Top Local News Stories Of 2014
Boston Marathon Bombing Anniversary
One year after one of the most devastating days in Boston history, survivors, victims' families and community leaders made a triumphant return to the Boston Marathon Finish Line in a Day of Rememberance. Several days later, and under increased security, tens of thousands of runners conquered an emotion-filled 2014 Boston Marathon. The terrorist attack of the previous year did not keep large crowds from lining the route. Read More
Ice Bucket Challenge
Started in Boston as a grassroots attempt to raise money for ALS research, the Ice Bucket Challenge took the nation by storm. Soon everybody from preschoolers to celebrities was dumping buckets of ice water over their heads, and challenging others to do the same. Within a matter of weeks, $100 Million was raised. Former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, the inspiration behind the Challenge, was later named one of Sports Illustrated's 'Inspirations of the Year.' Read More
Market Basket Battle
A family feud led to a worker revolt at this local supermarket chain. When one Demoulas cousin ousted another as CEO, employees loyal to their beloved 'Artie T' cried foul. For six weeks this summer, the chain of 73 grocery stores was nearly empty – as customers boycotted and workers protested. In the end, the workers won. Arthur S. Demoulas agreed to let his cousin Arthur T. purchase the company in a deal that was completed in early December. Read More
Death of Mayor Tom Menino
Boston lost its longest serving mayor in 2014. Tom Menino spent his life in service to the city and people of Boston, and for 20 years served as mayor. After retiring at the beginning of the year, it was revealed in March that Menino was battling an "advanced form of cancer." On October 23, he announced he was discontinuing cancer treatment. He passed away a week later. Read More
Boston Firefighters Killed In Beacon Street Blaze
On a cold windy day in March, a welder's spark ignited a fire in a Beacon Street brownstone. Fueled by fierce winds off the Charles River, the fire spread quickly. Boston Fire Lt. Ed Walsh, 43, and firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33, died when they became trapped in the burning basement. Thousands of firefighters from across the country came to Boston to honor the two men at their funerals. Read More
Execution of James Foley
On Thanksgiving Day 2012, New Hampshire journalist James Foley was kidnapped while working in Syria. For more than a year and a half, he was held prisoner. Then in August, a grisly video was released, showing Foley being beheaded. It was the first time many people had heard of the terrorist group ISIS, which claimed responsibility for his execution. Read More
Changing of Political Guard
2014 saw Boston's first new mayor in 20 years take office, and the election of a new Governor of Massachusetts. Mayor Marty Walsh took over City Hall's corner office, left vacant by the retired, and now deceased, Tom Menino. In November, Bay State voters chose Republican Charlie Baker to succeed Governor Deval Patrick. He takes office in early 2015. Read More
