Two Boston city councilors slammed the mayor for proposing a $724,000 cut to the veterans budget, saying that the city is breaking a promise to support veterans with services they have earned by risking their lives at war.

Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy sharply criticized the reduction in spending for veterans in the $4.9 billion city budget proposed by Mayor Michelle Wu for next fiscal year, saying the cut is particularly painful, given that the veterans department is so small.

“A 14% cut to the veterans budget is deeply concerning, especially when veterans services is already one of the smallest funded departments in the City of Boston,” Murphy said in a statement to the Herald. “Larger departments may be able to absorb reductions or shift resources, but there is very little room to maneuver in a department this small.

“Any cut can have a direct impact on the services, support, and outreach our veterans rely on,” Murphy added. “As a city, we have a responsibility to keep our promise to those who served our country.”

The veterans services office budget was proposed by Wu at $4.22 million for fiscal year 2027, compared to $4.94 million for this fiscal year, representing a 14.6%, or $723,753 reduction. The city budget is growing overall by 2.1%.

Murphy and Flynn plan to introduce a hearing order and resolution calling for the city to fully fund the veterans department, by restoring the proposed spending cut at Wednesday’s Council meeting. The resolution would likely come up for a vote, unless it is blocked by a councilor and sent to committee for a hearing.

Flynn said the last time there was a proposed cut to the veterans budget in Boston, veterans and military families organized and mobilized to urge Wu to restore the funding to the department.

In 2023, the City Council put forward and approved a series of amendments that would have cut $900,000 for the veterans department, leading to outcry from veterans and an apology from former Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who oversaw that year’s budget process as chair of the Ways and Means committee.

Wu vetoed the Council amendments, saying at the time that plans to cut from the veterans department “would reduce critical programming and limit our ability to fund future obligations.”

Flynn, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, said he was “shocked” that there hasn’t been any “outcry” from other councilors about the mayor’s proposed cut to the veterans budget, when speaking at a Council working session on the city’s budget last Friday.

He said he traveled recently to Washington D.C. to advocate against the Trump administration’s cuts to veterans services, and has to go there every month for the same purpose. He sees city councilors as having a “moral obligation” to advocate for veterans.

“This is my ninth budget that I’ve been involved in, and I have to say it’s one of the most disappointing when I see a cut of 14% to the veterans department,” Flynn said. “These are programs that veterans earn through their blood, sweat and tears, and major injuries. We’re not giving veterans anything. They’ve earned these rights.

“Government is about making this promise to veterans, that when you go to war, and you return from war, that government will be there for you,” Flynn added. “To have veterans programs cut by a large percent is very concerning — it’s unconscionable.”

Mayor Wu’s office defended her decision to make the spending reduction, stating that the Wu administration is not cutting any direct services to veterans and that the cut reflects broader fiscal constraints facing the city amid a budget crunch.

Wu’s office said the veterans department will continue to provide core services to all qualifying veterans and provide financial and medical assistance to qualifying veterans and their dependents with limited incomes for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as required by state law.

The reduction in funding is primarily due to the removal of two grant programs, Bridge The Gap and Hometown Heroes, along with reductions to non-personnel expenses, such as city-branded clothing and other promotional items, and event supplies and rentals, the mayor’s office said.

This article is part of our World Cup Stadium Guides series, in which we look at the 16 venues that will host matches at the 2026 tournament.

Rooted in a past that helped shape a nation, Boston is a region with plenty of history.

It is where key moments in the United States’ past took place, including the Boston Tea Party and the opening clashes of the American Revolutionary War.

In sports, championship-winning teams for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins have helped define a legacy of success.

And, just outside the capital of Massachusetts, Boston Stadium (as it will be known for the World Cup) has been central to that sporting reputation.

That is in no small part thanks to the dominance of NFL side the New England Patriots, while Major League Soccer outfit the New England Revolution also call the stadium home. As interest in the beautiful game Stateside continues to grow, it will now take centre stage this summer.

Here’s what you need to know about Boston Stadium ahead of the World Cup.

What is it normally called? And what will it be called at the World Cup?

The stadium is usually known as Gillette Stadium, after the shaving brand that holds the naming rights.

Due to FIFA’s commercial regulations, it will be referred to as Boston Stadium during the 2026 World Cup — and all the usual stadium signage must be covered up.

Despite the name, the venue is not located directly in Boston — it sits almost 30 miles southwest in Foxboro, Massachusetts. It was at the centre of a dispute as Foxboro did not want to pay the $7.8million (£5.8m) security costs associated with the World Cup, before an “understanding” was reached with the stadium owner Kraft Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and the Boston host committee in March.

When did it open, how much did it cost, and who plays there?

The stadium opened in 2002, replacing the former Foxboro Stadium.

Built at a cost of approximately $325million, it was designed as a modern, multi-purpose venue capable of hosting both American football and soccer at the highest level.

As the home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, it is one of the few stadiums in the U.S. regularly used for both sports.

The first NFL regular season game held there was against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in September 2002.

The stadium has since been through a $250million renovation that was completed in 2023, marking the largest upgrade process since its opening.

What are the most famous moments that have happened there?

Unsurprisingly, many of the most iconic moments belong to the Patriots, a team that has long dominated the NFL.

During the eras of legendary former quarterback Tom Brady and longtime head coach Bill Belichick, they built a dynasty that helped define a generation. Their Super Bowl victories were played elsewhere, but this is where the foundations of their success were built.

