Governor Healey Launches First Family Advisory Council for Early Education and Care

 Governor Healey Launches First Family Advisory Council for Early Education and Care

 Twenty parents and caregivers from across Massachusetts will help shape child care policies, programs and services

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced the 20 parents and caregivers selected to serve on the Department of Elementary Education and Care (EEC)’s first formal Family Advisory Council (FAC), creating a direct and ongoing role for families in shaping the policies, programs, and resources that serve Massachusetts children and families.

"We’re working every day to make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for families across Massachusetts, and that work has to start with listening to families, " said Governor Maura Healey. "That’s what this Council is all about. These members know firsthand what it takes to find and pay for care, navigate different programs and make the best choices for their children. Their voices will help us build a child care system that works better for every family. "

 “Parents and caregivers understand what is working, what is not and where families need more support,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This council brings those experiences directly into the decisions we make at the state level. We’re grateful to every member for stepping up to represent families in their communities.”

The Family Advisory Council brings together a diverse group of parents, caregivers, and guardians representing communities from every region of Massachusetts. Council members bring a wide range of lived experiences with early education and care, out-of-school time programs, residential care services, and other systems that support children and families. 

The Council also reflects the diversity of Massachusetts families across income levels, language, cultural background, race, ethnicity, and geography. Members will meet quarterly to advise EEC on a range of topics, including family access and support initiatives, child care financial assistance, workforce development efforts, and strategies to increase family engagement throughout the state.

"Family engagement is foundational to student success and child well-being," said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. "The members of this Council bring valuable insights that will help inform our work and ensure that policies and programs are responsive to the realities families face every day. Engaging families as partners from a child’s earliest years helps build a strong foundation for learning and success throughout their education."

The Council advances a key priority of EEC’s Strategic Action Plan: centering the voices of families, educators and providers in the department’s policies and programs.

Members were selected through a competitive application process based on their experiences with programs and services for children, commitment to family engagement and ability to represent different perspectives from across Massachusetts.

"This milestone reinforces the important partnership between EEC and families across Massachusetts," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. "The Family Advisory Council will help us better understand the experiences of children and caregivers, strengthen our programs and services, and build a more equitable and responsive early education and care system. We are excited to welcome these members and grateful for their willingness to serve."

The new Council builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s work to make child care more affordable and accessible for families and strengthen the early education and care workforce. Since taking office, the Administration has:

• Added more than 26,000 child care seats 
• Expanded financial assistance to help 17,000 families afford care
• Continued operational grants that have helped 8,000 child care programs stay open
• Launched the state’s first-ever $15 million loan repayment program for early childhood educators 
• Invested more than 250 early education apprentices

“There’s no better way to stay informed about what Massachusetts parents and families need and want when it comes to early education and care than to hear directly from them,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The Family Advisory Council will serve as an indispensable resource to bring lived experiences and new insights to state agencies and policymakers in the coming years.”

“In Massachusetts, we are always striving to strengthen and improve our early education and care system,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Parents and caregivers bring an invaluable perspective to this work, and their voices will have a tremendous impact on the work of this advisory council."

 

Representing all five EEC regions, the inaugural members of the Family Advisory Council are:

Metro Boston

• Analuisa Diaz de la Cruz
• Nicole Pola
• Karima Rehmani
• John Smith-St. Cyere

Metro West

• Kelly Dube
• Laura Valero Lopez

Central

• Wairimu Macharia
• Fatou Nije-Jallow

North East

• Sam Gragg
• Audrey Kelly
• Taina M. Janvier
• Rodolfo Saldarriaga

South East

• Kristi Ferrantella
• Sarah Hendrick
• Kendra LeBeau
• Caitlin Petrizzi-Canavan

Western

• Brandon Mauer
• Louis Nunez
• Fiona Smith
• Tierney Sodders

For more information about the Family Advisory Council, visit mass.gov/EECFamilyAdvisory.

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Blue Envelope Program for People with Autism

Governor Healey Launches Statewide Blue Envelope Program for People with Autism 

 Free tool will help improve communication during traffic stops and other interactions with law enforcement

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today launched the statewide Blue Envelope Program, a free and voluntary program designed to support safer, more effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with autism.

Beginning today, Blue Envelopes are available at all Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers, participating AAA locations and through an online mail request form.

