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Radio Talk Show Host Fired For Racist Post: Patch PM

Also: Beverly back to school plan takes shape | Police cracking down on Marblehead speeders | Theater goes dark for 2020 | More

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In April, Ploss began organizing weekly protests​ at Baker's home to pressure him to reopen the state's economy. She also fueled criticism​ of Swampscott officials' decision to paint arrows on sidewalks to help pedestrians with social distancing.
In April, Ploss began organizing weekly protests​ at Baker's home to pressure him to reopen the state's economy. She also fueled criticism​ of Swampscott officials' decision to paint arrows on sidewalks to help pedestrians with social distancing. (Dave Copeland/Patch)

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — It's Tuesday, July 14. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

Former Democrat turned conservative talk radio host and North Shore native Dianna Ploss was fired over the weekend after posting a Facebook video that showed her verbally berating Spanish-speaking landscapers in New Hampshire. In the video, Ploss also made a sarcastic comment about the face mask of a bystander who tried to intervene.

"We value freedom of speech, freedom of expression and assembly," WSMN said in a statement announcing Ploss's termination. "We will not tolerate discrimination, racism or hatred."

Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ploss made headlines earlier this year when she began organizing weekly protests at Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's Swampscott home to pressure him to reopen the state's economy. She also fueled criticism of a decision by Swampscott officials to paint arrows on sidewalks to help pedestrians with social distancing. Read more.

Also on the North Shore Today

Beverly School Reopening Plan Takes Shape

Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"With all the significant changes we will need to make for the fall, attending school will feel very different for students and teachers than when we were last together in March," Superintendent Sue Charochak said in a note to parents last week. "We will be making every effort to make your child's experience in school as positive and familiar as we are able." (Dave Copeland/Patch)

Students will have breaks to take off their masks and outdoor learning time, weather permitting, under plans being developed for the reopening of Beverly Public Schools this fall. Beverly officials began drafting three potential back-to-school plans last month after the state released the first set of guidelines for reopening public schools this fall. Preliminary details were sent to parents last week.

Related story: When It Comes To Returning To School, Families Are Making Their Own Plans

Police Promise Crackdown On Speeders At Notorious Marblehead Hill

Police say they are working with neighbors and collecting home security camera footage to identify drivers who use a steep hill on Peach Highlands in Marblehead as "a private speed jump." While the hill has long been a problem area for traffic enforcement, police said there has been a spike in complaints from neighbors in recent weeks.

Also today:

Across Massachusetts

Parent Reprimanded For Recording Virtual Lesson

Milton Superintendent Mary Gormley publicly apologized to the teacher who received discipline, which was then rescinded, based on the recording.

Also today:

And finally today: All of Massachusetts is under a hazardous weather outlook for the day. The National Weather Service said the primary threats are "damaging wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall."

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).

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