State Public Health Officials Announce First Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Massachusetts this Year Residents are reminded of the importance of MMR vaccine in preventing measles BOSTON (February 26, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed today that two cases of measles have been diagnosed in Massachusetts residents.
These two cases of measles in Massachusetts have occurred in the context of a large national outbreak of measles and a very large international outbreak. Although there is no evidence of the spread of measles within Massachusetts at this time, additional cases could occur. View a 10-year table of vaccine-preventable disease reports in Massachusetts. “Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home. Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness. These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is also a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.” Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold (cough, runny nose, and red eyes), usually with fever. A rash occurs 2-4 days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order. People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and four days after the day the rash appears. Measles is a potentially serious illness, with complications occurring in approximately 30 percent of infected individuals, including immune suppression, pneumonia, diarrhea, and encephalitis, which may be life-threatening. Those who were exposed to measles and develop symptoms should call their health care provider before visiting an office, clinic, or emergency department. Visiting a health care facility without calling in advance may put others at risk and should be avoided. Anyone who has had measles in the past or has received two doses of the vaccine is unlikely to develop measles, even if exposed. People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per the DPH Guidance for Vaccines are considered immune. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against measles and the serious complications associated with infection. The DPH recommendations for the MMR vaccination are:
People who are exposed to measles and have not been vaccinated are at risk for developing measles and will need to avoid all public activities until they are no longer at risk of developing disease. This means that unvaccinated, exposed people will need to miss daycare, school, work, and other activities. Anyone concerned about measles is advised to contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status and get vaccinated, if needed. For additional information, contact your local health department or DPH at 617-983-6800. To learn more about measles, visit the DPH website. |
星期五, 2月 27, 2026
State Public Health Officials Announce First Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Massachusetts this Year
波士頓市長吳弭 訂3/5晚首度進社區辦公
（Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）將於 2026 年 3 月 5 日（週四）晚上 6:00 至 8:00，在洛士百利（Roxbury）的布魯斯·波林市政大樓（Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building）舉辦首屆「市長辦公時間」，以更親民的和民眾接觸。
吳弭市長表示，市政府最重要的工作就是為所有市民找出方法，改善生活品質，她期待3月5日這晚，能和大家見面，分享資訊，解決問題，促使更多人參與市政。
吳弭在今年1月的就職演說中承諾，要建立直接溝通管道，讓市民能夠向市長，以及各部門官員，當面述說問題。
3月5日晚的服務重點包括辦理選民登記、人口普查登記、列印出生與結婚證明等行政事務，也讓民眾繳交停車罰單、申請殘障停車位或公園活動許可。現場還將透過Great Starts 平台，讓民眾申請波士頓幼稚園到12年級（ Pre-K 及 K-12 ）的入學申請，同時歡迎民眾諮詢青年就業、小企業資源、房地產稅減免、住房穩定及社區安全等各方面問題。
波士頓警察局、公共衛生委員會、房屋辦公室及 311 團隊等超過 15 個波士頓市府部門將派員出席，為民眾辦理各項服務，解答提問。波士頓青少年與家庭中心（BCYF）將為兒童安排活動，並在現場提供茶點與免費贈品。
查詢詳情，可上官方網站 boston.gov/officehours，或撥打 311 與市長社區服務辦公室聯繫。
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER OFFICE HOURS
Office Hours with the Mayor will bring City Hall out of City Hall and directly to residents
BOSTON – Friday, February 27, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet announced the first-ever Office Hours, a family-friendly one-stop opportunity for Boston residents from across the city to connect directly with the Mayor, City services, and department staff to have their questions or concerns answered in real time. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury.
Office Hours with the Mayor are designed to get City Hall out of City Hall and into neighborhoods, where constituents can meet with city staff to get assistance, ask questions, and connect with resources. During Mayor Wu’s inaugural address in January, she shared her goal of creating Office Hours as an opportunity to connect directly with residents, hear what’s working and what’s not, and unstick any city service issues in real time.
