PROVINCETOWN — A multitude of changes to health care in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that was signed into law on July 4 have experts in Massachusetts sounding two […]
News
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WASTEWATER
Wellfleet Seeks to Pause Septic Rules as Four Officials Depart
Health agent Martinez cites stress in dealing with select board; health board chair quits
This article was updated on July 17, 2025. WELLFLEET — The select board asked the board of health on July 8 to “temporarily suspend its current septic regulations,” reverting to […]
SCHOOLS
Glenn Brand Starts Work as Nauset Superintendent
Declining enrollment, federal funding freezes, and connecting with the community are top of mind
ORLEANS — When Nauset’s new school superintendent, Glenn Brand, stepped into his office on July 1, he felt like he’d come full circle. Brand’s career in the U.S. began in […]
HUNGER
Outer Cape Food Pantries Prepare for Rising Need
Local organizations assess how cuts to SNAP and Medicaid will hit home here
WELLFLEET — With a new federal budget that cuts SNAP benefits (known as food stamps) and Medicaid, local food pantries are preparing to address what they expect will be an […]
DEMOLITION WATCH
Commission Votes to Delay Demolition on Peace Valley Road
Decision will give Wilson time to explore ways to save the 19th-century house
WELLFLEET — Helen Miranda Wilson, the new owner of the house at 177 Peace Valley Road, outlined for the historical commission on July 9 her reasons for concluding that the […]
PUBLIC HEALTH
Federal Cuts Could Imperil Local Sexual Health Programs
About $1.5 billion in HIV funds are on the chopping block
PROVINCETOWN — A Supreme Court ruling on June 27 preserved a requirement in the Affordable Care Act that insurance companies cover preventive care at no cost to patients — including […]
THIS WILD CAPE
Here to Be Admired
Dragonflies and damselflies emerge like winged jewels from their aquatic lives
Dragonflies and damselflies have been flying over wetlands, meadows, and woodlands for over 300 million years, making them one of the most ancient orders of insects found on Earth today. […]
MILLION-YEAR PICNIC
Celestial Sights for Summer Nights
Glittering stars, exploding fireballs, and a sea breeze
Summer is a great time of year for stargazing. On even the hottest days, the temperature drops after sunset, and often a cooling breeze picks up near the bay and […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Cold Rain and Belly Rubs
The fish disappear, then come back big-time, at least for a while
We’ve had another week of up and down bass fishing, interrupted by a late-fall-like mini-nor’easter bringing heavy rains and some wind. The storm chilled our water temperatures from 70 degrees […]
NATURAL SELECTION
Roll of the Dye
Baptisia tinctoria is a plant so nice they named it twice. Both the genus name and specific epithet refer to the native perennial’s use as an agent in dyes — […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, July 15 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
WEATHER
The Humidity Heads Out to Sea
After cooling down late last week and remaining on the cooler side of things through the weekend, temperatures have climbed back to well above average this week. And those warm […]
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Housing Rehab Funds
Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Provincetown are held in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at provincetown-ma.gov for a link to […]
TRURO: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
A More Authentic Seal
Meetings Ahead
Meetings in Truro are often held remotely. Go to Truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you are interested in for an agenda and details on how to join. Thursday, July […]
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Select Board Sewers Up
Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting that interests you on the calendar at wellfleet-ma.gov for details. All meetings are at […]
