Top Local Stories Of 2013
Boston Marathon Bombings
It was a day nobody could have imagined. On April 15, 2013, as thousands of runners were victoriously completing their 26.2 mile journey, a pair of explosions shook the Boston Marathon finish line. When the dust literally settled, three people were dead, hundreds more injured, and countless everyday heroes rushed in to help the victims. It became clear almost immediately that Boston had been struck by terrorism.
View: April 15 in Photos
Read: Complete Coverage
Capture/Death of Marathon Bombing Suspects
On the evening of Thursday, April 18 Boston Marathon bombing suspects Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev re-emerged, allegedly killing an MIT police officer. An overnight police chase and gun battle followed. Tamerlan was killed. His younger brother Dzhokhar escaped, leading to an unprecedented lockdown of residents in Boston and surrounding towns.
After a full day of SWAT teams combing through local neighborhoods, the surviving Tsarnaev brother was finally located, injured and bloody, hiding in a boat in a Watertown backyard.
Photos: The Hunt for Bombing Suspects
Photos: The Capture of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
Boston Strong
A single theme emerged in the days and months following the marathon bombings. Boston doesn't bow to terrorism. Boston is resilient. Boston is strong. Boston Strong soon appeared on everything from t-shirts to billboards and baseball fields, becoming a unifying rally call for city pride.
Read: Boston Strong Makes Sports Illustrated
Read: College Students Raise $1M Selling Boston Strong Shirts
Photos: Boston Strong Concert
February Blizzard
On February 8-9 Boston saw its 5th greatest snowfall of all time. Nearly 25 inches of snow dumped on the city, with a widespread 20-30+ inches across the region. Blizzard conditions led Governor Deval Patrick to declare a travel ban, and a State of Emergency.
Read: State of Emergency Declared
Read: February Blizzard Snow Totals
Whitey Bulger Convicted
After 16 years on the run, 2 years behind bars and a 2 month trial, infamous Boston mobster Whitey Bulger was found guilty of racketeering in the deaths of 11 people. The 83 year-old was sentenced to two life terms plus five years behind bars.
Read: Whitey Bulger Found Guilty
Complete Coverage: Whitey Bulger Trial
Red Sox Win World Series
Worst to First. After a disastrous 2012 season, the Red Sox made a U-turn in 2013, under the leadership of John Farrell. The bearded bunch won their way to a World Series Championship, behind the bat of MVP David Ortiz.
Photos: Red Sox Celebrate World Series
Aaron Hernandez Murder Arrest
On the morning of June 26, then-Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was led from his North Attleboro home in handcuffs. Within hours he appeared in court, charged with first degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd. Prosecutors allege that Hernandez and two other men picked Lloyd up in Dorchester and drove him to an empty lot in North Attleboro, where Hernandez is accused of shooting him five times.
Mayor Menino Steps Aside
In March, Boston's longest-serving mayor announced he would not seek re-election to a sixth term. After twenty years in office, and a series of recent health issues, Mayor Tom Menino decided to hand over the reins. Before the year was out, Boston Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson and Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis would also step down.
When his term ends in January, Menino will take a job at Boston University. Marty Walsh was elected the next Mayor of Boston.
Read: Mayor Menino Will Not Seek Re-Election
Watch: One-on-One With Mayor Tom Menino
Danvers Teacher Killed; Student Arrested
Danvers High School turned into a murder scene in October, when 24-year-old math teacher Colleen Ritzer's body was discovered in woods near the school. Authorities allege that 14-year-old Phillip Chism (R) killed his teacher in a school bathroom, and then carried her body out to the woods in a recycling barrel. He was charged with murder, aggravated rape and robbery.
John Kerry Becomes Secretary of State
On February 1, Massachusetts Senior Senator John Kerry was sworn in as the 68th Secretary of State, signing on to lead the nation's international diplomatic agenda. By vacating his Senate seat, the stage was set for a summer Special Election. In June, voters chose Representative Ed Markey to become Massachusetts' next senator.
