The New Bedford Whaling Museum Awarded $20,000 Grant for High School Apprenticeship Program

The New Bedford Whaling Museum Awarded $20,000 Grant for High School Apprenticeship Program

NEW BEDFORD, MA (July 1, 2026)—The New Bedford Whaling Museum (NBWM) has received a $20,000 grant from the SouthCoast Community Foundation (SCCF) as part of its 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. The funding will support NBWM’s High School Apprenticeship Program, a paid three-year development experience that provides high school students in New Bedford with access to resources and experiences that deepen community engagement, foster personal and professional growth, and cultivate college and career success.

“The Apprentice Program is a transformative three-year experience that empowers New Bedford youth to explore art, history, science, and culture while developing confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose,” said Amanda McMullen, NBWM’s President and CEO. “Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful community connections, students graduate not only prepared for college and careers, but ready to make a lasting impact in the world.”

A recipient of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s High School Apprenticeship Program is a paid, three-year leadership and college-readiness initiative for New Bedford students beginning in 10th grade. Through summer and school-year sessions, apprentices explore whale biology, local history, and the diverse cultures represented in the Museum’s collections while gaining hands-on experience through field trips, event planning, and serving as Museum ambassadors. The program also supports students’ future success through college visits, career exploration opportunities, mentorship, and guidance with college applications and financial aid.

麻州參議會討論禁止在極熱天氣中斷電法案

With 100-Degree Heat on Radar, Senate Debates Bill to Stop Electric Shutoffs During Extreme Heat 

Bill would also provide suite of reforms to save ratepayers money on energy costs 

(BOSTON—7/1/2026) With temperatures expected to climb past 100 degrees this week, the Massachusetts Senate is debating legislation today that would make it illegal for utility companies to shut off electricity to residents struggling to pay their bills during the hottest months of the year. 

 The protections are part of a broader energy package, S.3143, which includes a suite of reforms to save ratepayers money on energy costs. 

 Under the legislation, electric companies would be barred from shutting off service to a residential customer who has trouble paying their bill because of financial hardship during periods that are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. The provision would be applicable in the summer months from May 15th to September 15th.  

“It is unconscionable that someone might not be able to keep their home at a safe temperature on a week like this one, just because they cannot pay energy bills that are too high,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This isn't an affordability issue, this is a safety issue, and today the Senate is doing something about it and making sure companies can’t shut off power when people need it most.” 

 “Extreme weather threatens our residents’ health and safety—whether it’s a midwinter deep freeze or a boiling heat wave in the middle of summer,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “None of our seniors, young families, or residents with health complications should have to struggle to cool themselves in their own homes during the muggy and suffocating days of a sustained heat wave. This legislation includes a vital protection so that our most vulnerable residents can feel secure that their fans and air conditioners will continue running on the hottest days of the year.” 

 “With families facing dangerously hot conditions this week, the last thing anyone should worry about is losing power,” said Senator Michael J. Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “The systems run by the gas and electric companies are sprawling and complicated. The Senate sees no greedy masterminds behind the scenes, but we do see pockets of overspending and overcharging that have accumulated over the years. This bill goes after those excesses, saves people real money, and makes sure no one loses power when they need it most.” 

 “As climate change drives longer, more dangerous heat waves in Massachusetts, access to electricity is a life-or-death issue,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), lead filer of the original bill in the Senate. “The Commonwealth already protects residents from utility shutoffs in the winter—this legislation extends that same essential safeguard to periods of extreme heat, ensuring no one loses service when they need it most. I am grateful to Senator Mike Barrett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for their leadership on this equity-focused legislation. During extreme heat, access to electricity is not optional—it is essential for survival.” 

The larger bill tackles the rising costs driving up residents’ monthly bills by cutting unnecessary fees, smoothing out price spikes, cracking down on predatory sales practices by energy suppliers, and steering the state away from expensive infrastructure projects that don’t deliver value for ratepayers. 

Additionally, to reduce energy demand and drive down costs on the hottest days of the year, the bill prioritizes energy efficiency to reduce overall consumption, incorporates load management into grid planning, and promotes new technologies to manage demand at peak times. 

Full details of the Senate’s electricity affordability plan are available online.  

The Senate’s debate begins at 11:00 a.m. today and will be livestreamed online.  