“People with autism and their families deserve to feel safe and understood when they interact with law enforcement,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By helping residents communicate their needs and giving officers useful guidance, the Blue Envelope can prevent misunderstandings and make traffic stops safer for everyone. I’m grateful to our police officers for their partnership and commitment to making this program work across Massachusetts.”

“A traffic stop can be stressful for anyone, especially when a driver and an officer communicate differently,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By making Blue Envelopes available across Massachusetts, we’re helping people with autism and their families feel more prepared while giving officers another tool to support safe, respectful interactions.”

The bright blue envelope can hold a driver’s license, vehicle registration, contact card, and other important information. During a traffic stop or other interaction, the envelope alerts an officer that the driver or passenger may communicate, process information or respond differently. Guidance printed on the envelope helps officers adjust their approach.

Governor Healey signed legislation establishing the statewide program in June. The law builds on a voluntary initiative launched by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 and expands access to Blue Envelopes through the RMV.

“The Blue Envelope Program continues the Commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to foster trust and supports successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “We deeply appreciate the Governor’s leadership to sign this bill into law, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles’ work to make this resource readily available to their customers. Raising awareness of this important communication tool will continue to build trust between law enforcement and our neighbors within this important community.”   

“The Blue Envelope Program is a practical and meaningful way to foster safer and more effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By making these envelopes widely available through the RMV, AAA locations, and an online request process, we are helping individuals and families feel more prepared and confident while giving officers useful information that they can use to support positive interactions and outcomes.”

“The Blue Envelope Program provides a supportive tool for individuals with autism to communicate with law enforcement, creating more understanding and making traffic stops safer for them,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We’re pleased to take this innovative program piloted by the Massachusetts State Police and make it available statewide in support of our ongoing efforts to make RMV services accessible and inclusive to all residents.”  

Any Massachusetts resident with autism may request a Blue Envelope. Residents may request more than one envelope, including envelopes for use in different vehicles. Parents and guardians may also request envelopes for minors or individuals in their care. No medical records, diagnosis documentation, or other verification is required and there is no fee to participate in the program.

Residents can keep the envelope on the driver’s-side sun visor or in another visible, easy-to-reach location. During an interaction with law enforcement, the driver or passenger can present the envelope to the officer along with the documents stored inside.

For additional information about the Blue Envelope Program, visit the MA RMV website. 

8月31 國際關注吸毒過量日 麻州死亡人數首度跌破千人 波士頓市創10年新低

麻州州長Maura Healey (右起）頒表揚狀給Nichol Brewer-Lowry。
左為第一夫人Joanna Lydgate。（周菊子攝）

         （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和官員、志工， 8 月 31 日「國際關注吸毒過量日」這天，在波士頓公園聚會，站在2萬多面小紫旗前，悼念2013 年來吸毒過量逝世的州民，宣佈 2025 年死亡人數降至 971 人，首度跌破千人大關，防治效果顯著。

麻州州長Maura Healey點名譴責普渡製藥和薩克勒家族。（周菊子攝）

        政府官員們在這活動中強調，麻州政府和波士頓市去年都在防治吸毒過量上成績斐然。

        麻州麻州公共衛生署署長Robbie Goldstein指出，麻州吸毒過量死亡人數，一連3年銳減，從2022年的2364人降至2025年的971人，降幅高逾60％，還首度跌破千人大關。

州市官員一起關注吸毒過量事故。（周菊子攝）

波士頓公園插出2萬多面小紫旗，提醒民眾國際關注吸毒過量日。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu也宣佈，波士頓市的吸毒過量死亡人數也創十年新低的將至120人，和2023年時的高峰相比，下降了56%。她還指出，由於資源精準投放至受創最嚴重社區，一直以來吸毒過量死亡率最高的黑人男性，死亡人數也驟降70%，拉丁裔男性下降約60%。波士頓市府未來將深化支持原住民社區。

奚莉州長致詞時一度哽噎，強調每個人的生命都彌足珍惜，即使只有一個人因吸毒過量而死亡，也是多得讓人痛惜。她還直接點名普渡製藥（Purdue Pharma）與薩克勒家族（Sackler family）應該為吸毒過量氾濫負責。

