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.

波士頓黃氏宗親會秋祭 近百人上香延續傳統

波士頓黃氏宗親上香、鞠躬、祭祖。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓黃氏宗親會8月29日中午秋祭，有100多人報名參加這在華埠牌樓旁會址六樓舉行的祭典。

前排右起，麻州眾議員黃子安和黃偉健，黃鷹立，黃兆祥，黃國威，黃光沐等
黃氏宗親幹部一起上鄉祭祖。（周菊子攝）

在中文書記黃納斯唱名中，黃氏宗親會主席黃鷹立，黃兆祥和宗親會元老黃國威，美東副總長黃偉建，議長黃光沐，前議長黃國麟，以及現任幹部的中文書記黃忠鴻，英文書記黃雅亭，黃雄心，財政黃碧華等幹部，以及也是黃氏宗親的麻州眾議員黃子安（Donald Wong）一一就位後，接過敬香，向代表祖先的男女人物肖像鞠躬，敬禮，再由2名主席代表宗親會敬酒後，由庶務黃達榮點燃金箔，放入香爐，簡單隆重地完成儀式。

黃氏宗親會婦女組也有黃周麗桃率同婦女組幹部上香、鞠躬。

黃氏宗親會主席黃鷹立，婦女組主任黃周麗桃、主席黃兆祥。（周菊子攝）

黃氏主席黃鷹立表示，今年的黃氏宗親會改朝換代，幹部幾乎悉數換成年輕一輩。他們也希望能鼓勵更多年輕人加入宗親會，綿延傳承春秋兩祭等傳統文化。

樓業組黃偉育（左起）和中文書記黃納斯、主席黃鷹立，黃兆祥。（周菊子攝）

黃鷹立指出，黃氏宗親會在望合山（Mont Hope）墳場擁有一塊墓地，早年主要用來供無子女，獨居海外的宗親安葬。每年春秋兩祭時，都由公所派代表到望合墳場祭拜，今年他們希望擴大宗親參與向祖先祭拜儀式，卻遇到不少宗親覺得該地點往返不易的難處，於是改在波士頓華埠的會所舉行，這也才有了破紀錄的秋祭出席人數。

住在麻州郊區，現年35歲的黃志富，這天也特地遠道趕來，穿上印有「江夏堂」字樣的黃T恤，為宗親會當義工。

黃氏婦女組上香。（周菊子攝）

黃氏宗親會祭壇上的「江夏枝蕃連北美，雲山派衍溯南雄」對聯，描述著波士頓黃氏宗親源出黃姓望族「江夏堂」，宗族脈絡甚至可追溯到廣東南雄，枝葉繁茂。黃鷹立表示，邀請宗親們更常到會所走動，交流，加強情誼，是他們新一屆幹部的心願。

黃氏宗親們一一拿香，準備祭拜。（周菊子攝）

庶務黃達榮把金箔放進香爐。（周菊子攝）

庶務黃達榮倒酒，為敬酒環節做準備。（周菊子攝）

ACDC「乞臣街台階」第三屆公共藝術創作「如家之所」揭幕 展期2年

ACDC 「如家之所」公共藝術展揭幕。（周菊子攝）

    （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）亞美社區發展協會（ACDC）的「乞臣街台階（Hudson Street Stoop）」項目，8月29日中午在綠茵苑草坪上，以舞獅，點睛，歌舞表演，為第3屆作品，陳可意（Ponnapa Prakkamakul）設計的「如家之所 (A Place Like Home)」，隆重揭幕，吸引近百居民圍觀。

