Massachusetts Marks 10 Years of Leading the Nation in Problem Gambling Prevention

Massachusetts Marks 10 Years of Leading the Nation in Problem Gambling Prevention

Largest-ever state conference, including current and former Boston professional athletes discussing their experiences with problem gambling, to focus on the cross-agency response to the evolving sports betting landscape

BOSTON (May 14, 2026) — On the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking efforts to address gambling harm, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS) will host its 3rd annual Massachusetts Problem Gambling Conference on May 20 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. With over 500 registered participants, it will be the most-attended problem gambling conference of its kind in the state’s history and sold out in weeks.

Former Boston Celtics All-Star forward Antoine Walker, who, in 2009, struggled with problem gambling, will join a panel that will include New England wide receiver Kayshon Boutte whose powerful essay on his experience with gambling addiction was published earlier this year in The Players’ Tribune, and top-ranked boxer Jamaine Ortiz of Worcester. The panel, titled, “The Score Doesn’t Matter if You Lose the Game,” will explore past, present, and future perspectives on sports betting and its impact on athletes and the communities most exposed to its expansion.

The conference comes at a pivotal time for problem gambling. In the three years since the legalization of online sports betting in Massachusetts, treatment referrals to the Problem Gambling Helpline for residents in their 20s and 30s have increased substantially, from 140 in fiscal year 2022 to 300 in fiscal year 2024, Helpline data show. Furthermore, in 2025, 44 percent of high school students and 49 percent of middle school students reported engaging in some form of gambling over the past 12 months, according to the Massachusetts Youth Health Survey.

“As we mark this important milestone for the Office of Problem Gambling Services, we continue to lean into our commitment to working with our state and community partners to expand access to prevention, referral, and treatment for those impacted by gambling’s harms,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Amid this great expansion of gambling access and advertising, our work is guided by a belief that racial equity is foundational to these mitigation efforts and that centering community voices in addressing this public health issue is key.”

The conference will draw an array of public health, community, and legislative leaders. They include Commissioner Goldstein; Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH; and Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Assistant Commissioner Dr. Funmi Aguocha, PsyD. They will be joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, State Senator Adam Gomez, and State Representative Carlos Gonzalez in advocating for a collaborative, cross-agency response to problem gambling. The lunch keynote will be delivered by Victor Ortiz, Director of DPH’s Office of Problem Gambling Services, who will reflect on OPGS’s decade of community partnership and progress.

The conference will feature 15 sessions focused on equity and the multicultural impact of gambling harm, including culturally responsive approaches to developing treatment strategies. Massachusetts is among just a handful of states with a dedicated annual public health conference on gambling harm — a model that other jurisdictions have begun studying as legalization spreads throughout the nation.

“Many states are still figuring out how to respond to the increase in gambling harm that came with legalization,” said Victor Ortiz, Director of the Office of Problem Gambling Services. “The Department of Public Health decided 10 years ago that we were not going to wait – and the community has been showing us ever since that they needed someone to act.”

Since 2016, the Office of Problem Gambling Services has invested $94 million in prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives; established more than 40 community-based partnerships, which have engaged more than 3,000 individuals across the state; and launched more than 25 unique initiatives to address the specific needs of diverse populations.

For treatment referrals, self-help resources, and information for loved ones, visit MAProblemGamblingHelpline.org or call the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline — 800-327-5050 — available 24/7.

波士頓市長咖啡時間 5/18 啟動 第一站華埠

            (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)、市府鄰里服務處及公園及娛樂局宣佈， 2026 年度的「鄰里咖啡時間」，將於5 月 18 日（週一）天上午10點半，在艾略特·諾頓公園 (Elliot Norton Park，295 Tremont Street, Boston)和華埠及灣村（Bay Village）啟動。

            下一場市長「鄰里咖啡時間」，訂5 月 27 日（週三）上午 10 點半在柯普利廣場公園 (Copley Square Park，560 Boylston Street, Boston) 舉行，同時為公園的提升氣候韌性、改善無障礙通行、擴大樹冠覆蓋面積並升級基礎設施等翻新工程竣工剪綵。

             今年的市長「鄰里咖啡時間」系列，由 Dunkin’ 與 Star Market 贊助。吳弭市長表示，咖啡時間傳統已延續逾 25 年，今年更擴大了服務時段與範圍，以期居民能直接向市府官員回饋意見，並獲取 311 報修數據、住房投資及青年服務等最新進度。

             活動現場將由 Dunkin’ 提供冰咖啡與甜甜圈，公園局發放限量免費盆栽。波士頓市府將陸續公佈奧斯頓-布萊頓 (Allston-Brighton)、查理士城 (Charlestown) 等地的詳細日程。居民如需查詢雨天備選地點，可撥打311，或617-635-4500 ，IG的 @boston_cec ，或上網 boston.gov/ons. 。

麻州護士協會支持「為安全麻州投贊成票」

 (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州護士協會（Massachusetts Nurses Association, MNA） 5 月 14 日在波士頓宣佈，支持「為安全麻州投贊成票（Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts）」運動，反對撤銷麻州 2024 年通過的槍枝安全法。

麻州在2024 年通過的法律內容包括：加強管制無編號的「幽靈槍（ghost guns）」、更新「極端風險保護令（Extreme Risk Protection Order）」條款、禁止改裝危險武器，並撥款支持預防暴力計畫。

麻州護士協會發起投贊成票活動，旨在在維護現行法律，防止反對者透過全民公投廢除相關規定。槍枝遊說團體與美國步槍協會（National Rifle Association, NRA）等，正推動廢除該法的公投。

麻州護士協會主席、現職加護病房護士的墨菲（Katie Murphy）表示，護理人員在急診室與醫院第一線目睹槍枝暴力後果，支持該法是為保障病人與醫護同事的健康安全。該協會成立於 1903 年，目前擁有超過 23,000 名成員，服務於全州 85 家醫療機構、51 間急性病醫院以及學校與社區體系。

「為安全麻州投贊成票」主席扎卡林（Ruth Zakarin）指出，護士的加入，強調了保留現行法律對改善公共安全的緊迫性。麻州目前是全美槍枝死亡率最低的州之一，支持者認為若該法被撤銷，將削弱現有的社區保護機制。該運動將持續串聯醫療專業人員與社區領袖，呼籲選民在公投中投下贊成票以維持法律效力。

麻州取消醫保預先授權規定訂 6/5 生效

  (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今（14 ）日宣佈，保險局 (Division of Insurance, DOI) 已落實更新條例，取消針對癌症掃描、氣喘、糖尿病及心臟病等慢性病例行與必要醫療保健的預先授權 (Prior authorization) 要求。該法規將於 2026 年 6 月 5 日生效。

這項新規定禁止保險公司對多項醫療服務實施預先審查，範疇涵蓋急診、初級照護、預防性服務、癌症診斷後的放射影像檢查、產科護理、門診物質使用障礙治療，以及針對嚴重精神疾病與特定慢性病的藥物治療。

根據條例，若延遲可能嚴重影響患者健康，保險公司必須在 24 小時內回覆緊急授權請求。

針對癌症等慢性病患者，只要病情保持穩定，獲得授權的治療方案將在整個療程中持續有效。此外，新制建立「持續照護」機制，要求保險公司必須承認患者在更換保險計劃前已取得的授權，有效期至少 90 天。保險公司亦被要求公開發布預先授權要求，並在更改政策前提前通知醫療提供者。

奚莉州長指出，若醫師建議治療或用藥，患者應及時獲得，無需經過繁瑣程序。副州長Kim Driscoll 與保險專員Michael Caljouw)表示，此舉旨在減少患者壓力並提高醫療獲取性。丹娜法伯癌症研究所 (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) 執行長本傑明·艾伯特 (Dr. Benjamin L. Ebert) 指出，新制讓癌症患者能在診斷後立即進行核磁共振 (MRI) 或電腦斷層 (CT) 掃描，無需等待審核，有助於縮短決定治療方案的時間。

根據可負擔醫療品質委員會 (Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare) 數據，醫療產業於 2023 年在預先授權相關的行政成本支出約 13 億美元，較前一年成長 30%。這項改革預計將減少醫療提供者與保險公司的行政負擔。麻州醫學會 (Massachusetts Medical Society) 與麻州健康與醫院協會 (Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, MHA) 等多個業界團體均表示支持。

Governor Healey Announces Final Regs That Eliminate Prior Authorization Requirements for Routine and Essential Health Care 

 Updated regulations eliminate prior authorization requirements for cancer scans and medications for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease 

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today announced that the Division of Insurance (DOI) has finalized updated regulations that eliminate prior authorization requirements for routine and essential health care, including cancer scans and medications for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.  

