Notable Massachusetts Deaths: 2021 Year In Review

From F. Lee Bailey to Jerry Remy, the list of notable Massachusetts natives who died in 2021 included people from all walks of life.

Most Vaccinated MA Residents Avoid Death, Serious COVID Illnesses

The report also showed vaccinated people who did become vaccinated were less likely to suffer serious symptoms, with nearly 97% surviving.

MA Christmas 2021 Grocery Store Hours: Wegmans, Shaw's, Walmart

You'll want to get your Christmas grocery shopping done before Dec. 25. There won't be any grocery stores open on Christmas in 2021.

3G Networks In Massachusetts Shutting Down By End Of 2022

If you have an iPhone6, a Samsung Galaxy S4, or an older model, you may soon be without mobile service in MA. Here's what you need to know.

'Christmas Comet': When To Watch For Leonard In Massachusetts

We may be able to see comet Leonard and its impressive tail in Massachusetts at least through mid-December.

School Day Ending With Few Incidents, Loads Of Anxiety: Patch PM

Also: Arrest after deadly fire in Franklin| Woman charged in North Shore murder | 8-alarm fire in Brighton | COVID-19 surging in MA | More

TikTok Threat Puts Massachusetts Parents On Edge

There were no major incidents reported at Massachusetts schools Friday, the day students were encouraged students to threaten violence.

MA's Mild Weather Giving Way To Snow: How Much Is Expected?

Unseasonable temps will continue throughout much of Friday, but a messy mix is on the horizon for the weekend.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus: 5M Vaxxed, But Positives Keep Rising

The weekly average death rate has risen to its highest level since April.

TikTok December 17 Challenge Has MA Police, Schools On High Alert

The challenge calls for violence at schools across the U.S. on Dec. 17, and several Massachusetts school districts are taking precautions.

Wintry Weather Dumping Messy Mix On MA: Patch PM

Also: Carolers fulfill dying mother's wish | Estate sale find nets big payday | Guilty verdict in North Shore slaying | More.

Proposed Law Would Cut Potency Of Marijuana Sold In Massachusetts

Dispensary owners say the proposed rules, including raising the age to purchase cannabis, could strengthen the black market for marijuana.

Assistant Speaker Clark Votes To Combat Global Islamophobia

Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark voted to pass the Combating International Islamophobia Act

Cooked Ham, Pepperoni Recalled In MA Over Listeria Risk

More than 2.3 million pounds of pork products produced by Michigan-based Alexander & Hornung have been recalled.

MA Schools Beef Up Security After Social Media Threats: Patch PM

Also: Weekend snowstorm? | Dying mom's wish | Senate Prez on the mend | Marathon dog fighting cancer | Fundraiser for homicide victim | More

Elon Musk Calls Elizabeth Warren 'Senator Karen' In Tax Fight

When the Massachusetts senator called out the Tesla CEO on Twitter for paying $0 in taxes, Musk responded the best way he knows how.

Omicron Makes Up 2 Percent Of New England COVID Cases: CDC

The omicron coronavirus variant has a 3 percent rate across the rest of the country, according to the CDC.

Randolph Fire Chief Will Retire In January After 3 Decades

Richard Donovan has served as Randolph's fire chief and emergency management director for eight years. He joined the department in 1988.

Docs Call For New Mask Mandate After Baker Balks: Patch PM

Also: "Slaves" Instagram page | Man falls from horse-drawn buggy | Priest abuse claims credible | Hazing scandal takes toll | More.

MA Doctors Push For Masks Indoors After Baker Balks At Mandate

The Massachusetts Medical Society, which represents 25,000 doctors and medical students, said universal masking could curb a spike in cases.

'Slaves' Instagram Page With Photos Of Black Students Surfaces

Officials are investigating after pictures of Black students at Fitchburg High School were posted to an Instagram page titled "fhsslaves."

When Will COVID-19 Pills Be Available In Massachusetts?

Pills from Merck and Pfizer, which limit the severity of coronavirus illnesses, are moving through the regulatory process.

MA 2021 Christmas Travel Forecast: Best, Worst Times To Go

More than 109 million people plan to travel over the holidays this year, a 34 percent increase from 2020, according to AAA.

Baker Says No New Mask Mandate, Signs $4B COVID Recovery Bill

Much of the spending plan, which includes $1.5 billion from the state's surplus last year, will go to cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Former Red Sox Star David Ortiz, Wife Split Up After 25 Years

David and Tiffany Ortiz announced they were seeking a divorce in 2013 but later reconciled.

MA AG: Dental Chain Used 'Bait-And-Switch' Ads | Patch PM

Also: Hockey history made in MA | Remains identified | Police rally around 6-year-old | Student dies in crash | Homicide victim ID'ed | More

2M At-Home COVID Tests Coming To Hardest-Hit MA Towns

Gov. Baker said the program, which is coming to 102 communities, is the start of a bulk purchasing deal his administration is negotiating.

'Aggressive' Religious Group On College Campus: Patch PM

First vax mandate for businesses considered; Popular bar back from the dead; Bathrobe-wearing thief; Library sorry for Dunkin' dig; More.

MA College Students Warned Of 'Aggressive' Religious Group

Campus police at Bridgewater State University say the World Mission Church has been asking for students' personal information.

Clark Introduces Act to Put Mental Health Counselors in Schools

The Act would establish grants for states to help ensure that every school can meet the recommended counselor-to-student ratios

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus: Positive Rate Rises Above 5 Percent

All coronavirus metrics remain elevated, with the weekly average hospitalization rate over 1,000 people.

Protestors Told Kids COVID-19 Vaccine Could Kill Them: Report

At a Gardner kids' vaccine clinic, a protestor reportedly told a student, "Your mom is making you take a vaccine that could make you die."

Assistant Speaker Clark Votes to Protect Our Democracy

A provision authored by the Assistant Speaker prohibits the President, VP, and Cabinet members from contracting with the federal government

Marijuana In Massachusetts: State Reps Seek Restrictions

One lawmaker has proposed raising the recreational use age to 25, and another wants to limit THC levels, The Berkshire Eagle first reported.

Radio Personality Found Dead With Gunshot Wound: Patch PM

And: School violence reveals issues of trust, understaffing; Homes burglarized while residents slept; Raccoon fight ends in headlock; More.

New Alliance Expands Tech Safety Options for Seniors in W Mass

Assisted Living Technologies Inc. and My Guardian Angel Partner to Bring Enhanced Home-Care Technology to Massachusetts

Girl, 16, Dies After Being Hit By School Bus In Springfield

The teenager was struck by a bus at around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday. She died at Baystate Medical Center later that day, police said.

Get Booster Or Get Out: MA Colleges Requiring Extra COVID Vaccine

Several universities are requiring booster shots for students, faculty and staff to be on campus in the spring semester.

Raccoon Attacked Mass. Woman While She Put Up Xmas Lights: Report

The report says the Lancaster woman, 70, struggled with the animal for about five minutes​ until she was able to put it in a headlock.

Senate Confirms Suffolk DA Rollins As U.S. Attorney: Patch PM

Also: 4-alarm fire | World's biggest pot brownie | Wrongfully convicted man freed | 'Let's Go, Brandon' stores open in MA | More