It has been another whirlwind year in news, but there are some stories we posted that stood out above the rest and got your attention.
The most-watched stories on NBCBoston.com this year include a controversy around the First Lady, shark attacks in Massachusetts and the stunning Aaron Hernandez acquittal.
1. Mass. School Rejects Dr. Seuss Book Donation From First Lady Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump sent a shipment of books to Cambridgeport Elementary School, but they were rejected by the school librarian. The First Lady responded to the librarian’s decision, who gained both supporters and critics for the rejection.
2. Babysitters Caught Putting Baby in a Refrigerator
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A Snapchat showed two babysitters placing a baby into a refrigerator and closing the door while the child screamed. The two girls were charged with child endangerment and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.
3. Four Teens Arrested for Allegedly Having Sex at Cape Cod Beach
A large crowd gathered around four teeneagers allegedly having sex at Mayflower Beach in Cape Cod. The teens involved in the incident, which was caught on tape, were arrested for disorderly conduct.
4. Car Tries to Drive Through Flooded Street in Lynn
Despite widespread flash flooding in Massachusetts during a September storm, cars like this one were still trying to travel on flooded roads. The storm brought close to four inches of rainwater that flooded homes and businesses throughout the area.
5. Mail Carrier Caught on Camera Cursing, Throwing Package
A Littleton, Massachusetts, mail carrier was caught on tape swearing and hurling mail onto a family's deck. The family said they had been complaining about the mail carrier for years, even though they have never had a disagreement or argument with him.
6. Tornado Spotted on Sebago Lake in Maine
A tornado was touched down on Sebago Lake in Maine at the beginning of July and filled a pontoon boat. Luckily, nobody was injured during the waterspout.
7. White Shark Attacks Seal Off Cape Cod
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy captured a white shark eating a seal off the coast of Chatham, Massachusetts
8. Billerica Auto Auction Accident Kills Five People
Tragedy struck Lynnway Auto Auction after an employee lost control of a Jeep and ran into a crowd inside the building. Five people were killed along with the many injured during the accident.
9. Aaron Hernandez Acquitted in Double Murder
Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez, who is already serving a life sentence for a 2013 murder, was acquitted in a 2012 double slaying. Hernandez committed suicide in his jail cell soon after.
10. 'Racism is as American as baseball' Banner Unfurled at Fenway Park
Four fans unfurled a sign that read "Racism is as American as baseball" during a Red Sox game in September. Boston Antifa soon took credit for the stunt, which was soon followed by a unified effort between local sports teams stop racism and hate speech.
