Politics and government coverage at The Boston Report starts at City Hall and the Boston City Council and follows the money, the votes and the policy fights that shape daily life in the city. Reports here look at the municipal budget, council dockets, public safety and transportation decisions, then widen to Massachusetts and national politics when those decisions reach Boston.
We write from public records, official statements, court filings and established news reporting, and we label commentary clearly so readers can tell reporting from opinion. Every story below links to the sources it relies on.
This page updates on its own as new stories are published. Use the section links above to move between Boston news, world affairs, business and sports, or read our editorial standards to see how we work.
Latest politics and government stories
Boston EMS Welcomes 20 New EMTs at Faneuil Hall Ceremony
Boston EMS graduated 20 new EMTs and promoted 12 members at Faneuil Hall on Oct. 10, as the city's ambulance service handles 141,000 incidents…
October 10, 2026
Tremont Street Bike Lane: Mission Hill Safety Work Starts
A parking-protected Tremont Street bike lane, painted curb extension and turn limits are coming to Mission Hill, with quick-build work set to start Oct.…
October 10, 2026
Boston Quarterly Revenue Reports: Council Weighs Ordinance
Boston quarterly revenue reports would go to the City Council within 30 days of each quarter under Docket #1099. A committee heard it Oct.…
October 10, 2026
MGCS Tank Project in Doubt After French General’s Remarks
The MGCS tank project was thrown into doubt when France's top general said Germany quit, before Paris and Berlin insisted the joint tank effort…
October 10, 2026
Russian Diesel Deal: Trump Eases Sanctions Until April 2027
The Russian diesel deal Trump struck with Putin on Oct. 9 lets Russian diesel reach US and global markets until April 2027, angering Kyiv…
October 10, 2026
Boston Small Business Minimum Wage and Sick Time Rules
Boston small business minimum wage and sick time rules explained: the $15 state minimum, tipped pay, overtime and earned sick time for large and…
October 10, 2026
Open a Restaurant in Boston: Licenses, Permits, Patios
How to open a restaurant in Boston: the Common Victualler license, zoning, Licensing Board steps, 2026 outdoor dining fees and the city's permit streamlining.
October 10, 2026
Boston Small Business Grants: Main Streets and City Help
Boston small business grants and support, from the city's OEOI funding list to the 17 Main Streets districts and World Cup activation grants, explained…
October 10, 2026
Boston Link Bus and Street Furniture Plan Explained
The Boston Link Bus will add free shuttles in the Seaport, Allston-Brighton and Charlestown, while a street furniture RFP seeks 500 more shelters. Key…
October 9, 2026
Boston City Council Meeting Oct. 7: Votes and Dockets
What the Boston City Council meeting on Oct. 7 recorded: resolutions adopted 12-0, a school contract vote, mayoral requests and pending items, with sources.
October 9, 2026
Boston FY27 Budget: $4.9B Plan, Taxes and BPS Costs
The Boston FY27 budget totals $4.9 billion. See where property tax and state aid revenue come from, how BPS and health costs grow, and…
October 9, 2026
Boston Speed Hump Program: Councillors Seek Clarity
Two Dorchester councillors want the Wu administration to explain the Boston speed hump program; a city official says 100 humps went in this summer,…
October 9, 2026