波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu公布去年波士頓市吸毒過量死亡人數120人，
創10年新低。（周菊子攝）

        奚莉州長指出，她擔任麻州總檢察長時，2018年率先提告薩克勒家族成員，並和現為第一夫人的Joanna Lydgate攜手，深入調查此案，追討到數十億美元賠償金。

        從 2023 年以來，麻州政府已撥發逾 10 億美元，資助 6 個行動戒毒醫療計畫、SafeSpot 虛擬過量檢測熱線，並發放超過 15 萬份解毒劑 Naloxone（納洛酮）與近 40 萬條芬太尼（Fentanyl）檢測紙。

麻州麻州公共衛生署署長Robbie Goldstein報告麻州吸毒過量死亡人數，
首度低於千人。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市也從集體訴訟藥廠中，獲得1,800 萬美元和解金至 2028 年，已有逾 300 萬美元撥付給受創最重的社區，並透過 A HOPE 計畫持續發放減害物資與提供轉介服務。

麻州眾議員Kate Donaghue分享兒子因藥成癮，吸毒過量死亡的經歷。（周菊子攝）

        在「國際關注過量吸毒日」儀式中，麻州公共衛生署（DPH）還請身為Mashpee Wampanoag族成員的部落與原住民健康策略師Cheryl Cromwell做「土地認同宣告（Land Acknowledgement）」，呼籲民眾尊重原住民歷史，尊重部落主權。

        奚莉州長也頒發表揚狀給「波士頓美洲原住民生命線（Native American LifeLines in Boston）」副主任布魯爾-勞里（Nichol Brewer-Lowry）。

小紫旗插在麻州州政府前的波士頓廣場內。 （周菊子攝）

現場發言中，最令人動容的是麻州眾議員Kate Donaghue分享親身經歷。她的兒子Brian接受憂鬱症治療，卻因處方藥上了癮，還吸起海洛因，儘管想要戒毒，醫療保險卻只保他買讓人上癮的處方藥，拒絕為戒毒療程付費，以致於他兒子吸食了摻雜芬太尼的海洛因而殞命昆士市街頭。她痛言這樣的處方藥保險制度，必須立法更改。

        波士頓公園內的2300面左右小紫旗，將在公園內持續飄揚至9 月 4 日。

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈 3 名 新任鄰里聯絡員

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW MID-DOT, CHARLESTOWN,  AND ROXBURY LIAISON  BOSTON - Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Marcus McNeill as the new neighborhood liaison for Mid-Dorchester, Isabella Carr as the new neighborhood liaison for Charlestown, and Abdullah Beckett as the new neighborhood liaison for Roxbury within the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS plays a vital role in connecting residents with city services and resources; facilitating resident input on local government matters; ensuring that the appropriate city departments address constituent service requests; attending neighborhood meetings; and responding to emergencies, such as fires, to assist displaced residents. “Strong communities start with meaningful connections between residents and City Hall,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Marcus’ dedication to public service and experience connecting residents to City services will strengthen our work in Dorchester. Isabella’s lifelong connection to Charlestown and experience in government will help residents stay connected to City resources and services. Abdullah’s knowledge of City Hall and strong commitment to serving Roxbury will further our efforts to connect constituents with the support they need. I’m thrilled to welcome all three to these important roles and look forward to the relationships they will build with residents across their neighborhoods.” Marcus McNeill Marcus McNeill was born and raised in Boston and attended Fenway High School in Mission Hill. A recent graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Education Studies. McNeill previously served in the Biden administration in the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Postsecondary Education. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, he worked in the Boston City Council for Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. McNeill currently resides in Dorchester.  “Boston is a city I deeply admire and have the utmost respect for the communities that make it such a special place,” said Marcus McNeill, Mid-Dorchester Liaison. “ I am excited to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues at City Hall and with the constituents I will serve in Mid-Dorchester.” Isabella Carr Isabella Carr was born and raised in Charlestown, where she currently lives. She graduated from Boston Latin School and attended the University of Alabama, where she double majored in International Studies and Italian. Carr has experience working in Boston government and policy. She interned with State Representative Dan Ryan and later with O’Neill and Associates, a lobbying and government relations firm. Her experiences reinforced her interest in public service. Carr looks forward to helping strengthen the relationship between the Charlestown community and city services.  “Having grown up in Charlestown, I understand and appreciate firsthand what makes our neighborhood so special and the community that makes it such a great place to call home,” said Isabella Carr, Charlestown Liaison. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to give back to this neighborhood and to help strengthen the connection between Charlestown residents and City Hall.”

