Salem Braces For Long Weekend Of Big Crowds: Patch PM

SALEM, MA — It's Friday, Oct. 9. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

A long October weekend could mean big crowds for Downtown Salem. Only the city doesn't want those crowds to get too big this year amid the coronavirus health crisis.

City officials are urging those who do not already have lodging booked, museum tickets purchased and restaurant reservations made to consider waiting until next year to visit Halloween's unofficial hometown.

But for those who do have plans in place, or are considering venturing to the city anyway, there are several restrictions in place that you need to know.

Read the full story here.

Also on the North Shore today

Swampscott Man Charged With Tax Fraud, Witness Tampering

A Swampscott man was one of two men charged with federal tax fraud Thursday in what the U.S. District Attorney's office said was a scheme to falsify tax returns from those in the Congolese community and divert a portion of the money refunded to accounts they controlled.

Marblehead Reduces Quorum For Special Town Meeting

A quorum of 30 residents is all that will be needed to vote on the 36 articles on the warrant for the Marblehead special town meeting scheduled for Oct. 17 at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Community Center parking lot.

Salem Police Seek Input On Department's Performance, Crime Issues

Salem police are asking residents for their opinions about their interaction with the city's officers and what the priorities should be for the department.

Danvers To Offer Free Flu Shot Clinic At High School

The "Fight the Flu" drive-thru clinic will be in the high school parking lot. The flu shot is free for those 9 years old or older.

Across Massachusetts

Foxborough Singer JoJo's Song Selected For Biden Campaign

Foxborough native and internationally-known pop star JoJo has pitched in her musical talent to help former Vice President Joe Biden get elected to the Oval Office.

JoJo's latest single "The Change" is serving as the official anthem for Biden and his Democratic ticket running mate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris.

2 Former eBay Employees Plead Guilty In Natick Cyberstalking Case

Two of the seven former eBay employees charged in a cyberstalking case involving a Natick couple have pleaded guilty, according to federal prosecutors.

Living With Rett Syndrome: Stoughton Mom Shares Her Son's Story

When Aidan Freeman was born, everything seemed normal.

It looked like Stoughton resident Tracy Freeman gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby boy at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Freeman said there wasn't even a blip of morning sickness, and every ultrasound and anatomy scan looked normal. But just a few hours later, everything changed. Aidan Freeman started coughing, stopped breathing and turned blue.