It’s everyone’s favorite time of the week: the Cape Cod Times’ weekly news roundup. We’ve gathered together the most read stories on the Cape Cod Times website from over the past week to help get you caught up on everything happening.
As we rounded out the week on Friday, we had stories discussing how the cuts AmeriCorps is facing from the Trump administration may impact Cape Cod programs, which Cape Cod cafe was voted tops in our waterfront restaurant bracket, and an update on how local recreation areas will have reduced hours this summer.
For your local sports updates, we also have a profile on Mashpee girls tennis star Mariele Henley, as well as volleyball coverage and more.
Here are the most popular stories from the Cape Cod Times website this past week.
Whales briefly halt ship traffic in Cape Cod Canal
You saw a show if you were in the area of the Cape Cod Canal on April 15 when around 30 North Atlantic right whales and some humpback whales were spotted feeding near the eastern end of the canal — one right whale even entered the canal, causing a temporary closure to large vessels.
And that’s not all: more whales have also been spotted in large groups.
“We’ve observed at least 85 right whales over the last seven days,” said Douglas Karlson, director of communications at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, in an email. “They are close to shore along the west side of Cape Cod Bay and extending north through Massachusetts Bay.”
What caused the whales to gather near the Cape Cod Canal and how often does this happen? Click the story link for all the details.
Here’s what’s opening in the former Kate’s Seafood in Brewster
There’s a lot happening in the restaurant world on the Cape, including news that The Cape House, formerly Kate’s Seafood, will retain its focus on fried seafood and ice cream but plans to expand its menu and add a liquor license.
“The main menu will be primarily fried seafood and scooped ice cream. Izabelle is trying to add fish tacos. We’re thinking about adding a fried chicken sandwich,” says new co-owner Robert Crisanti.
In other restaurant news, another local restaurant has reopened under its original owners while a Hyannis establishment has plans to host its 9th annual Aston’s Bloody Mary Mix Off. Click the story link for all the details.
Sea turtles cold-stunned on Cape Cod get new start in waters off Georgia
Twenty-two sea turtles initially found cold-stunned and washed up on Cape beaches in November and December were recently released into the ocean off Jekyll Island, Georgia after receiving treatment at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.
This event marks the largest group of turtles ever returned to the wild at once by the Connecticut aquarium. The turtles had been triaged by the New England Aquarium before being transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program for long-term rehabilitation care.
“Our role is to give these sea turtles a second chance at life, improve their chances of long-term survival, and create potential for future hatchlings and growth of the species,” said Sarah Callan, Animal Rescue Program manager at Mystic Aquarium.
Click the story link to learn more about these turtles and their journey back to the ocean.
Cape Cod beach path opens after year-long closure
The path at Long Nook Beach from the parking lot down to the water is open again after having been closed for nearly a year.
A dangerously steep and eroding coastal bank caused the closure of Long Nook Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean, since April of 2024.
Creating the pathway wasn’t as easy as just going out there and carving out a new area, however. Click the story link to get all the details.
