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It’s not just white sharks: Massachusetts shark researchers ‘closely monitoring’ another shark species this season

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It’s not just white sharks: Massachusetts shark researchers ‘closely monitoring’ another shark species this season


This is just jaw-some.

Another shark species has the attention of local white shark researchers, who will be “closely monitoring” an additional apex predator this season as beachgoers return to the water.

Dusky sharks — which were spotted attacking seals off Nantucket in the past — have also been seen off Orleans’ Nauset Beach, where great white sharks are frequently spotted during the summer and fall.

Local white shark researchers previously had not observed dusky sharks preying on seals off Massachusetts, but now it seems like the shark species is making a comeback in these northern waters.

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“It’s something we’re going to be keeping track of this year,” said Megan Winton, senior scientist with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “We’re definitely going to be closely monitoring them.

“Some people might say, ‘Oh great, now we have another shark species we have to worry about at the beach,’ but the public safety messaging stays the same,” Winton added. “The same ‘Shark Smart’ behaviors still apply.”

To the untrained eye, dusky sharks can look like big white sharks.

They are large-bodied, about 8- to 10-feet long, typically grey with dusky margins on the fins. While a white shark’s fin is triangular, a dusky shark’s fin slopes and curves.

Dusky sharks are not as beefy as white sharks, and their tail movements are more snake-like.

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Dusky sharks are potentially dangerous to beachgoers due to their large size and occurrence in shallow coastal waters, though they have been implicated in few interactions with humans, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.

“The same messaging goes with a second shark species feeding on seals: You don’t want to be swimming with shark food,” Winton said. “That means seals and big schools of fish.

“Also, we’ve learned that white sharks spend a lot of time in shallow water hunting for seals, so be aware of your depth when visiting our beaches,” she added. “Always pay attention to the lifeguards, and don’t swim or surf alone. Anytime you’re going into a wild environment and you know large predators are around, pay attention and be smart about it.”

Researchers put real-time shark receivers off the Cape, so lifeguards get instant updates if a tagged white shark is nearby. The lifeguards will then order everyone out of the water for some time.

Also, beachgoers are urged to report shark sightings to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app. The app helps raise awareness of the presence of white sharks off the coast. The app sightings are fed by researchers, safety officials, and users who upload photos for confirmation.

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Last week, the first confirmed white shark report of the season was off Martha’s Vineyard when a shark fatally bit a seal.

This is the typical time of year when great whites return to the Cape and Islands to hunt for seals.

Winton over the winter was off South Carolina, where she helped tag seven white sharks. One of those sharks recently pinged off Maryland.

“Some are making their way north already as the water temperatures tick up,” Winton said.

Over the weekend, a porbeagle shark beached itself and died in Rhode Island’s Point Judith Pond.

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“The species itself isn’t that surprising as they love colder water and unlike many other sharks that have yet to arrive, this shark was likely getting ready to follow the colder water north as our waters slowly warm,” the Atlantic Shark Institute posted.

The shark was apparently first found wedged in rocks by the breakwater at Salty Brine State Beach in Galilee, but then the shark freed itself and started swimming in circles. The porbeagle then swam into Point Judith Pond and eventually died.

“Thanks to everyone who reached out to us over 24 hours to provide information and video on this shark along with Greg Skomal at MADMF and John Chisholm from New England Aquarium,” the Atlantic Shark Institute wrote. “Both aided our executive director in reviewing all the video and photos to identify this shark.”

Dr. Megan Winton looks out to sea. (National Geographic/Brandon Sargeant)

 

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Trial of accused Boston serial rapist Alvin Campbell Jr. begins today

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Trial of accused Boston serial rapist Alvin Campbell Jr. begins today


The trial of Alvin Campbell Jr., accused of sexually assaulting and attacking nine women from 2017-2019, is set to get underway on Monday.

Campbell is the older brother of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

The 45-year-old faces a number of charges for allegedly sexually assaulting and attacking nine women between 2017-2019 in Boston. According to court records, he would intentionally seek out young women late at night near bars and restaurants, posing as a rideshare driver.