The regulations will reduce delays and eliminate barriers that too often prevent patients from getting timely health care. Prior authorization requires patients and providers to obtain approval from insurance companies before certain treatments, services or medications can be provided, which can add unnecessary delays, stress and costs.  

During the public comment period additional provisions were added to eliminate prior authorization for radiology imaging used after a cancer diagnosis to determine the stage of the cancer or determine the best treatment method, as well as to ensure that prior authorization approval for chronic conditions, like cancer, continue throughout the entire course of treatment. 

“We’re making it easier, faster and cheaper for Massachusetts residents to get the care that they need,” said Governor Healey. “If your doctor says you need a treatment or medication, you deserve to get it in a timely manner without jumping through hoops. These new regulations will help people with cancer, diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, mental health concerns and more. I’m grateful for the leadership of Commissioner Caljouw and the team at DOI, and all of the patients, providers, hospitals, insurers and advocates who partnered with us to make this possible. We’re going to continue to work together to lower health care costs for everyone.”   

“Health care access and affordability remain top concerns for people across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These new rules will cut down on unnecessary delays, stress and costs by making it easier for patients and families to access essential care.” 

“These reforms will ensure Massachusetts residents get the care they need when they need it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw.  “We would not be here without the collaborative approach of stakeholders towards the crafting of these meaningful changes.” 

“Health care access is essential to strong communities and a competitive economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “By reducing delays and eliminating unnecessary barriers to treatment, these reforms will help patients get care faster and make the health care system more reliable for residents and providers across Massachusetts.” 

“We applaud the Healey Administration for prioritizing much-needed reforms to the prior authorization process, which will help Massachusetts residents get the timely health care they need and deserve,” said Dr. Benjamin L. Ebert, president and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “The reforms announced today will allow patients and families to focus on treatment and healing while also giving doctors and nurses more time to care for their patients. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Administration and our healthcare partners to enhance the progress made today, ensuring that prior authorization works better for everyone.” 

The reforms are the result of months of review and feedback from patients, providers, hospitals, insurers, and advocates across Massachusetts. The new regulations prohibit the use of prior authorization requirements for a wide range of health care services, including emergency and urgent care, primary care, preventive services, radiology imaging after a cancer diagnosis, maternity care, outpatient substance use disorder treatment, physical and occupational therapy and medications for serious mental illness and certain chronic conditions. 

The regulations also establish new patient protections, including requiring insurers to respond to urgent requests within 24 hours when delays could seriously impact a patient’s health. Patients with chronic conditions, including cancer, who receive authorization for treatment will also have approvals honored for the duration of their treatment as long as they remain stable. 

Additional reforms will help ensure continuity of care for patients who switch insurance plans by requiring insurers to honor existing authorizations for at least 90 days. Insurers will also be required to publicly post prior authorization requirements and notify providers in advance before making changes to their policies. 

The regulations will reduce administrative burdens on providers and insurers alike, reducing costs while helping patients receive care more quickly and consistently. According to the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare, the health care industry spent approximately $1.3 billion on administrative costs related to prior authorization in 2023. That is a 30 percent increase over the previous year and can be largely attributed to the rise in the volume of prior authorizations.  

Examples of how these reforms will help patients include: 

• A patient with a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, or who has a serious persistent mental illness, will no longer have to obtain prior authorization for their medication. 

• A cancer patient receiving treatment will maintain approval throughout the course of treatment if their condition remains stable. 

• A patient who was recently diagnosed with cancer will not have to wait for prior authorization before getting the MRI or CT scan needed to determine what stage their cancer is or what treatment is required. 

• A patient with rheumatoid arthritis who has an existing authorization for his treatment but recently switched to a new insurer will have that prior authorization honored for at least three months.   

• An insurer will be required to respond to a prior authorization request from a multiple sclerosis patient experiencing a relapse and needing steroid injections to prevent permanent nerve damage within 24 hours. 

• A provider who recently diagnosed their patient with a new condition will more easily be able to identify if a prior authorization is required for a particular course of treatment. 

• Patients facing urgent medical situations will receive faster responses from insurers when time-sensitive care is needed. 

The regulations will take effect on June 5, 2026, with patients expected to begin benefiting from these changes later this year. 

第 28 屆洛士百利國際影展 6/18-26將放映逾百部影片

 (Boston Orange編譯) 第 28 屆洛士百利國際影展（Roxbury International Film Festival, RoxFilm）訂6 月 18 日至 26 日在波士頓美術館（MFA）、希伯尼安大廳（Hibernian Hall）等地放映逾百部影片。6 月 26 日至 7 月 2 日轉為線上影展（RoxFilm@home）。

6 月 18 日影展開幕，將放映記述電視轉播時代首位非裔足球巨星克萊德·貝斯特（Clyde Best）在英格蘭與北美足球聯盟（NASL）生涯的紀錄片「轉變這項美麗的運動：克萊德·貝斯特的故事（Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story）」。導演丹·伊根（Dan Egan）與貝斯特本人將出席映後問答。

 6 月 26 日影展閉幕，將放映浪漫劇情片「蒙馬特（Montmartre）」，里昂·亨德里克斯三世（Leon Hendrix III）執導，伊托·艾海耶（Ito Aghayere）與傑西·威廉斯（Jesse Williams）等人主演，探討巴黎的非裔歷史與愛情。

本屆洛士百利國際影展特色包括， 6 月 25 日與健康協作組織（The Wellness Collaborative）合作。放映紀錄片「尋找你的笑聲（Finding Your Laughter）」。該片由阿莉塔·霍爾（Arlieta Hall）與布蘭妮·阿爾索特（Brittany Alsot）執導，講述喜劇演員霍爾如何利用即興表演作為照護阿茲海默症父親的工具。6 月 23 日將舉辦「長者午餐（Senior Lunch）」免費專案，放映包含「追逐光芒：比爾·斯特里克蘭的故事（Pursuing Light: The Bill Strickland Story）」在內的多部短片與地方作品。

6 月 21 日下午2點半到5點是「追夢者（DREAMERS）」短片單元，將放映3部片，分別是「釋放瓊·利特爾（Free Joan Little）」，詳述 1975 年全美首例因反擊性侵而獲正當防衛無罪判決之案件；另放映關於記者艾薇·揚（Ivy Young）的「再次夢想（And Again I Dream）」及眾議員阿雅娜·普萊斯利（Ayanna Pressley）的紀錄片「她敢於夢想（She Dared to Dream）」。

查詢更多資訊可上網www.roxfilmfest.com 。

「國會選區健康儀表板」納入SNAP參與率數據

(Boston Orange) 美國社區媒體 (American Community Media) 聯合羅伯特·伍德·約翰遜基金會 (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) 近日舉辦簡報會，宣布「國會選區健康儀表板」(Congressional District Health Dashboard) 正式納入補充營養援助計畫 (SNAP) 數據，旨在追蹤聯邦政策變動對各選區的實質影響。

這項由紐約大學葛羅斯曼醫學院 (NYU Grossman School of Medicine) 開發的免費平台，新增了按國會選區、州別及族裔分類的 SNAP 參與率指標。專家指出，自 2025 年中以來，全美已有 300 萬人失去補助，預計後續政策將使受影響人數再增加百萬。數據顯示各地依賴度差異懸殊，參與率從 3% 至 60% 不等，加州 (California) 部分中央谷地選區的參與率已超過五成。

公共衛生專家 Giridhar Mallya 醫師與 Lorna E. Thorpe 博士在會中強調，聯邦政策調整（包括擴大工作要求與限縮移民資格）已產生「寒蟬效應」，導致部分符合資格的移民家庭主動退出。

目前該儀表板提供 40 項健康與社會指標，供記者與政策制定者對比不同族裔間的數據差異。專家強調，SNAP 提供的糧食規模是食品銀行的九倍，數據的在地化將有助於量化聯邦削減計畫對地方社區及經濟的具體衝擊。（文稿資料來源為美國社區媒體

聯邦縮減教育補助 麻省理工學院等高校裁員中

 (Boston Orange編譯) 麻省理工學院（MIT）校長莎莉·柯恩布魯斯（Sally Kornbluth） 5 月 14 日發表影片談話，證實該校受聯邦經費縮減與政策變動影響，研究規模較去年萎縮 10%，研究生錄取人數亦顯著下降。