Among the significant moments are the 2003 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, and a 2007 win against the San Diego Chargers that helped the Patriots complete a perfect regular season.

The 2017 AFC Championship Game win against the Pittsburgh Steelers was another memorable moment, as was the comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 AFC Championship Game. The 2014 comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens was also notable.

In soccer, the Revolution produced a historic season in 2021, winning the Supporters’ Shield. The stadium has hosted international fixtures and was one of the venues for the 2003 Women’s World Cup. The 2016 NHL Winter Classic was hosted here, too.

Beyond sport, the stadium has hosted global superstars including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé.

How many fans can it hold? Will it be full for the World Cup?

The stadium has a standard capacity of around 65,000, but it can expand to more than 68,000 for some events. For the World Cup, it is expected to be close to full capacity for all matches.

A recent friendly match between France and Brazil drew a crowd of 66,215 — the second-largest gate for a soccer game here, behind a 2007 friendly between Brazil and Mexico that brought in 67,584 fans.

France’s friendly against Brazil drew in 66,215 fans (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The highest attendance for any event is held by singer Ed Sheeran. His concert in 2023 attracted a crowd of 71,723.

What kind of pitch does it use?

It typically uses a FieldTurf artificial surface, which is standard for NFL competition.

For the World Cup, however, FIFA regulations require natural grass and a temporary grass pitch has been installed specifically for the tournament.

It has already undergone matchday testing. The process of replacing the field began in February and a grass pitch was in place for the Brazil-France game.

Special irrigation and ventilation techniques are being used to maintain surface quality.

There is no roof on the stadium, unlike some others across America.

What will the weather be like?

In the Boston and Foxboro area, June and July generally bring warm and humid conditions.

Temperatures typically range from 68°F (20C) and 86°F (30C), with occasional rain or thunderstorms possible.

Are there other changes for the World Cup?

As with all World Cup venues, several temporary adjustments are required.

Beyond the installation of a natural grass pitch, Boston Stadium must remove sponsor branding in line with FIFA regulations. Upgrades to seating, media facilities, security and hospitality areas are also going ahead.

How do you get there?

Getting to the stadium requires some planning, as it is located outside central Boston.

Special train services will run between South Station and Boston Stadium at a cost of $80, sold on the mTicket site.

For those driving, the stadium is accessible via major highways, but traffic can be heavy during big events.

There will only be 5,000 parking spots available for fans at Boston Stadium this summer (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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Twenty-thousand parking spots are usually available around the stadium during New England Patriots games, but there will only be 5,000 spots for fans parking at the World Cup, due to a new safety perimeter around the stadium.

Shuttle services are common, but fans are advised to allow extra time. Rideshare options are available and the stadium has a designated drop-off spot.

What can fans expect?

Inside the stadium, fans can expect a modern venue with strong sightlines and an atmosphere that is usually intense.

There is also a stunning video display board measuring 60ft high by 370ft wide, situated in the north end.

A view of the 60ft by 370ft video display board at Boston Stadium (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Beyond the stadium itself, the surrounding Patriot Place offers a full matchday experience — with restaurants, bars and fan areas creating a lively build-up to games right alongside the main venue.

Anything else I should know?

One of the stadium’s standout additions is impossible to miss: a 22-story lighthouse towering above the north end zone.

At the top sits a 360-degree observation deck offering views of the stadium and beyond.

The design is a nod to New England’s maritime identity — a region shaped by the sea and dotted with more than 100 historic lighthouses.

Which games will be played there?

There will be five group games and two knockout games played at Boston Stadium.

June 13, Group C: Haiti v Scotland, 9pm local time, 2am BST (+1)
June 16, Group I: Iraq v Norway, 6pm local time, 11pm BST
June 19, Group C: Scotland v Morocco, 6pm local time, 11pm BST
June 23, Group L: England v Ghana, 4pm local time, 9pm BST
June 26, Group I: Norway v France, 3pm local time, 8pm BST
June 29, Round of 32 game: 4.30pm local time, 9.30pm BST
July 9, Quarterfinal game: 4pm local time, 9pm BST

Held on the first Monday in May each year, the 2026 Met Gala features a “Fashion is Art” dress code, inspired by the institute’s spring exhibition, “Costume Art.” Opening to the public on May 10, the exhibition is the first to be housed in the new Condé M. Nast Galleries, located adjacent to the museum’s Great Hall.

Bringing out fashionable A-list stars from Hollywood and beyond, this year’s soirée once again features Anna Wintour back as a co-chair, marking her first Met Gala since her announcement last year that she was stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue. A trio of icons from across entertainment and sports join Wintour for the 2026 festivities, with Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams also serving as co-chairs.

Meanwhile, the gala’s host committee is pretty start-studded as well. Co-chaired by fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello and actress Zoë Kravitz, this year’s committee is comprised of Adut Akech, Angela Bassett, Sinéad Burke, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elsesser, Rebecca Hall, LISA, Chloe Malle, Aimee Mullins, Sam Smith, Tschabalala Self, Amy Sherald, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, A’ja Wilson, Chase Sui Wonders, and Yseult.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos are the lead sponsors for both the gala and spring exhibition, and will serve as honorary chairs for Monday’s party.

Check out below to see all the top fashion moments and looks from the 2026 Met Gala red carpet.

Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com.