😭🚃 Thoughts and prayers, Green Liners!

🙏 The lunch gods are on the office girlies’ side this week. NGL, we audibly gasped when we saw the cross-sections on these craft Japanese sandwiches at Sando Table in downtown Boston. We’ll report back if they live up to the IG hype … It’s a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it.

👀 What’s on tap today:

Up first…

The MBTA’s month of May(hem) continues. And this one’s a biggie: From May 6 to 17, shuttles will replace service on the Green Line’s C branch between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle.

Here’s what to know: 

🚌 Shuttles will hit most of the usual stops, except … Brandon Hall, Kent Street, and St. Mary’s, which will be skipped entirely. If those are your stops, you’ll need to walk to the next closest station for service. 

🚃 The goal? Prevent future Green Line crash outs. The shutdown will allow workers to continue installing the Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS), which should help the line avoid collisions, speeding, and general derailments like this.

😭 One solution: Take the D branch! The MBTA will be running extra D branch service during the shutdown — which, in some cases, is just a few steps from the C. Cleveland Circle riders are encouraged to make the two-minute walk to Reservoir — Gia will be walking the extra four minutes from Dean Road to Beaconsfield. 

🚲 Or a Bluebike … Friendly reminder on the FREE $20 Bluebikes credits to celebrate National Bike Month. Just use the code BCBSBIKEMONTH26 in the app’s rewards section to claim it. 

⏰ Say it with us now: Budget! Extra! Time! The MBTA recommends riders traveling from Cleveland Circle to Government Center to plan for “at least” an extra 15 minutes of commuting time. Translation: Budget an extra 30.

😵‍💫 Service changes don’t end on the 17th. To make some sorely-needed accessibility upgrades, outbound C trains will skip Englewood Avenue and Tappan Street from May 18 to July 10(!). And, from May 18 to July 12, inbound C trains will skip Tappan Street. Riders who use these stations should walk to the next closest option. 

👿 E branch riders, you’re next. The branch is scheduled for a weeklong shutdown all the way from Government Center and Heath Street from May 30 to June 5. And spoiler: There are no shuttles! More on that later …

🙋‍♀️ Any questions? Here are all the deets.

🤧 It’s not just you: Seasonal allergies suck this year. Though allergy season arrived later than usual, this year is hitting folks particularly hard. Apparently, this year’s wet weather buildup followed by a series of sunny, windy days = perfect conditions for trees to produce and spread pollen. Even worse: It won’t get better anytime soon, since grasses and some ragweeds will add to the mix in May. Here are some tips for surviving sneeze season. 

💸 Somerville is putting its money where its mouth is. The city is officially launching its Racial and Social Justice Public Grants, a series of micro-grants for residents who are advancing racial and social justice locally. In total, Somerville will dole out up to $100,000 in increments of $250 to $9,999 to support folks leading initiatives that involve diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, community engagement, and education and training (think: creating mentorship programs, resource guides, civic participation trainings). You can apply here though May 29! 

🚌 Some thrifty World Cup fans are skirting the T. As the T and FIFA face mounting criticism for jacking up World Cup transit prices, the Providence Tartan Army found a ~different~ ride: A fleet of yellow school buses. When the group — made up of thousands of Scottish fans — realized transit to the stadium would run them nearly $100 each, they took matters into their own hands, renting 41 local school buses that’ll cost $38 a seat instead. And considering that the MBTA has only sold ~28% of train tickets so far, other fans may be following their lead.

☀️ It’s officially outdoor drinking season. The forecast says it’s gonna be 80 degrees AND Saguaro Garden Bar is re-opening for the season? We can feel the dopamine flowing. The trendy outdoor bar in Kendall Square became an influencer fave last year for its make-your-own hard seltzer bar and Insta-worthy jungle vibes. It’ll kick off the season with a Cinco de Mayo bash tonight, and its event calendar is already loaded with trivia, live music, paint nights, and more through May. Now, we’re just waiting on Night Shift …

Mother's Day Pop-Up with a Purpose

Join Girls Inc. for a special Mother's Day pop-up with a purpose at Colby Davis, found on 33 Newbury Street. Mention Girls Inc. in-store or in the comments at checkout, and 10% of your purchase will support Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn. Honor her. Support her future. Ends May 9. Invest in her future here!

This season, not even a proposal can go right at Fenway. 

The Red Sox’s 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday wasn’t the biggest L of the day. That award goes to this viral jumbotron proposal gone wrong, which has been dubbed the “most uncomfortable ballpark proposal in Fenway history.” 

While it’s hard to tell exactly what went down from the video, the vibes are definitely off. There’s no smiling, no jumping, no standing up. If you would’ve told us he was asking her whether she wanted a Fenway Frank instead of a lifelong commitment, we’d believe you. 

Though the couple did eventually share a kiss, one Boston Herald reporter said she seemed to say “I don’t know.” Either way … yikes.

You can watch the clip here.

— Written by Gia Orsino and Emily Schario

💍 Thanks for reading! Moral of the story: Nobody likes a ballpark proposal.

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