柯恩布魯斯指出，校方目前面對聯邦研究獎助金縮減 20% 以上，校產基金（university endowments）聯邦課稅 8% 等困境，加上移民政策變動導致國際學生申請意願低落，儘管該校已開發其他資金來源，如今仍然短缺 3 億美元。

麻省理工學院指出，除了史隆（Sloan）管理學院和電子工程與計算機科學（Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, EECS）碩士課程外，2026-2027 學年度的研究生錄取人數下降 20%，約減少 500 名學生。部分國際學生因聯邦政府取消學生簽證及遣返行動而對赴美求學持觀望態度。

為因應財務壓力，麻省理工學院已採取的措施包括關閉部分圖書館、取消績效加薪及縮減系所招生等。

面對類似困境的哈佛大學（Harvard University）、布朗大學（Brown University）和波士頓大學（Boston University），已實施幅度更大的裁員行動，麻省理工學院目前裁員範圍僅限於圖書館系統與布羅德研究所（Broad Institute）。

MIT校方表示，該校駐華盛頓辦事處正與國會溝通，試圖緩解校產基金稅對學術研究的衝擊。柯恩布魯斯強調，基礎研究管道受阻將直接影響未來科學人才供應與創新研發動能。

麻州為加強安全監管修訂安置青少年法令 11/17起生效

 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州早期教育與照護委員會（Board of Early Education and Care）修訂住宅安置計畫（Residential Program），以加強對全州330 處機構、逾 5,500 名6 至18 歲（特殊障礙者至 22 歲）因情緒及行為複雜等問題而無法在家中安住青少年的安全監管訂，11 月 17 日起生效，。

這是麻州30 多年來首度全面更新這類法案，為大幅提升素質，強制要求從業人員接受創傷知情護理與專業邊界，以及預防性侵害及情感操縱（Grooming）等培訓。

新法規的核心重點是「堵上安全漏洞」，將強制要求所有一線工作人員必須接受創傷知情護理與專業邊界培訓，以防止員工利用職權性侵害、誘拐或情感操控（Grooming）受助兒童。

新法規也限制使用隔離措施（Seclusion practices），要求針對兒童的宗教、文化及性別（LGBTQ+）身份制定個人化處置計畫，並明確規範監視器的安裝政策。為了落實監督，安置機構將來必須向其董事會通報政府的所有審查與調查結果。

麻州政府為支持新法規，篩選適任員工，啟動了 1,500 萬美元借貸還款計畫，提供獎學金吸引專業人才。麻州政府還提案要求把殘疾人士保護委員會（DPPC）的虐待紀錄名單納入員工背景調查項目，以確保有過虐待紀錄的人員無法進入安置系統工作。

這項改革彙整了包含兒童代言人辦公室（Office of the Child Advocate）在內的 26 份公眾意見。

Massachusetts Approves Comprehensive Revisions to Residential Program Regulations

Vote marks the state’s first comprehensive update to residential program licensing regulations in more than 30 years

WESTBOROUGH — The Board of Early Education and Care voted to promulgate revisions to the state’s regulations governing residential programs, marking the first comprehensive update to these regulations in more than 30 years. As proposed by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, these changes promote a stronger workforce through improved requirements on staff professional development, including on trauma-informed and responsive care, cultural responsiveness, professional boundaries and missing or absent children. The regulations also require staff training related to the prevention and identification of sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation.

 

Further, the regulation changes improve child safety through policies regarding the use of surveillance cameras, align with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s updated regulations on seclusion practices, and require more comprehensive treatment plans that consider a child’s long-term goals, trauma history, culture or religion, LGBTQ+ identity, and behavior needs. Residential programs are also required to share more information with their boards, such as EEC licensing reviews and investigations to improve accountability and transparency.

“These approved regulations promote safer, more inclusive and dignified residential program experiences for children and youth – centering their needs and wellbeing. We’re proud in Massachusetts to continue efforts that strengthen the residential program workforce and support children to succeed,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “I want to thank the Board of Early Education and Care for their partnership and support in this critical work.”

 

“This milestone represents an important step forward in strengthening oversight, safety, and quality in our residential programs who serve children and youth with highly complex needs,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We are grateful to the providers, families, advocates, and community partners whose feedback and collaboration were invaluable, and we remain committed to strengthening support for both the workforce and the children they serve.”

 

“Updating these regulations after 30 years is a major milestone,” said Paul Belsito, Chair of the Board of Early Education and Care. “The Board appreciates the work of the Department and the many stakeholders who helped shape these updates to ensure strong protections and high-quality care for children across the Commonwealth.”

These approved regulations build on the administration’s work to strengthen this workforce and improve the safety and well-being of children. Governor Maura Healey’s recently filed supplemental budget includes language that would allow the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to include information from the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) abuse registry in background checks for candidates to work in residential programs. The administration also recently launched a $15 million Loan Repayment Program that includes residential program staff, as well as expanded the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship to include residential program staff.

 

EEC currently licenses over 330 residential programs, with the capacity to support over 5,500 children and youth. Residential programs serve residents up to age 18 (or 22, for certain children living with disabilities) and provide care and housing for residents in a group care setting outside of their family home. Many of the residents at these programs have complex behavioral health and/or social-emotional needs or are otherwise in need of additional complex support.

 

The regulatory revisions are the result of extensive national research, internal review, stakeholder engagement and public comment. This engagement included people with lived experience, trade and advocacy groups, residential program providers, and state agencies. The Board sent the proposed changes out for public comment from December 11, 2025 through January 12, 2026. EEC received 26 comments throughout the public comment period from trade groups, advocacy groups, individual providers, legislators, and persons served. Today’s final regulations incorporate this feedback.

 

“Updating the residential programs regulations provides a significant opportunity to better safeguard children and create new pathways for their voices to be heard,” said Maria Mossaides, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate. “The Office of the Child Advocate was pleased to work closely with EEC on these revisions, and we appreciate the collaborative approach the agency has taken over the past year. The new regulations are more child-centered, add additional safety protections, and ensure additional staff training in critical areas, including restraint prevention and sexual abuse prevention. This is an important step forward, and the OCA looks forward to continued partnership with EEC to ensure the new regulations are successfully implemented.”

 

“EEC’s leadership in engaging providers, agencies, and trade associations throughout this process demonstrates the value of strong public-private partnerships. Over the course of the past year, stakeholders worked collectively to provide thoughtful feedback on the comprehensive review of Residential and Placement Regulations, always with a shared commitment to strengthening licensing requirements that prioritize the safety, well-being, and positive outcomes of children and families. Key is proud to have participated in this collaborative effort and to support initiatives that advance quality care, accountability, and meaningful partnership within Massachusetts’ early education and care system on behalf of the children and families in the Commonwealth,” said Tammy Mello, President & Chief Executive Officer of Key Program, Inc.

 

“The Children’s League appreciates the hard work and collaborative approach by EEC to update the regulations for licensure of residential programs. These updates advance our ability to provide safe and high-quality care and housing for some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable children, in partnership with multiple state agencies that rely on these services. The updated regulations take a more child-centered approach, improve clarity, and support system efficiency, which allows providers to focus on what they do best – caring for children and youth,” said Rachel Gwaltney, Executive Director of the Children’s League of Massachusetts.

 

The revised regulations will take effect on November 17, 2026.