吳弭市長簽署市政命令 2027年7/1起調整耆英房地產稅減免額

波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune（左四），Brian Worrell （右二），以及耆英們
見證波士頓市長吳弭（前中）簽署命令。（市府提供）

 （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）6月29日簽署一項市政命令，容許市府依照聯邦消費者物價指數的通貨膨脹率，每年調整耆英房地產稅減免額。新措施預計於2027年7月1日正式生效。

吳弭市長和波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune，以及麻州耆英行動（Mass Senior Action），本地民選官員等人一起出席簽署儀式。

波士頓市目前藉由「41C項目」，以耆英的年紀，收入及資產為門檻標準，為耆英提供房地產稅減免。除非是麻州各地的許多市鎮，因為通貨膨脹，或居民及家庭的生活成本上漲等因素，認為這些門檻已經過時了，從而採取行動，提高了門檻。

41D條款，容許波士頓市政府每年根據聯邦消費者物價指出，調整「41C計畫」中的年收入和總資產限額，針對年滿65歲以上，持有住宅已達一定年數的耆英們，為他們提供1000到2000美元的房地產稅減免。

這條例由波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune領頭遞交，市議員Brian Worrell 和Ben Weber連署。

吳弭市長表示，「幫助長者在熟悉的社區安度晚年，意味著讓他們能留在自己的家園，得到社區支持」。推動該法案的市議員Ruthzee Louijeune則指出，這項變革雖不能解決所有問題，但確實能保護那些面臨被「無聲驅離」風險的長者，不會因儲蓄或收入增加了一點，而失去稅務救濟。

根據市政府數據，波士頓有近半數的高齡屋主屬於「嚴重房貸負擔族」，每月將超過一半的收入用於住房成本。麻州年長者行動委員會波士頓分會會長Lillie Bryan指出，若這項措施能在過去幾年實施，她自己很可能就會符合資格。她同時呼籲州議會應進一步通過波士頓提出的「地方自治請願案」，擴大減免範圍。

除本次調整外，吳弭政府也持續推動其他房產稅改革，包括今年稍早提出的「轉讓費地方自治請願案」，擬對超過200萬美元的房產交易徵收最高2%的費用，作為可負擔住房的資金來源。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU SIGNS CITY ORDER TO EXPAND PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR OLDER HOMEOWNERS  Order updates senior property tax exemption limits each year to provide relief for low-income older homeowners

BOSTON - Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Mass Senior Action, local elected officials, and residents to sign a city order that lets Boston adjust the senior property tax break each year to keep up with the cost of living. Under this change, the income and assets limits for the senior exemption will rise annually with inflation, based on the federal Consumer Price Index. The new limits will allow more older homeowners to qualify starting on July 1, 2026. “Helping seniors age in place means keeping them connected to homes, neighborhoods, families, and support networks, and this order provides real relief to older homeowners at a time when costs keep rising,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to Councilor Louijeune for championing this effort and to the entire City Council for their partnership in supporting our older homeowners.” The City of Boston currently offers a senior property tax exemption under the 41C program, which provides property tax relief for older adults based on age, income and asset thresholds. These thresholds are fixed unless increased by local action and have become outdated for many municipalities across the state due to inflation and rising costs for residents and families.  “Investing in our seniors is more than a debt of gratitude, it’s a commitment to Boston’s future,” said City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. “I am proud to have led the effort to adopt Clause 41D, helping protect older homeowners today while strengthening the promise that future generations will also be able to age in place, remain rooted, and continue shaping the neighborhoods they call home.” Adopting Clause 41D will help preserve property tax relief for Boston’s older adult homeowners who are at risk of losing eligibility as inflation affects their income and savings. This order was led and filed by City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, co‑sponsored by City Councilors Brian Worrell and Ben Weber, and unanimously approved by the Boston City Council. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu and the City’s work to address affordability, protect residents and families from rising costs, and provide much-needed relief and assistance to older residents across neighborhoods. “Adding an annual cost of living increase will help people stay eligible for the 41C exemption as their Social Security adjusts with inflation,” said Emily Shea, Boston’s Age Strong Commissioner. “This is important because our older residents deserve the opportunity to age with dignity in the communities they helped build.” This new order will take effect on July 1, 2027 and applicants can begin to apply with the Taxpayer Referral Assistance Center. Income limits for residents will be posted on the City’s Assessing Department website on July 1, 2027. Nearly half of Boston's senior homeowners are severely housing cost-burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their income to housing costs. Ultimately, the City of Boston will have the ability to determine the final rate for the fee, collection method, and any exemptions that may exist.  Specifically, this order would: Increase the fixed income with social security amounts from $25,980 to $26,687 if single and from $38,970 to $40,031 if married and increase total assets from $40,000 to $41,080 if single and $55,000 to $56,485 if married; and broaden eligibility by replacing the fixed limits with a percentage increase of the CPI. Since 2022, the City has also included an expansion of the senior tax exemption in multiple filed home rule petitions to improve quality of life and protect older Boston residents. Through these efforts, the City has worked to secure expanded property tax relief for low-income seniors by modifying the eligibility criteria for the 41C program and increasing the exemption. These changes, if they were implemented by the State, would provide the City with flexibility to modernize the criteria and provide much-needed and sustainable financial assistance to a vulnerable population.  “Far too many seniors across Boston struggle with rising property taxes. We deeply appreciate Mayor Wu, Councilor Louijeune, and the City Council for doing all they can to expand relief,” said Lillie Bryan, President of the Boston Chapter of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council. “Clause 41D will protect seniors from losing access to the help they need by raising the income and asset limits each year to reflect the cost of living. We must now build on this victory to reach more seniors who need help, and we call on the legislature to pass Boston’s Home Rule petitions.” This action also builds on Mayor Wu and the City’s long-standing efforts to amend state laws to address the housing crisis and provide predictability for residents. Earlier this year, Mayor Wu signed the City’s Transfer Fee Home Rule Petition, a proposal to create a new local funding source for affordable housing. Passed by the Boston City Council on April 15, 2026, the petition is with the State Legislature for consideration. The proposal would allow Boston to apply a fee of up to 2% on real estate transactions over $2 million, with the first $2 million exempt to limit impacts on middle-class homeowners. The Mayor has advanced similar proposals in 2021 and 2023 and continues to pursue the transfer fee as a tool to help build more affordable housing across Boston. Last year, the City also refiled an expanded residential tax relief package that aimed at providing financial assistance to Boston residents impacted by sharp increases in their property tax bills.