Abdullah Beckett Abdullah Beckett is a fourth generation Bostonian who was born and raised in Roxbury. He graduated from Charlestown High School and UMass Boston. He is currently pursuing an MPA at Northeastern University.   Beckett has a background in community leadership, public service, and civic engagement. He has held leadership roles with the NAACP and the My Brother’s Keeper Program at UMass Boston. While in college, he was appointed to the City of Boston’s Commission on Black Men and Boys. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Beckett served as a therapeutic mentor for boys involved with the Department of Children and Families. He later worked for City Councilor Brian Worrell as a District Liaison before advancing to Director of Community Engagement and Constituent Services. Beckett also launched the Office of Police Accountability’s community engagement program. Most recently, he worked in the Department of Supplier Diversity, where he supported Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises  and helped advance opportunities for diverse businesses. “Roxbury is the heart of our city and home to some of my heroes,” said Abdullah Beckett, Roxbury Liaison. “I’m proud to serve as a bridge between this passionate community and local government and help make Roxbury an even better place to live, work, and thrive.” The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services is led by Executive Director Mohammed Missouri, who works alongside four deputy directors. Deputy directors supervise the liaisons and community engagement specialists who facilitate abutters meetings. “We’re thrilled to welcome Abdullah, Isabella, and Marcus to the Office of Neighborhood Services,” said Mohammed Missouri, Executive Director of Neighborhood Services. “Their empathy and deep roots to the neighborhoods they represent will ensure that residents inform our work, and families are connected to city services.” Neighborhood liaisons will be present at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours, a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. If there are inclement weather conditions, the time and location may change to an indoor location and will be reflected on the City events page. Community members can also meet with their designated neighborhood liaisons at weekly office hours in-person every Friday to receive guidance on how to navigate City services.

波士頓公校推出AI教育大使計畫 首批25名教師今秋上任

        （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和公校總監Mary Skipper今（9 月 1） 日宣佈，首批25名波士頓公校AI 教育大使（BPS AI Educator Ambassadors）已完成暑期培訓，今秋將在各自學校推動 AI 實驗計畫，以提升學生人工智慧素養。
        波士頓公校在企業家Paul English捐款100萬美元的資助，以及麻州大學波士頓分校，源自麻省理工學院（MIT RAISE）的「AI 日（Day of AI）」，TWG教育實驗室共同支持下，今年3月啟動了「波士頓公校人工智慧素養計劃（BPS AI Literacy Initiative），成為推廣AI教育的全美學區前沿。
        波士頓市公校系統（BPS）共有104所學校，其中有30多高中，或包含高中的中小學。第一批25名AI教育大使，來自25所不同中學，由TWG 教育實驗室執行長沃克·格里菲斯（Traci Walker Griffith）和前麻州教育局長萊利（Jeff Riley）安排，接受跨學科掌握 AI 機制與課堂應用培訓。HubSpot、Wayfair ，Dynamics（波士頓動力）、PTC、Suno、Toast 以及 WHOOP等企業組成的「波士頓公校AI 產業顧問委員會（BPS AI Industry Advisory Board）」，也全程提供指導。
        由於麻州教育局正在研究把AI 知識納入高中畢業的條件之一，AI教育大使們將在接下來的新學年中試辦教案，並制定「7–12 年級 AI 素養與流暢度基準」，以客觀衡量學生的實際學習成效，而不只是計算參與課堂數。 2027 年 6 月，波士頓公校將舉辦黑客松賽，展示成果。
        波士頓市公校也計劃未來將翻倍大使人數，把AI教育擴大推廣進更多學校。

CITY OF BOSTON AND BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCH INAUGURAL COHORT OF BPS AI EDUCATOR AMBASSADORS