包氏藝術中心和移民歷史步道計劃合作 5/16藝術巡禮邀 6 名藝術家演出

 （Ｂoston Orange） 包氏藝術中心 (Pao Arts Center) 和「移民歷史步道 (Immigrant History Trail)」計劃合作，訂 5 月 16 日（週六）下午 1:00 至 4:00，舉辦「表演巡禮 (Performance Pilgrimages)」，藉6名藝術家的以水揮毫，舞蹈，說故事等現場表演，讓華埠街道、角落積存的歷史記憶，再次鮮活起來。

參加活動的民眾將在 99 Albany Street 的包氏藝術中心集合，領取導覽地圖與時間表，然後自行在華埠穿梭，造訪各個表演現場。

這一追溯移民歷史的表演活動，有新英格蘭藝術基金會 (NEFA)「空間正義公共藝術計畫」支持，資金來自 Barr 基金會與梅隆基金會 (Mellon Foundation)。

策展人包括現任包氏藝術中心 2024-2025 「非紀念碑 (Un-Monument)」公共藝術計畫策展經理，菲律賓裔跨領域藝術家Lani Asunción ，在塔夫茨大學 (Tufts University) 攻讀表演研究博士的金成敏 (譯音，Sung-Min Kim)，創作核心在於透過透過藝術來『梳理與面對失去的傷痛』，以此來守護那些社會強迫我們忘記的事物——例如我們與祖先的連結，或是酷兒社群之間像家人般的深厚情感的薛文軒 (Wenxuan Xue，譯音)。

參與演出的藝術家及表演項目分別為：

葉閏甯 (Anita Yip / 3:00-4:00 PM)：華裔公民藝術家。透過「亞裔喜悅計畫 (Project Asian Joy)」挖掘被忽視的故事。其作品曾獲得波士頓市「非紀念碑」計畫及社區活化補助金 (Neighborhood Activation Grant) 支持。

譚穎韻 (Joanna Tam / 2:30-3:30 PM)：香港出生藝術家。曾獲 Prilla Smith Brackett 獎及 SMFA 旅遊獎學金。目前正與東北大學（NEU）特別收藏檔案館合作進行「隱藏歷史」駐村計畫。

何洋 (Yolanda He Yang / 1:00-4:00 PM)：出生於中國北方天主教家庭。其作品關注勞動力與社會生態，現正領導 "Behind VA Shadows" 公共藝術計畫，旨在放大非營利藝術組織前線員工的創意聲音。

葉穎 (Ying Ye / 1:30-2:30 PM)：福州出生藝術家。她將家族烹飪與農耕傳統織入社區實踐，關注糧食正義與經濟公平。曾獲選為 2024-2025 Trinity Studio 藝術研究員。

Feda Eid (1:30-2:00 & 2:30-3:00 PM)：黎巴嫩裔視覺藝術家。受其家族於 1982 年逃離黎巴嫩內戰的經歷啟發，其作品透過大膽的色彩與紡織品連結過去與現在。

包氏藝術中心正在舉辦的「祖先夢想之殿 (Temple of Our Ancestral Dreams)」多元展覽，展期至 2026 年 6 月 19 日。

6 月 13 日下午還將有一場由身為被領養者的藝術家Eva Lin Fahey 與 Madeleine Conover 共同主持的【未來祖先：領養者離散群體的種子神話】 活動。他們將結合藝術創作與故事敘述，引導大眾探討關於記憶、身分認同以及一群散落在世界各地、在不同家庭長大的被領養者特有的歸屬感議題。

麻州慶祝250週年 7/4國慶煙花音樂會將有3名葛萊美獎得主表演

波士頓流行管弦樂團 (Boston Pops) 指揮洛克哈特 (Keith Lockhart) 
宣佈今年國慶音樂會嘉賓有3名葛萊美獎得主。（周菊子攝）

  (Boston Orange綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和波士頓流行管弦樂團 (Boston Pops) 指揮洛克哈特 (Keith Lockhart) 12 日宣佈， 每年7 月 4 日在查理士河畔濱海大道(Charles River Esplanade)舉行的「煙花音樂會」，今年為慶祝美國建國250週年，將邀3名葛萊美獎得主演出，展現美國多元音樂文化。

今年國慶音樂會嘉賓。（周菊子攝）

奚莉州長指出，這一慶典將邀全球遊客進一步認識麻州是美國發源地。

會場簡報片。（周菊子攝）

波士頓流行管弦樂團 (Boston Pops) 指揮洛克哈特表示，為彰顯今年是美國建國250週年，7月4日的演出，將橫跨鄉村、嘻哈與爵士三大美式樂風，邀請包括剛登上科切拉(Coachella) 音樂節的鄉村天后萊妮·威爾森 (Lainey Wilson)、創新饒舌歌手錢斯 (Chance the Rapper)，以及代表紐奧良精神的長號短嘴 (Trombone Shorty) 這3名葛萊美獎得主擔綱演出。他們3人都還是第一次來為波士頓的國慶音樂會演出。

麻州州長Maura Healey當晚再回到萬寧路會議展覽中心，為大波士頓商會致詞。

洛克哈特還宣佈，今年有2項首創技術：煙火秀將首次與樂團現場演奏精確同步編排。在演奏經典「1812序曲(1812 Overture) 」時，會加入革命主題無人機秀。現場還將首演由卡洛斯·西蒙 (Carlos Simon) 等當代作曲家為慶典量身打造的新曲，並播放由麻州八年級生製作的獨立宣言紀念影片「我們宣告》(We Declare)」。

MA250 委員會主席瑞佛斯 (Bob Rivers) 補充，為慶祝美國建國250週年，大波士頓今年夏季將有一系列免費大型慶典，包括 6 月 13 日至 27 日的世足球迷嘉年華 (FIFA Fan Fest)，以及 7 月 11 日至 16 日估計有破紀錄60多艘船來到的波士頓高桅帆船節 (Sail Boston)。

MA250主席Bob Rivers(左）和大波士頓商會執行長James E. Rooney。（周菊子攝）

主辦單位預計今年的國慶音樂會人潮將突破 50 萬人， 7 月 4 日 19 時開始後，由 CNN 全球轉播、地方頻道 WHDH-TV 直播。民眾可從中午進入草坪區 (Oval)，詳細行程可參閱官網 (massachusetts250.org)。

5月亞裔月 波士頓科學博物館活動多

(Boston Orange 編譯)。波士頓科學博物館（Museum of Science）於 2026 年 5 月 13 日至 30 日期間，在科學公園（1 Science Park）園區內舉辦一系列結合科學、精神對話、亞裔文化慶祝及 AI 實務課程的公眾活動。

5 月 13 日晚間 6 時 30 分至 9 時，館方先行舉辦「科學與靈性：公眾對話」（Science and Spirituality: A Public Dialogue）活動，由相關領域專家探討兩者如何共同形塑當代世界觀。5 月 15 日星期五，穆加奧姆尼劇院（Mugar Omni Theater）將放映紀錄片《請傳送我，蘇魯》（Beam Me Up, Sulu），呈現影星喬治·武井（George Takei）從《星際爭霸戰》（Star Trek）演員轉向人權倡議者的歷程，票價為 15 美元。

針對 5 月份的「亞裔美國人及太平洋島民傳統月」（Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month），館方於 5 月 16 日週六上午 10 時至下午 4 時規劃專題慶祝活動。內容涵蓋 STEAM（Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math）動手實作、全館尋寶遊戲、文化表演及社區組織展示。當日並於 IMAX® 巨幕影廳（IMAX® Dome screen）免費放映漫威（Marvel）電影《尚氣與十環傳奇》（Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings），該片分級為 PG-13，須事先預約。

5 月 22 日起，該館 IMAX® 巨幕影廳將上映《星際大戰：曼達洛人與古古》（Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu），票價為 15 美元，會員具備提前一週預購門票之權限。5 月 30 日下午 1 時與 3 時，館方與 AI 集體組織（The AI Collective Group）合作舉辦「AI 流暢度：動手技能強化班」（AI Fluency: A Hands-On Skills Intensive），由講師進行 2 小時的現場教學，報名費為 50 美元。

館方同步預告夏季活動清單，包含「造浪」（Making Waves）、「地光世界：太空人的旅程」（Earthlight World: An Astronaut’s Journey）以及虛擬實境體驗「生命編年史」（Life Chronicles）。目前加入會員可獲得 20% 的入會折扣。所有活動收益將用於支持科學普及教育與場館營運。

波士頓公園局訂5/28-6/25舉辦5場「麥克風開放之夜」

 (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓公園及康樂局旗下的 ParkARTS 宣佈，將和伯克利（ Berklee ）音樂學院及“ Junkyard“ 合作，於5 月 28 日至 6 月 25 日之間，在波士頓各區公園舉辦首屆「麥克風開放之夜 (Open Mic Nights) 」系列活動。

五場活動，首場訂 5 月 28 日在後灣區 (Back Bay) 的柯普利廣場 (Copley Square) 舉行。之後四場分別於 6 月 4 日在奧斯頓 (Allston) 的史密斯遊樂場 (Smith Playground)、6 月 11 日在洛士百利 (Roxbury) 的吉普瓊斯公園 (Jeep Jones Park)、6 月 18 日在牙買加平原 (Jamaica Plain) 的莫扎特公園 (Mozart Park)，以及 6 月 25 日在羅斯林代爾 (Roslindale) 的亞當斯公園 (Adams Park) 舉行。