麻州政府公佈報告強調戰略性資本投資降低成本、創造就業機會，還強化社區

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）發佈了《建設麻州》影響報告，以及33億多美元的2027會計年度資本投資計畫（CIP），彰顯這些資本投資在降低住房成本，改善交通，強化社區，創造全州各地就業機會上發揮的作用。

報告顯示，自現任政府上任以來，透過戰略性資本投資，已帶動全州新增4萬9,000戶住宅，透過經濟發展補助計畫創造超過14萬個就業機會，並修復或更換650座橋梁及676公里道路，同時完成約8,498公頃土地保育。

在住房政策方面，政府建造住宅經費大幅增加了91%，佔總工程投資15%，新推出的「住房工程（HousingWorks）」計畫協助社區加速興建住房所需的基礎設施，而相關購屋方案已協助超過7,500名首購族購屋。2027會計年度資本投資計畫續編1.225億美元給HousingWorks，以及6,470萬美元給可負擔住房信託基金。

交通建設方面，資本投資已支援全州140個城鎮完成道路修復及新建134公里人行道。透過「第90章」地方交通改善計畫，政府與州議會合作確保2025及2026年每年3億美元經費，其中1億美元依道路里程分配，嘉惠鄉村及小型社區。

氣候韌性方面，政府已完成93項「市鎮脆弱度整備」計畫，包括拆除老舊水壩、修復涵管、營造遮蔭空間及復育濕地，以因應高溫及洪水威脅。2027年度資本計畫將相關補助提高至3,100萬美元。

麻州州長奚莉表示，她的目標是要讓麻州成為更可負擔、更具競爭力，更適合居住、工作和養家的地方。副州長Kim Driscoll強調，每筆資本經費都應切實改善人民生活，這份報告展現審慎規劃與負責任投資能帶來的具體成果。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Report Highlighting How Strategic Capital Investments are Lowering Costs, Creating Jobs and Strengthening Communities  

New report highlights investments that are creating housing, improving roads and bridges, strengthening public transportation, protecting natural resources and supporting economic growth across Massachusetts. 

Boston — Today, Governor Healey released Building Massachusetts, a new Impact Report highlighting how the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s capital investments are helping lower housing costs, improve transportation, strengthen communities and create jobs across Massachusetts. 

The administration's capital investments strengthen public infrastructure by directly funding projects and by providing grants for improvements that deliver long-term public benefits. Each year, the administration develops a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to allocate available spending capacity on key priorities. The CIP complements the administration's investments made through the state's operating budget.  

