Peabody Leads North Shore In UFO Sightings: Patch PM

PEABODY, MA — It's Monday, July 13. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

If you're looking for UFOs on the North Shore, Peabody may be your best bet.

We analyzed reports of UFO sightings from Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott in the National UFO Reporting Center's database. Peabody had the highest number of sightings at 11.

The database has more than 1,700 reports from Massachusetts dating back to the 1960s. You can find UFO sightings from Massachusetts on the National UFO Reporting Center site.

Also on the North Shore:

Peabody Man Accused Of DWI, Hit-And-Run In Fatal Crash

Working from a witness description of a black sedan, police were able to use surveillance video footage to trace a car involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Chelsea to a Peabody residence. Chelsea and Massachusetts State Police arrested Ian Flynn, 26, at his Peabody home and seized a car matching the description that fled the scene of the crash. Flynn has already been charged with DWI (second offense) and leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in personal injury or death, with more charges expected.

Proposed Beverly Cannabis Shop Gets Pushback From Neighbors

Mint Retail Facilities wants to open a 4,500-square-foot recreational marijuana store on Sam Fonzo Drive, a mostly industrial street near Beverly Airport, that runs parallel to the mostly residential Trask Street. Attorneys for Mint Retail said the store would be under 24-hour surveillance and its security would be better than security at pharmacies. But neighbors raised several concerns during a community outreach meeting, which is one of the steps Mint needs to complete to get local approval and a host city agreement with Beverly.

Why 4 Salem City Councilors Keep Voting Against Housing Proposals

At-Large Salem City Councilors Domingo Dominguez and Arthur Sargent, along with Ward 4 Councilor Tim Flynn and Ward 7 Councilor Steve Dibble, have formed a bloc that has scuttled all but one proposal aimed at increasing affordable housing in Salem over the past three years. Here's why.

And more:

• Salem Triples Fines For Fireworks
• Beverly Cancels Little League Season
• Essex County Jail Resumes Prisoner Visits

Across Massachusetts

MBTA's The Ride Drivers Strike Amid Contract Negotiations

The drivers went on strike Sunday, with several people picketing in Watertown and Everett. Union rep Ray Domkowski said the new contracts cut back health insurance for drivers, a major issue since the drivers are essential workers and have been working with vulnerable populations throughout the pandemic. The Ride is a door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service offered through the MBTA to the elderly, disabled and veterans.

Also today:

• Name Change For Plimoth Plantation?
• Woman Accused Of Kicking, Drowning Dog At Revere Beach
• Massachusetts Teen Drowns While Swimming With Friends In Pond
• State Police Cruiser Vandalized In Quincy

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).