所有場次都在下午 6 時 30 分開始。

活動流程包括由伯克利音樂學院學生做精選演出，並開放現場報名，隨機抽籤中標者，可獲得上台機會者。代理專員Cathy Baker-Eclipse表示，這活動旨在為當地藝術家提供免費且可負擔的藝術表達平台。

活動現場將無電源接入處。主辦單位僅配備麥克風與擴音設備，表演者需自備原聲樂器 (Acoustic instruments) 或電池供電樂器，或自備伴奏帶演唱。

ParkARTS 系列活動均為免費，公眾可透過官方網站 (Boston.gov/open-mic) 獲取進一步資訊，或致電 (617) 635-4505 查詢。

波士頓綠路今夏請Michael P. Gibson展示修剪園藝

Michael P. Gibson, by Tanya Ackerman, courtesy of the artist

      (Boston Orange編譯) 羅斯·甘乃迪綠路保護協會（Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy）宣佈，知名修剪藝術（Topiary）家邁克爾·吉布森（Michael P. Gibson）已於5月11日進駐波士頓杜威廣場（Dewey Square），將在一整個夏季中做活體植物雕塑創作。

      吉布森有30多年從業經驗，將在今年夏秋之間來波士頓許多次，用他標誌性的「吉布森方法」，把綠路內的灌木叢逐步修剪為融合幾何與敘事元素的藝術品。民眾可已到現場觀察沿路植物隨時間推移的轉變過程。

      吉布森曾參加 HGTV 頻道的《Clipped》節目，作為皮爾·弗萊爾修剪花園（Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden）首名駐村藝術家。他這次的裝置藝術將和杜威廣場另一項公共藝術項目——由藝術家 Rixy 創作的大型壁畫「午夜騎行（The Midnight Ride）」同步展出。

        綠路保護會園藝總監布萊恩·吉本斯（Brian Gibbons）表示，這項目旨在透過自然景觀引發人們好奇心，並展示園藝可結合生態管理與創意表達。由於今年適逢波士頓建市250週年，吉布森希望透過活體雕塑讓大眾看到變革的可能性。

         綠路保護會將舉辦現場問答活動，讓訪客了解藝術創作背後的園藝技術。這次杜威廣場園藝提升項目由普利茅斯岩保險基金會（Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation）資助，修剪藝術裝置則獲得達格尼波士頓酒店（The Dagny Boston）與 Yotel 酒店的支持。

The Greenway Welcomes Renowned Topiary Artist Michael P. Gibson for a Summer-Long Living Sculpture Experience in Dewey Square

May 13, 2026 – BOSTON, MA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, the nonprofit responsible for the maintenance and activation of The Greenway, is proud to welcome internationally recognized topiary artist Michael P. Gibson, of Gibson Works, to Boston this summer for a dynamic horticultural installation that will transform select shrubbery in Dewey Square into living works of art through the practice of topiary sculpting.

Beginning the week of May 11 and continuing through a series of return visits throughout the summer and early fall, Gibson will work onsite, inviting community members, commuters, families, and visitors alike to witness the gradual transformation of The Greenway’s landscape over time. The project reflects the Greenway Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to showcasing world-class artistry in public space while creating opportunities for everyday engagement with horticulture, design, and the natural world.

Widely regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary topiary, Gibson is known for his imaginative sculptural work in prominent public and private landscapes across the country, including celebrated projects in New York City and installations featured in major botanical and horticultural settings nationwide. With more than 30 years of experience, Gibson has created more than 700 living sculptures across the United States while helping redefine topiary as a contemporary form of artistic expression through his signature Gibson Method, which blends geometry, symbolism, and storytelling. 

Gibson was featured on HGTV’s Clipped alongside Martha Stewart and served as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden. Originally from Youngstown and now based in Columbia, Gibson continues to inspire communities nationwide through the transformative power of living sculpture.

This living artwork arrives alongside another prominent artistic transformation unfolding in Dewey Square this season: the creation of a new large-scale mural, The Midnight Ride, by acclaimed artist Rixy. Together, these parallel projects highlight The Greenway’s belief that public art can take many forms — from painted walls to cultivated landscapes — and that vibrant public spaces are strengthened through creative expression across disciplines.

“This collaboration reflects the kind of ambitious, world-class horticultural programming we are proud to bring to The Greenway,” said Brian Gibbons, Director of Horticulture with the Greenway Conservancy. “Our Horticulture team is deeply committed to sustainable and organic landscape practices, but we also believe public gardens and urban green spaces can inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Gibson’s work demonstrates the incredible transformative potential of engaging with the natural world intentionally and artistically. We hope this installation encourages visitors to look more closely at the living landscape around them and to see public horticulture as both ecological stewardship and creative expression.”

"It's incredibly meaningful to create this work in Boston during such a historic moment for the city," said Gibson. "As Boston marks its 250th anniversary, people from around the world are looking here for inspiration, culture, and connection. To help transform public green space through living sculpture, in a place that welcomes everyone, is a powerful opportunity. My hope is that this project brings moments of wonder, curiosity, and reflection into people's everyday lives, while encouraging them to see the landscape around them differently. Living sculpture reminds us that transformation is possible, in landscapes, communities, and ourselves.”

Events & Experiences

Throughout Gibson’s visits, park visitors are encouraged to stop by and observe the artistic process as the topiary evolves throughout the season. The work will take shape gradually through multiple on-site sessions, offering a rare opportunity to witness a living art form develop in real time in an active public park.

In addition to observing the installation process, The Greenway will host a live onsite Q&A with Gibson later this season, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the artistry, horticultural techniques, and creative vision behind the work. Additional dates, programming details, and visitor information will be shared on the Greenway website at www.rosekennedygreenway.org

Throughout the installation process, the public is encouraged to return often as the work evolves over time. Like gardening itself, topiary is an art form rooted in patience, care, and continual transformation — a reminder that meaningful change happens gradually and in relationship with the living world around us.

About The Greenway and the Greenway Conservancy  (rosekennedygreenway.org)  

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a contemporary public park in the heart of Boston and one of the most visited attractions in the Commonwealth, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The Greenway is managed by the Greenway Conservancy, a nonprofit responsible for the administration and care of the park. The majority of the Conservancy’s annual budget is made up of generous donations from the community, and it is with their support that the Conservancy cultivates a gathering space where all are welcome and celebrated. Dewey Square horticulture enhancements are generously funded by Plymouth Rock Assurance Foundation.Topiary Art on The Greenway is supported by hotel partners, The Dagny Boston and Yotel. 

Sustainable horticulture on The Greenway is made possible by BlackRock Gives.

The Dewey Square Mural is funded, in part, by Massachusetts250, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Meet Boston, Holland America, and an Anonymous Donor. 

Public Art on The Greenway is made possible with major support from the Barr Foundation, Goulston & Storrs, the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, and the Wagner Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, Robert & Doris Gordon, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and The New Commonwealth Fund.

Special thanks to project partners Embrace and Everyone 250.

慈濟慶60週年「寰宇同心」音樂會演繹佛教藝術源起到全球化

慈濟和哈佛CAMLab合作「寰宇同心」音樂會的主辦者和演出者。（周菊子攝）

     (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市報導) 慈濟基金會和哈佛大學中國藝術實驗室（Harvard CAMLab） 5 月 9 日在哈佛藝術博物館（Harvard Art Museums）舉辦「寰宇同心（Under One Sky）」音樂會，慶祝慈濟成立 60 週年，透過跨文化音樂探討佛教全球化與人類價值意義。

郭麗娟為「寰宇同心」音樂會開場。（周菊子攝）

    慈濟基金會副執行長何日生在致詞中表示，這場音樂會同時慶祝佛誕節、母親節，以及證嚴上人 90 歲壽辰。演出內容中的敦煌（Dunhuang）、阿育王（King Asoka）與唐代藝術元素，對應了佛教歷史上從阿育王起，到佛教傳入斯里蘭卡和中國，再到慈濟把佛陀智慧轉化為普世價值的三次佛教全球化腳步。

慈濟基金會副執行長何日生說明這是慈濟慶祝60週年，佛誕節，母親節，
以及證嚴上人90大壽的音樂會。（周菊子攝）

    哈佛 CAMLab 主任汪悅進教授先以音樂會在音樂會在美國最古老大學藝術博物館，藝術史學科發源地這具崇高學術與歷史地位的哈佛藝術博物館中舉行，有更豐富文化與歷史連結等象徵意義，再指東方藝術有共同「文化 DNA」。