ACDC項目主持人Rob Chao (左起）介紹藝術家陳可意，由謝婉兒翻譯。（周菊子攝）

為慶祝開幕，ACDC安排了廣教學校和胡青白鶴派的醒獅表演，周美桃率領的紐英崙養生舞協會表演扇舞，演唱中英文合輯的「明天會更好」，楓葉舞蹈團等的表演。

陳可意（Ponnapa Prakkamakul）（左）闡述創作理念。（周菊子攝）

「乞臣街台階」是亞美社區發展協會推出，每18個月輪換一次的公共藝術計畫，旨在藉由結合藝術創作與居民參與，讓華埠居民找回“這裏是我家”的感覺，也間接提醒居民，在1960年代，波士頓華埠乞臣街曾因政府的“都市更新（Urban Renewal）”，以及興建93號和90號高速公路，強制拆遷，乞臣街上大批居民被迫遷離華埠的歷史。

ACDC「乞臣街台階」項目負責人Rob Chao和藝術家陳可意，在開幕式中做了項目背景，以及這第三屆作品內容的介紹。

紐英崙養生舞協會和陳可意合影。（周菊子攝）

陳可意說明，在過去的10個月中，他們舉辦了10場工作坊，深入採訪了300多名華埠居民，並根據他們的故事，設計製作了創作了色彩繽紛，有如華埠舊排屋門前的台階，營造早年華埠居民圍坐在台階前，天南地北話家常的場景。

這木製彩色台階，還以2026馬年，2027羊年的生肖圖騰這文化因素，來強化這是華裔居住的地方。

周美桃（前）率隊表演扇舞。（周菊子攝）

彩色平台側面的的羊和馬，由小學生和華埠青年攜手繪製，展示了余麗馨（Cynthia Yee）創作的詩歌「都市更新（Urban Renewal）」，居民設計的排污圖案，歷史照片，以及居民們在卡啦ＯＫ聚會時挑選出來，由在地居民和中華書法會會長黃周麗桃等人揮毫寫下的金句。

周美桃（左二）率隊表演扇舞。（周菊子攝）

這一裝置藝術作品，還設有民眾可手搖轉動的互動音樂盒，播放居民在卡拉ＯＫ時最愛唱的歌曲。

在綠茵苑（One Greenway）的「如家之所」展示草坪上，ACDC青年領袖計劃高中生，還用人行道設計了有如跳九宮格的互動遊戲，為這展期2年的公共藝術創作，增添更多活潑氣息。

周美桃（左二）率隊表演扇舞。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校雙獅送上大吉大利祝福。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校雙獅在木製平台上表演。（周菊子攝）

楓葉舞蹈團表演。（周菊子攝）

華埠居民要唱卡啦ＯＫ。（周菊子攝）

馬年圖騰和音樂盒手搖板。（周菊子攝）

胡衛正（左四）和隊員陳向榮（右一）一同為對有點睛加油。 （周菊子攝）

廣教學校副校長余仲強（前）用手機記錄學校醒獅隊的表演。（周菊子攝）

廣教學校小朋友學會敲鑼打鼓。（周菊子攝）

麻州有 5 家華裔經營的米其林餐廳

        （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）米其林指南在2025年首度進駐波士頓市，發出26份米其林評等。8月26日WCVB的報導，讓人再關注，華人經營餐廳大放異彩，不但佔了入選名單的五分之一，陳偉發（Wei Fa Chen）的無菜單日料店「311 Omakase」，更贏得麻州唯一的星級榮譽。

        米其林指南是1900 年代，法國輪胎公司創辦人安德烈與愛德華·米其林（André & Édouard Michelin）為鼓動人們開車旅遊，出版的「小紅書」，後來內容聚焦飯店和餐飲，最後發展成為世界聞名，用幾顆星來評等，人們據以作為餐館優劣的指南。

        米其林密探在不同時間，以假名多次造訪餐廳，付費用餐，嚴格依據「食材品質、烹調技巧、風味和諧、主廚個性展現及品質一致性」五大標準進行評估，以維持指南一個多世紀以來的神秘感與權威性。

        2006 年米其林指南正式擴展至美國，首站落腳紐約市。2016年起，出於營運經費等考量，米其林改採和政府觀光旅遊部們合作的方式經營，如今在美國已進入紐約、洛杉磯、舊金山、邁阿密、奧斯汀等17 個城市、地區。

        2025年，MeetBoston聽取麻州餐飲機構建議，斥資100萬元簽下3年合同，這才有了2025年11月在費城舉行的米其林美東區頒獎典禮。

        麻州共有26家餐廳入選了米其林的3種不同等級評鑒。分別有1家1顆星，6家米其林推介(Bib Gourmand)，19家米其林入圍（Selected Restaurants)。

在這26家米其林餐廳中，居然有至少5家是華人經營的餐館，讓人華裔麻州居民倍感驕傲。

其中最值得稱道的，當然是2025年度麻州唯一的一顆米其林星，竟然是由華人陳偉發在南端（South End）經營的「311 Omakase」摘了下來。這家無菜單日式料理店，由陳偉發和合夥人於2023年開張的，只有10個座位，由主廚自行決定每日提供哪18道菜，食材幾乎100% 週週由日本東京豐洲市場空運直送。（605 Tremont St, Boston）

在麻州獲得米其林推薦（Bib Gourmand）6家餐廳中，竟有2家是由華人經營。

        「素描湘（Sumiao Hunan Kitchen）」，位於劍橋市，原本在生物醫藥業工作的湖南人陳素描，為精進廚藝，曾進藍帶國際學院研習，再和人合夥創辦，了這家餐廳，以酸豆角炒肉末、農家小炒肉及植物肉湘菜獲選。（270 Third St., Cambridge）

        PAGU，也位於劍橋市，創辦人台裔主廚張樂蓉（Tracy Chang）也曾遠赴巴黎，進藍帶國際學院，再到西班牙三星名店Mugaritz 研修，巧妙結合了台灣刈包、日式拉麵與西班牙小吃（ Tapas）風味。她的祖父曾參與經營龍鳳酒樓系列餐館。（Central Square, 310 Mass Ave. Cambridge）

       在獲得米其林入圍（Selected Restaurants）榮譽的19家餐廳中，也有2家由華人經營。

        Lenox Sophia位於南波士頓，由年幼時移民來美，在南端（South End）的Lenox接長大，曾任會計師的Shi Mei 創辦。出於對飲食的愛好，Shi Mei離開了會計師這行業，進入加州米其林三顆星名店The French Laundry進修。這餐廳提供自帶酒水（BYOB）模式的高水準現代法式「品嚐套餐（Tasting Menu）」。（170 W Broadway, South Boston）

        至味餐廳（Zhi Wei Café）位於皮革區。東主是溯源公所本屆主席鄺滿雄等人，主打地道中國西北蘭州風味，每日現場製作手拉麵，配上濃郁牛肉湯、大盤雞與羊肉串，以扎實風味與高性價比獲得密探賞識。（104 South St, Boston）

        華裔在麻州700萬人口中，佔比不過2.7%左右，但在麻州獲得米其林平等的26家餐廳中，佔比居然高達5分之一，這亮眼表現讓所有華人與有榮焉。（更新版）

ParkARTS Fall Watercolor Painting Workshops Return for 2026

ParkARTS Fall Watercolor Painting Workshops Return for 2026

BOSTON – Friday, August 28, 2026 – The Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced the return of its popular ParkARTS Fall Watercolor Painting Workshop series, taking place throughout September. The free workshops are part of Boston Parks’ 2026 ParkARTS program, which brings arts and cultural programming to parks across the city. 

Open to Boston residents ages 9 and up, the Watercolor Painting Workshops welcome artists of all skill levels to create their own green space-inspired masterpieces. Materials and instruction will be provided by a local instructor. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please visit boston.gov/watercolor-workshops. 

All classes are held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., weather permitting. Dates and locations for the workshops are as follows:

Saturday, September 12

Roslindale Wetlands

Hazelmere Road, Roslindale

Sunday, September 13

Highland Park

22-98 Fort Ave, Roxbury

Saturday, September 19 

Copley Square Park

560 Boylston Street, Back Bay

Sunday, September 20 

Chandler Pond

95 Lake Shore Drive, Brighton

Saturday, September 26

Scarboro Pond

Circuit Drive, Franklin Park

Sunday, September 27

Boston Public Garden Lagoon 

4 Charles Street, Downtown

For more information please visit boston.gov/watercolor-workshops. Stay up to date with news, events, and design and construction work in Boston parks by signing up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and following our social channels @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky and @bostonparksdept on Facebook and Instagram.

初選投票日9/1 波士頓市民已有4558提早投票

CITY OF BOSTON ELECTION DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF THE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, STATE PRIMARY

BOSTON - Friday, August 28, 2026 - The City of Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Primary is Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This election will determine the candidates on the ballot in the upcoming State Election on Tuesday, November 3.

There are a total of 438,367 registered voters. The Election Department has recruited and trained more than 1,872 poll workers across the 275 voting precincts in Boston. There are over 474 poll workers who will be able to provide assistance in languages that include Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean, Russian, and Portuguese.

Early Voting Totals

As of Thursday, August 27, a total of 4,558 voters had cast ballots at in-person early-voting locations across the City.

Voting On Election Day

Polling locations open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. A list of polling locations is available here. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish, as well as English and Chinese and English and Vietnamese where required. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with an AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with disabilities to assist with marking the ballot independently.



Polling Location Changes

• Voters in Ward 2, Precinct 1 are reminded that they will now vote at the General Warren Apartments at 47 Rear Washington Street. Voters will vote in the Community Room.
• Voters in Ward 2, Precinct 3 are reminded that they will now vote at the Saint Mary’s-Saint Catherine of Siena Parish at 46 Winthrop Street. Voters can enter from the right side of the building and vote in the Multi-Purpose Room.
• Voters in Ward 9, Precinct 1 are reminded that they will now vote at the IBA Administrative Offices at 85 West Newton Street. Voters will vote in the Multi-Purpose Room.
• Voters in Ward 22, Precinct 3 are reminded that they will now vote at the Brighton Branch of the Boston Public Library at 40 Academy Hill Road. Voters will vote in the Community Room.

No other polling locations for this election have changed.

Poll Pads Electronic Check-in

Poll Pads will be used to check-in voters at each polling location. The voting process for voters remains the same: voters will check in with a poll worker, receive a paper ballot, mark their vote, and cast it into the tabulator.



Ballot Return

The Election Department mailed out all 45,273 requested vote-by-mail and absentee ballots, and as of Thursday, August 27, 25,210 ballots have been returned to the City.

Voters who requested a ballot and have not yet returned it are encouraged to return their ballots using any of the 22 drop boxes or in person at the Election Department in City Hall to ensure their ballots are counted. Ballot packages must be received by the Election Department no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Ballots cannot be returned to a polling location on Election Day.

Voters can track their ballot through the state's website here. If there is no movement indicated in the “Track My Ballot” system, voters should plan to vote in person on Election Day at their assigned precinct. Voters can check their polling location/status here. 

Unofficial Results

After polls close at 8:00 p.m., the Election Department will receive and upload unofficial results of ballots counted at polling places as they are returned from each precinct. Poll workers need time to tally election results and transport materials from polling places to City Hall. Uploading of election results may not begin until 10:00 p.m. Click here for additional information on election results. 

The initial results reported on the website on election night will include:

• Ballots cast in person on election day;
• Early voting and mail-in ballots, including those from precincts being centrally tabulated at the City Hall central tabulation facility.

The unofficial results uploaded to www.boston.gov/election on election night will NOT include:

• Hand counted ballots recorded in the precinct clerk’s book after the close of polls or;
• Mail and absentee ballots that arrive on time on election day, but are too late to be sent to polling locations to be counted. These ballots will be processed after the close of polls at 8:00 p.m., once the voter lists from each precinct have been received by the Election Department.

Initial results will display a citywide or districtwide total for each candidate. We expect to publish precinct-level unofficial results by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Media Guidelines

Where To Stand

Members of the press must remain behind the guardrail. While many polling places are not equipped with a physical guardrail, the area within the “guardrail” encompasses the check-in table, the voting booths, and the ballot box. Only poll workers and voters should be within this area.

Interacting With Voters and Poll Workers

Members of the press, like all other observers in the polling place, may not interact with voters while they are in the polling place. Further, observers who have questions about where they should stand and what they are allowed to do while observing should ask to speak to the warden. The warden may provide members of the press with information regarding their rights as observers.

Photography

Photography of the voting process in the polling place is permitted, though marked ballots may not be photographed. Photographers are allowed inside the polling place to photograph the area from outside the guardrail. The warden may instruct the photographer not to take photos of any marked ballots.

Video and Audio Recording

As with photography of the polling place, video recording of the polling place is allowed. Audio recording of the polling place is not permitted under state law. Anyone recording in the polling place must have the ability to record without capturing audio and should be instructed to do so by the warden. Those who are using electronic equipment may not use the electricity in the polling place to power their equipment.

Exit Polling



Exit polling and interviews of voters are permitted outside, within 150 feet of a polling place, as long as it does not interfere with a person or voter on their way to an election. Only voters leaving the polling place may be stopped. Voter access to the polling place should not be impeded in any way.

Governor Maura Healey Awards $17.9 Million to Improve Community Health Across Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey Awards $17.9 Million to Improve Community Health Across Massachusetts 

 Funding for 31 communities and organizations will expand access to healthy food, housing, behavioral health resources and supports for older adults

BOSTON- Governor Maura Healey today announced $17.9 million in grants to 31 community organizations, cities, towns and regional planning commissions to improve health and help people live healthier lives across Massachusetts.

The funding will support locally driven efforts focused on issues including access to healthy food and housing, behavioral health, healthy aging and other factors that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of residents.

“Where you live, whether you can afford healthy food and housing, and whether you can get the support you need all have an impact on your health,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments put resources directly into communities to tackle those challenges and help people live healthier lives. We’re proud to support local organizations that know their communities best and are doing this work every day.”

“Some of the best ideas for improving people’s health come directly from the communities we serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants give local leaders and organizations the resources to turn those ideas into action — from making healthy food and housing more accessible to helping older adults stay healthy and independent in their communities.”

This represents the fourth round of funding awarded through the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds (The Funds). The grants will be distributed over three to five years among the 31 awardees. Since its launch in 2020, The Funds has invested $63 million in community health initiatives statewide through 113 organizations and communities. These initiatives support locally driven efforts to create healthier communities and expand opportunities for people of all ages to live healthy lives.  

The Funds are a collaboration between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), and Health Resources in Action, Inc. (HRiA), which serves as the fiscal agent and facilitates the planning and implementation of the investments.

“The strongest solutions come from the people who know their communities best, and these investments will help transform that knowledge into action,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This funding will mean healthier places to live, work, and age, and it will enable people to access the resources and opportunities they need to be healthy – and to stay healthy.  When we listen to and lift up the voices of people who live in these communities, we can build something that is more meaningful, more equitable, and more lasting.” 

“These partners bring fresh ideas and strong community connections that will help expand healthy aging practices across the Commonwealth,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “We look forward to seeing their work take shape and to the meaningful impact these initiatives will have in supporting older adults to live well, age well, and thrive in their communities.”

The goal of The Funds is to provide grantmaking and capacity-building resources in partnership with communities to identify inequities, address the impact of structural and institutional racism on population health, and create long-term, meaningful changes in health outcomes.

The 31 awardees will advance work in three areas:

• Building healthier communities by advancing community-driven policies, systems and environments that make it easier for residents to lead healthy lives;
• Coordinating community health improvement planning by bringing local partners together to identify health priorities and develop solutions; and
• Supporting healthy aging through age-friendly policies, systems and community supports that help older adults live safely and independently.

The Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds were established in 2017 following revisions to the Department of Public Health’s Determination of Need regulations. The Funds are supported by contributions from hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care entities through the Determination of Need Community Health Initiative. 

Previous investments have supported projects including affordable housing and green space, efforts to improve behavioral health access for immigrant, refugee and culturally diverse communities, and a community-driven food hub in Springfield. 

Round 4 grant awardees:

Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change (PSE) Grant

• Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (Worcester County, $600,000) 
• Collaborative Resolutions Group (Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, $1,000,000) 
• Franklin County Community Development Corporation (Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, $994,290) 
• Harborlight Community Partners (Essex County, $752,886) 
• Latino Support Network (Essex County, $999,999)
• Massachusetts Food System Collaborative (statewide, $999,948) 
• Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (statewide, $992,172) 
• Massachusetts Public Health Association (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, $1,000,000) 
• Merrimack Valley Project (Essex and Middlesex counties, $1,000,000)
• Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts Education Fund (Essex, Hampden, and Worcester counties, $840,000)
• Old Colony Planning Council (Plymouth County, $525,000) 
• South Asian Workers' Center, Boston (Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties, $999,947)
• The Marion Institute, Inc. (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties, $997,363)
• Worcester Rise for Health (Worcester County, $1,000,000)
• Groundwork Southcoast (Bristol County, $100,000) 
• Luminosity Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (Plymouth County, $100,000)

Healthy Aging Grant

• Health Care for All (Bristol, Essex, Hampden, and Suffolk counties, $500,000) 
• MAB Community Services, Inc./MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties, $400,000)
• Nuestras Raíces, Inc. (Hampden County, $499,953) 
• United Way of Franklin and Hampshire Region (Franklin County, $472,845) 
• Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization, Inc. (Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester counties, $100,000)
  
  

Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP) Grant 

• Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (Berkshire County, $375,000) 
• City of New Bedford Health Department (Bristol County, $375,000) 
• Collaborative for Educational Services (Hampshire County, $375,000) 
• Community Health Network for North Central Mass (Middlesex and Worcester counties, $375,000)
• Greater Lowell Health Alliance (Middlesex County, $375,000)
• Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (Hampden County, $374,736) 
• Town of Ware (Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, $375,000) 
• Worcester Community Action Council (Worcester County, $375,000) 
• The Food Project (Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties, $100,000)
• IFSI-USA Immigrant Family Services Institute (Plymouth County, $100,000) 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S PREPARATIONS FOR MOVE-IN PERIOD, WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY’S PREPARATIONS FOR MOVE-IN PERIOD, WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

New residents can access services and resources through 311 and City’s free Trash Day app

BOSTON - Thursday, August 27, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the City's preparations and highlighted services as college and university students move in across Boston. Ahead of the annual September move-in period, the City of Boston is sharing information with residents, families and visitors on how to access key services and resources, including 311, mattress pick up, inspections, Bluebikes, parking changes, proper disposal of waste and furniture to prevent rodents, and unique student perks. 

“Over the next few weeks, Boston will welcome students and professionals from around the world, bringing their ideas and dreams to our community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Move-In Day is one of Boston’s most active and exciting traditions, and we are working with colleges, universities, community partners, and City departments to provide resources for students moving in and out, helping make this transition as smooth as possible. Welcome to all those arriving, and thank you to those who have contributed to Boston during their time here.”

New and current residents are encouraged to connect with Boston 311, the City’s 24-hour Constituent Service Center, to report non-emergency issues and get information. Boston 311 is free and available every day of the year by calling 3-1-1 (or 617-635-4500 from outside the city), visiting boston.gov/311, or downloading the BOS:311 app. The app allows users to report issues, upload photos, and track cases in real time. During student move-in, it also features a dedicated section to make reporting trash, recycling and street concerns easier.

“As students return to Boston and settle into neighborhoods across the City, our teams are ready to welcome them and make this year’s move-in as smooth and successful as possible,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations for the City of Boston. “City departments are working together and on the ground to make sure students have the resources and support they need to live, learn, and thrive in Boston. We encourage students to take advantage of the many resources the City has to offer, and we ask students, landlords, and property owners to do their part by following City rules and regulations and helping keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.”

"As thousands of new residents come to Boston for the annual move-in period, our City team is focused on delivering services quickly and thoroughly while ensuring our streets and sidewalks remain safe, clean and accessible for everyone," said Mike Brohel, Superintendent of Basic City Services. "City Departments will be deployed throughout the weekend and through the week to support residents, ensure compliance, and address any issues promptly and effectively."

​“The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services is thrilled to welcome all new residents to Boston,” said Conor Newman, Deputy Director, Office of Neighborhood Services. “Our neighborhood liaisons will be out across the city engaging our new residents and connecting everyone with services and resources. We encourage all constituents to reach out to their neighborhood liaisons to help them navigate their transition.”

The City’s Inspectional Services, Transportation, Office of Neighborhood Services, Fire, Police, and Public Works departments are conducting housing inspections upon request, trash inspections, and distributing informational brochures in neighborhoods with large student populations.

“On behalf of the City of Boston, I’m pleased to welcome new and returning students to our neighborhoods,” said Tania Del Rio, Inspectional Services Commissioner. “As members of the community, we all share a responsibility to keep our homes and neighborhoods clean, sanitary, safe, and code compliant. We encourage students to learn about Boston’s housing and sanitation requirements, properly dispose of trash, maintain their living spaces, and be considerate of their neighbors. By working together and being good neighbors, we can help keep Boston a safe, healthy, and welcoming city for everyone.” 

“Boston is home to 36 colleges and universities, and over 150,000 students. Keeping these kids safe is collectively all of our number one priority,” said Colin Kelly, Fire Marshall, Boston Fire Department. “For many students, this will be their first time away from home, and they likely haven't thought much about fire safety in their new homes.

Inspectional Services 

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will deploy over 50 inspectors to conduct walkthroughs in heavily populated areas, including but not limited to: Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Fenway, Mission Hill, and Beacon Hill. While canvassing these areas, inspectors will distribute informational flyers, offer on the spot inspections, and answer questions related to city services. The City advises students to notify their landlord immediately in the event of suspected rodent activity. Information pertaining to rodent control can be found here and questions regarding the housing code can be found here. 

Students who are concerned about environmental hazards in their homes, such as mold, asbestos, or chemicals, should contact the Boston Public Health Commission's Environmental Health Office at environment@bphc.org or by calling 311. Free home inspections are available year-round for all Boston residents. 

Transportation Services

The Boston Transportation Department will be implementing on-street parking restrictions in Allston, Fenway, Mission Hill, and Roxbury to help provide parking spaces for vehicles being used by new residents and students moving into those areas.

In order to reduce traffic and parking disruptions and support public safety during this busy period, the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will temporarily suspend the issuance of all non-emergency after hours permits beginning Friday, August 28, through Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in the following areas:

Allston-Brighton

Fenway

Mission Hill

Designated areas of Roxbury

Regular after-hours permit issuance will resume on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

In addition to the neighborhood-specific restrictions, BTD has issued over 3,000 moving truck permits across the City in the month of August with over 2,500 issued for August 29 - September 1. The City encourages residents, students, and families to pay attention to posted signs. For more information on street restrictions, visit boston.gov/moving.

“As move-in weekend brings more vehicles and activity to neighborhoods across Boston, our parking enforcement team will be out to support safe and orderly traffic flow,” said John Romano, Director of Operations for the Boston Transportation Department. “We ask residents and visitors to be mindful of posted signs and temporary parking restrictions, and to plan ahead when navigating neighborhoods with increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.”  

The City also encourages residents and visitors to maintain an accessible path of travel on sidewalks and at intersections. Additionally, the City urges residents and visitors not to block accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities while moving in or out. 

