

“This is tremendous news for the 32nd Middlesex District and the larger region,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “The Haverhill Commuter Rail Line is a critical asset for residents, whether they are daily commuters or occasional riders. The upgrades made possible from this significant public investment – including double tracks and station upgrades – will decrease delays and enhance reliability, safety, and rider experience.”

What This Means for Riders

Today, parts of the Haverhill Line have only one track, which means a train sometimes has to wait for another train traveling in the opposite direction to pass. If there is a problem with a train or the track, that single-track section can also cause delays to ripple across the line.

This project will add nearly seven miles of second track between Reading and Andover, allowing trains to move in both directions at the same time and giving the MBTA more options to keep service moving when problems arise. It will also make it easier for crews to perform maintenance without disrupting service or requiring shuttle buses. 

Approximately 10 miles of new fencing will also be installed along the corridor between Andover and Reading to help prevent unauthorized access to the tracks.

The project will also make Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover stations more accessible by adding high-level platforms that allow riders to step directly between the platform and train. The MBTA will improve signals at 15 rail crossings, eliminate the Tewksbury Street crossing in Andover and install approximately 10 miles of new fencing to improve safety along the tracks.

The improvements will benefit not only MBTA Commuter Rail riders but also Amtrak’s Downeaster service, which operates between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, and CSX freight service. By removing delays and increasing capacity, the project will strengthen passenger and freight rail connections throughout the region and support future improvements to rail service.

The Haverhill Line investment is the latest step in Governor Healey’s work to transform transportation across Massachusetts. Since taking office, she has made improving the MBTA a top priority by investing in the workforce, infrastructure and service needed to make the system safer and more reliable for riders. Those investments are delivering results. The MBTA has eliminated slow zones, increased service, strengthened its workforce and moved forward with major projects to replace aging tracks, signals, stations and other infrastructure across the system. Additionally, last year the MBTA opened South Coast Rail, restoring rail service to New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton for the first time in 65 years.

Governor Healey is also working to make Commuter Rail more affordable and encourage more people to ride. Last month, she announced new and extended discounts for the fall, including 50 percent off all monthly Commuter Rail passes from September through November and the extension of the $1 companion fare, which allows monthly passholders to bring a friend or family member with them for $1 on weekends and holidays through November. New fare improvements include free transfers between subway and bus and between buses within a two-hour window, a simpler and consistent bus fare across the system, and free bus rides for Massachusetts residents age 75 and older.

Together, these efforts are focused on giving riders a better T today while making the investments needed for the future. On the Haverhill Line, the new federal funding will address a longstanding bottleneck, improve stations and safety, and build the infrastructure needed for more reliable Commuter Rail service for years to come.