何日生（中）送花給呂晨晨（前右），感謝她執行辦理音樂會。（周菊子攝）

    汪悅進以京劇「貴妃醉酒」為例，論證其美學根源可追溯至古印度「舞論（Nāṭya Śāstra）」，這世界上最古老的梵文歌舞劇手冊。其中的 36 種眼神（Gazes）與 64 種手印（Hand gestures）等表達藝術，更是亞洲共享的文化經驗。

    汪悅進強調，在 AI 科技挑戰人類定義，讓人追問人何以為人的當下，「心跳」與「律動」是界定人類價值的防線，音樂則是跨越地域的「世界性通用語言」（Cosmopolitan Lingua Franca）。

音樂家們演奏「心願」。（周菊子攝）

    當晚的音樂會分2部分，參與表演的藝術家們，有許多人和馬友友所創辦的「絲路樂團」有長期合作關係。

演奏王璐教授創作的「Riffs and Flow（流韻）」。（周菊子攝）

楊謹演奏用的琵琶是復刻正倉院的「螺鈿紫檀五弦琵琶」。（周菊子攝）

    第一部分由北美洲中國音樂家協會協作演出，共6個節目，包括全體合奏，象徵慈濟 60 年傳遞慈悲初衷的「心願(Aspiration)」，布朗大學作曲教授王璐創作，把古代琵琶手稿的碎片化為流動的現代語言，實現跨時空對話，這晚做世界首演的「Riffs and Flow（流韻）」，以空靈音色還原古代佛教悉曇文字的宗教共振，姚晨作曲，琵琶家楊瑾與低音提琴對話，模擬絲路馬蹄節奏，體現文化交流的動力的「駿(JUN)」，楊信宜以古琴演奏「悉曇章(Siddhaṃ Resonance)」，賈永紅粉墨登場的演出「貴妃醉酒(The Drunken Concubine)：」片段，展現京劇身段中深藏的印度《舞論》神韻，以及透過跨器樂編制重現佛教藝術巔峰時期宏大氣象，向絲路文化中心敦煌致敬的壓軸曲「敦煌」。

    這一場的表演者還包括彈古箏的夏菁，打擊樂的吳瑋，吉他的胡斌，低音提琴的姚錫潼等人。王璐教授指出，楊瑾演奏時使用的琵琶，是復刻正倉院「螺鈿紫檀五弦琵琶」，彰顯演繹敦煌古曲用意。

Sandeep Das（中）以塔布拉鼓率眾演奏的音樂，韻味截然不同。（周菊子攝）

第二部分由葛萊美獎得主 Sandeep Das 策劃，主題為「菩提心 ≡ 空性（Bodhichitta ≡ Sunyata）」，旨在探討「方法與智慧的結合」。表演者包括 Sandeep Das（塔布拉鼓）、Abhik Mukherjee（西塔琴）、Bailey O’Donnell（打擊樂器）、Shane Shanahan（打擊樂器）、Matt Small（貝斯）與渡邊薰（Kaoru Watanabe, 太鼓 /笛）。

Sandeep Das 與音樂家們謝幕。（周菊子攝）

    他們藉這套曲目，把音樂當作對「心經（Heart Sutra）」的聽覺冥想，透過印度打擊樂、西塔琴與日本太鼓等樂器的律動，呈現Tathatā這種表演者、樂器、聲音與聽眾之間沒有界限，大家都處於同一種存在的本質中的境界。

賈永紅（左）粉墨登場演出一段「貴妃醉酒」。（周菊子攝）

    這音樂會由何日生和汪悅進策劃、和證嚴上人同一天生日的CAMLab副主任呂晨晨（Chenchen Lu）執行。何日生和汪悅進在會末感謝所有人參與製作這場別緻音樂會的志工，在一連3日的「證嚴法師思想與實踐學術研討會」，仍能促成一場藝術饗宴。

楊信宜彈奏古琴。（周菊子攝）

    在這慶祝慈濟60週年的系列活動中，除了研討會，音樂會之外，還有在哈佛CAMLab內的「明心：佛教遺址藝術沈浸式展（Journey to Enlinghtenment: A Multimedia Exhibition on Buddhist Cultural Heritage）」，將已預約式開放展出的持續展至八月，再移師台灣高雄今年八月，該展覽的完整版將移師至台灣高雄「國立科學工藝博物館」。

哈佛CAMLab創辦人暨藝術史教授汪悅進。（周菊子攝）

王璐教授和演出“貴妃醉酒”的賈永紅。（周菊子攝）

楊謹讓出席者看她手中與眾不同的琵琶。

參與表演的藝術家。（周菊子攝）

左起，夏菁，楊謹，楊悅和來探班的何濤（左二）合影。（周菊子攝）

哈佛藝術博物館大堂。（周菊子攝）

音樂會當天下雨，觀眾在門外等入場。（周菊子攝）

麻州長Healey表揚州警和急救人員在劍橋市紀念大大槍擊案事件中表現英武

Governor Healey Praises Heroic Response of Massachusetts State Police and First Responders During Memorial Drive Shooting

  

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today released the following statement regarding the actions of Massachusetts State Police troopers and first responders during yesterday’s shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge:  

 

“Yesterday, we saw once again the extraordinary courage and selflessness of the Massachusetts State Police, Cambridge Police, and our first responders. In the middle of a terrifying and chaotic situation on Memorial Drive, troopers and emergency personnel ran toward danger to protect innocent people, secure the scene and prevent further violence. Their quick actions and professionalism undoubtedly saved lives.

 

We are especially grateful for the heroism of the State Police trooper who put himself directly in harm’s way during the incident as officers worked to stop the threat and protect the public. I spoke with him last night, thanked him, and told him that his actions reflected the very best of law enforcement and public service under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances. This is a particularly poignant reminder as we lay to rest this week Trooper Kevin Trainor, who lost his life while heading toward danger to keep people safe. 

 

I want to thank every law enforcement officer from the Cambridge Police Department, firefighter, EMT, dispatcher and first responder who answered the call yesterday and worked together to protect the people of Cambridge during an incredibly dangerous and fast-moving situation. I am equally grateful to the civilian who courageously stepped in to assist law enforcement during this terrifying incident, demonstrating extraordinary bravery in a moment of crisis. I have also spoken with him and expressed our deep gratitude. 

 

I want the people of Massachusetts to know that my entire administration, alongside law enforcement agencies across our state, is working day in and day out to keep our communities safe. Violence like this has no place in Massachusetts. We will continue doing everything we can to protect public safety, strengthen partnerships across law enforcement and communities, and ensure that the brave men and women who put on the uniform every day have the tools and support they need.”  

麻州、波士頓市各出一半組一億元「公共股權」基金 首宗支持建案在 Roxbury蓋110戶大樓

(Boston Orange綜合編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今（ 12） 日宣佈，正式啟動州市攜手共出資1 億美元 的全美首個「公共股權」基金，為麻州催生更多住宅單位。首宗建案為注資 1,050 萬美元 在洛士百利(Roxbury) 蓋 110 戶混合收入住宅。

州政府和地方政府攜手投資的這公共股權基金，由波士頓市的「住房加速器基金 (Housing Accelerator Fund)」和麻州政府的「動力基金 (Momentum Fund) 」各出資5,000 萬美元 ，組成額度1 億美元 的「公共股權」，交給麻州住房融資局 (MassHousing) 管理。

這做法是把傳統的政府補助轉變為「低成本公共股權投資」，鎖定已獲核准但因資金缺口停滯的建案，提供支持。當建案完工並辦理再融資後，這筆公共資金將會流回基金，以期藉此為槓桿，實現循環利用理想，達到在全州範圍建造超過 1,000 套住宅單位的理想。

作為該計畫的全美首個合作城市，波士頓市將透過其「住房加速器基金」(Housing Accelerator Fund) 參與投資。

吳弭市長表示，「公共股權」模式能確保公共資源在洛士百利等核心社區發揮最大效益，防止居民流離失所。奚莉州長強調，州政府的目標是在2035 年前，新建 22.2 萬套房屋，這種跨級政府的金融協作是必要的制度創新。