While most of the attacks happened in his car, there is one account of a 26-year-old woman who says Campbell Jr. drove her from Boston to his Cumberland, Rhode Island, apartment, where he assaulted her.

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Right now, he is in custody. He has been held without bail since his arrest in 2020. He continues to insist that all of the encounters he had with the women in question were consensual.

On Monday, he will finally begin the process of trying to prove his innocence to 17 jurors. The jury was selected over the last week. The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Opening statements will lead off Monday’s proceedings.

When asked about the trial, Andrea Joy Campbell said, “I am praying for the survivors and all those affected. It takes extraordinary courage to come forward, and they deserve dignity and respect.”

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Motorcyclists suffer life-threatening injuries in Marlborough crash

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Motorcyclists suffer life-threatening injuries in Marlborough crash


A multi-vehicle crash in Marlborough on Sunday sent two motorcycle riders to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, Massachusetts State Police said.

The crash involved three cars and two motorcycles along I-495 southbound, authorities said.

State police said they, along with Marlborough fire and EMS, responded to the accident at 3:52 p.m.

Both motorcycle riders have life-threatening injuries and one was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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The highway was closed but has since reopened.



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3 ‘secret’ Massachusetts beaches you need to see this summer

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3 ‘secret’ Massachusetts beaches you need to see this summer


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With summer 2026 almost here, it’s time to start thinking about what beaches you want to visit.

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The website Frugal Flyer is willing to give up some of best “secret beaches.” Based off a survey of over 3,000 voters, Frugal Flyer released a list in 2025 of the 95 best secret beaches in the United States.

And three of them are in Massachusetts.

“This summer, something different is happening. Instead of heading to the usual hotspots, Americans are rediscovering the quiet charm of their local, quieter, lesser-known shores,” the website said.

Here are the three Commonwealth secret beaches that were dubbed some of the best in the country.

Madaket Beach

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Ranked 21st on the rankings, Madaket Beach may be one of the more eroded beaches on Nantucket; however, that doesn’t mean it’s without its merits.

The Insider’s Guide to Nantucket said the soft sand makes it perfect for a seaside picnic.

The guide also said that beach has beautiful sunsets. For these reasons, it makes sense it landed at No. 21 on the best secret beaches list.

“While there are no accessible features here this is a great place to go and watch the sun set either in your car or just outside your car,” the Nantucket government website said.

It apparently has a strong surf and is known for big waves, which is good for surfers and bodyboarders, according to the Safe Beach Day website.

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Bound Brook Island Beach

Among Cape Cod’s natural gems, Bound Brook Island Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Set down a dirt road, it’s worth the adventure for breathtaking views of the bay, sweeping sand dunes and serene quiet. 

Ranking 78th on the Frugal Flyer list, the Wellfleet beach is secluded for sure, save for some private properties in the area. That type of solitude can be a very lovely thing.

If you’re trying to find it, the beach located in the northwest corner of Wellfleet, bordering Truro. The easiest place to park, according to the Cape Cod Times, is a little dirt lot at the base of the island, though there are other parking spots in the interior. As with a true secret place, it’s possible you’ll get lost on your first try.

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Plum Island Beach

North Shore’s Plum Island Beach in Newburyport still ranked 95th on the list of the top secret beaches.

“Discover amazing bird watching and the natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge,” the coastal lifestyle website Newburyport.com said. “Enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking or just chill out on the beach and make sure to visit the cool Plum Island restaurants.”

The refuge also offers beach access from parking lots 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Lots 1 and 4 as well as the maintenance area for the refuge have restrooms, and all of their restrooms are wheelchair accessible

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The North Point of Plum Island has some very pretty scenic views for guests to peep, the website said. Visitors out on the water should be careful to stay close to the shore because the tides can rapidly change and swimming there can become very dangerous.

Cemile Kavountzis contributed to the reporting of this story.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.



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