News Nearby: Female Hit By Car in Reading

Here's a look at some of the stories making headlines in the Malden region this week:

North Reading

School Lunches Improve in North Reading: School lunches are not what they used to be; they’re better. 

As students file into the lunch line in the North Reading High School cafeteria they are finding more than just a hot or cold lunch option. Students are able to choose from a variety of healthier options including a made-to-order sandwich, and Director of Food Services Anna McGovern oversees the line reminding students to add a fruit or vegetable to their lunch tray.

To improve health and combat childhood obesity, the National School Lunch program and USDA have set new requirements for school districts to follow when it comes to school lunches.

Reading

: This excerpt from the Reading Police Department log highlights a minor arrested on charges of operating without a license and possession of alcohol as well as a woman being hit by a vehicle and transported to the hospital.

Stoneham

: To honor the nearly 30 victims of the Newtown, Conn. fatal shootings, there will be a vigil held on Christmas eve in Stoneham.

The vigil is slated for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Stoneham Town Common, according to organizer Erin Sinclair. At 7:28 p.m., green LED-lit balloons with names tags of the victims will be released simultaneously in many communities by 20 elementary aged kids and 8 adults, followed by a two-minute moment of silence, according to Sinclair. "27 balloons will be released for the victims of Sandy Hook and the 28th balloon is for all lost souls or people who are or have someone that is a victim from acts violence," wrote Sinclair on the event page on Facebook.