Since taking office, the administration’s capital investments have paved the way for 49,000 new homes to be built across the state, generated more than 140,000 jobs through economic development grant programs, repaired or replaced 650 bridges and 420 miles of roadways, preserved 21,000 acres of land, and made it easier for Massachusetts residents to access modern, reliable state services. This impact report is being released alongside Governor Healey’s updated FY27 Capital Investment Plan, which invests more than $3.3 billion to continue advancing housing production and preservation, economic development, transportation, climate resilience, and strengthening Massachusetts’s long-term competitiveness.  

"Our goal has always been simple: make Massachusetts more affordable, more competitive and a better place to live, work and raise a family," said Governor Maura Healey. "That's exactly what these investments are doing. We're building more housing, fixing roads, bridges and public transportation, supporting local communities and creating good jobs across our state. We're proud of this progress, and we're going to keep making smart investments that strengthen Massachusetts for years to come." 

"Every capital dollar should make a real difference in people's lives," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These investments are helping cities and towns improve local infrastructure, support economic growth and create stronger communities. This report shows the impact that thoughtful planning and responsible investments can have across Massachusetts." 

Last June, the administration’s CIP allocated capital funding growth for both FY26 and FY27, with new resources carved out for housing, economic development and transportation. With its focus on accelerating the pipeline for housing creation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has increased capital funding for housing by 91 percent since taking office and the sector now accounts for 15 percent of the total CIP. 

The updated CIP released today makes a limited number of net-neutral adjustments in FY27 to align spending with current project schedules and program demand. These updates include accelerating priority projects, responding to strong demand in key programs, and ensuring resources are aligned with current project needs. The full CIP is available to view at this link: www.mass.gov/capital. 

“Capital investments are one of the most direct methods our administration has for delivering tangible results in our communities, and the Report we released today is proof that these investments are making a difference,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Each year, we’ve practiced strong fiscal discipline in allocating capital funds, ensuring that grant programs with high demand are supported and that communities across the state benefit. We look forward to continuing to maximize the impact of our capital investments.” 

The report highlights the administration's focus on making housing more affordable by investing in the infrastructure and planning needed to build more homes. Capital investments have supported projects with the potential to create nearly 49,000 new housing units across Massachusetts while helping more than 7,500 first-time homebuyers purchase a home through programs such as Commonwealth Builder and ONE+ Mortgage. Since taking office, the administration has increased capital funding for housing by 91 percent and launched new programs like HousingWorks, which helps communities build the infrastructure needed to accelerate housing production, support private development and create jobs. The FY27 Capital Investment Plan continues those efforts with $122.5 million for HousingWorks and $64.7 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

The administration’s capital investments are also strengthening Massachusetts’ economy. State grant programs administered through the Community One Stop for Growth are projected to create up to 43,000 new full-time jobs, 11,000 new part-time jobs, and 86,000 construction jobs. In addition, state-funded construction projects have created more than 15,000 additional construction jobs across Massachusetts.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s capital investments have also improved the safety and reliability of transportation across the state, supporting repairs and reconstruction of 420 miles of roadways, and building 83 miles of sidewalks across 140 Massachusetts cities and towns.  

Through the Chapter 90 program, which funds local transportation capital improvement projects such as roadway construction and preservation projects, the administration has supported approximately 1,600 local road projects. In 2025 and 2026, the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature, secured $300 million annual Chapter 90 funding, including $100 million allocated by road miles to provide added benefit to rural and small communities.   

The report also highlights how capital investments are protecting Massachusetts' natural resources and helping communities prepare for climate change. Since taking office, the administration has supported the completion of 93 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) projects. MVP projects include removing aging dams and repairing undersized culverts, creating shaded public spaces to help residents stay safe during heat waves, and restoring wetlands that protect ecosystems and reduce neighborhood flooding. The updated FY27 CIP increases funding for MVP grants to $31 million to support the high demand for this program.  

The FY27 CIP also funds infrastructure projects to maintain, modernize, and decarbonize Massachusetts’s capital assets. The FY27 CIP includes more than $200 million to address deferred maintenance at facilities managed by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), minimizing future costs and maximizing building efficiency so that government can better meet the needs of Massachusetts’ residents.   

波士頓市府頒佈 7/1-3 天氣極熱警告 華氏105到112度

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FROM WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, THROUGH FRIDAY, JULY 3

BOSTON - Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today issued an excessive heat warning for the City of Boston beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 3 due to the current weather forecasts. The highest heat indices for this period of time are expected to range from 105 degrees to 112 degrees without significant reprieve in the evening and overnight hours. 

