Credits Roll On Popular Movie Theater: Patch PM

It's Monday, Dec. 21. Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Credits Roll On Revere Showcase Cinema

Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere closed Sunday after more than 50 years. The theater chain's owner, National Amusements, previously announced in October it has signed an agreement to sell the site to Massachusetts-based developer Northbridge Partners.

"Showcase Cinemas is deeply committed to our Massachusetts and US theatrical exhibition business," a spokesperson for the company wrote in an email to Patch. "It has been our pleasure to serve the Revere community for more than 50 years. Due to business circumstances, we ceased operations on Sunday, December 20, 2020."

According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (WARN) notice filed with the state, 102 employees are being laid off from Dec. 13 to Jan. 17.

In Middlesex County

Medford Schools Will Return Remote From Holiday Break

The Medford Public Schools will return from the holiday recess completely remote, similar to the start of the school year, and bring back students after about a week. District officials say they are planning the return to in-person instruction "with caution" as COVID-19 cases rise in Medford.

Reading HS Goes Remote After Possible In-School Transmission

Reading Memorial High School will be fully remote until the holiday recess due to the likelihood of in-school transmission of the coronavirus for the first time in the district. Five students and two staff members tested positive for the virus, which is the highest two-day total in a Reading school, Superintendent John Doherty said.

Bunratty Tavern Offshoot Opens In Reading

The owner of Bunratty's Tavern opened a new restaurant Sunday in the former D'Amici's Bakery space next door. The Charles is designed in the vein of "classic American/Hollywood from around the 40s-50s," Boston Restaurant Talk reported, and features steak, seafood, pasta and cocktails.

Melrose Neighborhood Brightens Up Holiday Season

This year could be roughly divided into two parts: Darkness and bright spots. This weekend in the Horace Mann neighborhood, there were about 2,000 bright spots.

Dozens of residents on Saturday helped line several streets with luminaries — paper bags illuminated by candles within — an expansion of a recent tradition that has taken on new meaning during the pandemic.

Across Massachusetts

Most MA Residents Could Get $600 Payments Under Relief Agreement

Here are some of the ways Massachusetts residents would benefit from the newly agreed-upon coronavirus relief package.

'Our Menu Doesn't Lend Itself To Takeout': Restaurant Owners Fear Tighter COVID Regulations

Five lawmakers on Beacon Hill are calling to shutdown all indoor non-essential businesses due to the COVID-19.