Newton's 10 Biggest Stories of 2016

NEWTON, MA – Car crashes and crime stories dominated Newton Patch readers' interest in 2016.

There was also controversy over chants at a basketball game, and a list of the Bay State's richest. Here are the top Newton Patch stories of 2016:

10. Woman Kidnapped from Newton Assisted Living Facility: Police

Police say 62-year-old Beth Birnbaum left the CareOne Health Care facility Tuesday afternoon with a 55-year-old acquaintance. The acquaintance, later identified as David Collignon, was arrested, but ultimately not charged with kidnapping after bringing Birnbaum to the hospital for treatment.

9. One Killed by Train in Newton

The MBTA said Friday night a teenager was struck and killed by the Commuter Rail.

8. Allston Man Killed in Newton Rollover Crash

Jack Jardin lost control of his Jeep and rolled into the median on I-95 early Wednesday morning, state police said.

7. Apparent Wrong-Way Driver Crashes on Mass. Pike in Newton: Reports

A car crashed on the Mass. Pike in Newton Monday evening after reports say the driver appeared to be traveling the wrong way.

6. Top 50 Richest People in Massachusetts

Need a small loan of a few million dollars? Now you know who to solicit.

5. MA Catholic High School Chant to Jewish Opponents: 'You Killed Jesus!'

Anti-semitic chants from the Catholic Memorial School Student Section during a basketball game left many fans speechless Friday night.

4. Missing Boston College Student Found

Newton police confirmed in a tweet Monday evening that Dana Morrissey is safe. She was seen taken out on a stretcher.

3. Driver in Newton Crash Identified, Has Spotty Record: Report

Bradford Casler, 55, of Newton had three previous accidents on his record and may have had medical issues.

2. Newton South Student Charged With Attempted Murder in Vacation Stabbings

The 16-year-old confessed to stabbing his mother and younger brother in Florida Wednesday night, police said.

1. Newton Crash: Two Killed at Restaurant Identified

The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office identified Gregory D. Morin, 32, and Eleanor Miele, 57, as the victims.

As tragedies largely dominated the headlines in Newton, keep an eye out for our list of feel-good stories of the year.

Image: Justin H. Petrosek, via Wikimedia Commons