Now's The Time To Pay Attention: The 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, May 25. We're talking The Globe still taking it to Baker, the MBTA boosting service and a welcome return to the Common.

But first...

There are a little over 100 days left until the preliminary election in Boston's mayoral race. In other words, it'll be here before you know it.

Some people cram all the information they can about a candidate on the way to the polls. But that's a stressball — and not nearly as informative as it seems, since those quick-hit previews paint in such broad brushes.

This is all to say, start paying attention now. I've got a great place to begin: A forum on environmental and energy issues yesterday put on by the Environmental League of Massachusetts and The Boston Globe.

If you want the easily digestible recap, check out State House News Service scribe Katie Lannan's coverage via 7News. If you want to dig a bit deeper, check out the video of the forum below:

Check it out

The Boston Globe is still taking it to Gov. Charlie Baker on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home leadership disaster detailed in a Spotlight report last week. Joan Vennochi has an opinion piece calling on Baker to step up and say, "It's on me." I've gotta say, I haven't seen many non-Globe voices putting it on Baker since the report came out. But one potential opponent should Baker run again is speaking out: Democrat Ben Downing says the governor must testify before lawmakers in light of the report, according to State House News Service's Chris Lisinksi via The Berkshire Eagle.

All aboard! The MBTA, which depending on the month appears to be slicing service or investing in it, will increase frequency on the subway and two dozen bus routes beginning next month. Lisinksi via WBUR details the changes, which take place June 20. Even with ridership levels still well below pre-pandemic times, this is obviously great news for people ready to get back into the city.

One of the many beautiful things about widespread reopening is the return of that which we might not have properly appreciated. One of those things returns Thursday: The massive Boston Common flag display for Memorial Day weekend. I'm not saying I didn't appreciate what the flags stood for — each one represents a fallen Massachusett service member — but the visual serves as such a powerful reminder of their sacrifice. There will be more than 37,000 flags planted Thursday; last year there were only 1,000 flags. Charlie McKenna at The Boston Globe has more on the display.

What I'm reading today: I'll say it: I'm excited for the "Friends" reunion airing this week on HBO Max. The show had its problems — not much after the first few seasons is very funny re-watching it now — but it has an unparalleled soft spot in the hearts of fans of a certain age. Jeanette Settembre at Fox Business has the details on the obscene amount of money the cast hauled back in their heydey, in syndication now and for the reunion show.

Weather

The National Weather Service says: During the day — Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 11 to 17 mph. At night — Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 10 to 16 mph.

Have a swell Tuesday.

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