Familiar Face Returns For Mass. And Cass Cleanup: The HUB

The HUB is a daily newsletter designed for what you want — to be caught up on the most interesting, important news in 5 minutes or less. It's a little bit of this, a little bit of that, but if there's something you want more or less of, email me at alex.newman@patch.com.

Today is Thursday, November 11. Let's get started.

Mayor-elect Michelle Wu appears to be making good on her promise to prioritize the addiction and homelessness crisis at Mass. and Cass.

Wu appointed former DPH head Dr. Monica Bharel to a cabinet-level position that will focus on health and safety issues in the area. Bharel became a familiar face at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making regular public appearances alongside Gov. Charlie Baker to report on the state's response.

Wu also promoted Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, to a cabinet-level rank and announced the transition of Health and Human Services chief Marty Martinez into an advisory role.

Wu, who will be sworn in as mayor on Tuesday, has called the situation on Methadone Mile the "most urgent crisis to get a hold of."

Read more from GBH News.

Top stories

Acting Mayor Kim Janey capped her brief, but historic, tenure at City Hall Wednesday. Janey, the former city council president who assumed office after Marty Walsh was appointed President Biden's labor secretary, was the first woman and first Black resident to serve as mayor of Boston. (WBUR)

Gov. Charlie Baker is renewing efforts to curb stoned driving, refiling a bill "equalizing alcohol and marijuana." The bill, named for state trooper Thomas Clardy, who was killed when a driver with THC in his system crashed into his cruiser, would make it easier to prosecute people who drive while under the influence of marijuana. (Boston Herald)

The most inspiring story of the Boston Marathon happened miles away from the finish line. When a veteran runner went into cardiac arrest at Mile 8 in Natick, a ragtag group of nearby medical professionals sprang into action and saved her life. (Boston Globe)

In case you missed it

Police in Tewksbury are investigating a reported fight between parents and players at a youth hockey game on Saturday.

Police said the fight broke out among players at the end of an 18U league game between teams from Tewksbury and Raynham. Parents got involved once the fight escalated, and at least one player ended up cut on the face. (Tewksbury Patch)

A man who state troopers say tried to run them over during a traffic stop in Revere was caught on several home surveillance systems trying to outrun police. Juan Pineda, 21, accelerated at troopers after he was stopped for motor vehicle violations, hitting one of them in the leg, police said.

State police said "a shot or shots were discharged by one or both troopers" during the altercation. (WHDH)

An off-duty Franklin police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the town investigates a crash Tuesday night.

Investigators believe the officer was behind the wheel of a Ford F450 that crashed into a resident's garage. That officer was treated at a nearby hospital and is expected to face charges. (Boston 25)

If you have a minute

From Kerry Kavanaugh and Patricia Alulema, 25 Investigates

"To keep the public safe and COVID-19 at bay, federal guidance requires increased ventilation in public buildings. That has meant opening windows and doors to let fresh, outside air flow indoors.

But, as 25 Investigates uncovered, that outdoor air, combined with the unusually wet summer we just had, may have contributed to another public health issue – mold.

After receiving a tip about mold throughout a major public library, 25 Investigates filed a series of public records requests for mold complaints in public buildings and discovered a widespread problem."

What I'm reading today: The absurdity of the NFL's crackdown on taunting (other than it not addressing about a million other issues first) lies in its Draconian enforcement. Spiking the ball? Flag. Standing next to an opponent? Automatic first down. The Ringer's Rodger Sherman went through all 27 taunting penalties called this season to find the five most ridiculous ones.

Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

A slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

– Alex Newman

About me: Alex is a Jersey transplant covering Arlington, Malden, Medford, Reading and Somerville for Patch. A graduate of Northeastern University, Alex has lived in the Boston area since college (though he still hasn't been able to bring himself to root for the Sox). He is an avid football and baseball fan, amateur woodworker and film geek. Alex lives in Chelsea with his fiancée, their dog and a revolving door of foster puppies.