Boston Data Center Ban Proposal: What Culpepper Wants
The Boston data center ban proposal from Councilor Miniard Culpepper would bar new data centers citywide. Here is what it covers and what each side says.
Government
Government news from The Boston Report on federal, Massachusetts and Boston agencies, budgets, transit, housing and the public policy that affects residents.
Boston Housing Tax Abatements Head Toward October BPDA Vote
Boston housing tax abatements for four stalled projects, worth an estimated $31.5 million, are open for public comment ahead of an October BPDA board vote.
Boston Permitting Changes Take Effect Oct. 1: What to Know
Boston permitting changes start Oct. 1, with one city contact per housing project and a single consolidated permit for small solar and battery storage sites.
Boston Council Weighs Police Detectives Pay Deals
City Council Ways and Means hears Monday on Boston police detectives contract orders moving $3.3M from the bargaining reserve into BPD’s FY27 budget.
MBTA Commuter Rail Contract Bids Due Monday
Final bids for the next MBTA commuter rail contract are due Sept. 28 as three teams vie for a multibillion-dollar deal when Keolis’s run ends in 2027.
EU Drafts Hybrid Attack Emergency Security Protocol
EU ministers meet in Brussels to craft an EU hybrid attack protocol after Kaja Kallas warned Russia is planning more sabotage across Europe this week.
Venezuela Supreme Court Reform Deal as Prisoners Released
Venezuela Supreme Court reform panel agreed by the interim government and opposition, as rights groups report 39 political prisoners freed after Caracas talks.
Cambridge Intersection Safety Program Targets Mass Ave
Cambridge intersection safety program starts with Mass Ave at Albany, Vassar, and Hampshire at Prospect after seven traffic deaths in four years citywide.
Allston Post Office Closure Plan Draws City Pushback
Allston post office closure proposal from USPS faces Boston City Council, Markey, and Breadon pushback after reversing a 2025 neighborhood reopen pledge.
Germany Confronts Russia in Rare UN Lavrov Talks
In rare Germany Russia Lavrov talks at the UN, Berlin pressed Moscow to end the Ukraine war, halt hybrid attacks on Europe, and reopen Black Sea grain routes.