BOSTON - Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper launched the first cohort of BPS AI Educator Ambassadors following a Summer Institute held August 24–28. Twenty-five secondary school educators received training in innovative and responsible artificial intelligence practices and will lead AI learning projects in their schools. The inaugural cohort is among the first district-wide AI educator ambassador programs in the nation and a core component of the BPS AI Literacy Initiative, a major public-private effort launched in March 2026 by Mayor Michelle Wu, Superintendent Skipper, Paul English and UMass Boston. The initiative brings together government, academia, and private industry to advance AI literacy across BPS, with the goal of ensuring students graduate prepared to understand and use AI responsibly. Technology and civic entrepreneur Paul English seeded the initiative with a $1 million gift. A portion of the funding supports initiative partners Day of AI and TWG Education Labs, which led the Summer Institute and will provide educators year-long support. “Five months ago we launched a program for every Boston Public School student to graduate with the fluency and knowledge to thrive in an AI-enabled world,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This past week, educators from every school across our district came together to put that goal into action–equipping teachers to use AI responsibly in the classroom and preparing students to navigate this technology with confidence, creativity and care. Thanks to Paul English and to our BPS educators for connecting our students to the skills and opportunities that will shape their future.” Over five days, the Educator Ambassadors, representing 25 different BPS schools across nearly every subject area, worked alongside Day of AI, an AI curriculum and professional development organization originally incubated through MIT’s RAISE (“Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education”) initiative, along with the BPS Tech Digital Learning Team and Office of Teaching and Learning. The week moved deliberately from foundations to practice: teachers first examined how AI systems actually work, to understand their risks and opportunities, before turning to explore how AI tools could support their own classrooms. Each Ambassador left the week with a defined Problem of Practice, a clear classroom challenge, from building student voice and confidence in discussions to strengthening feedback and engagement. Throughout the year, the AI Educator Ambassadors will develop and test these with their own students, with the work shared openly across the district by June. “Preparing our students for the future means making sure our educators have the tools, knowledge, and support to prepare them for what’s ahead,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “AI is changing the way we learn, work, and live, and our educators play an important role in helping students understand and navigate those changes thoughtfully and responsibly. This initiative gives our teachers the opportunity to learn together, ask important questions, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms and school communities. We are excited to continue building on this work throughout the year and to learn from our educators as we work to ensure every BPS student has the knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly changing technology landscape.” Traci Walker Griffith, founder and CEO of TWG Education Labs and former Executive Director of the Eliot K-8 Innovation School, serves as the initiative's Project Lead. The work builds on AI integration already underway at the Eliot, where Walker Griffith and other educators have spent years developing AI-integrated instruction. It also draws on BPS's AI Fellows program, which piloted AI-enabled practices in schools and across the central office during the 2025–26 school year. "The energy in the room this week was something to see," said Traci Walker Griffith, Project Lead for the BPS AI Literacy Initiative and Founder and CEO of TWG Education Labs. "Twenty-five teachers who came in ready, honest with each other about what we're all still learning, and already thinking about their students in September. That's exactly the right place to start. The year ahead is about making sure no one does this alone: monthly sessions, a real network across schools, and time to build things teachers can actually use. By June, we'll see students sharing what they've learned with us, and that's the part we can't wait for." “The most important question for schools isn’t whether AI is coming - it is how we make sure educators and students have the knowledge and agency to shape what comes next,” said Jeff Riley, Executive Director of Day of AI and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education who opened the week with a keynote address. “Boston is approaching that challenge in exactly the right way: grounding the work in teaching and learning, emphasizing safety and productivity, and treating AI literacy as much more than learning how to use a particular tool.” AI literacy fits within BPS's existing Vision of the Graduate, which calls for every student to leave high school career-ready, adaptable, and prepared for lifelong learning. Preparing students for the realities of a changing workforce isn't a new goal for the district, as it's already built into Mass Core and BPS's College & Career Pathways programming. AI is now part of what students need to understand and navigate well within that same commitment. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is developing a proposed Artificial Intelligence and Digital Literacy graduation requirement. Through the BPS Educator Ambassador Initiative, BPS is advancing that work now by giving educators a full year of hands-on experience integrating AI into classroom instruction, building practical knowledge that can inform a challenge districts across the Commonwealth will soon confront. "This week helped me shift my perspective about AI from more skeptical and (honestly) pessimistic to a more cautious optimism," said Sophia Chen, English Language Arts Teacher at Margarita Muñiz Academy. "The district lessons, policies, conversations with Day of AI, students, industry leaders, and higher education leaders have shown me what intentional and impactful usage looks like and how much the technology can expand our existing capacities and help solve interesting problems." "My biggest takeaway this week was the power of having a community of educators learning together, sharing ideas, and pushing each other’s thinking about AI," said Tara Correa, Humanities Teacher at Eliot Innovation School. "I’m leaving with new skills and a clearer understanding of how I can apply AI intentionally to support student learning. This school year, I’m excited to continue learning alongside other teachers while putting these ideas into practice in my classroom and leading my teams." "My main takeaways are that: 1. The district is 100% committed to students and teachers learning about AI and encourages appropriate-use of the tools. 2. There is a great community of educators that gained a tremendous amount of AI proficiency this week. 3. The tools we learned about this week have direct relevance to our students' educational journey," said Ted Smith, Librarian at Madison Park Technical Vocational School. The BPS AI Industry Advisory Board, co-chaired by Paul English and Ellen Rubin and formed by leadership from Boston Dynamics, HubSpot, PTC, Suno, Toast, Wayfair, and WHOOP, was a key partner of the Summer Institute. Board members engaged directly with AI Educator Ambassadors throughout the week, sharing industry insight and encouraging educators to explore the future of possibilities AI can create for students. The board will continue to advise ambassadors and review curriculum throughout the year, helping ensure BPS instruction aligns with the skills and expectations students will encounter after graduation.  "As co-chair of the Industry Advisory Board alongside Paul, my job starts in earnest now," said Ellen Rubin, Co-chair of the BPS AI Industry Advisory Board. "I've spent two decades building and scaling tech companies in this city, and this Board is a chance to put that experience directly to work for these Ambassadors and their students, connecting them to real AI expertise inside Boston's leading tech companies, with support and mentorship from board members all the way through to the Hackathon in June." "I’m excited to see AI education move forward in this way," said Paul English, Co-chair of the BPS AI Industry Advisory Board. "As a BPS graduate myself, I know firsthand what this district can mean for a student’s future, and I’m glad to help make sure today’s students have the tools they need to shape theirs." What's Ahead This Year The Educator Ambassadors will continue meeting monthly through June as they pilot their classroom projects and develop lessons that will become open-source curriculum for the rest of the district. BPS is also developing 7–12 AI Literacy and Fluency Benchmarks so the district can measure what students are actually learning, not simply how many classrooms are participating. The year builds toward a district-wide Showcase and Hackathon next June, where students will present what they've built. Throughout the year, BPS will recruit next year's cohort of Ambassadors, with the goal of doubling their number, continuing to work with partners to expand the model district-wide.

