In State of the Commonwealth, Governor Healey to Announce Immediate Reduction in Electric and Gas Bills

 In State of the Commonwealth, Governor Healey to Announce Immediate Reduction in Electric and Gas Bills 

BOSTON – In her third State of the Commonwealth Address, Governor Maura Healey will detail how she is working to lower costs for people and businesses, while continuing to stand up to the damage that President Trump is doing every day. She will announce several new initiatives to lower costs, including immediately reducing electricity bills by 25 percent and gas bills by 10 percent for every Massachusetts residential utility customer in February and March 2026. Her administration will be covering the cost of $180 million of these rate reductions from existing funding sources. Customers will start seeing these discounted rates in their February bills.  

“I called on the utilities to lower bills this winter, and now relief is on the way. Massachusetts customers will see their February and March electric bills reduced by 25 percent and gas bills reduced by 10 percent,” said Governor Healey. “We also know that long term help is needed. That’s why we’re going to keep working every day to bring more energy into our state, oppose rate hikes and get charges off of bills.” 

“Families cannot support big winter energy bills right now, so we called for more relief,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our administration is working to help families make ends meet with $180 million in support, while continuing our advocacy for major reforms. Our energy affordability legislation would deliver lower cost energy in winter months by getting more energy built, getting us a better price, and driving down delivery costs. With energy costs rising nationwide, we’re going to keep calling for strong action in Massachusetts.” 

As energy prices spiked last year, Governor Healey sent $220 million to consumers through rebates and lower bills. She also filed legislation to bring more energy into the state and save consumers $13 billion, including by allowing the utilities to go out on the market and lock in the best prices, like private companies can. Governor Healey also called on the Department of Public Utilities to explain and justify every single charge on bills, and she pledged to eliminate any unnecessary charges. Additionally, a new transmission line just began operations last week, supplying 20 percent of the state’s electricity with clean, reliable hydropower and lowering bills by a combined $50 million a year. 

PATRICK ROATH ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS FROM ACROSS THE MASSACHUSETTS EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

 PATRICK ROATH ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS FROM ACROSS THE MASSACHUSETTS EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Ten elected officials from Braintree, Brockton, Canton, Hingham, Walpole, and Whitman back Roath’s campaign for Congress

 

BOSTON, MA — Patrick Roath, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ Eighth District, today announced endorsements from ten local elected officials representing communities across the district. The endorsements span town councils, school committees, boards of selectmen, and planning boards from Braintree to Whitman, reflecting growing momentum for Roath’s challenger campaign.

 

“These local leaders know their communities inside and out,” said Roath. “They see what I see: families struggling with the rising cost of childcare and housing, and a district that deserves a representative who will fight for them every single day. I’m honored to have their support.”

 

The endorsing officials are:

 

1.    Michelle Ayer, Hingham School Committee, Vice Chair

2.    Meredith Boericke, Braintree Town Council

3.    Patricia Boyden, Canton Select Board, Vice Chair

4.    Laura Burns, Hingham Municipal Light Board, Chair

5.    Sandra Centeio, Brockton School Committee

6.    Justin Evans, Whitman Select Board 

7.    Julia Flaherty, Braintree Town Council

8.    John Griffin, Walpole Planning Board

9.    Susan Harrington, Canton Select Board

10. Elizabeth Maglio, Braintree Town Council, Vice President 

 

“Patrick understands the challenges facing working families on the South Shore, and he is already showing up for us,” said Braintree Town Councilor Meredith Boericke. “His campaign demonstrates the leader he is: focusing first on people, and what matters to them most. Patrick will stand up for our communities, and deliver results.”

 

Roath’s campaign previously announced the endorsement of former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Each endorser is announcing their support in their personal capacity and not on behalf of the government body they each serve on. 

Patrick Roath is a voting rights advocate, attorney, and candidate for Congress in Massachusetts' 8th District. Roath, 38, lives in Jamaica Plain with his wife Vicky and their newborn daughter. The Democratic primary is scheduled for September 1, 2026. Learn more at patrickroath.com.

