The future of local journalism — and with it, our power to seek the truth and engage with it as a community — is at risk. Our nonprofit Local Journalism Project is devoted to doing something about it. At a time when reporting is being lost, we are investing in aspiring journalists. We are working to encourage civic engagement. And we are experimenting with new ways to make local journalism sustainable.
ORLEANS — From the sandy bank of Pochet Creek emerge two small piping plover chicks. Their fuzzy plumage serves as camouflage against the sand, making it nearly … ▶
NEXT GENERATION JOURNALISTS
The number of newsroom jobs across America has declined by half since 2008 as corporate consolidation shifts newspapers’ priorities away from reporting. With a generation of experience lost, restoring local journalism means rebuilding capacity. With fellowships, editorial seminars, and reporting opportunities, the Local Journalism Project is engaging a new generation in the work, ethics, and promise of excellent reporting.
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 … ▶
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
PROVINCETOWN — Of all the places where one might expect to find a lesbian bar, Provincetown is surely near the top of the list. But residents and tourists say they … ▶
RACE FOR SHERIFF
Fate of County’s ICE Pact May Depend on Voters
Whelan would keep the agreement; Buckley would cancel it
Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings presides over the only 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) left in New England. That could … ▶
WATER QUALITY
Towns Work on Strategies to Address Title 5 Changes
Eastham is testing three sites for a sewage treatment plant
EASTHAM — The four Outer Cape towns are developing strategies — from raking pond bottoms to running oxygen through their waters — to address proposed changes in the … ▶
SPECIAL REPORTING
We are committed to delving in deeper where our community says a special focus is needed. We practice solutions journalism on issues including the climate crisis, the sustainability of the local economy, LGBTQ rights, and access to healthcare.