State Health Officials Announce Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

State Health Officials Announce Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts    WNV risk levels high in 7 communities, moderate in 206 others   BOSTON (August 31, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. One is a man in his 80s who was exposed in Middlesex County, and the other is a man in his 70s with likely exposure in Suffolk County.   This marks the third human case of West Nile virus exposure in Middlesex County; the other two cases were also men, one in his 60s and the other in his 90s. This is also the second exposure in Suffolk County; previously, a man in his 50s was exposed there.   “As we all try to enjoy the last days of summer, we have to recognize the ongoing risk from WNV,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “People who are older or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk from this disease. I want to remind everyone to continue to use repellent, cover up with clothing when the weather permits, consider moving indoors during dusk to dawn hours when mosquitoes are biting, and make sure to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home. The mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost.”   The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this season were announced on June 16. So far, there have been 232 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected this year from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in seven mosquito samples this year from two locations in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE infection have been reported so far this year.   “Massachusetts has been responding to the threat of WNV for over 25 years now,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “Our first infected mosquitoes were identified in 2000, and human infections started in 2001. WNV can be a devastating disease, and over 275 Massachusetts residents are known to have been infected since then, most of them with the severe form of the disease, which affects the central nervous system. Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites can help keep you healthy for the rest of the season.”   Starting this Friday, DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday if new cases are confirmed. Surveillance information, including cases, will continue to be updated on a daily basis and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay up to date on risk levels in their community and around the state.   People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.   Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.   Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.   Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.   Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.   Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.   Protect Your Animals Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.   More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Governor Healey Ceremonially Signs Legislation Honoring Fallen Boston Firefighter Mathew Troy

Governor Healey Ceremonially Signs Legislation Honoring Fallen Boston Firefighter Mathew Troy

 Law provides benefits to surviving spouse of longtime Boston firefighter

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today joined the family of Boston firefighter Mathew Troy, fellow firefighters and legislative leaders for a ceremonial signing of legislation honoring his service and providing accidental death benefits to his wife, Rachel Troy.

