Days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, dozens of Boston-area bar managers, event organizers and advocates tuned in to a virtual training.

• Here, they learned about red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed during large-scale events: signs of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking.

The big picture: These are among several groups that violence prevention advocates are training to respond to potential violence and abuse this summer.

State of play: Greater Boston could get up to 3 million visitors for the FIFA tournament, Tall Ships and the nation's 250th birthday.

• While researchers refute the idea that human trafficking spikes at large events, high-stakes gambling and increased alcohol and drug use could amplify existing tensions.

Zoom out: Massachusetts issued $390,000 in grants for work to prevent human trafficking and sexual violence, including a public awareness campaign.

• State and federal law enforcement officials urged the public at multiple events last week to report any concerning activity, and they're also working with the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Jane Doe Inc., a coalition of 65 programs, and other advocacy groups are mobilizing their networks.

• JDI's coalition includes roughly 2,000 counselors, medical and housing advocates, legal advocates and supervisors across Massachusetts.

Zoom in: Jane Doe Inc. and officials from Boston and Cambridge shared tips with industry workers about what to look for during Monday's training for nightlife workers.

• Red flags could range from unwanted sexual acts to someone using intimidation, guilt or their position of power to get their way, said Greta Hagen, JDI's deputy director.
• The victims could be men or women, and they could include sex workers who consent to one activity but are pushed past their comfort levels.

Reality check: There's no way to know just by looking whether someone is experiencing abuse or exploitation.

• What's important, advocates say, is that a bystander checks in with someone being targeted if the vibes are off, even if intervening feels awkward.

What they're saying: "When I was first trained as a bystander, I had some mentors who would say, 'Nobody ever died of awkward,'" Hagen told the group. "People do die as a result of sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and racism."

Be smart: When there is an issue, bystanders can take several steps to diffuse the situation, from distracting the harasser to calmly telling the person to stop.

• "Aggressive bystanders don't diffuse a situation," Hagen said.

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The Vilna Shul, Boston's last remaining 19th century immigrant-founded synagogue blends in with the rows of brownstones on Beacon Hill, but a bronze plaque will soon highlight its place in city history for all to see.

Why it matters: The nation's 250th birthday isn't just a time to celebrate its white, male founders, but also a chance to highlight the diverse communities that have shaped it along the way, Boston cultural leaders say.

Driving the news: The nonprofit Embrace Boston and Combined Jewish Philanthropies unveiled the plaque Thursday night at the Vilna Shul.

• It's one of 20 plaques going up this year as part of the Everyone250 initiative, says Imari Paris Jeffries, Embrace's executive director.

What they're saying: Jeffries asked the audience on Thursday to "join us in the work of remembrance, in the work of belonging, in the work of building something that outlasts any of us."

• "Events like this aren't just about looking backward," Marc Baker, CJP's CEO, told the crowd. "They ask us to look forward and reflect on the kind of country we want to be."

Flashback: The Vilna Shul's roots can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Lithuanians from the Vilnius Gubernia province immigrated to Boston and formed a community group for other families from Eastern Europe.

• When the Twelfth Baptist Church moved from Beacon Hill to Roxbury in 1906, Lithuanian Jews bought the Beacon Hill building and opened the Vilna Shul.
• They moved down the street to 18 Phillips St. a decade later when the city took the original property through eminent domain.

Today, the Vilna Shul is a cultural center rather than an active place of worship.

What's next: The plaque will be installed soon, pending approval from Boston historic preservation officials.

Keep reading: What's next

Democratic leaders, from Gov. Maura Healey to former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, packed Faneuil Hall yesterday to celebrate the life of former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank. (Globe)

• Frank died at his home in Maine last month at age 86.

🏟️ Massachusetts is giving away 1,104 free tickets to the World Cup matches in Foxborough, thanks to a donation from Airbnb. (NBC Boston)

• The tickets will be issued by the Mass. Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and other groups.

⚖️ A federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration's $100,000 fee for employers applying for H-1B visas is unlawful. (Axios)

Police arrested five people who blocked traffic near Copley Square protesting a gas industry event at the Westin Copley Place Hotel. (WCVB)

A last-minute law will let Massachusetts will cities and towns create public drinking districts and extend alcohol service until 3am this summer.

Why it matters: The new law, which comes five days before the first World Cup match in Foxborough, allows the state to offer bar and restaurant service on par with other host cities.

Catch up quick: The House and Senate initially clashed yesterday about how long to allow public drinking districts before ultimately agreeing to let the changes expire on July 31 after this summer's events wrap up.

The latest: Lawmakers sent the bill to Gov. Maura Healey, who signed the bill within hours.

• Now comes the scramble for local officials to approve later service and set up public drinking districts ahead of Saturday's match at Boston Stadium.

Tell a drinking buddy

Laurence Louie, a Boston-born community organizer turned chef, finished in the top three on Season 23 of "Top Chef: Carolinas," which aired last night.

• We spoke with Louie outside his Quincy restaurant, Rubato HK Café.

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