The City of Boston is taking immediate action to provide heat relief to residents and visitors. During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experiences a 10-15% increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages. Anyone can feel the impacts of extreme heat, regardless of age or medical conditions. Some of the resources available include: AlertBoston, the City’s opt-in emergency alert system that provides guidance during major emergencies; cooling resources across the city; educational materials focused on kids’ safety; Boston Centers for Youth & Families locations that will operate as cooling centers; state-owned pools; and participating cultural institutions offering free admission to Boston residents, including the Museum of Science, Institute of Contemporary Art, Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. All information about these and other City resources are available at boston.gov/heat.

“Boston has welcomed visitors and residents this summer with vibrant events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings across our neighborho∂ods, and we are asking everyone to spread the word about the upcoming intense heat expected in our region. Symptoms of heat illness can occur quickly and affect people of all ages, so it’s especially important to plan ahead. Please stay hydrated, use City cooling resources, and check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our priority is ensuring everyone can safely enjoy all the Summer activities, and I’m grateful to our City departments working around the clock to connect residents with the resources they need to stay safe and cool.”

This year, the City has updated its heat preparedness categorization thresholds and language for hot weather events to be in line with other partners and ensure resources are allocated efficiently. Instead of declaring a heat emergency, the City of Boston will now issue an excessive heat warning for 1 day of a heat index of 105°F or above for 2 or more consecutive hours or a temperature increase of at least 25°F within a 24-hour period of time with the high temperature reaching 90°F or above. Additionally, the City will now issue a heat advisory if there is a heat index of 95°F for 2 hours over 2 consecutive days or 1 day with a heat index of 100°F for 2 consecutive hours. 

The City’s excessive heat warning will lead to cooling centers being activated, additional support for residents along with a recommendation to reschedule most outdoor events. These updated thresholds, made in coordination with the Boston Public Health Commission and state partners, position the City to better respond to extreme heat events and ensure residents, visitors and families are safe and connected to resources.  

“Over the next few days, the City will experience extreme heat. We encourage everyone to take necessary precautions such as staying hydrated and to be on the lookout for individuals showing signs of heat related illnesses,” said Chief of Emergency Preparedness Adrian Jordan. “For more information regarding the symptoms of heat related illnesses and tips on how to stay cool visit boston.gov/heat!

Stay Informed

Residents can sign up to receive updates through AlertBoston, the City’s emergency mass notification system, by phone, text, or email for information regarding extreme weather events. AlertBoston notifications are available in 11 languages.

Residents, families and visitors are encouraged to visit boston.gov/heat, a city webpage with resources and tips to prepare for and stay safe during heat events. The page also has specific information for parents, older adults, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, and others.

Places to Cool Off

Splash pads are open at various parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Several city pools are also available for swimming. Find an updated list of splash pads, pool locations and their operating hours at Boston.gov/pools. 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers are available during normal business hours on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2 for people to come in and cool off. Find locations and hours at Boston.gov/BCYF. On Friday, July 3, the following community centers and pools will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m unless otherwise noted below.

BCYF Clougherty Pool (will be open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), Charlestown

BCYF Condon Community Center (pool), South Boston

BCYF Curley Community Center (beach), South Boston

BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, Jamaica Plain

BCYF Holland Community Center, Dorchester

BCYF Hyde Park Community Center

BCYF Marshall Community Center (pool), Dorchester

BCYF Mattahunt Community Center (pool), Mattapan

BCYF Mildred Avenue Community Center (pool), Mattapan

BCYF Quincy Community Center (pool), Chinatown

BCYF Shelburne Community Center, Roxbury

BCYF Tobin Community Center, Mission Hill

BCYF Vine Street Community Center, Roxbury

BCYF Draper Pool, West Roxbury

BCYF Flaherty Pool, Roslindale

BCYF Mason Pool, Roxbury

BCYF Paris Street Pool, East Boston

Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July  2. Patrons are welcome to participate in BPL’s summer programming for kids, teens, and adults. 

In an effort to ensure that residents have wider access to spaces to cool down, get relief from the heat, and have an enjoyable cultural experiences, the following Boston cultural institutions will offer free admission to Boston residents:

Museum of Science 

Institute of Contemporary Art

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (available starting Thursday, July 3rd through the 5th) 

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.

Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. More tips for cooling down at home can be found on boston.gov/heat.

If you can not avoid being outside, take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you are not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.

Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.

Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.

To help prevent electrical fires, always plug air conditioners and fans directly into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords or overload power strips, as these can overheat and create a serious fire hazard.

