Mayor Thomas Menino unveiled last week a proposed $2.42 billion operating budget for Boston, a 5.1 percent increase that would be mitigated, in part, by increases in parking fines. A five-year capital budget of $1.5 billion was also highlighted, with expenditures expected to total $151 million in the coming fiscal year.

Some of the moves, particularly the increase in some parking fines, drew criticism from city councillors, who have 60 days to consider the budget and were still looking over it this week.

Menino said the budget provided "stability in a time of uncertainty."  Read more

A recent call to the state Republican Party inquiring about Dorchester supporters of John McCain, the presumptive nominee, yielded only one name: that of a woman who bought a bumper sticker.

But don't be fooled. Susan Kelly says she isn't the only one who'll be pulling the lever for McCain this November. "There are a lot of closet Republicans that I know," who remain in the closet thanks to the job positions they hold, she says.  Read more

When Gov. Deval Patrick sang a parody of the Foxwoods theme song at Sunday's St. Patrick's Day breakfast, he had some back-up: state Sen. Jack Hart and Reps. Marty Walsh and Brian Wallace.

"Sal, just think, 'bout the wonder of it all," they sang to House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, the top opponent on Beacon Hill to Patrick's plan to build three destination resort casinos.  Read more

With more than 18,000 employees, the City of Boston is one of the largest employers in the state. But on any given day, we have several part-time and full-time positions that need to be filled. The City of Boston strives to hire diverse individuals who are motivated to improve the communities in which they live. And what's the best way to find out about working for the City of Boston? We now have a new easy way to find out about any vacant position from any City department with our new "Career Center" website at www.cityofboston.gov/ohr/careercenter.asp.    Read more