More Than History, Hope For A New Era: 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 Tuesday, November 16. Let's get started.

Michelle Wu will make history Tuesday as the first elected woman and person of color at City Hall. She is set to be sworn in as mayor at noon in a ceremony that will stream live on boston.gov.

Then it's time to get to work, as both supporters and critics are closely watching whether Wu will deliver on a series of ambitious campaign promises. That includes rent control and a fare-free MBTA, policies that will require Wu to wrangle support from a historically fussy Beacon Hill.

State lawmakers have already thrown cold water on some of Wu's loftier goals, but those in her corner say the "conversation gets elevated" with her support.

"There are some people [on Beacon Hill] that don’t know her well enough," state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz told the Boston Globe, but "she doesn’t let the fact that she doesn’t know someone get in the way of her trying to work with someone."

Read more from the Boston Globe.

Top stories

President Biden's sweeping infrastructure plan is expected to send up to $10 billion to Massachusetts. The lion's share of that money – $4.2 billion – will be used for repairing and rebuilding roads, while another $1.1 billion is earmarked for bridge replacement and repairs. (Boston Herald)

A controversial bill would expand Sheriff Steve Tompkins's role in cleaning up Mass. and Cass by allowing him to treat people civilly committed for substance use disorders in the Suffolk County jail. Tompkins said he'd like to see someone else take on that responsibility, but he is "willing to be part of the solution." (Commonwealth Magazine)

Ever heard of a "walking school bus?" The name pretty much says it all. Facing a shortage of bus drivers, Massachusetts school districts must think on their feet – literally. Some are taking the Pied Piper route, having teachers lead a flock of students to school on foot. (GBH News)

In case you missed it

Three Massachusetts school systems are dealing with reports of racist acts, as well as accusations that the school districts have failed to properly address the problems.

In Braintree, about 300 high school students walked out of class Monday morning. The students held a peaceful protest in support of racial justice both in town and across the United States. Students walked to the Five Corners, escorted by school administrators and local police, where several students spoke and held signs.

A second video containing racist language has emerged in Quincy — this one coming from students at Point Webster Middle School. The video was created by three eighth-graders and "contained racist language directed at specific students at Point Webster Middle School," Principal Christine Barrett said in a letter to parents. In her letter, Barrett said the video was shared within the school community and called it "very disturbing to all of us."

The Danvers School Committee met for about 90 minutes in an executive session Monday night on the district's response to accusations of racist behavior and hazing within the high school hockey program. The committee ultimately took no action on the status of Superintendent of Schools Lisa Dana.

'The goodest girl'

Sparkle the dog has always been something of a local celebrity in her Somerville neighborhood, but a recent cancer diagnosis brought forth a tsunami of sympathy and support from across the country.

The 11-year-old Corgi mix often hangs out on the walkway of her owner's home, to the delight of passersby, who can learn more about her via a sign at the edge of the property.

But another sign has since gone up informing neighbors of Sparkle's inoperable jaw cancer. Now, the Internet is rallying to send her extra love in the form of toys, treats and well-wishes. (Boston Globe)

Fir-get about it!

It might be tough to get your hands on the perfect Christmas tree this year. Farms are grappling with a dwindling supply of trees from Canada, and local growers say a boom in sales last year is leaving them short on stock.

If you do find the right tree, keep those purse strings loose. The cost of a Balsam fir has gone up 10 percent, and Frasier firs are about 30 percent more expensive than last year. (GBH News)

What I'm reading today: The term "megafire" was coined to describe stubborn, widespread and costly wildfires – which are starting to happen with alarming frequency. M.R. O'Connor, who trained to become a wildland firefighter this year, describes what it's like to fight these wilderness infernos. (New Yorker)

Weather: Sunny, with a high near 48. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Mostly clear at night, with a low around 30. West wind 3 to 8 mph.

– 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.