「公共股權」基金發包的首個建案是位於馬爾坎 X 大道(Malcolm X Boulevard) 20 號，由 SV+Partners 和Trax Development 合作，把現有的地面停車場改造為六層住宅，其中包含 22 套經濟適用房與 88 套市場價公寓，以保留場地內的舊洛士百利男孩俱樂部 (Roxbury Boys Club) 歷史建築，並增設公共景觀廣場與社區設施。

目前，「動力基金」已在洛克士百利、格拉夫頓 (Grafton) 及米爾頓 (Milton) 等市鎮，支持共 453 套住宅開發案。此外州府案和波士頓市亦將運用其基金支持波士頓房屋局 (BHA) 的重建項目及創新購房模式。

吳弭市長宣佈波士頓收購基金獲2026可負擔住宅象牙獎

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON ACQUISITION FUND WINS 2026 IVORY PRIZE FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY   

National recognition highlights Boston’s leadership in preserving affordable housing and preventing displacement

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City’s Boston Acquisition Fund has been named the winner of the 2026 Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability in the Finance category, a national award recognizing innovative and scalable solutions to the housing affordability crisis. The award, presented annually by Ivory Innovations, recognizes the Boston Acquisition Fund’s role in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing and preventing resident displacement across Boston. Launched in 2024 and supported by a coalition of hospitals, philanthropic partners, and banks, the Boston Acquisition Fund is a public-private revolving loan fund that provides rapid, low-cost acquisition financing to mission-driven developers seeking to preserve existing below-market-rate housing. The Fund is administered by Boston-based non-profit lender Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. 

“We are thrilled to be named alongside innovative communities and organizations, finding ways to solve complex challenges and tackle our housing crisis. This award reflects the strength of Boston’s public-private partnerships and our shared work with mission-driven developers to ease displacement pressures and preserve critical affordable housing for thousands of residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are proud to receive this recognition that affirms our determination that Boston can lead with innovative, scalable solutions for cities facing similar challenges.”

The coalition of investors includes the City of Boston, Mass General Brigham, the Boston Foundation, the Barr Foundation, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Tufts Medical Center, First Citizens Bank, Housing Ministries of New England, Eastern Bank Foundation, and the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation.  

Since the launch, the $45 million fund has supported the acquisition of 435 homes in Roxbury, Dorchester, Roslindale, and Mattapan, permanently stabilizing rent for over 1,000 households. 

The Fund builds on and complements the success of the City’s Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP), which continues to provide City subsidy to support these acquisitions. Through that program, the City has supported the acquisition preservation of more than 1,400 affordable homes and created a proven framework for anti-displacement housing strategies in Boston’s rapidly changing neighborhoods.

The Boston Acquisition Fund significantly expands and strengthens the City’s AOP program by providing a flexible, revolving source of capital that can move at the speed of the private market. By offering below-market financing with streamlined underwriting, the Fund gives developers the ability to act quickly when affordable properties become available, helping preserve naturally occurring affordable housing that might otherwise be lost. As loans are repaid, funds are recycled into future preservation projects, creating a long-term and sustainable preservation tool that can support multiple generations of affordable housing investments.

“The Boston Acquisition Fund has created a practical and replicable financing model that helps preserve affordability at a time when many communities are struggling with displacement pressures,” said Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon. “This award highlights the strength of partnership between the City, nonprofit developers, lenders, and institutional partners and demonstrates how Boston continues to evolve and strengthen our housing preservation efforts to meet today’s challenges.”

The 2026 Ivory Prize winners will be honored in person at the annual Ivory Prize Summit, a national convening that gathers entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers and industry leaders to collaborate and learn about the most impactful housing affordability solutions. This year’s Ivory Prize Summit will take place Oct. 14-15, in Tempe, Arizona.

劍橋市紀念大道爆十餘聲槍響 警方已逮補嫌犯

來自社交媒體的截圖

 (Boston Orange綜合編譯) 麻州劍橋市紀念大道（Memorial Drive）和河街（River Street ）交界處發生5至10幾響的隨機槍擊案，警方與嫌犯一度激烈交火，隨後逮補了現年46歲，手持長槍的前科犯泰勒·布朗（Tyler Brown）。目前已知有2人受傷送醫，細節尚待釐清。

麻州州長Maura Healey在推特上說明正密切關注槍擊案發展。

事件發生在今（5月11）日下午大約 1 時 20 分左右，頭戴黑帽，身穿黑色短袖上衣，短褲的泰勒布朗，揮舞長槍，在劍橋市（Cambridge）紀念大道（Memorial Drive）上隨機開槍，嚇得100 多輛車上司機與乘客棄車而逃。許多車輛的車頭燈被射得破碎，車身留有彈痕。警察封街後，封鎖線內還有數十輛汽車留在那兒，其中一輛還是美國郵政局（USPS）車輛。

網民指薩福克郡前地方檢察官Rachael Rollins曾建請法官判處Brown更重刑罰。

目擊者羅德里格斯（Joseph Minino Rodriguez）指出，嫌犯連開5 槍後，似乎出現武器卡彈情況，但仍持續行動，隨後與趕抵現場的州警交火。根據他拍攝的現場影片，嫌犯被警察擊倒後，旁邊地上躺著一支長槍。

波士頓 25 頻道電視新聞（Boston 25 News）調查發現，布朗曾因向警員開槍在 2020 年判刑，本案發生時應處於假釋或緩刑期間。波士頓警方今日上午曾發布安全通報，指布朗曾向假釋官發表自殺言論，並在影像通話中展示突擊步槍及發出威脅。警方隨後透過手機信號追蹤其至劍橋市，不久即發生槍擊事件。

在這次的槍擊事件中，至少有兩人受傷送醫。哈佛大學警局（Harvard University Police Department）初步報告指出可能有兩名受害者，州警證實嫌犯本身受傷，且現場另有至少一人接受槍傷治療。對於外傳傷者包含亞裔女性之說法，目前官方及主流媒體尚未證實任何受害者的族裔或性別細節。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在推特上感謝第一線執法人員反應迅速，告訴州民如今已無安全威脅。目前紀念大道周邊路段仍因證物蒐集維持大範圍封鎖，相關單位正針對布朗的心理健康狀況及其非法獲取槍枝的渠道展開深入調查。

Patrick Roath 挑戰Stephen Lynch聯邦參議員席位 官宣籌得100萬元競選經費

Patrick Roath （圖片來自Roath 競選網站）

（Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州第八選區聯邦眾議員參選人派翠克·羅斯（Patrick Roath）今（11）日宣佈，籌款數額突破 100 萬美元，已正式取得候選人資格，將在9月初選中名列選票，和在位25年的現任議員史蒂芬·林奇（Stephen Lynch）一爭高下。

Stephen Lynch (圖片來自Lynch網站）

由於民調顯示，77%的選民不認識羅斯，因而在支持度上，羅斯和林奇有36%和62%的大幅度落差，然而一旦民調人員向受訪者展示羅斯和林奇的背景資料和林奇的法案投票紀錄後，兩人的民調支持度就翻轉為羅斯 57%，林奇 42%。羅斯強硬要求9月1日初選前，在波士頓、昆士市（Quincy）與布羅克頓(Brockton)舉行三場辯論。

現年39歲，住在牙買加平原（Jamaica Plain）的麻州第八選區聯邦眾議員參選人派翠克·羅斯（Patrick Roath）被人形容為學霸型進步派律師，曾是麻州前州長Deval Patrick幕僚，參加過這位前州長的州長與總統選戰，也在歐巴馬總統任內，到白宮新聞辦公室實習，之後在Ropes & Gray 律師事務所工作十年，專攻民事訴訟與公益法（Pro Bono），特別是投票權與政治庇護案件，還擔任過美國第一巡迴上訴法院聯邦法官的法律書記官。

派翠克·羅斯（Patrick Roath）曾在派區克和歐巴馬麾下工作，以及他曾任 Common Cause Massachusetts（麻州共同事業組織）董事會主席，在推動麻州的「自動選民登記」及「普及郵寄投票」法律中扮演關鍵角色等經歷，讓他能在表白參選意願一年內就籌到100萬元，甚至比林奇在競選連任以來籌得的約52萬美元都多，讓他有了更多挑戰底氣。

然而現年71歲的林奇，憑藉在位25年資歷，曾是鋼鐵工人長達18年，有堅強工會及藍領階層的支持，以及競選金庫中仍有118萬元，在民調上以62%對36%，在知名度上更是把77%選民不認識的羅斯遠拋在後等優勢，羅斯的這場選戰仍然不容易。

