Editor's note: This article was updated on Saturday, Aug. 13. PROVINCETOWN — The downtown vacuum sewer system was returned to stable operation overnight on Friday and the emergency order issued on Thursday has been lifted, according to an alert sent out by Health Agent Lezli Rowell at 6:22 a.m. Saturday. "All users can begin … ▶
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THE DREDGE REPORT
Final Dredging of Wellfleet Harbor Is Put Off for a Year
Corps of Engineers insists on land exchange or $14.5-million ‘mitigation’ fee
WELLFLEET — The dredging of the mooring field at Wellfleet Harbor will not happen this fall. The final phase of the $20-million three-year project to clear silt … ▶
MEDICINE
Monkeypox Spikes Nationwide as Provincetown Gets Vaccine
Thousands of doses may be reducing virus transmission here
PROVINCETOWN — New data emerged last week on the global outbreak of the monkeypox virus. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that cases are … ▶
INCLUSIONARY BYLAW
Two Multi-Unit Projects Spark Neighborhood Ire
Some affordable units are included, but abutters see much else to dislike
PROVINCETOWN — A town that almost universally supports affordable housing and that routinely endorses housing provisions at town meeting has suddenly found itself … ▶
HEALTH CARE
Abortion Rights Bill Lacks Cape Cod Access Expansion
The bill protects reproductive health providers from prosecution by other states
Although women’s rights advocates are cheering the passage of a reproductive rights act, the new state law doesn’t do anything to improve the situation on Cape Cod, … ▶
POND SCUM
Cyanobacteria Blooms Rise With Water Temperatures
Swimmers are advised to learn to spot and report ephemeral blooms
TRURO — Kettle ponds, the glittering pools of fresh water that are one of the Outer Cape’s most prized natural features, are facing a growing threat caused not only … ▶
ASYLUM
Two Afghan Women Flee the Taliban and Land in Wellfleet
The sisters are safe but hoping to rescue the rest of their family
WELLFLEET — Maryam and Shabnam have been enjoying a typical Outer Cape summer — going to Newcomb Hollow Beach and the Fox and Crow Café and on whale watch excursions … ▶
THIS WEEK ON THE OUTER CAPE

OUT AND ABOUT
Dykes Study the Demise (and Plot the Return) of the Lesbian Bar
What’s needed more than safe spaces are places for pride and connection

MILLION-YEAR PICNIC
All About August’s Incandescence
Be patient and the Perseids will offer their summer show

BACK TO THE GARDEN
Conifers Are the Heart of the Year-Round Garden
The conifer bed is an exercise in the appreciation of subtlety

RUNNING
Athletes Prepare for Half Marathon on the Beach
The annual Cape Cod Outer Beach Run, Relay, and Walk is this Sunday

COOK’S KITCHEN
Corn Chowder With BLT Salsa Is a Marriage Made in August
A light, no-cream soup is the base for a bacon, herb, and tomato topping

READING ROOM
When the Big Bad Wolf Walks in the Door
A children’s book about domestic abuse might be best read in a supportive setting

THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Limit Reached, Commercial Season for Stripers Closes
The case for revising catch limits to decrease losses of ‘shorts’

RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings

CAPE COD BASEBALL
Orleans Swept by Yarmouth-Dennis in Playoffs
Firebirds finish with 18-22-4 record overall

BUGGIES & BIRDS
On ‘the Outer,’ Piping Plover Protection Is Working
From Nauset Beach to Race Point, shorebird programs balance over-sand vehicle access

CROSSWORD #34
Monster Mash-Up
Happy Carnival to all!

NAVIGATING BY THE STARS
Maybe Your Horoscope Is a Reflection in a Cosmic Mirror
Looking up at a looking-glass sky, a way to reframe your narrative
CURRENTS
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Motorized Scooters Going One-Way
Meetings Ahead Some meetings in Provincetown are in person, some are online, and some are both. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar … ▶
TRURO: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Eagle Neck Creek Delay
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Truro are remote. Go to truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. The agenda includes instructions on how to … ▶
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
No Free Cash by Town Meeting
Meetings Ahead Many meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are being held in person. Go to wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to … ▶
EASTHAM: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
A Wet Windmill Weekend
Meetings Ahead Most meetings are being held in person, but some are still remote or virtual. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on the … ▶