波士頓市本週末寒流來襲 吳弭市長宣佈23至25日進入緊急狀況

            （Boston Orange編譯）氣象局預報本週末氣溫可能驟降到華氏負10度（約攝氏零下23度）。市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（22）日宣佈，波士頓市將在1月23日（週五）至1月25日（週日）進入寒流緊急狀態，全市青少年家庭中心（BCYF）將開放供民眾取暖。

            吳弭市長表示，為確保市民獲得因應寒流所需資源，市府各部門將全天候工作。撥市府也建議居民提前規劃保暖，關心鄰居，特別是長者、殘障人士及無家可歸者。如發現有人在戶外受寒，請立即撥打911。

            依照規定，但凡天氣預測到有一天或以上風寒指數低於-10°F，波士頓市就應進入緊急狀況，若為0°F或以下，則向市民提出寒冷警告。 

            除了波士頓青少年家庭中心之外，波士頓市公共圖書館總管及分館，也將在正常營業時間內，開放供民眾取暖。

 

MAYOR WU DECLARES COLD EMERGENCY AND SHARES SAFETY TIPS AS BRUTALLY COLD WEATHER ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND

BOSTON – Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a cold emergency in the City of Boston for Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25, due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -10 degrees Friday night into Saturday. BCYF locations will be activated as warming centers during normal operating hours.

 

“During these harsh conditions, please plan ahead to stay warm, look out for your neighbors and take all necessary precautions to stay safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our City departments are working around the clock to ensure all Boston residents are connected to the resources they need in a cold emergency.”

 

According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill temperature is expected to drop significantly Friday night into Saturday morning, reaching as low as -10 degrees. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.

 

The current threshold for the City of Boston to declare a cold emergency is one day or more of -10°F or below observed wind chill. Additionally, the current City of Boston cold advisory threshold is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill.

 

Mayor Wu is advising all residents to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will activate warming centers at community centers during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here.

 

Residents can visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or branch locations during their normal operating hours.

 

Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:

 

·       If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, 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 are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.

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

·       During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.

 

The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift reminding officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered individuals. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed. 

 

Cold weather safety tips:

 

Dress for the weather:

 

·       Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

·       Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.

·       Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.

·       Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  

·       Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.

·       Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Watch for signs of frostbite:

 

·       Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

 

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

 

·       These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

 

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

 

·       Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

·       In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.

·       If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

 

Heating safety:

 

·       Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

·       Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.

·       Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.

·       Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.

·       Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

 

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

 

·       The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.

·       Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.

·       Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.

·       Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.

·       If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

 

Emergency home repair resources: 

 

·       Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).   

·       In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.   

·       The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.

 

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/cold

杭廷頓劇院2月12起推出新劇「我們有個世界」

（公關公司提供）

        （Boston Orange編譯） 杭廷頓劇院（The Huntington）訂 2 月 12 日至 3 月 15 日，在波士頓南端（South End）的卡爾德伍德劇場（Calderwood Pavilion），推出凱拉·弗羅姆（Keira Fromm）執導的著名劇作家約書亞·哈蒙（Joshua Harmon）全新半自傳體劇作——「我們有個世界（We Had a World）」。

該劇敘述一名女性在臨終前要求其孫子撰寫一部關於家族的劇本，並要求內容呈現家族成員間的負面衝突。該劇的時間跨度達三十年，場景記錄了家族內部的爭執、成員行為以及家庭生活的細節，包括傳統食物（如德國麵疙瘩 spaetzle）的製作。劇中共有三位主要角色：祖母蕾妮（Renee）、母親艾倫（Ellen）以及孫子約書亞（Joshua），呈現跨越三代的家庭互動關係。

「我們有個世界（We Had a World）」這齣劇的創作者哈蒙（Joshua Harmon），畢業於朱莉亞（Juilliard）學院，目前是圓環劇院（Roundabout Theatre Company）副藝術家，曾兩次獲得麥克道威爾獎學金（MacDowell fellow）。他以「壞猶太人 (Bad Jews)」成名後，再於2024年以「為法蘭西共和國祈禱 (Prayer for the French Republic)」獲得東尼獎最佳劇本提名。這齣「我們的世界」有如他個人的半自傳作品，去年2月在曼哈頓劇院俱樂部（Manhattan Theatre Club）做百老匯首演。

演員已排定曾參演《為法蘭西共和國祈禱》及《拉勒米計畫》全美巡演的艾米·雷斯尼克（Amy Resnick）， 飾演祖母蕾妮，曾參演百老匯劇目《哈利波特：被詛咒的孩子》的伊娃·卡敏斯基（Eva Kaminsky）飾演母親艾倫，威爾·康納德（Will Conard）：飾演書亞

幕後創意團隊成員包括：考特尼·奧尼爾（佈景設計）、泰勒·米科勞（燈光設計）、陳梅蘭（聲效與原創音樂）以及拉雪兒·帕杜拉-舒費爾特（髮妝設計）。

「我們有個世界（We Had a World）」將於2 月 12 日至 3 月 15 日，在Calderwood Pavilion (527 Tremont Street, Boston)演出，票價29元起，另有多種不同價格門票，針對40歲以下觀眾的HYPE優惠票，訂購可上官方網站或致電617-266-0800。

Massachusetts Senate Moves Forward on Comprehensive Early Literacy Reform Legislation

 Massachusetts Senate Moves Forward on Comprehensive Early Literacy Reform Legislation 

Evidence-Based Literacy Reform and $25 Million Investment Headed to Senate Floor 

 

(BOSTON—01/22/2026) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today advanced legislation to create a new statewide standard for how Massachusetts schools teach reading and literacy to young students. 

