PROVINCETOWN — On a calm, sunny day, the word was out among fishermen: big schools of Atlantic bluefin tuna were active and feeding just a few miles off the backside […]
News
Fresh local news that brings you closer to your neighbors and the community.
Browse all News stories below or dive into a topic:
PUBLIC HEALTH
‘Please Talk,’ Say Coronavirus Contact Tracers
Key Covid containment measure works only if people cooperate
PROVINCETOWN — Massachusetts is ramping up efforts to find positive cases of coronavirus. Asymptomatic screening programs are being expanded around the state, and Provincetown recently announced it will begin a […]
CORONAVIRUS
Two Eastham Covid Cases Linked to Chatham Party
With state form still being created, travelers are told to self-quarantine
EASTHAM — Two town residents tested positive for Covid-19 after a house party in Chatham that resulted in at least 13 positive cases, according to Health Agent Jane Crowley. Crowley, […]
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Planning Board Continues Its Campaign Against Cloverleaf
As ZBA approval nears, opponents change tactics
TRURO — Health and Conservation Agent Emily Beebe told the zoning board of appeals last week that the proposed treatment system at the 39-unit Cloverleaf development would reduce nitrogen in […]
THE COVID EFFECT
Rumors Swirl Over Closing of Restaurants
What were the test results? Answers are not required
Rumors started to circulate last week that a rash of Wellfleet restaurants had closed due to positive Covid-19 tests among staff. According to public notices from restaurateurs, Mac’s Shack closed […]
TECHNOLOGY
As Life Moves Online, Lack of Access Vexes
Comcast’s ‘monopoly’ keeps others from serving the Cape
While debates about in-person schooling rage and doctor visits go virtual, Outer Cape towns are negotiating the next decade of internet coverage in the area. Contracts between the individual towns […]
ENVIRONMENT
Blue-green Algae Blooms Again, but Only Up Cape So Far
Warming and nutrients bring on toxic bacteria in kettle ponds
With summer well underway, higher temperatures coupled with nutrient overload in kettle ponds and lakes brings the dangerous return of cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae. As of Tuesday, […]
PERSONAL HISTORY
‘Who Have I Doomed?’
Timeline of a coronavirus scare
TRURO — As my close friend and neighbor calmly explained to me on the phone that he had a high fever and was showing potential coronavirus symptoms, my eyes drifted […]
HELP LINES
Wellfleet, Taking Cue from Provincetown, Dials In on Mental Health
Community members are on call, so no one has to go it alone
Editor’s note: In the Aug. 6 print edition of the Independent the Well Line’s phone number was incorrect. The correct number has been substituted below. WELLFLEET — “We all have to go […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 4, included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Oblivious Whale Nearly Takes Out My Friend
Vaughn Cabral’s close encounter with a cetacean
In last week’s column, I wrote that I thought I had seen it all, only to watch a man with a scuba mask dive off his paddleboard to swim with […]
CURRENTS
This Week in Provincetown
Meetings Ahead Meetings are held remotely. Go to provincetown-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. Thursday, Aug. 6 Board of Assessors, 9 a.m. Public Pier Corp., 11 a.m. Zoning […]
CURRENTS
This Week in Truro
Meetings Ahead Meetings are held remotely. To watch live, go to truro-ma.gov and follow the “helpful link” to Truro Channel 18. Thursday, Aug. 6 Climate Action Committee, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11 […]
currents
This Week in Wellfleet
Meetings Ahead From wellfleet-ma.gov, hover your mouse over a date on the calendar on the right of the screen, and click on the meeting you’re interested in to open its […]
currents
This Week in Eastham
Meetings Ahead Meetings are held remotely. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on a particular meeting to read its agenda. That document will provide information about how to view and take […]