“Our most important job at the City is to find solutions and deliver services to improve quality of life for all our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this first Office Hours to share information, address issues, and get even more people involved in city government.”
During Office Hours, residents will have access to several City services. This includes registering to vote, completing census registration, printing certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates, applying for handicap parking, paying for parking tickets, and submitting a permit for park usage to host sports or special events. Additionally, families will be able to complete applications for Boston Pre-K and Boston Public Schools (BPS) K-12 programs through the Great Starts platform, with staff available to guide residents through the process. Additional services and information from various City departments will be available.
“Office Hours reflect the Mayor’s commitment to meeting residents where they are and making City Hall more accessible and responsive,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. “By bringing together City departments under one roof, we’re creating a space where community members can ask questions, share feedback, and connect directly with the resources and services that matter most to them. We’re excited to welcome residents from across Boston for an evening of meaningful conversation and on-the-spot support.”
Residents are encouraged to come prepared to ask questions and receive information on a broad range of city topics, such as youth employment opportunities, resources for small businesses, property tax relief and exemptions for older adults and homeowners, housing resources, and community safety initiatives. Community members will also be able to learn more about Boston Family Days, Community Safety, Boston Rodent Action Plan, and White Stadium, among other initiatives. Additionally, Boston 311 will be on-site to create and look up service requests, and residents can learn how to use the Boston 311 mobile app as a tool to stay connected to City Hall. Neighborhood liaisons will be present to engage with constituents.
Departments attending Mayor’s Office Hours include 311, Age Strong Commission, Assessing, Boston Police Department, Boston Public Schools, Boston Public Health Commission, Inspectional Services Department, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, Office of Housing Stability/Mayor’s Office of Housing, Office of Neighborhood Services, Streets, Public Works, Registry: Birth, Death, and Marriage, Veterans’ Services, Boston Water and Sewer, and Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA).
During Office Hours, there will be engaging and fun activities for children led by The Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) City Hall Childcare Program. Refreshments and free giveaways will be available throughout the event.
For more information and updates, visit boston.gov/officehours, contact the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services at 617-635-4500 or call 311.
麻州參議員Nick Collins舉辦馬年新春慶祝會
 |
| 麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和紐英崙養生舞協會合影。（參議員辦公室提供） |
柯林斯議員不但親自在會場迎接到會民眾，送上馬年祝福，還帶大家參觀麻州參議會議事廳，邀紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人黃周麗桃，以及在州政府多個機構前後任職逾28年，剛退休的的阮鴻燦，站上參議會主席台，接受表揚。
