Preschooler Shaken After Swampscott Jellyfish Attack: Patch PM

SWAMPSCOTT, MA —It's Monday, June 29. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

A four-year-old boy is physically okay but remains shaken after being attacked by a lion's mane jellyfish while swimming at Eisman's Beach in Swampscott Saturday.

Swampscott and other North Shore communities issued warnings about the lion's mane jellyfish after sightings earlier this month. But Swampscott Town Administrator said Sunday there are no plans to close the town's beaches.

Lion's mane jellyfish are one of the biggest species of jellyfish with tentacle spreads up to 100 feet wide. Their stingers have toxins that can cause localized pain and redness in humans.

Elsewhere On The North Shore

Funeral Services Set For Salem Police Officer

Dana Mazola, 56, died Thursday night after a head-on car crash near 321 Jefferson Avenue in Salem. He had been a Salem police officer for 31 years, and his death sent shock waves through the city, with Mayor Kim Driscoll calling it "an unimaginable and heartbreaking loss."

Another North Shore Business Falls To Coronavirus

Retailer Ann & Hope said Monday it would close its 11 Curtain & Bath Outlet locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, including the location in Danvers. Store closings will begin July 9, and all 11 stores should be closed within three to four months, the company said.

Across Massachusetts

Encore Boston Harbor Sets Sights On July Reopening

Encore Boston Harbor will reopen as part of Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan, expected to begin no sooner than July 6. The resort and casino voluntarily closed March 15 to help curb the spread of the coronavirus and has remained shuttered under state regulations.

Cam Newton Just Made Patriots' Season A Whole Lot More Exciting

Bill Belichick and the Patriots obviously don't make football decisions while considering the thoughts and feelings of fans. Belichick does not have an "entertainment factor" on his list of desirable attributes among available players. That much is obvious. Still, going from a "Jarrett Stidham running a nuts-and-bolts, run-heavy, basic-ass offense" in 2020 to "Cameron Freaking Newton" is a nice bonus to what transpired on Sunday evening.

Also on Patch today....

• Deal Reached For Major Voting Expansion For MA Residents
• Boston To Get Military Flyover On July 4
• Norwood Hospital Temporarily Closed After Flood

And finally today: You can expect rain and thunderstorms through Wednesday. Sunny, summer weather should be back by Thursday, just in time for the holiday weekend.

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).