“This is always an exciting weekend in Boston,” said Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. ”But it’s also a busy weekend, with so many new students moving in. We ask everyone to make sure that sidewalks and curb ramps are not blocked by furniture or other items. We also ask everyone to pay attention to HP-DV parking spaces in the neighborhoods, not just this weekend, but all the time. These parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities. Only vehicles with a valid disability license plate or placard are allowed to park in these spaces.”

Resources

The City recognizes that people choose shared living arrangements for many reasons, including building community, sharing expenses, and supporting one another. As new residents settle into Boston neighborhoods, the City encourages roommates and housemates to establish clear expectations, communicate regularly and make shared spaces work for everyone. The City’s shared living resources offer guidance to help residents navigate day-to-day living with others.

Various discounts and resources are available for students in Boston throughout the year. Students enjoy all the city has to offer with discounted tickets to institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as attend the Boston Ballet and Red Sox games. More information on other participating institutions can be found here. 

Bluebikes is Boston’s public bike share system. With more than 600 stations and 5,000 bikes, it's a fast and convenient way to get around the Greater Boston area. Many of Boston's colleges and universities provide discounts on annual passes for students, faculty, and staff. Students are encouraged to check with their university's transportation office to see if they are eligible. More information is available at boston.gov/discounted-bluebikes. For more information on biking safely in Boston, visit boston.gov/boston-by-bike. For more information about street safety for pedestrians with disabilities, visit boston.gov/boston-brakes.

Trash and Mattress Disposal

The Public Works Code Enforcement Division will be issuing citations for the improper storage of household trash. Residents are asked to place their trash and recycling on the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day, or set it out the night before after 5:00 p.m. The City also continues to take action against rodents and keep Boston neighborhoods clean and healthy through the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), a coordinated, multi-agency initiative to mitigate the rodent population and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Proper storage and disposal of waste is the most impactful way to deter rodents. We encourage all residents to report signs of rodent activity to 311 or rats@boston.gov for a response within 24 to 48 hours. 

“Move-in is one of the busiest times of the year in Boston, and we’re excited to welcome new residents across the city,” said Dennis Roache, Superintendent of the Waste Reduction Division. “Our crews are prepared for the increased volume of trash, but we need everyone’s help to keep Boston clean. Know your collection day, place trash and recycling properly at the curb, keep sidewalks accessible, and schedule special item pick-ups before putting them out. Working together will help keep our neighborhoods clean, safe and welcoming.” 

Due to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ban, mattresses and box springs are no longer collected curbside as part of routine trash collection. Residents are required to make an appointment for a free curbside pick-up at: Boston.gov/mattress. The residential mattress program does not service buildings with seven units or more. Those residents should consult with their property manager to learn the proper protocol to recycle their mattress. Roughly 75 percent of all mattresses and box springs components can be disassembled and recycled. The recovered materials are used to manufacture a variety of new products including foam padding, fabric, steel springs and wooden frames. 

Curbside Pickup

While household furniture can be left curbside on your scheduled pick-up day, we strongly encourage residents to donate the items to a charity or organization that can pass them along to others in need. Items such as televisions, air conditioners and refrigerators require a special pick-up. To schedule an appointment, contact 311. Residents are reminded not to block sidewalks with trash or household furniture set out for pick up. Items should be placed along the curb, leaving room for pedestrians, including people with disabilities or those pushing strollers, to get by. New residents are strongly encouraged to download the City’s free Trash Day app at: boston.gov/trash-day, available on Google Play or the IOS app store. Residents can view their collection schedules, set reminders, and search a directory of hundreds of household items to find out the right way to dispose of them. 

As students settle into their new homes, they will have access to various resources, programs and partnerships that allow students and professionals to live, learn, and explore the city and engage in Boston’s extensive art and cultural services. For more information on resources and opportunities to explore Boston, please visit this link.

Students are encouraged to visit boston.gov/moving for more information regarding parking restrictions and permits, trash removal and restrictions, and rental requirements. For more information on discounts and resources for students in Boston, visit boston.gov/news/discounts-and-resources-students-boston.