 |
| 麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和他的華裔助理為馬年新春慶祝會致詞。 |
紐英崙養生舞協會，台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團，楓葉舞蹈團這天也應邀婆娑起舞，為麻州參議會議事廳帶來難得一見的亞裔文化氣息。
麻州的參眾議會，共有200名議員，其中40人為參議員，160人為眾議員。在過去這200多年來，亞裔一直是參眾議會中的“稀有人種”。
 |
| 麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和麻州眾議員黃子安（右）。 |
麻州眾議會的亞裔議員人數多些，最早是2009年有陳德基和黃子安這2名華裔雙雙當選為眾議員，並連任迄今。
麻州眾議會的亞裔核心小組，如今共有7人。在黃子安和陳德基之外，2025年有母親來自上海的Paul Schmid退休，有日華裔混血，代表牛頓市的馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo），以及打敗Rady Mom，代表羅爾市（Lowell）的柬埔寨裔Tara Hong當選。
連任在位的有代表somerville的Erika Uyterhoeven，以及代表羅爾市(Lowell)的柬埔寨裔Vanna Howard，代表安多福鎮（Andover）的越南裔Tram Nguyen。
不過Vanna Howard已於2月3日民主黨初選中獲勝，將於3月3日為麻州參議員Edward James Kennedy Jr. 於去年10月辭世遺缺所辦的補選中，和同為柬埔寨裔的共和黨籍參選人Sam Meas競爭。
 |
| 台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團和楓葉舞蹈團合影。 |
一旦Vanna Howard和Tram Nguyen當選，麻州就會陸續有2個眾議員席位出缺，又要辦補選了。
 |
| 台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團陳晶年（左二）等人合影。 |
 |
| 紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人黃周麗桃致詞。(黃周麗桃提供） |
 |
| 紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人周美桃（前中）等人合影。 |
 |
| Nick Collins助理介紹表演團隊。 |
 |
| 麻州參議員Nick Collins（前右一）和紐英崙養生舞協會起為扇舞擺姿勢。 （黃周麗桃提供） |
麻州和谷歌合作取得10000個名額 州民及小企業可免費學AI專業證書課
 |
| 麻州長Maura Healey宣布和谷歌合作，為民眾免費提供「谷歌AI專業證書」課程。 （周菊子攝） |
 |
| 麻州長Maura Healey在谷歌的劍橋辦公室宣布和戰略夥伴關係。（周菊子攝） |
奚莉州長表示，250年來，麻州在教育上一直處於領先地位，甚至促使AI崛起的科技也源自麻州，所以麻州當然要充分利用谷歌提供的資源，造福所有州民。
 |
| 谷歌Grow with Google全球副總裁Lisa Gevelber闡述谷歌的教育計劃。（周菊子攝） |
 |
| 麻州勞工廳廳長Lauren Jones強調，將以失業及轉業者為優先照顧對ㄒㄧ。（周菊子攝） |
「與谷歌一起成長（Grow with Google）」全球副總裁Lisa Gevelber表示，根據Ipsos調查，有70%的企業經理認為AI技能對企業成功很重要，但只有14%員工能在工作中得到AI培訓，小微企業更是不到10%，谷歌為此特地設計了這「AI 專業證書」課程，教人如何運用AI來把工作做得更好。
 |
| 麻州經濟發展廳廳長Eric Paley。（周菊子攝） |
 |
| 麻州人工智能樞紐（MA AI Hub）主任Sabrina Mansur。（周菊子攝） |
 |
| 麻州科技（ＭassTech）執行長Carolyn Kirk。（周菊子攝） |
Lisa Gevelber還指出，數個月前，谷歌推出了「谷歌AI教育加速器（ Google AI for Education Accelerator）」，和麻州大學等教育機構展開深度合作。2月19日推出「谷歌AI專業證書」課程時，谷歌也宣布了全美所有員工500人以下的小微企業，均可為其企業內的每一名員工申請免費培訓。符合資格的小企業，還可獲得3個月的Google AI Pro和google Workspace Business Standard的免費使用權，讓員工在學習時直接使用最強大的商業AI工具。
谷歌的職業證書課程和AI 專業證書課程，任何個別人士都可以每月$49元的費用，自行上網學習。
26日在會上發言的還有麻州科技（ＭassTech）執行長Carolyn Kirk，麻州人工智能樞紐（MA AI Hub）主任Sabrina Mansur，麻州經濟發展廳廳長Eric Paley等人。
Sabrina Mansur指出，麻州人工智能樞紐最近才和位於Holyoke的麻州綠化高效能計算中心（Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center，簡稱MGHPCC）合作，宣佈劍橋電腦（Cambridge Computer）和戴爾科技(Dell Technologies)，輝達（Nvidia），以及VAST攜手在MGHPCC製造人工智能計算資源（AICR）環境，作為麻州人工智能樞紐的支柱，為新創公司、公司、研究人員和教育工作者提供人工智慧創新所需的永續高效能運算資源。
查詢相關資源可上網，小微企業可上 google.com/smb，麻州民眾可經由MA AI Hub上網https://aihub.masstech.org/google-certificates，查詢相關資料。一般民眾也可自行付費，上網學習，獲取谷歌職業證書google.com/ai-cert。
星期四, 2月 26, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Passes the BRIGHT Act to Modernize and Invest in Public Higher Education Facilities
Massachusetts Senate Passes the BRIGHT Act to Modernize and Invest in Public Higher Education Facilities
Invests in Vital Repair Projects, Lab and Vocational Training Facilities, Campus Supported Housing Development
(BOSTON—2/26/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed the BRIGHT Act, a $3.28 billion bond bill that will invest in upgrades to public higher education campuses across Massachusetts and strengthen the learning experiences of students at community colleges, state universities, and UMass campuses.
