Top News Stories of 2024: Most-Read Articles on Boston.com
We reported, and readers clicked. See the news coverage that garnered the most reader interest over the past year.
Who’s to say what makes an online news story “take off”? Sometimes, as with the Karen Read trial, it’s just tremendous interest. Sometimes it’s an unusual topic — we’re looking at you, Diaper Spa — or the Google gods just smile down upon a particular story for reasons known only to them.
Regardless, below you’ll find the 20 stories that, one way or another, garnered the most clicks from Boston.com readers in 2024, starting with the most read, a local obituary. Some of these stories got hundreds of thousands of views and they ranged in topic from a rare eclipse to media mishegoss, from travel troubles to pickleball problems. And of course, there’s a Market Basket story in the mix.
### Local Obituary: Charles ‘Chick’ Byrne, 36, Accomplished Boston Artist
The most-read article on Boston.com in 2024 was a local obituary for Charles ‘Chick’ Byrne, a talented Boston artist who captured the hearts of many. This touching tribute resonated with readers, highlighting the impact of his work on the community.
### Pro-Palestinian Protests Roil Boston-area Campuses
Tensions ran high as pro-Palestinian protests shook Boston-area campuses, sparking important conversations about global issues and activism. The intense emotions surrounding this topic drew significant attention from readers seeking to understand the complexities of the situation.
### What’s a ‘Diaper Spa,’ and Why is it Raising Eyebrows in New Hampshire?
Curiosity piqued as readers delved into the intriguing world of a ‘Diaper Spa’ that raised eyebrows in New Hampshire. This unusual topic sparked discussions and debates, showcasing the diverse interests of the online community.
### 2024 Solar Eclipse: Everything to Know About Watching the Eclipse in Boston or Other Parts of New England
The rare celestial event of the 2024 Solar Eclipse captured the imagination of readers, with many eager to learn how to witness this breathtaking phenomenon in Boston and across New England. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this event added a sense of wonder and awe to the year’s news cycle.
Peter Chianca, Boston.com’s general assignment editor since 2019, is a longtime news editor, columnist, and music writer in the Greater Boston area.