Getting Around Getting Easier, Beloved Characters On Way Out: HUB

The HUB is a rundown of the stories people in Boston are talking about. Patch publishes the HUB every weekday.

Good morning, Boston! Today is Tuesday, March 30, which means 2021 is absolutely flying by.

Today we're looking at some classic literary characters being written out of the city, a Boston Democrat mulling a run for governor and the plug being pulled on a major gaming convention.

But first...

The federal dollars and public pressure got too much for the MBTA to follow through on significant cuts to its service. The transit agency's Fiscal Management and Control Board voted Monday to restore all service to pre-pandemic levels as soon as possible, Bruce Mohl writes at Commonwealth Magazine.

Essentially what that means is all the major cuts the T put into effect this winter will be reversed — eventually. So if you normally take the Charlestown Ferry or a bus line that was cut or the commuter rail on the weekends — or any other number of services — you can expect them back at some point after you return to your commute.

The decision only came after near-universal condemnation and a lot of dough. The T is no stranger to criticism, but transit advocates and lawmakers have piled on as it followed through on cuts despite receiving what will soon be $2 billion from stimulus packages.

More good news if you work in Boston: The city is giving the first 1,000 employees who sign up for a new pilot program CharlieCards loaded with $60 each and a two-month Blue Bike pass. The only catch is you need to work in one of the following Main Street districts: East Boston, Mission Hill, Nubian Square, Jamaica Plain's Three Squares and Fields Corner.

Check this out

Goodbye, dearest Frodo. Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is selling its books and media division — which includes "The Lord of the Rings," "Curious George" and other classics — to the Rupert Murdoch-controlled News Corp for $346 million. No word on what this means for Gollum's own nightly Fox News slot. (Variety)

This race is just getting started. Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, a Democrat who represents much of Boston, said she is "seriously considering" a run for governor next year. Chang-Diaz's entry would shake up the race before it really even kicks off in earnest — she's the first Latina to serve in the state Senate and has been a key player in reform for school funding and police oversight. The race's biggest question is yet to be answered: Will Gov. Charlie Baker run for a third term? (MassLive)

Even with the state peeling back restrictions and fans returning to sporting events, don't expect many major in-person events this summer. Pax East, one of the biggest gaming conventions and festivals in America, has already been canceled due to the pandemic. Pax was going to be held in Boston in early June. Boston Calling has also already been put off, while the Boston Marathon has been pushed to September. (PCGamer)

What I'm reading: With Opening Day just two days away, Michael Silverman at The Boston Globe is asking a simple question: Can the Red Sox expect fans to last through the franchise's thrilling ups and draining downs without any year-to-year consistency? It's hard to argue with this quote from a baseball blogger and podcast host: "I get that it’s a business, but when you are one of the richest franchises in all of pro sports, you can afford to give a crap about your fans. You can. It seems like they can do both, but they are choosing not to."

Weather

The winds will calm down, the temperatures will rise and we're looking at a very mild day by Tuesday afternoon. More rain's on the way this week, so enjoy the sun while you can.

Have a swell Tuesday.

You can email me at mike.carraggi@patch.com and follow me @PatchCarraggi.