The legislation—S.2962, An Act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher-ed transformation—will update facilities and address the backlog of deferred campus maintenance by harnessing the power of ‘Fair Share’ revenues to back a new state bond issuance.
The generational investment package builds on recent Senate-led policies to make public higher education more affordable and accessible, including tuition-free community college and historic increases to financial aid. Recent advancements make a tuition- and fee-free education possible for all Pell-eligible students attending four-year universities, and allow students from moderate-income families to attend at half the cost.
“Massachusetts students deserve campuses that match the quality of their ambition,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The BRIGHT Act will deliver just that: safe, modern, and energy-efficient classrooms that provide a strong foundation for academic and professional success for every student at every public institution in the Commonwealth. I applaud the education leaders who helped shape this bill, the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to educating our residents, and the students who choose to pursue a world-class education at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities. I am especially grateful to Chair Comerford for her leadership on this issue, and to Chair Rodrigues and Chair Mark for their stewardship.”
“The Senate has always made strategic investments in higher education a top priority, as we know that advanced education leads to a more highly skilled and compensated Massachusetts workforce. This comprehensive bond bill will help modernize aging college infrastructure and spur housing development in underutilized campus properties, providing a gateway for higher enrollment,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I have long been advocating for a higher education deferred maintenance bond bill, and this proposal is the result of a strong working collaboration between the Legislature, the Administration, and the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities. This initiative also requires smart investment in climate resilience, ongoing decarbonization, and pursues other energy efficient priorities. I thank Senate President Spilka and Higher Education Chair Comerford for their leadership and work to move this legislation forward.”
“Today, the Senate advanced urgently-needed legislation to transform public higher education infrastructure by leveraging Fair Share dollars to address deferred maintenance, modernize classrooms, and decarbonize campuses,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I am grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for their steadfast leadership and commitment to investing in every facet of public higher education. With the BRIGHT Act, Massachusetts is choosing not to retreat in the face of federal attacks on higher education, but to build forward—creating healthier, more sustainable campuses that reflect the future we are preparing our students to lead.”
An expected $2.5 billion worth of projects over the next 10 years will help cover deferred maintenance, repairs, and major capital projects through a mix of bonding and cash investments. Projects include lab modernization, workforce development facilities, and climate resilience and energy efficiency priorities. The bill will also provide support for public colleges and universities to turn unused campus property into housing or mixed-use developments, and simplify the process for selling or leasing surplus land.
To finance BRIGHT Act projects, the legislation would dedicate $125 million per year from the ‘Fair Share’ surtax on high-earning households to create and back a new special revenue bond. The state collected roughly $3 billion in total Fair Share revenues in 2025.
“The BRIGHT Act makes crucial investments in our public higher education campus facilities that will improve our competitive edge as a state, support equity, workforce development, and long-term growth, and promote increased economic activity including good paying jobs in the building trades, while also ensuring that our students, whether they live in the Berkshires, Boston, or anywhere in between, have access to high quality affordable public higher education,” said Senator Paul W. Mark (D-Becket), Acting Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.
Looking beyond the funding and bonds that would be issued over the next 10 years, the bill ensures the state will permanently bolster the resources that are directed toward higher education capital projects. It requires that the annual $125 million stream of Fair Share surtax revenue continue to be directed toward higher education capital projects in perpetuity.
Originally filed by the Governor, versions of the bill have been heard by the Joint Committee on Higher Education, reviewed by the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, passed by the House of Representatives, and redrafted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The Senate version of the legislation was reported to the full body by the Committee on Ways and Means with a 16-0 vote on February 19, 2026. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website.