The bill—An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy, S.2924—requires that local school districts use an evidence-based curriculum to teach reading and literacy to students from kindergarten to 3rd grade. The curriculum would be approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and feature phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness. 

The Senate voted during its session today to schedule the legislation for debate by the full Senate on Thursday, January 29. Senators will have until 2:30 P.M. on Monday, January 26 to file amendments for consideration by their colleagues. 

The legislation would also have DESE make one complete curriculum available for free, directly to schools. Schools would be required to regularly assess students’ reading levels and act if a student is significantly behind benchmarks.  

The bill includes $25 million in one-time funding from the ‘Fair Share’ surtax on millionaire households to help school districts purchase new, evidence-based curricula and provide professional development to teachers. 

The Committee on Ways and Means voted to report the bill, a new draft of legislation previously approved by the House of Representatives, H.4683. The committee’s vote also included a related Senate bill, S.2855, which was also before the committee and was based on legislation originally filed by Senator Sal N. DiDomenico.  

All of the underlying House and Senate bills were the subject of a public hearing held on September 16, 2025 by the Joint Committee on Education. 

慶祝250週年 波士頓公共圖書館將推出展覽、講座等系列活動

             （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓公共圖書館（ＢPL）為慶祝麻州250週年的3年慶祝，跨入2026年，安排有主題為「革命性思想：波士頓250 （Revolutionary Ideas: Boston 250）」展覽、講座及工作坊等3大類別系列活動，帶民眾回顧歷史轉折，探看未來方向。

            波士頓公共圖書館早從2024年就推出了「革命之路（Road to Revolution）」的3年計畫，依序每年以音樂、藝術及思想為主題，推出系列活動。2026年的重點放在波士頓是思想發源地上。

            主要在波士頓公共圖書館總館舉辦的「革命性思想：波士頓250」，今年安排有一系列4項展覽，分別為即日起至3月29日，藉地圖與文物，探索革命之路的「獨立的領域 (Terrains of Independence)」，即日起展至4月21日，陳列百餘件珍貴館藏的「革命！波士頓 250 年的藝術與行動主義」，將於4月開幕，首次展出6份美國「獨立宣言」原始副本的「宣言：印刷一個新國家」，以及將在今年內不定期舉辦，藉該館稀有館藏來展示波士頓市革命歷程的「革命波士頓開放日系列」。

            講座、論壇系列部分，主要為3大系列，有全年舉辦的「羅爾系列 （Lowell）」，重點強調這些年來的革命思想，包括人工智慧革命將形塑民主未來的討論，以及關於Kizzmeika Corbett博士和莫德納在研發新冠病毒（Covid-19）疫苗這革命性工作的對話。有「名家作者對談系列」，包括2月份Ilyasah Shabazz 博士分享其父Malcolm X事蹟，春季Emily Sneff 剖析「獨立宣言」的媒體傳播史，6月份Nicholas Boggs 探討詹姆斯·鮑德溫的新傳記。還有將於4月份的全國圖書館週期間舉辦，探討波士頓公共圖書館作為全美首座免費供民眾進出大型博物館革命性先鋒地位的討論。

            其他的活動包括「生命、自由與追求幸福」六部曲。波士頓公共圖書館社區歷史部將和「革命空間」這組織聯手，在2026年內推出「公民之愛的 36 個問題」、「客廳對話」 以及 「撰寫你自己的宣言」工作坊，7月 4 日 舉辦「革命版印：國慶朗讀活動」，年尾再辦一場集結市民創作的 「社區藝術與宣言成果展覽」。

波士頓公共圖書館為鼓勵民眾參與活動，還將在全市共26個分館內舉辦「獨立宣言」小誌，讓民眾用圖書館珍藏影片創作個人作品，和麻省總醫院（Mass General Brigham）合作，探討革命戰爭工具與現代職能治療（OT）復健工具的共通點。

2026年內，波士頓公共圖書館還將探討產業變革與創新，陸續推出“AI 與營建業“、”行銷的過去與現在“等兩場重量級專題演講，剖析科技與數位經濟如何型塑未來，並以”廚房中的電影“為主題，播放關於革新烹飪藝術人物的紀錄片。

 波士頓公共圖書館表示，全年度計畫的詳細時間表將持續更新。民眾可隨時前往官方活動網站bpl.org/revolutionary-ideas/ 獲取最新的講座日期與展覽資訊。