麻州長Maura Healey在釣魚節表揚華府槍擊案遇難學生Eric Tarpinian-Jachym對環保的貢獻

麻州州長Maura Healey（右二)出席釣魚日活動，表揚Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
對社區與環保的貢獻。（州長辦公室提供）

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）5月10日到漢普頓池塘州立（Hampton Ponds State Park）出席釣魚節紀念活動，代表麻州大學（UMass）追授畢業證書給2025 年在華盛頓特區槍擊案中罹難的 21 歲青年 Eric Tarpinian-Jachym，表揚他對社區與環境的貢獻。

麻州大學總校長Marty Meehan也在活動中宣佈，該校將以Eric Tarpinian-Jachym的名義，在他生前就讀的麻大安赫斯特（Amherst）分校艾森伯格（Isenberg）管理學院設立獎學金，為學生創造學習和茁壯機會，延續Eric生前展現的公共服務與好奇心等特質。

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym是一名來自麻州格蘭比（Granby）的麻州大學管理學院大四學生，遇害時正在華府擔任聯邦眾議員Ron Estes的國會實習生。2025年6月30日晚10點半左右，華府Ｍ街和7街交界處，發生一起隨機飛車槍擊案，有2組幫派交火，正好路過的Eric身中4槍，送醫次日宣告不治。該案震驚華府政壇，人們紛紛詬病華府治安敗壞。

麻州州長希莉獲悉Eric Tarpinian-Jachym生前熱愛釣魚和環保後，建議以此充滿活力方式，讓社區鄰里不分年齡與體能狀況，都能聚在一起，藉著體驗釣魚樂趣來紀念他。麻州野生動物局（MassWildlife），保護與娛樂部（DCR）及和麻州身障服務中心（MassAbility） 等單位聯合舉辦活動時，特地在現場特別安排了無障礙設施。

Eric 在地方釣魚圈頗負盛名，20 歲就成為老牌釣魚俱樂部最年輕的董事，還經常帶頭清理海洋廢棄物。出席活動的環境部長 Rebecca Tepper 說，這場釣魚會不僅是為了懷念 Eric，更是要把他愛護環境、樂於服務大眾的心延續下去。

麻州政府表示，未來計畫將這類釣魚教學活動常態化，讓更多居民能像 Eric 一樣發現戶外運動的美好。

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Fishing Festival Honoring Eric Tarpinian-Jachym’s Legacy 

Event at Hampton Ponds State Park celebrates Eric’s love of fishing and serves to inspire people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature through fishing and outdoor recreation 

WESTFIELD - Governor Maura Healey today joined Eric Tarpinian-Jachym's family and friends, state and local leaders, and members of the public at Hampton Ponds State Park to honor his life and legacy with a family fishing festival celebrating his passion for the outdoors.  
 
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, tragically passed away in a shooting in Washington D.C. on July 1, 2025. His life, though short, was filled with passion, curiosity and achievement in many realms. A rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management, he was an intern for U.S. Rep. Ron Estes in Washington D.C. An avid freshwater and saltwater angler, Tarpinian-Jachym's enthusiasm for the outdoors was unmatched, and he introduced many to fishing and shared his love of the outdoors. 

 

Hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG)’s Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and MassAbility, the event brought together people of all ages and abilities for an accessible fishing clinic and outdoor recreation activities inspired by Eric’s lifelong love of fishing and environmental stewardship. 

 

“Eric brought people together through his love of fishing, the outdoors and community, and today we are honoring that spirit in a way that reflects who he was,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This event is about celebrating Eric’s life by helping more people experience the joy, connection and peace that can come from spending time outside and learning something new alongside family and friends. We are deeply grateful to Eric’s family for allowing us to honor his memory in such a meaningful way.” 

 

“Our son Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was ecstatic when he was accepted to UMASS Amherst Isenberg School of Business because of its reputation as one of the best business schools in the country. After Eric's tragic passing, UMass President Marty Meehan reached out to our family with the utmost kindness and compassion and suggested we have the Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Memorial Scholarship Endowment.  We graciously accepted this as we know Eric would have supported his alma mater after graduation,” said Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, mother of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. ”Governor Healey has been immensely supportive of our family throughout this tragedy. While talking to our family she learned that Eric loved fishing and was a good steward of the environment. She suggested honoring Eric with a fishing festival that would bring the community together to honor Eric's passion for fishing, no matter their ages or abilities, and we thought it was a great way to honor Eric.”  

 

“At just 21 years old, Eric had a desire to make a difference in the world and was well on his way to a promising career in public service. His death is a tremendous loss to all of us. At UMass Amherst, Eric’s memory will live on in perpetuity through the establishment of this endowed scholarship in his name, creating opportunities for future UMass students to learn and thrive,” said University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, who donated to the scholarship. “We are very appreciative to all of those who joined us in supporting this scholarship, which has already surpassed the endowment threshold goal.”  

 

“Eric’s passion for the outdoors and for fishing left a lasting impression on the people around him,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Today’s fishing clinic is a way to share that passion with others. It’s an opportunity for people to come together, spend time outside, and appreciate the connections that meant so much to him.” 

 

To honor his life and legacy, Governor Healey presented Eric Tarpinian-Jachym's family with an official Governor’s Citation in recognition of his many achievements and the positive impact he had on his community. Additionally, on behalf of Chancellor Javier A. Reyes and University of Massachusetts Amherst, Governor Healey presented his posthumous diploma from the University of Massachusetts School of Management to his parents and announced a scholarship endowment honoring Tarpinian-Jachym's memory in perpetuity at UMass Amherst. 

Each year, MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program offers free family fishing clinics across the state, with thousands of participants. Through partnership with DCR’s Universal Access Program (UAP) and MassAbility, this clinic was fully accessible for people of all abilities, increasing opportunities for everyone to connect with nature through outdoor recreation in Eric’s honor. 

“Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was an exceptional young man who loved to fish with family and friends, especially at Hampton Ponds State Park. We are proud to carry on Eric's legacy of encouraging people young and old to connect with nature through fishing and outdoor adventure,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Thank you to our partners at DCR and MassAbility for making this special event possible so more people can follow in Eric’s footsteps, discovering a love of the outdoors and dedicating themselves to stewarding our shared environment.” 

“Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a remarkable young man whose life was marked by curiosity, service, and a deep love for the outdoors,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We are proud to host this event in his honor at a place where he and his family spent many days enjoying nature together. Eric was an avid outdoorsman and angler, and this is a meaningful way to celebrate his life through one of his favorite activities.” 

"Today's event is a celebration of and testament to the strength of persons with disabilities who redefine the boundaries of possibility every day. As we remember Eric, we honor a young man who proved that true capability is found in the power of one's spirit and unwavering courage to live life on your own terms,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. 

Eric was an angler for most of his life, first learning to fish when he was a toddler with his siblings, grandpa and parents. Beyond this, he was a strong leader in the community and an advocate for protection of the environment. He was a member of Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), frequently competed in tournaments, participated in free dives to remove marine debris, and supported RISAA's initiatives before the Rhode Island Fisheries Commissions. He also belonged to Pioneer Valley Boat & Surf Club, in Agawam, where he was on the Board of Directors, and the youngest board member ever. 

“Eric was a member of the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf Club for over five years. In that short time, he made a huge impression on all of the members. At the age of 20, he was the youngest ever appointed to the board of directors. His passion carried over to people he met while fishing the beaches or boulders. Eric was well known in the Rhode Island surf fishing community for his love of the sport and conservation,” said Steve Nacewicz, President of the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf Club. “There is no doubt that Eric has left his mark on all who knew him. His devotion to his family and pursuits of life will long be remembered. Sadly, we can only imagine what great things he would have accomplished. We will keep his memory fresh with every cast we take, and every story we tell.” 

"I so appreciate the Healey Administration organizing this event in honor of - and in memory of - Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. It celebrates his life and his commitment to the environment and does so in a way that allows everyone to participate,” said State Representative Mindy Domb, 3rd Hampshire District. “Thanks to MassAbility, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG)’s Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife), and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for coordinating a fun, inclusive, poignant and memorable event in Eric's honor." 

 

For Eric, fishing was more than a hobby, it was a way to build community, connect with nature, and bring people together. Today’s event continues that legacy by helping more Massachusetts residents experience the outdoors in same spirit of generosity and curiosity that defined his life.