Mathew Troy dedicated his career to protecting the people of Boston. He died from cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer connected to his service as a firefighter. Because his diagnosis came just four months short of the timeframe required under state law, his family did not automatically qualify for accidental death benefits.

“Mathew Troy dedicated his career to protecting the people of Boston,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our firefighters put their lives and their health on the line every day to keep us safe, and we have a responsibility to support them and honor their service. I’m proud to sign this legislation recognizing Mathew’s service and making sure his family receives the support they deserve.”

“Public safety is about more than responding to emergencies—it is about making sure the people who protect us are protected, too,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to Mathew Troy for his service and to his family for the sacrifice they made alongside him.”

The legislation, An Act Providing Accidental Death Benefits for the Surviving Spouse of a Former Firefighter of the City of Boston, sponsored by Senator Nick Collins and Representative Daniel Hunt allows Rachel Troy to receive the benefits she would have been eligible for had Mathew’s cancer diagnosis met the statutory timeframe, including a payment based on his retirement contributions and continued health insurance coverage.

“Boston Fire Fighter Mat Troy’s service came with risks that ultimately affected not only him, but also his family”, said Senator Nick Collins, primary sponsor of the legislation. “This law ensures that we uphold our sacred commitment to take care of our first responders and their families, who make the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. I am grateful to Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the PFFM for standing up for the Troy family, to my Senate and House colleagues for advancing this bill, and to Governor Maura Healey for signing it into law.”

“Matthew Troy dedicated his life to serving others as a Marine, a firefighter, and a member of Boston’s Special Operations and Technical Rescue team,” said State Representative Daniel J. Hunt (D-Dorchester). “His courage and selflessness touched countless lives, and his family made an enormous sacrifice in sharing him with our community. This legislation is about making sure that sacrifice is recognized and that Rachel has the support and security she deserves. I’m proud to have co-filed this bill with Senator Collins and deeply grateful to Local 718 and PFFM for their steadfast advocacy, to my colleagues in the Legislature for acting swiftly, and to Governor Healey for signing this legislation into law and standing alongside the Troy family today. We will never forget Mat’s service, his courage, or the legacy he leaves behind.” 

“Two years ago, the life Mat and I shared was forever changed after his passing. While nothing can bring him back, today brings a profound sense of peace and comfort,” said Rachel Troy. Mat spent his life putting others first, first as a Marine and then as a Boston Firefighter. Losing him left a void in our lives that can never truly be filled, but seeing his service recognized like this means the world. I am deeply grateful to Governor Maura Healey, Senator Nick Collins, and Representative Dan Hunt for their leadership. I also want to share my heartfelt thank to President Sam Dillon, Mat’s Union Local 718, and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts for fighting endlessly for Mat and for our family. Mat gave everything to protect others and I am so thankful to see his sacrifice honored today.”

“Two years ago, Boston Firefighter Mat Troy gave his life in his battle against Occupational Cancer,” said Sam Dillon, President, Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718. “A loving husband, dedicated public servant, and a United States Marine, Mat Troy embodied the principles of service to others. Boston Firefighters Local 718 is proud to join the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the Boston Fire Department in ensuring that Mat’s family receives the benefits that he earned through his service and his sacrifice. Local 718 thanks Governor Maura Healey, Senator Nick Collins, and Representative Dan Hunt for their advocacy on this issue, without which, today would not have been possible. Local 718 remains relentless in our battle against the Occupational Cancers that continue their devastating toll on our Firefighters and our families and we respect those who recognize the gravity of this fight and join us in our mission. We pause today to call to mind the memory and legacy of a young man taken far too soon and we ask that all take the time to reflect upon the sacrifices of others that keep our City and our Commonwealth safe.”

