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The Dogtown Reader
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Looking to stand out from the crowded New England travel market, Discover Gloucester and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce have launched a tourism rebrand based on a new nickname for the city, urging potential visitors to “Come Find the G-Spot.”
Gloucester Unveils New Tourism Campaign: “Come Find the G-Spot”
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — Looking to stand out from the crowded New England travel market, Discover Gloucester and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce have la…
thedogtownreader.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:25 PM
One candidate will lead Gloucester into its next chapter. But both, it seems, are fully prepared for the unique challenge and charm that comes with being America’s Oldest Seaport.
Double Shot of Leadership: A Day with Gloucester’s Mayoral Hopefuls
By Dan LaRue | Man-on-the-Street Reporter GLOUCESTER — It’s a drizzly Tuesday morning in mid-October, and Mayor Greg Verga steps up to the counter at Dunkin Donuts on Washington Street. He orders w…
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October 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
With the leaves starting to hit the ground, the Town of Rockport reminds residents of their mandatory blower duties.
Rockport Blows Into the Future: Gas Leaf Blowers Now Mandatory
By Robert Pringles | Rockport Correspondent ROCKPORT — In a historic vote that future generations will no doubt study with awe and mild tinnitus, the Town of Rockport has not only reversed its gas …
thedogtownreader.com
October 11, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The ordinance, which bans skeletons from being posed in “seductive, suggestive, or scandalously straddling positions,” comes after a series of complaints from residents who claimed the displays were “inappropriate for family neighborhoods” and “awakened something strange inside them.”
Rockport Passes Ordinance Banning Skeletons That Are “Too Sexy”
By Robert Pringles | Rockport Correspondent ROCKPORT — In an emergency 4–1 vote late Tuesday night, the Rockport Select Board approved a new seasonal ordinance aimed at curbing what officials descr…
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October 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The Board of Selectmen is expected to hold a closed-door meeting to determine whether an open-door meeting is warranted to address the matter.
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Something Happens in Essex
By Edward Burnham-Marsh | Essex Correspondant ESSEX — In a shocking turn of events, something — possibly significant, perhaps even newsworthy — has reportedly occurred in the quiet coastal town of …
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September 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
As the sun rose over Cape Ann on Wednesday morning and the world remained distinctly unraptured, local residents expressed a mix of relief, frustration, and mild confusion at the failure of the much-discussed September 23, 2025 rapture prophecy to deliver on its apocalyptic promises.
Cape Ann Residents Grapple with Post-Rapture Disappointment
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — As the sun rose over Cape Ann on Wednesday morning and the world remained distinctly unraptured, local residents expressed a mix of relie…
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September 25, 2025 at 11:57 AM
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments: Friday, September 19
September 20, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Dozens gathered by the Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial for a somber candlelight vigil Sunday evening to mourn the sudden closure of the beloved Wendy’s location in Gloucester.
NEWS IN BRIEF: Candlelight Vigil Held for Gloucester Wendy’s
Dozens gathered by the Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial for a somber candlelight vigil Sunday evening to mourn the sudden closure of the beloved Wendy’s location in Gloucester. The crowd — a m…
thedogtownreader.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:25 PM
“We never knew we would be this successful, but we’re honored to serve this community,” said Chief. “And we promise to keep doing what we do best: blurring the line between absurdity and reality — which, on Cape Ann, is thinner than you’d think.”
Local Satire Page Reaches 1,000 Followers, Causes Minor Existential Crisis
By The Dogtown Reader Staff GLOUCESTER — The Dogtown Reader, Cape Ann’s premiere (and arguably only) satirical news outlet, reached a milestone this week by surpassing 1,000 followers across its pl…
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September 12, 2025 at 12:35 PM
“I’m just relieved this is the weirdest thing happening in Gloucester right now,” said onlooker Lynda Carbone, sipping a Dunks iced regular. “Like, let’s just let this be the headline for a bit. Please.”
TALK OF THE TOWN: Mayor Greg Verga Does Sick Kickflip Over Blynman Bridge
Shockwaves were sent through the Gloucester mayoral race early Wednesday on Stacy Boulevard when Mayor Greg Verga, armed with a well-worn skateboard and surprising core strength, executed a flawles…
thedogtownreader.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
With rumors, scandals, and persistent administrative troubles rocking the race for mayor, candidate Paul Lundberg has officially entered crisis mode — not because of a scandal, but because of the lack of one.
Lundberg Desperately Seeks Scandal to Remain Viable in Mayoral Race
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — With rumors, scandals, and persistent administrative troubles rocking the race for mayor, candidate Paul Lundberg has officially entered …
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September 8, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Tensions erupted Monday morning as a host led by the Salem Witch Museum launched a full-scale siege against Gloucester’s historic Hammond Castle. The assault marks a dramatic escalation in the long-standing feud between the rival North Shore tourist attractions.
Hammond Castle Under Siege; Verga Calls Banners
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — Tensions erupted Monday morning as a host led by the Salem Witch Museum launched a full-scale siege against Gloucester’s historic Hammond…
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September 2, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Ocean Alliance announced Monday that it would abandon its environmental restoration efforts at the historic Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory on Rocky Neck in favor of a new vision: a coal-burning power plant and open-air waste disposal facility.
Ocean Alliance Shifts Course, Paint Factory to Become Coal Plant and Waste Dump
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent In a reversal that has thrilled longtime critics and confounded environmentalists, Ocean Alliance announced Monday that it would abandon its environme…
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August 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM
As part of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s “Make America Healthy Again" campaign, the U.S. Surgeon General released new guidance this week encouraging citizens to consume at least ten pounds of fried shrimp per week, citing the benefits of seafood.
NEWS IN BRIEF: U.S. Surgeon General Recommends Eating 10 Pounds of Fried Shrimp Every Week
As part of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, the U.S. Surgeon General released new guidance this week encouraging citizens to consume at least ten…
thedogtownreader.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Our trash situation? It’s out of control. Torn up purple bags across town, the scent of stale clam chowder and discarded prophylactics wafting past City Hall — it’s an affront to decency.

What’s really going on? