Good News, Massachusetts: Positive Stories For 2024

MASSACHUSETTS — You may have noticed a trend: Most of the big stories in the news are negative. They're about catastrophes and crime, all doom and gloom.

But there's still plenty of good news in the Bay State, too. From charitable organizations helping those who need it most, to people completing amazing feats, to animals that captured our hearts, here are stories from 2024 that are sure to warm your soul.

Burlington Man Donates Blood For 100th Time

Doug Hastings set out in 2007 to donate blood as frequently as he could in 100 cities and towns across the state. His contributions are considered impossible to measure.

Judge Signs Order Prohibiting Nibi The Beaver's Release Into The Wild

Nibi the domesticated beaver gained viral fame this year. State officials had ordered her immediate release, but she was allowed to stay at her Newhouse Wildlife Rescue home in October following a judge's order.

The Salem Pantry Distributes More Than 2K Thanksgiving Meals

More than 2,000 families across the North Shore were able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with the help of The Salem Pantry as unprecedented demand for food insecurity services continues.

Dozens Of Hurricane Helene Rescue Dogs Arrive In Salem From Tennessee

Dozens of cats and dogs, including many puppies, arrived in Salem from Hurricane Helene-ravaged Tennessee. The Northeast Animal Shelter and MSPCA-Angell worked to rescue pets stranded in the wake of the storm's devastation.

Cape Cod Police, Sheriff Partner For Hurricane Helene Aid

The Barnstable County Sheriff's Office and multiple Cape Cod police departments teamed up to collect aid for those reeling in the wake of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Community Rallies Around Burlington Man Who Suffered Blood Clot

A roommate saved a Burlington man's life with a 911 call after the man collapsed due to a blood clot in his brain. The community has since rallied around the family with more than 900 people donating to the cause.

Newton Police Officer Rescues Infant From Choking

A Newton police officer was credited with helping save the life of a 5-day-old infant after he responded to a call of a baby girl who was not breathing.

Andover Animal Control Responds To Alligator Call, Turns Out To Be Toy

Any initial concern about responding to a call for an alligator quickly turned to laughter when officers discovered it was a toy.

Video: Valentine's Day Kitten Rescue In Marlborough After Feline Stranded For Days

A group of area residents put a lot of heart into a kitten rescue on Valentine's Day in Marlborough. The young cat had climbed to the top of a tall spruce tree along Mechanic Street and had been crying for days.

'Hoppy Birth Days': Salem Hospital Welcomes 2 'Leap Babies' On Feb. 29

The nursery population at Salem Hospital grew by leaps and bounds this Feb. 29 as two "Leap Babies" were born on a special day that only comes around once every four years.

'Baby, You're A Firework:' Mass General NICU Babies Decked Out For 4th

The hospital shared photos of their newest arrivals, many of whom sported flashy sunglasses and fireworks swaddles.

99-Year-Old Beverly Resident's Performance Welcomes The Current

At 99 years old, Roger Wonson can still play the tunes on his drums and clarinet. Wonson's performance helped celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Current Beverly where he will now live and help entertain his neighbors in the senior living community.

Donations Pouring In To Support Pets Affected By Westborough Fire

After a fire broke out at a Westborough family's home over the weekend, the community came out to support several pets recovering after the blaze.