The $3.28 billion that the state would be authorized to issue in support of public higher education capital projects includes:
· $1.25 billion for projects on state university and community college campuses;
· $1.25 billion for projects on University of Massachusetts campuses;
· $120 million to support well-equipped laboratories at public higher education institutions, modern facilities to foster career-oriented collaboration between community colleges and vocational technical schools, and health facilities to promote students’ wellbeing;
· $100 million toward the creation of housing and mixed-use developments on campus properties;
· $100 million to advance regional economic and workforce development through a competitive grant program for equipment and facilities for career technical education and training programs;
· $275 million for the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) Tower Building, where high priority critical repairs are needed;
· $80 million for campus energy efficiency and decarbonization;
· $50 million for a competitive grant program for capital improvements at public higher education campuses, including climate resilience upgrades;
· $30 million for campus master planning; and
· $20 million for technology improvements that support students and facilitate remote and hybrid learning.
Additional details of the bill are available in a fact sheet in the Senate Press Room.
Senate Modernizes Unit Pricing Law to Support Small Businesses
Senate Modernizes Unit Pricing Law to Support Small Businesses
Measure helps small businesses combat the impacts of inflation
(BOSTON—2/26/2026) The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation today to support neighborhood bodegas, convenience stores, and small family-owned grocery shops by modernizing the unit pricing law.
The bill ensures that smaller retailers will continue to be exempt from unit pricing requirements. Unit pricing, while a useful price-comparison tool for shoppers at big box stores and supermarkets, could pose a burden for smaller corner stores where unit price shopping is unlikely to occur.
“Running into your local store is more than just picking up a few things, it’s about seeing familiar faces and supporting a local business in your community,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While we work on systemic ways to lower costs for resident and businesses, this is a straightforward, common-sense change that is going to help businessowners who are feeling the pinch. I applaud Senator Moore for driving this issue forward and am thankful to Chair Rodrigues and Chair Payano for their stewardship.”
“Small businesses are the economic engine of the Massachusetts marketplace economy, and we need to continue to support them as they try to compete against larger grocery stores and chain outlets. This bill will help smaller convenience stores and neighborhood markets stay economically viable by removing sales of Lottery products and gift cards from the annual sales equation,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With an ever-increasing proliferation of large-scale national chain grocery stores and big box retailers, supporting community stores will assist in leveling the playing field for our local community stores and markets.”
Massachusetts has offered an exemption from unit pricing for more than two decades to retailers with lower sales volumes—defined as establishments that generate less than $5 million in in-store sales each year, including sales of Lottery products and gift cards.
With the steady rise of inflation, introduction of higher-value Lottery products, and increased popularity of pre-paid gift cards, local businesses are more apt to exceed the exemption threshold. The legislation—S.2965, An Act updating the unit pricing exemption threshold—removes Lottery and gift card sales from the calculation of whether a store can be included in the statewide unit price exemption.
During the course of today’s debate, Senators voted to amend the bill to codify an existing exemption that removes gasoline and other motor fuel sales from the calculation.
“By exempting Lottery ticket and prepaid gift card sales from the unit pricing threshold calculation, we are helping ensure the financial health of our small, neighborhood convenience stores,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, I was proud to help advance this update, which strikes the right balance between protecting consumers and supporting our small businesses.”
“The unit pricing exemption is a simple way to cut expenses for small businesses and support the communities they serve. However, in the two decades since the policy was written into law, the $5 million revenue threshold for the exemption has remained the same while the cost of products has risen significantly,” said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury), the bill’s lead sponsor. “This legislation makes small tweaks to how a store’s revenue is calculated to ensure the law continues to apply to the corner stores and small businesses it was originally intended to protect. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for recognizing the importance of this issue for our local economies, as well as Senator Pavel Payano and his committee for upholding the spirit of consumer protection laws while making reasonable carveouts for small businessowners who are struggling in today’s economy.”
The bill was reported to the full Senate by the Committee on Ways and Means with a 16-0 vote on February 23, 2026. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website and full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate Press Room.