No Mask, No Vax, No Service: 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, August 3. Let's get started.

Some businesses are making their own call to tighten health and safety rules, following updated guidance from the CDC that vaccinated individuals should wear masks inside.

Grendel's Restaurant and Bar in Harvard Square requires "masks and vax," according to a sign posted outside its door. Diners who arrive during peak hours will be required to show management their vaccination card.

Two other Cambridge establishments — the Middle East in Central Square and The Plough and Stars — will require proof of vaccination for concert-goers.

In Boston, customers of Jacques Cabaret must show proof of vaccination or remain masked starting Aug. 6. A Starbucks in Brighton, meanwhile, is "recommending" masks while inside, though they are not required.

The precautions come as more than half the state's counties fall under the CDC's face-covering threshold. The agency recommends that people in areas of high or substantial transmission – which includes nine Massachusetts counties – wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Top Stories

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have found a common enemy: their workers. The tech giants are expected to file a ballot question in Massachusetts allowing them to continue to classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Labor groups are opposed to the effort, despite the additional benefits granted to drivers, calling it a "Trojan Horse." (Boston Globe)

Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he feels "bad" he was unable to resolve the Dennis White situation before assuming his role as Secretary of Labor. White was fired days into his stint as Boston police commissioner after decades-old allegations of domestic abuse were uncovered. The city is now being sued by White. (GBH)

Gov. Charlie Baker is "anxious" for answers in a Green Line crash that injured 25 people Friday. The NTSB said the trolley that hit another train from behind was going 30 miles per hour, while the train it hit was traveling a third of the speed. (Boston Herald)

The fatal assault of a youth worker at a juvenile treatment facility raises questions over how violence is reported at programs run by the Department of Youth Services. James Hillman was killed at a Springfield facility, where six attacks on staff had already been reported this year. But a Commonwealth Magazine report suggests such assaults may be more commonplace. (Commonwealth Magazine)

Local Voices

Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui supports making the child tax credit permanent. In a Globe op-ed, Siddiqui says expansion provides monthly relief typically only available during tax season.

"It is not hyperbolic to say these payments would have been nothing short of life-changing for our family, and as the mayor of Cambridge, I want to ensure that all my constituents have access to opportunities that are afforded to those with economic security," he writes.

A forecasted mental health crisis on college campuses may be exacerbated by the pandemic. Commonwealth Magazine's Nicholas Covino says colleges should be prepared to address the trauma of the past year and a half among students returning to campus.

A Lighter Touch

Tailwind Air launches its seaplane service in Boston Harbor Aug. 3, providing business travelers with an...ahem...splashy new way to get from Boston to New York. Take flight with Boston Magazine's Lisa Weidenfeld for a preview of what travelers can expect.

What I'm reading today: Crawling a mile? Folding pizza boxes? These are some of the unexpected ways people set a Guinness world record in 2020, via The Ringer.

Weather

The National Weather Service says mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Mostly cloudy at night, with a low around 65. South wind around 6 mph.