Norfolk County | featured news

“Coast-down” is something that carmakers rarely brag about. Not since the 1960s anyway, when Saab (remember Saab?) put a free-wheeling cog in the transmission so the engine could idle when the car was running downhill, to save gas. But Honda has dusted off a version of this idea. The company says its 2014 Acura MDX can glide for more than a mile and a half before coming to a stop from 70 mph. And that’s 1,600 feet farther than the ‘13 MDX could manage. Wow!

When you’re down and out, and it feels as though all has gone wrong in your world, sometimes all it takes to see your way clear is a hand up. This week we bring you three stories of communities rallying around those in need. Each is a reminder that we have some pretty special people in our midst.

This past weekend offered a potpourri of local holiday fairs and events, and Joan Rugani of Marshfield knew which ones were at the top of her list. On Saturday morning, she went to the annual Holiday Marketplace at the James Library and Center for the Arts on West Street in Norwell.

By his own admittance, Leon McCrary has never been athletic.

“I was very small in high school and college – less than 100 pounds – so I never participated in sports,” he said.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 for much of Massachusetts.

Pembroke Media Public Access

Eleven scouts in Pembroke's troop 105 were given “Best Show” awards for the “Sustainability in Recycling” comedy video they made August 18, 2013 while collecting electronic devices to help raise money for summer camping and other outings. That silly five minutes of gallivanting fun is playing on www.pembrokecommunitymedia.com in the “In-The-News” section.

Do you smell like aggression? If so, you might want to back off in ‘14

Spokesman for one district attorney calls the state Supreme Court ruling a blueprint for petty dealers

If your bright-eyed child was really looking forward to giving their favorite teacher a gift during the holiday season they may want to think about leaving it under the tree. While the gesture is certainly well intentioned, public school teachers are subject to strict state ethics guidelines that may put them in an awkward situation when receiving a gift from a student.

Voters in the 5th Congressional District will make their choice Tuesday among the four candidates vying to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Edward Markey. Boston Republican Frank Addivinola and Melrose Democrat Katherine Clark, although challenged by voter fatigue and the special election’s timing in the heart of the holiday season, have campaigned hard across the district since winning their October primaries.