Most Read Local Stories Of 2014

They weren't necessarily the biggest, and in many cases not the most important stories of year, but they are the ones that more people read than any others. Here's a look at the Most Read stories on CBSBoston.com in 2014.

Illegally Parked BMW Smashed By Boston Firefighters

When a man ignored a fire hydrant in East Boston, parking his brand new BMW right in front of it, he learned his lesson the hard way. A fire broke out nearby and firefighters were forced to smash his windows and thread the fire hose right through his shiny car. He ended up with a trashed car and $100 fine. Read More

Hairless Man Grows Full Head Of Hair In Arthritis Drug Trial

Scientists at Yale may have discovered quite the off-label use for an FDA-approved arthritis drug. During an eight month trial, a 25-year-old man with alopecia grew a full head of hair, plus eyebrows, facial and body hair. He reported no noticeable side effects. Read More

Confetti-Filled Rice Cooker Triggers Bomb Squad On Marathon Anniversary

The area around the Boston Marathon Finish Line was evacuated and two bags were detonated by the Bomb Squad on the anniversary of the bombings. One of the bags was carried by a barefoot man, wearing a long black veil and screaming "Boston Strong." Turned out the bag contained a rice cooker filled with confetti. The man, who has a history of mental illness, called the demonstration, "performance art." Read More

Ice Bucket Challenge Leads To Major Surge In ALS Donations

Inspired by former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, people spent the summer dumping buckets of ice over their heads and donating money to ALS research. In early August, when this story was published, donations had increased ten-fold in a single week. By the end of the summer, celebrities and sports teams had taken part, and more than $100 million was raised nationwide. Read More

Fall River Man Arrested For Videotaping Police Officer

A Fall River man says he was recording video of an out-of-control police officer, when he was arrested and his cell phone seized. When he got his phone back, he says the video had been erased. Read More

Mass. High Court: Subway Upskirt Photos Not Illegal

In March, Massachusetts' highest court ruled that a man accused of secretly snapping photos up a woman's skirt on the T did not break the law. The court said that state laws protected people from being photographed when nude or partially nude, but did not protect clothed people in public areas. It took just two days for a new law to be passed, closing that legal loophole. Read More

NH Marine Killed In Afghanistan

At just 19 years old, Lance Cpl. Brandon Garabrant was killed by a roadside bomb this past summer. Garabrant graduated from ConVal Regional High School in Peterborough last year. He made headlines at that time when he was told he could not wear his Marine uniform to high school graduation, rather than the standard robe. Read More

Catholic Church Condemns Black Mass Reenactment At Harvard

In May, the Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club announced they'd be hosting a 'Black Mass' reenactment as part of a series of events exploring religious traditions. The Archdiocese of Boston condemned the Satanic ritual, and Harvard's president called the plans "abhorrent." After a series of protests, the club opted to cancel. Read More

Brandon Spikes Calls Time In New England '4 Years A Slave'

In April, former Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes took to Twitter to express just how much he disliked his former team. Amid a string of tweets about upcoming games against the Pats was one that read, "4 years a slave," referring to his 4 years on the team. No apologies were made. Read More