Sex Offender Santa Not Mall Employee: Patch PM

Also: Possible human remains found on school property | How Captain America and Kendall Roy met | Gator far from home | More.

Remembering The Massachusetts Men Who Died At Pearl Harbor

A number of soldiers and sailors from Massachusetts were among the 2,403 people killed that day.

First Snowfall In MA: How Much Is Expected?

Forecasters say the first snowfall of the season is coming Wednesday, but don't hold your breath for a winter wonderland just yet.

How To Prevent, Thaw Frozen Pipes In Your Massachusetts Home

When temperatures drop in Massachusetts this winter, a little preparation can spare your pipes from freezing.

Westfield River Gator Caught, Will Be Taken To Rescue

An alligator that has been spotted periodically in the Westfield River was caught Tuesday.

MA ICU Units Nearly Full As COVID-19 Cases Surge: Patch PM

Also: Menorah mix up | Unvaccinated hospital workers fired | Shooting arrest | No criminal charges for photo-posting student | More

JVS Boston in National Search For New CEO

Workforce development/adult education leader has $20M annual budget, 180 staff, serves 15,000+ people annually

MA Weather: Snow Possible As Wild Week Of Weather Kicks Off

A mild start Monday will gave way to a cold front tonight, but forecasters are eyeing midweek snow.

Massachusetts Has First Coronavirus Omicron Variant Case: DPH

A vaccinated woman in her 20s from Middlesex County is the first known case of the new omicron variant in Massachusetts.

Weather 'Whiplash' Coming To MA: Temps Near 70, Then Snow

We could go from balmy temperatures to a real snow event in about 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Baker Calls On Local Leaders To Help With MA Vaccination Effort

Massachusetts has plenty of doses of the coronavirus vaccine on hand, but not enough places to administer booster shots.

DNA On Bloody Conch Shell Cracks 20-Year-Old New Bedford Case

David Reed, 53, has been arrested in the beating death of his half-sister in 2001 after police found his DNA on the shell, officials said.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus: New Cases Top 5K

The state reported over 5,000 new positives Thursday for the first time since Jan. 16 and the weekly average positive rate neared 5 percent.

2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines In Massachusetts

Before you send those gifts, know the 2021 shipping deadlines to make sure your gifts get to their destinations on time.

Will Massachusetts Have A White Christmas

Boston hasn't seen a White Christmas in more than a decade. But the forecast isn't totally humbugging the possibility of one this time.

3 Ballot Questions Remain On Track After Most Short Of Signatures

A dozen initiatives, including a Republican-backed voter ID requirement, after supporters failed to gain enough signatures.

What Everyone's Saying About Baker's Big Decision

Both the state Democratic and Republican parties sought to frame Baker's decision as an ousting from the Trump-controlled MassGOP.

UMass-Amherst Requiring COVID-19 Booster Shots For All Students

As part of a policy requiring students to be fully immunized, they will need a booster and be tested for COVID-19 over the winter break.

UMass-Amherst Announces Tuition, Fees Jump for Fiscal Year 2023

In-state students will see a jump of 2.5 percent and out-of-staters will see a 3 percent hike and dining, housing costs will rise 3 percent.

Tips For Safe Christmas Tree Transportation In MA 2021

Follow these tips from AAA Northeast to get your Christmas tree without damaging it or your vehicle.

Charlie Baker Scoffs At Any Trump Factor In Re-Election Decision

Gov. Charlie Baker, who is not seeking a third term, denied a Trump-supported primary challenge had any influence on his choice not to run.

Mass AG Sues Company For Allegedly Marketing False Hand Sanitizer

Attorney General Maura Healey is suing School Health for allegedly marketing $100K worth of ineffective hand sanitizers to school districts

Watch: Mass State Trooper Appears To Be Sleeping On Duty

The Massachusetts State Police say they are investigating a YouTube video that appears to show a trooper sleeping in his cruiser on-duty.

Digital Vaccine Passports Coming To Massachusetts, Baker Says

The governor already has a QR code proving he's been vaccinated on his phone. Some states have outlawed vaccine passports.

Supreme Court: Mass General Can Fire Unvaccinated Workers

Mass General Brigham told employees they would be terminated if they did not receive their first shot by Nov. 5.

'Three Big Questions' About Omicron Variant

If Omicron is shown to be a more difficult variant to contain, it could threaten the state's pandemic recovery efforts.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus: Positive Rate Hits 10-Month High

Over 1 million residents have received booster doses, but cases and other coronavirus metrics continue to surge.

MA Gov. Baker Appears Ready To Run For Third Term

An invitation for a Springfield fundraiser next month tells supporters "Let’s keep the pedal to the metal and the momentum rolling!"

MA Black Friday Shoppers Finding Fewer Deals, Higher Prices

It's the first day of what experts say will be a "messy" holiday shopping season in Massachusetts and around the globe.

Thanksgiving Football Frenzy Sets Stage For Super Bowls

Here are the statewide Super Bowl matchups and scores from this week's Thanksgiving football rivalries.

Small Business Saturday 2021: Massachusetts Holiday Gift Guide

Whether they're Massachusetts themed or made in Massachusetts, we have recommendations for everyone on your gift buying list.

Snow Possibilities Abound As MA Makes Turn Toward Winter

A cold, blustery weekend could mean snow Friday and Monday nights — bad news for anyone coming back from Thanksgiving trips.

Christmas Tree Shortage In Massachusetts Means Buyers Can't Wait

It's going to be harder than ever to find the perfect Christmas tree in Massachusetts this year, and, when you do, expect to pay more.

What's Open, Closed In Massachusetts On Thanksgiving

This is the year to call ahead before you head out on Thanksgiving Day.

Trying To Schedule A COVID-19 Vaccination In MA? Good Luck

The state says it has plenty of doses, but pharmacy customers report scheduling headaches and unexplained appointment cancellations.

MA Hospitals Told To Reduce Elective Surgeries As Cases Surge

The guidance from the state Department of Public Health comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.

Best Holiday Lights In America May Be In Massachusetts: Enter

Patch is on the hunt for the Best Holiday Lights In America, and we have a hunch they may be here in Massachusetts.

Small Business Saturday 2021: ‘Shop Small’ In Massachusetts

Small Business Saturday has never been more important as Massachusetts small businesses pull themselves out of the pandemic.

Christmas 2021: Where To Watch Your Favorite Holiday Specials

From Frosty the Snowman to Charlie Brown to the Grinch to the Griswolds, Patch has your guide to this year's Christmas movies and specials.

Massachusetts Family Sponsors 21 Afghan Refugees

Afghan families in the US and the immigrant groups supporting them say the slow pace of approvals threatens the safety of their loved ones.