BOSTON, MA – January 20, 2026 – The Boston Public Library (BPL) today announced Revolutionary Ideas: Boston250, a year-long celebration of the art, activism, and energy that has made Boston a hotbed of revolutionary thought and innovation since 1776. This marks the final installment of Road to Revolution, a three-year thematic series leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Through a dynamic mix of programs, performances, the first major BPL exhibition in more than a decade, and a never-before-exhibited display of six original copies of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary Ideas: Boston250 brings these forces to life. From exhibitions and workshops to lectures and live performances, this series invites visitors to engage firsthand with the ideas and creativity that have shaped our nation—and will continue to shape the future. Throughout 2026, the BPL will feature booklists, host special events across branches, and highlight notable items in the BPL collections. The full list of programs, updated throughout the year, can be found at bpl.org/revolutionary-ideas/. Upcoming highlights include: Exhibitions and Open Houses: ·       Terrains of Independence           ·       Why did the first sparks of the American Revolution ignite in Boston? This exhibition explores that question through maps, stories, and artifacts that reveal the city's Revolutionary-era history across geographic scales, from the vast sweep of the British Empire to the small spaces of local buildings and landmarks. ·       Open now through March 29, 2026 ·       Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston           ·       Featuring over 100 artworks and documentary materials from the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections—prints, photographs, paintings, sculpture, and more—this exhibition brings to light both familiar and lesser-known stories about America’s ongoing struggle for freedom, civil rights, and belonging for all. ·       Open now through April 21, 2026 ·       Declarations: Printing a New Nation           ·       This exhibition will re-examine the Declaration of Independence from the perspective of breaking news in the summer of 1776, showcasing the Boston Public Library’s six original copies alongside rare maps and other materials, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the moment when American independence—and the nation itself—was first taking shape. ·       Opening April 2026 ·       Revolutionary Boston Open House Series           ·       Special Collections will host open houses featuring items from BPL’s collections that represent the many revolutions that have occurred in Boston’s history. Talks, Lectures, and Author Events ·       Lowell Lecture Series          ·       The lecture series will feature a variety of topics that discuss and highlight revolutionary ideas over time, including discussions about how the AI revolution will shape the future of our democracy, a conversation about the revolutionary work done by Dr. Kizzmeika Corbett and Moderna to develop the COVID-19 vaccine, and more. ·       Author Talks          ·       Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and author of Growing Up X. ·       Emily Sneff, a scholar and author of a recent book on the Declarations of Independence, will examine the Declaration as a news event and how it was disseminated throughout New England. ·       Nicholas Boggs will help us celebrate Pride month by discussing his new biography of James Baldwin, Baldwin: A Love Story. ·       Boston Public Library: A Revolutionary Idea          ·       BPL staff will present a panel discussion and historic overview of the Boston Public Library and its standing as the nation’s first major free public library during National Library Week (April 2026). Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Series ·       BPL Community History is partnering with Revolutionary Spaces to offer a six-part program series that invites patrons to explore, question, critique, and draw inspiration from the Declaration of Independence.         ·       36 Questions for Civic Love series ·       Living Room Conversations ·       Write Your Own Declaration Workshops ·       Revolutionary Printmaking: July 4th Readings ·       A culminating exhibition of community-created artwork and declarations Maker Programs & Hands-On Experiences ·       Declaration of Independence Zine-Making        ·       This program invites patrons to create zines—using provided supplies and Special Collections images—that respond to the question “What does the Declaration of Independence mean to you 250 years later?” ·       Tools of Independence        ·       Presented with Mass General Brigham, this series explores how adaptive tools and joint-protection techniques in occupational therapy restore daily function—drawing parallels between the tools of war that secured freedom and the therapeutic tools that help individuals reclaim it today. Innovation Across Industry ·       AI & Construction       ·       A speaker event that discusses how AI can revolutionize the construction industry and how it is currently being tested and used. ·       Marketing: Then and Now       ·       This speaker event traces the evolution of marketing—from its early practices to its powerful influence in today’s digital economy—to illuminate how this young field shapes consumer behavior. ·       Movies in the Kitchen       ·       The Nutrition Lab will feature movies and documentaries about people who have revolutionized the culinary arts. Revolutionary Ideas follows Revolutionary Art (2025) and Revolutionary Music (2024) in the Road to Revolution series. The Boston Public Library invites everyone to participate in these dynamic programs celebrating the power of Revolutionary Ideas. To explore upcoming events and updates, visit bpl.org/events.   Revolutionary Ideas is part of the City of Boston’s Boston250 commemoration of Boston’s role in the American Revolution.