Fishing had a major reversal this week, as a fall-like weather pattern with stiff north and northeast winds and cooler temperatures took hold. This followed the mother of all thunderstorms, […]
News
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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. 16 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Spotter Plane to Join Swim for Life
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 at provincetown-ma.gov for a link to […]
TRURO: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Eyes on 2050 Carbon Neutrality
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 join. Thursday, Aug. 18 Climate […]
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Traffic Hearing on Long Pond Village
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are being held in person. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow […]
EASTHAM: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Trailers for Nauset High Students
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 meeting you are interested in to learn about meeting […]
SEWER SNAFU
Provincetown Is Up and Running Again
Sewer system is restored as of Saturday morning on verge of Carnival
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 […]
BUGGIES & BIRDS
On ‘the Outer,’ Piping Plover Protection Is Working
From Nauset Beach to Race Point, shorebird programs balance over-sand vehicle access
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 impossible to spot […]
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 and muck from […]
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 falling off in […]
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 somewhere unexpected — in a housing fight. […]
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, which has been […]
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 by […]
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 […]
MILLION-YEAR PICNIC
All About August’s Incandescence
Be patient and the Perseids will offer their summer show
The Earth is plunging through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle right now. It happens every August. The debris consists mostly of rocks about half an inch across, tumbling through […]