Local news was the Herald’s most-read section in 2024, and it remains the heart of every print newspaper and digital issue we produce.

We take great pride in sharing stories about the greater Boston community — everything from viral moments or acts of kindness to heated controversies and enterprise endeavors.

Read on for the Boston Herald’s top local news stories from 2024.

Massachusetts middle schooler banned from wearing ‘only two genders’ shirt loses federal appeals case. A local middle schooler’s lawsuit made waves in Massachusetts and beyond after his school banned him from wearing an “only two genders shirt.” This story, detailing how the student’s case lost a federal appeal, was the Boston Herald’s most-read digital article of any section in 2024.

Massachusetts migrant-family shelter program kicks out more than 20 people for ‘inappropriate actions’. In a public records request, the Herald obtained 22 “separation from household” letters sent to those in the Emergency Assistance family shelter program, kicking the individuals out of the program for “inappropriate actions.”

WBZ NewsRadio reporter is let go after 26 years with Boston station: ‘Quite the shock’. Boston listeners will miss a familiar voice, Kim Tunnicliffe, after 26 years. The news follows a trend of layoffs in the Boston radio market and came as “quite the shock” to Tunnicliffe.

Massachusetts schools ‘blindsided’ by students from shelter housing migrants; Healey admin announces nearly $2M in federal funding. Many schools were surprised to find out they would have new students who are staying at a shelter housing migrant families.

Massachusetts town’s fireworks show canceled after barge fire in middle of night: ‘Sad situation’. Marblehead had to change their Fourth of July plans this year after a barge fire the night before the holiday.

Karen Read murder trial catches the eye of New England Patriots champion: ‘It hits home’. Massachusetts’ arguably most famous murder trial could not escape notice of even an NFL player.

‘Problematic’ historic Massachusetts signs come down in Concord. Some officials in Concord fought for months to remove signs commemorating the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, successfully bringing them down in January,

John Krasinski’s brother in hot water over his Massachusetts nonprofit: ‘Cease and Desist all activities’. The brother of People’s Sexiest Man Alive was sent cease-and-desist letters at his nonprofit for violating fire safety codes and lacking the required permits.

Table Boston facing heat after beef with customer goes viral: ‘Bombarded with death threats’. A North End restaurant’s private messages with a customer were posted online and went viral, causing major repercussions for Table Boston, whose owner threatened to sue the customer.

Giant Joro spiders could arrive in Massachusetts this year: ‘There’s no stopping them’. Over the summer, giant Joro spiders were predicted to make their way to Massachusetts. But don’t fear – the spiders are not dangerous, rather “a bit of a nuisance.”

Migrant families and their children live inside the fenced gates of the former Bay State Correctional Center. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
Middle schooler Liam Morrison was ordered by school officials to take off his “there are only two genders” shirt. (Photo credit Alliance Defending Freedom)