White's Ex Speaks: 'I Have Scars Proving It Did Happen' | The HUB

The HUB is an effort to get you caught up on whatever you need to know each weekday in Boston and around Massachusetts.

Good morning! Today is Thursday, June 3. Let's get started.

4 Things You Need To Know Today

In First Public Interview, Dennis White's Ex-Wife Opens Up About Alleged Abuse

But in her first interview since [Dennis] White was abruptly put on leave while the city investigated domestic violence allegations against him, Sybil Mason said White verbally, physically and emotionally abused her throughout their marriage.

"All the abuse was broomed under ... as if it didn't happen," Mason said. "I have scars proving it did happen."

Mason told WBUR in a 90-minute interview that she and White, who divorced in 2001 and share two daughters, had a toxic relationship marred by cheating, fights and abuse. (Ally Jarmanning, WBUR)

‘It just seems incredibly disrespectful’: City Hall makes no child care accommodations for returning employees

The welcome news that Boston is reopening for business landed with a thud last week for many working parents on the city payroll. All employees are due back at their desks full time in six weeks. Managers must report for duty in two, three, or four weeks, depending on their role.

The city’s sudden announcement, which offered no flexibility for those in need of child care and came a full two months before it was expected, sent some parents into a panic. Two mothers of pandemic babies who have never been enrolled in day care were so distressed, they’re considering quitting their jobs. (Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe)

Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge retires, coach Brad Stevens takes over

The Boston Celtics announced Wednesday that Danny Ainge is retiring and coach Brad Stevens is being promoted to president of basketball operations.

The Celtics will start a search for a head coach to replace Stevens and said Ainge will work with the team on the transition through the offseason.

"It was my decision," Ainge said at a news conference Wednesday. (ESPN)

ALSO: How Danny Ainge came to the decision to step down with the Celtics (Adam Himmelsbach, Boston Globe)

CARRAGGI'S CORNER: Whether it's Ainge, Stevens or Red Auerbach, the biggest issue with the Celtics is a poorly constructed roster with little maneuvering room. Also concerning is the fact that Stevens, who has been coaching the Celtics for seven years, is burnt out. Do the Celtics think leading the entire organization is going to be easier on him? This is a monumental day in the history of the franchise — and it was certainly time for a change — but it's hard to feel great about the short-term direction.

Pete Buttigieg pushed to probe MBTA on night of looting, cruiser torching in Boston

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is being pressed to probe why the MBTA shut down several stations, stranding hundreds last spring, after a Black Lives Matter protest that later turned violent.

A group of Boston lawyers on Tuesday sent a letter to Buttigieg and the Federal Transit Administration, asking that it conduct an “immediate compliance review” of the T. (Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald)

What They're Saying

The Boston Herald's Joe Battenfield has a point: Why did Acting Mayor Kim Janey, purported champion of police transparency, hold her termination hearing with Police Commissioner Dennis White out of public sight? "The reality is that the White hearing was perfunctory," Battenfield writes. "Janey has already repeatedly said she’s going to move in a new direction with the police commissioner and has no intention of keeping White because of past allegations of domestic abuse." Read more here.

And you know what? The Boston Globe's Joan Vennochi has a point, too, arguing that whether former mayor Marty Walsh is being completely honest about the epic stinkbomb he left Janey should matter to President Biden. "Perhaps Walsh, who is a living example of the power of second chances, believed White deserved one, too," she wrote. "If so, he should have said so." Read more here.

Following up

Yesterday I told you about Pavement Coffeehouse employees' attempt to unionize, which would make them the first coffee shop in Massachusetts to do so. It turns out ownership is recognizing the efforts, according to Tori Bedford at GBH.

What I'm reading today: As someone burdened by a massive amount of student loan debt, I learned a lot from this New York Magazine explainer by Eric Levitz titled "Has Biden Abandoned Student-Loan Forgiveness?"

Weather

The National Weather Service says: During the day — A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8am and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. South wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. At night — A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9pm. Patchy fog after 11pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Have a swell Thursday.

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