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The Boston City Council passed a resolution supporting Tufts University’s Professors of the Practice in their contract negotiations, citing slow progress and inadequate engagement from university leadership. Faculty seek a 4% cost-of-living increase, while Tufts has only offered 2.75%. The resolution emphasizes the importance of investing in faculty to uphold equity and academic excellence.
Boston integrates Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) into its zoning code, becoming a pioneer in addressing residential segregation. The city has established committees to monitor its implementation and adopted a resolution to enhance fair housing efforts. These initiatives aim to promote homeownership access and combat displacement.
The Boston City Council will designate August 15 as Dominican Cultural Day, commemorating the 162nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's Restoration of Independence. The Dominican community, Boston's second-largest Latino and immigrant population, significantly contributes to the city through various sectors including business and education. Their cultural impact is evident in music, dance, art, and civic leadership throughout the city.
The Council condemned the Trump Administration's plan to repeal the EPA's endangerment finding, which identifies greenhouse gases as a public health threat. The resolution warns that this repeal jeopardizes decades of environmental progress and increases risks for vulnerable communities in Boston.
Boston City Council reaffirmed the city's historic role in upholding constitutional values following the July 4, 2025 celebration. The Council expressed concerns over actions by President Trump that they believe undermine democracy and civil liberties, urging Congressional action to restore checks and balances.
Boston's City Council declared August 6 Jamaica Independence Day, commemorating 63 years since Jamaica's independence. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Worrell, highlights the significant contributions of Boston's Jamaican community, which constitutes 34 percent of Massachusetts' foreign-born Jamaicans.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the 27 businesses selected for Boston's SCALE Program, which provides technical assistance and up to $200,000 in grant funding to support minority- and women-owned businesses in securing city contracts. This initiative, backed by $6.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to enhance competitive access to public contracts for small businesses.
Pope Leo XIV addressed over a million Catholic youths in Rome, urging them to be “the sign that a different world is possible” through dialogue instead of violence. He expressed solidarity with young people suffering in war-torn regions like Gaza and Ukraine during the closing Mass for the Jubilee of Youth. The event, part of a Holy Year pilgrimage, drew participants from around 150 countries.
Federal agents detained eight MBTA subway car shells in Philadelphia while investigating potential forced labor involvement in their production. Manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, the shells are flagged under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which prohibits U.S. imports linked to forced labor practices. MBTA's General Manager confirmed that production continues in Springfield, unaffected by the detainment.
Leominster City Council members rejected plans for a horse and dog racing track, voting 8 to 1 to amend city ordinances to prohibit such activities. The proposed venue, named “The Fairgrounds,” faced strong opposition from residents who argued against its potential impact on the community.