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
Strait of Hormuz Talks Explained: Iran, US and Qatar
Strait of Hormuz talks: Iran’s foreign minister met Qatari mediators as the U.S. demands nuclear progress. Key facts, sticking points and what comes next.
September 30, 2026
MBTA Bus Camera Enforcement Starts Oct. 1 on Silver Line
MBTA bus camera enforcement begins Oct. 1 with educational notices on SL4 and SL5. Fines start in 2027. Here’s how warnings, tickets and appeals…
September 30, 2026
Boston Roxbury Grant Lawsuit Targets $20M DOT Cancellation
The Boston Roxbury grant lawsuit challenges the U.S. DOT's cancellation of a $20M RAISE grant over EV charging. DOT says it is reviewing the…
September 29, 2026
Boston Overdose Response Grants: $700K for Six Groups
Boston overdose response grants total $700,000 for six community groups through mid-2028, and BPHC is expanding PAATHS care coordination, the city said.
September 29, 2026
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…
September 28, 2026
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…
September 28, 2026
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…
September 28, 2026
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…
September 28, 2026
Iran ‘Fully Prepared’ for War After Trump Rejects Hormuz Plan
Iran Hormuz plan rejected by Trump; Araghchi says Tehran is fully prepared for war to resume but still awaits a formal U.S. reply via…
September 27, 2026
Taiwan Presses US on $14 Billion Arms Package
Taipei said Washington understands its defense needs as a $14 billion Taiwan arms package stays on hold after the Trump-Xi summit, following a 2025…
September 27, 2026
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…
September 27, 2026
Report: Cuba’s Economic Collapse and the Deepening Energy Crisis
Cuba faces rolling blackouts, fuel and food shortages and public unrest as U.S. limits on oil shipments tighten. What reports say and why the…
May 20, 2026