The State GOP Is On Notice — From Major Donors: 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 mike.carraggi@patch.com.

Today is Tuesday, July 13. Let's get started.

The Massachusetts GOP infighting has spilled out to where it really matters: The pocketbook.

The Boston Herald's Erin Tiernan reported late Monday afternoon about a letter signed by 16 major Republican donors who pledged to stop donating until a change is made at the top — that would be embattled Chairman Jim Lyons, though he isn't mentioned by name. Rather, the letter mentions the recent scandals Lyons has been involved in.

Lyons told the Herald that only a handful of those who signed the letter have actually contributed since he took over. (Is that a good defense?)

It seems unfathomable Lyons hangs on for much longer, especially if the money continues to dry up. The state Office of Campaign Finance showed $122,966 in the party's campaign account as of last month.

It's not your imagination: It's been wicked wet this month. In fact, there was more rain this July heading into Monday than there was around the same date in 1921, when we had the rainiest July on record. We've now seen rain on 11 of the 12 days this month. It's the third-wettest July ever and it's not even halfway through. Oh, and there's a chance of rain Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm sorry.

Who among us hasn't taken a BoltBus to New York City? If you haven't, you still might have an opportunity to catch a ride on the super-discount bus line. Spencer Buell at Boston Magazine has a piece titled "Reports of BoltBus’ Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated," in which owner Greyhound insists the hard-to-miss orange buses will be back at some point. Score one for the bargain hunters!

"This is not what BC taught me when I was there." Joe Dwinell at The Boston Herald has the story on the parents who are furious that Boston College isn't allowing COVID-19 vaccine exemptions on religious grounds that aborted fetal tissue was used in testing the efficacy of the vaccines.

A national look

The Food & Drug Administration is expected to announce the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is linked to a rare neurological condition, though the risk of developing the disease is still very low. (New York Times)

Cuba is in the midst of massive protests while the pandemic and American sanctions exacerbates a terrible economic crisis in the country. (CNN)

Most states in America have experienced a recent uptick in coronavirus cases, with many cases coming in areas that have been resistant to vaccinations. (The Hill)

What I'm reading today: Axios has a story (or whatever you call those little posts they do) on "The rise of the anti-woke Democrat," sure to ruffle some feathers on the left. It's an interesting topic of conversation.

Weather

The National Weather Service says: During the day — A slight chance of rain before 10am, then a slight chance of rain after 5pm. Patchy fog before 2pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 66. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. At night — A slight chance of rain before 10pm, then a slight chance of rain after 4am. Patchy fog before 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Have a swell Tuesday.

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