North Shore Post

Mark your calendars: former President Barack Obama is coming to Salem State University. The 44th president of the United States will take the stage on September 21, 2026 , as the featured speaker for this year's Salem State Series. About the Salem State Series Founded in 1982, the Salem State Series is one of the oldest and most prestigious high-profile speaker series in the country. Over more than four decades, it has brought a remarkable roster of world leaders, artists, athletes, and intellectuals to the university's North Shore campus, drawing thousands of patrons each year. The self-supporting series is made possible through the generosity of corporate and individual sponsors and remains a cornerstone of the university's public education mission. Past speakers have included an extraordinary range of names — from sitting and former U.S. presidents like Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, to cultural and civic icons such as Maya Angelou, ...

Because the North Shore has such a jagged, accessible coastline, the waterfront displays are legendary. Here are the best spots to watch the fireworks on the North Shore this year: 1. Salem: Derby Wharf (Saturday, July 4) If you want the full festive atmosphere without leaving town, Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the place to be. The Vibe: Massive community celebration. The Details: Food trucks and live entertainment kick off at 5:30 PM. At 9:15 PM, the fireworks launch over the harbor, perfectly synced to a live performance by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture . Pro-Tip: Parking downtown will be a nightmare by late afternoon. Walk down early, or set up blankets near the Salem Willows or Winter Island if you want a slightly more relaxed view of the harbor sky ⚠️ A quick heads-up on local rules: Salem has really cracked down on any private fireworks use this year with dedicated enforcement units and heavy fines ($200 for use...

The deaths and injuries on Route 1 have finally pushed the state to act — and the technology to prevent the next tragedy already exists. The stretch of Route 1 running through Lynnfield, Saugus, and Peabody is a road most North Shore residents know well. It's a commuter artery, a late-night errand run, a shortcut home. On two mornings this spring, just weeks apart, it became the scene of tragedies that shook an entire region — and may ultimately change how Massachusetts fights one of its most persistent road safety failures. The first crash came at 2:04 a.m. on May 6. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, a Salem native and three-year veteran of the force assigned to the Danvers Barracks, had just finished his shift when word came in about a wrong-way driver heading south in the northbound lanes of Route 1. Trainor responded without hesitation. Minutes later, his unmarked SUV was struck head-on by the wrong-way driver, Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale. Both me...

For high school students on Boston's North Shore, summer often means fewer structured activities and less access to the resources that keep them active. This June, Planet Fitness hopes to change that — at least when it comes to fitness. The national gym chain has announced the return of its High School Summer Pass® program, now in its sixth year, offering free gym access to teens ages 14 to 19 at more than 2,900 participating locations across the U.S. and Canada from June 1 through August 31. For North Shore residents, that means locations in Saugus and Salem are among the closest options — both easily reachable from towns like Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Marblehead, and Beverly. Registration is open now at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass, and teens under 18 must sign up with a parent or guardian. The timing is no coincidence. A nationwide study commissioned by Planet Fitness found that cost is one of the biggest obstacles standing between teenagers and a regular workout routine. Nearl...

Downtown Topsfield will be filled with classic automobiles, live music, strawberry shortcakes, local artisans, and family-friendly activities on Saturday, June 13, as two beloved community traditions come together for a day-long celebration. The annual Vintage Auto Show and the 57th Annual Strawberry Festival will transform the town center into a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike, offering something for every age and interest. Vintage Auto Show Returns to Downtown Car enthusiasts are invited to showcase their vehicles at the Vintage Auto Show, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Meetinghouse on Main Street, across from the Town Common. Sponsored by the Topsfield Meetinghouse Foundation, the informal event welcomes all makes, models, and years of automobiles. There are no entry fees, no judging, and no prizes—just an opportunity for car owners to share their vehicles with fellow enthusiasts and the public. Organizers encourage exhi...

The political landscape on Massachusetts' North Shore is undergoing a dramatic transformation as Congressman Seth Moulton seeks higher office. After announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Ed Markey, Moulton set off a scramble among ambitious candidates hoping to represent the 6th Congressional District in Washington. The district, which stretches across much of the North Shore and includes communities such as Salem, Beverly, Gloucester, Andover, and Middleton, has long been considered a Democratic stronghold. Nevertheless, the open seat has attracted a diverse group of contenders with backgrounds spanning government, technology, business, law, public service, and the military. With the primary election approaching, voters are being presented with one of the most competitive congressional races Massachusetts has seen in years. A Diverse Democratic Field Bethany Andres-Beck A software engineer and Democratic activist from Middleton, Bethany Andres-...