Governor Healey has worked to protect the health and safety of firefighters across Massachusetts. In 2024, she signed legislation phasing out toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighter turnout gear, which have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. She also expanded access to free cancer screenings for firefighters, with the number of screenings nearly doubling from 2024 to 2025, and invested millions of dollars in new turnout gear, protective equipment, thermal imaging cameras, communications equipment and other tools to help firefighters stay safe on the job. Earlier this year, the administration awarded $5 million to more than 300 local fire departments for firefighter safety equipment.

波士頓徒步導覽將提供純中文的波士頓唐人街導覽

    （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓步行導覽（Boston By Foot，簡稱 BBF）8 月 31 日宣佈獲得「波士頓基金會（The Boston Foundation）」旗下「波士頓 250 基金（Boston 250 Fund）」資助 1 萬美元，將於 2026 年旅遊季推出免費多語導覽服務，消除語言障礙並拓展歷史推廣。

    「波士頓 250」是波士頓市政府與民間企業合作的計畫，旨在慶祝美國建國 250 週年。BBF 的多語導覽將由志工全程以各種語言講解，不提供英語翻譯。行程包含中文的「波士頓唐人街（Boston's Chinatown）」、西班牙語的「小小波士頓（Boston By Little Feet）」與「波士頓暗黑面（The Dark Side of Boston）」、俄語的「燈塔山（Beacon Hill）」與「猶太燈塔山（Jewish Beacon Hill）」，以及法語的「革命之路（Road to Revolution）」。

    執行長莎曼珊·尼爾森（Samantha Nelson）表示，歷史屬於每一個人，感謝資助讓志工能以多元語言深化社區連結。今年適逢建國 250 週年與 BBF 成立 50 週年，該組織響應波士頓市政府「家庭日（Family Days）」計畫，至 10 月初前免費開放學生與家庭走訪地標。查詢詳情可上官網 

BOSTON BY FOOT RECEIVES GRANT TO PRESENT FREE WALKING TOURS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES

BOSTON, August 31, 2026 – Boston By Foot (BBF), Boston’s only volunteer-led tour nonprofit celebrating 50 years in operation, announced it was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Boston 250 Fund at the Boston Foundation to present “Revolutionary Stories for a Global Boston: Walking Tours in Multiple Languages,” expanding access to the city's history through free guided walking tours offered in Spanish, French, Russian, and Mandarin.

The Boston 250 Fund is part of Boston 250, a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and private sector partners commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial and celebrating Boston's pivotal role in the American Revolution.

Boston By Foot will expand its free multilingual tour offerings throughout the 2026 season, including two tours in Spanish (Boston By Little Feet and The Dark Side of Boston), two tours in Russian (Beacon Hill and Jewish Beacon Hill), one tour in French (Road to Revolution), and one tour in Mandarin (Boston's Chinatown). The tours will be led by BBF's volunteer guides and will be presented exclusively in their respective languages, without English translation. BBF's volunteer guides reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, bringing a wide range of cultural perspectives and language skills to their tours. The grant will support the expansion of tours led by multilingual volunteers who share Boston's stories directly in the languages they speak.

“Boston's history belongs to everyone, and language should never be a barrier to experiencing it,” said Samantha Nelson, Executive Director of Boston By Foot. “We're grateful to the Boston 250 Fund for making it possible to welcome more members of our community through free multilingual tours led by our incredible volunteer guides. By connecting people to Boston's neighborhoods and stories in the languages they speak, we're building stronger connections to place, history, and one another.”

For 50 years, BBF has connected residents and visitors to Boston's neighborhoods through trusted, volunteer-led walking tours that bring the city's history to life. Developed, written, and led by passionate volunteers with deep local knowledge, BBF's tours make history accessible, engaging, and relevant while fostering curiosity, civic engagement, and a greater sense of belonging.

The multilingual tour series reflects Boston By Foot's commitment to ensuring that more people can experience the city's rich history and diverse neighborhoods through inclusive, place-based storytelling. By offering these tours free of charge, BBF hopes to welcome new audiences and deepen connections across Boston's communities during the Boston 250 commemorations and the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Additionally, Boston By Foot has been selected as part of the City of Boston’s Family Days, offering free ways for Boston students and their families to explore the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that have shaped Boston for generations. Running through early October as part of the City’s Boston 250 commemoration, the new partnership aims to make Boston’s history and culture more accessible this fall for families.

A complete schedule of Boston By Foot tours and registration information is available at bostonbyfoot.org.