Top Massachusetts Stories of 2016

2016, to the delight of many, is officially in the rearview mirror. So before before we hope into our shiny new 2017, let's look back and reflect on some of the biggest stories of 2016 in Massachusetts.

We start with out most-read story of the year, which in true Massachusetts fashion was a sports story. Scroll down for more topics.

Sports

Boston Marathon 2016

One of the great sports days in America was our most-viewed story of the year.

Olympic Greatness in 6 Seconds
Aly Raisman, the Pride of Needham, stole the show at the Olympics, and stole the internet with this short clip of brilliance.

Sign Language: Football Hopeful Going to Extreme for NFL Job

Abiola Aborishade has held a sign outside of Gillete Stadium for about a month, hoping that he will be given a chance to play pro football.

The First Down: How High School Athletes Get Hooked on Drugs

Nagging injury, the drive to play, a sports identity — it's easy for athletes to get hooked, but a new MIAA rule aims to prevent addiction.

Curt Schilling Slowly Loses Mind for All to See

And this was before the "Rope. Tree. Journalist. Some assembly required." tweet.

David Ortiz Bobbleheads 'Unacceptable,' Pulled By Red Sox

The Red Sox apparently thought the bobbleheads could be construed as offensive. What do you think?

Trump Touts Tom Brady Vote, Bill Belichick Note

The Donald brought the Patriots into the conversation the night before the election.

Crime

Jogger, BU Grad, Found Brutally Murdered in Woods
The quest for justice for Vanessa Marcotte is one of the major stories heading into 2017.
'Mommy Is Sleeping': Girl Leads Police to House of Horror
A Grafton man allegedly killed his wife, then stabbed himself in the neck with a knife.
Tragedy in Lawrence

One of the year's most violent incidents was also one of its most tragic stories.

Philip Chism Sentence Handed Down
Teen convicted in 2013 murder and rape of Danvers High School teacher won't be eligible for parole until he is 54.
Police Find Body of Missing 18-Year-Old
A nearly two-day-long search ended in tragedy when authorities discovered the body of a missing 18-year-old North Andover teen.

Politics

Moving to Canada

Don't take it personal Trump ... although this story did take off after you were elected.

Statewide Ballot Questions Results, Local Results, Election Coverage, and More

Your one-stop shopping for Election Night 2016 in Massachusetts was also your go-to story.

The Big Four Questions
You were checking up on the statewide ballot measures long before Election Night.

Pot is Legal - Don't Act Like You Didn't Care

Marijuana legalization was the hottest individual topic in Massachusetts, one that remains lit heading into 2017.

Hillary Beats Bernie in Bay State, Barely
Slim margins of victory were once on Hillary's side.

More top stories

Beverly Inspiration Riley Fessenden Passes Away

Thousands followed the young girl's fight on the Facebook page Riley ROCKS after she was diagnosed with cancer at age six.

Cab Driver Who Returned Homeless Man's $187K
The man got a free cruise in return.
Should Mass. Change Date of Halloween?
The proposed change aims to help local officials better prepare for Halloween celebrations. Do you like the idea?
Framingham Rape Case Becomes Fodder for Immigration Debate
The charges in the nationally polarizing case were eventually dropped.
Psychic Mom Predicts 2016
She got one major prediction right.
Ten-Alarm Fire in Cambridge

It might have been the miracle of 2016 that no one was seriously injured in one of the most astonishing fires you'll see around these parts.

Recent Drownings Just Accidents - or Something More Sinister?
Whispers of killers and conspiracies in Boston resurfaced after Zachary Marr's body was recovered from the Charles River.

Three Bodies Found in River in Span of Hours
A suspected murderer, and a missing man were among three bodies discovered after a day of rain in Massachusetts.

Two Victims Recovered Following Deadly Trench Flood in Boston
Sobbing, frantic workers worked to rescue those trapped in a trench after an incident on Dartmouth Street in the South End.
Great White Shark Nursery Found South of Cape Cod

The first-ever great white shark nursery in the North Atlantic was found south of Cape Cod — explaining a recent surge in sightings.

Pregnant Manatee Rescued off Cape Cod
A manatee more than a thousand miles from home was rescued just in time off Cape Cod.
Falmouth Star Athletes James Lavin, Owen Higgins Killed in Crash

James Lavin and Owen Higgins, three-sport athletes, died the same month they won a state football championship. They were 17 years old.

Popular lists

Top Public High Schools
For some, it's about ultimate bragging rights.
10 Tiny Houses
We can't explain it but your really liked your tiny houses.
Top 50 Richest People
OK, we can explain why you really liked this one.