DayBreak Nantucket

DayBreak Nantucket is here to bring the island to you — from wherever you are! 👏

Delivered straight to your email inbox each morning, it’s your daily dose of Nantucket filled with the top island headlines, fun local news stories, and more. Whether you’re on-island or miles away, we're here to keep you connected to the island you love.

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📰 State eyes phone crackdown 📱⬇️

As Nantucket Public Schools report strong early results from their new cellphone restrictions, lawmakers on Beacon Hill are moving to take things even further statewide. In a 129-25 vote Wednesday night, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at curbing both phone use in schools and social media access at home.

The proposal, according to boston.com, would establish a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in all public K-12 schools and prohibit children under 14 from using social media entirely. Teens ages 14 and 15 would need parental consent to create accounts, and platforms would be required to verify ages and remove accounts that don’t comply. The measure is now headed to the Massachusetts Senate. If enacted, the rules would take effect in October. The push comes as Nantucket’s own policy appears to be working. According to Nantucket Current, surveys show roughly nine in 10 staff members at Nantucket High School and Cyrus Peirce Middle School report little to no classroom distraction from phones this year, with similar numbers citing improved student engagement and learning. About three-quarters of parents support the approach.

For more of today's top Nantucket headlines, read DayBreak Nantucket here:

State eyes phone crackdown for kids. Island drought downgraded. Committee applicants wanted. On this date in 1963, the USS Thresher was conducting deep-diving tests about 220 miles east of Cape Cod when it encountered difficulties and sank. Over 120 crew and shipyard personnel were aboard the vessel. None survived.

📰 Spring art sale soon! 🎨⬇️

The Artists Association of Nantucket will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its annual Spring Sweep auction with a weekend of events offering affordable artwork by local artists.

The festivities begin with a "Bids & Bites" kickoff reception on Friday, April 10, from 5 – 7 pm at the American Legion on Washington Street, where attendees can preview the auction and begin bidding. In addition to the traditional silent auction, select works will be available through a buy-it-now option. The in-person auction continues Saturday, April 11, from 10 am — to 3:30 pm. An online auction will run concurrently, featuring a separate selection of works and regularly updated offerings. Artwork across both auctions will include oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, ceramics, and photography. 🖼️📸

As always, read more of today's top island news in DayBreak Nantucket here: https://mailchi.mp/trueislanddigital/news-and-information-about-nantucket-6k9six3dtc?e=346e7af8e6

Spring is in full swing here on island, and DayBreak Nantucket is here to make sure you don't miss a thing. 🌼👏

From the top Nantucket news stories to fun local facts, we've got you covered. Wake up every day with all you need to know about Nantucket right in your inbox.

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📰 Fast ferry returns ⛴️⬇️

The Steamship Authority high-speed ferry, the M/V Iyanough, resumed service yesterday after an annual winter hiatus. The vessel is now operating four round trips per day between Hyannis and Nantucket, weather permitting, a schedule that will remain in place through May. Service is set to increase to five daily round trips for the summer season.

In celebration of the ferry's return, the Steamship Authority has launched a three-week preseason sale, offering 20% off on 10-ride Iyanough electronic ticket books through Saturday, April 11. Adult ticket books are discounted to $299, down from $337.50; senior books are $203.50, down from $254, and child books are $180, down from $225. The discounted books are available online, by phone, or at Steamship Authority terminals.

As always, read more of today's top Nantucket headlines in DayBreak Nantucket here: https://mailchi.mp/trueislanddigital/news-and-information-about-nantucket-vtt0akx568?e=346e7af8e6

📸:

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📰 Gov. Healey seeks relaxed hunting regs ⬇️

Gov. Maura Healey has announced plans to modernize some of Massachusetts' hunting laws, including ending the state's centuries-old outright ban on hunting on Sundays. The governor held a press conference in Falmouth last week, according to boston.com, where she said lifting the ban would help address increasing rates of tick-borne illnesses caused in part by the growing deer population.

The MSPCA has long opposed efforts to lift the Sunday hunting ban. The group points to instances of people accidentally getting shot and argues that "non-hunting nature lovers not only outnumber, but also outspend" hunters by a wide margin. "Repealing the Sunday hunting ban would prioritize the demands of a small minority over the clear preferences of the majority," the MSPCA says on its website.

Healey's proposal would also allow all hunters to use crossbows and reduce setback distancing for hunting, bringing Massachusetts into alignment with neighboring states. The governor said she will include the three changes as part of a larger upcoming spending bill. Separately, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome as a reportable condition, meaning health providers and labs will be required to report identified cases to the state. "The measure is a data-driven approach to help officials gain a clearer understanding of where alpha-gal is prevalent and help clinicians make diagnoses," notes the Vineyard Gazette.

For more of today's top headlines, read DayBreak Nantucket here: https://mailchi.mp/trueislanddigital/news-and-information-about-nantucket-nknbv7sx8y?e=346e7af8e6

Today in DayBreak Nantucket: Senior News 📰⬇️

🧑‍🍳 Amateur chefs can learn how to plan and create satisfying home meals during Cooking with Alice at Saltmarsh Senior Center this week on Tuesday, March 24, at 2 pm. She shares her ingredients and techniques, with students able to sample the results and take home the recipes. Call 508-228-4490 to register.

💻 Zoom sessions are available this week with a representative from the Social Security Administration at the Saltmarsh Senior Center on Wednesday, March 25, for replacement cards only. Recipients should bring their driver’s licenses. Call 508-228-4490 to make an appointment

🍽️ This week's group lunches at Saltmarsh Senior Center on weekdays, at noon, are served with heart-healthy and hearty meals and a chance to chat with friends and newcomers. In addition to their home-delivered Meals on Wheels, Nantucket Elder Services makes the meals available for Nantucket seniors over 60 to enjoy together.

Read more from today's DayBreak Nantucket edition here: https://mailchi.mp/trueislanddigital/nantucket-finance-director-to-depart-ticcoma-green-underway-senior-activities-this-week?e=346e7af8e6

Looking for something to listen to this weekend? Be sure to check out this week's podcasts, including:

🌌 The Star Report with Geoff Clayton of The Maria Mitchell Association, where this week, Geoff talks about how Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket one hundred years ago.

📝 Select Board Recap, where this week, Nantucket Town Manager Libby Gibson goes over everything discussed at the Nantucket Select Board meeting on Wednesday, March 18.

Check out a full list of our True Island Digital podcasts at the link below. Happy listening! 🎙️⬇️

Podcasts — True Island Digital

Happy First Day of Spring, Nantucket! 🎉🌷

We can't believe spring is finally here, and we can't wait to see everyone out on island celebrating the season. From the longer days and warmer weather to those beautiful island blooms, there's just something special about spring on Nantucket. ☀️🌼

As always, we're dedicated to keeping you in the know all season long with what's happening on island. Subscribe at the link below to never miss our daily news editions. What are you looking forward to most this season? ⬇️
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