If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

If you are an older adult and need help getting to a cooler space, the Age Strong Commission offers discounted taxi vouchers for seniors and people with disabilities. Call 617-635-4366 for more information.

Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.

Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:  

If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911. 

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. 

Boston Public Health Commission's emergency shelters have air conditioning and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are 90 degrees or above, amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. In anticipation of this extreme heat event, amnesty has been preemptively declared for Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a cool respite from the heat. 

Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need. 

Boston Public Health Commission’s street outreach teams providing recovery services continue operating as normal from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends transporting people to shelter, day spaces, treatment, home, or places of origin. During this stretch of extreme heat, outreach workers will be passing out water to those who need it.

Youth and Outdoor Safety:  

Hot weather affects infants and young children more than most adults because they heat up more quickly and sweat less. The potential impacts of heat on childhood health and development can be lifelong. 

Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.

If you have a child under the age of 10 in your home, install child window guards in addition to screens on any open window that is more than 12 feet above ground. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.   

Parents, guardians, and educators can visit boston.gov/cool-kids to make an action plan and review heat guides for children.

Shoes should be worn outdoors, including on splash pads, spray decks, playgrounds, and turf athletic fields, as surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires.

Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.

Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.

Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

The City of Boston’s work is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston framework to prepare for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston.

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈 7/1在芬衛球場辦看球派對

 （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）6月30日宣布，將於7月1日晚間在芬衛（Fenway) 球場旁的米高梅（MGM）音樂廳，舉辦美國隊出戰波士尼亞（Bosnia）和赫塞哥維納（Herzegovina）的世界盃足球賽免費觀賽派對。

由於波士頓本週正逢熱浪侵襲，這場活動特別選在室內場地舉行，讓球迷能在舒適環境中為美國隊加油。

這場觀賽派對將於7月1日下午6點開放入場，比賽則於晚間8點開踢。活動採免費入場制，名額有限，有意參加的民眾必須事先上網登記。

吳弭市長表示，體育賽事能凝聚社區情感，感謝合作夥伴提供安全的室內空間，讓球迷在酷熱天氣中仍能享受觀賽樂趣。

波士頓作為本屆世界盃主辦城市之一，迄今已舉辦四場社區觀賽派對，包括西班牙對維德角、巴西對海地等組合。市議員杜肯（Sharon Durkan）指出，世界盃為波士頓帶來空前的活力與經濟效益，能在市中心舉辦美國隊賽事的觀賽派對別具意義。

市府表示，7月還將規劃三場觀賽活動，分別為準決賽與決賽。此外，波士頓官網也已公布淘汰賽階段全市各處的免費觀賽地點，供民眾查詢。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW WATCH PARTY FOR FIFA WORLD CUP GAME BETWEEN USA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 

BOSTON - June 30, 2026 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced a free, family-friendly watch party for the USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina FIFA World Cup match inviting residents and visitors to cheer on Team USA and celebrate Boston as a host city and the momentum created by fans from all over the world.

The MGM Music Hall at Fenway will serve as the location for the watch party on Wednesday, July 1, amid a heat wave that is expected to bring high temperatures to the region this week. This event has limited capacity, and attendees must register in advance at this link.

“Sports bring us together as one big community, no matter where we live or who we root for, and Boston is keeping up the incredible momentum from the World Cup,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As Team USA prepares to play Bosnia and Herzegovina and we head into a heat wave, we thank our partners at Boston Red Sox and Crossroads Presents for working with us to provide safe, welcoming spaces where fans can stay cool, watch the match, and enjoy the game with family and friends.”

Watch parties are part of Mayor Wu’s efforts to host free, community based events for everyone to enjoy the World Cup festivities. To date, the City of Boston has hosted four community watch parties for Spain vs. Cabo Verde, Brazil vs. Haiti, Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, and Colombia vs. Portugal. These gatherings have brought the excitement of the World Cup directly into Boston’s neighborhoods, creating welcoming spaces for residents to come together close to home. 

“The energy and economic vitality the World Cup has brought to Boston have been absolutely unmatched. I am incredibly excited to keep that momentum going right in the heart of our city's sports scene with a watch party at MGM Music Hall at Fenway,” said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. “There is nothing quite like celebrating these historic moments surrounded by the passion and spirit of Boston fans. Go Team USA!”

Three additional watch parties are scheduled for the semifinals and the final in July, with more events in development. 

Additionally, the City has compiled a list of free watch parties taking place across Boston for the knockout stage matches. Information on locations and additional details can be found at www.boston.gov/watchparties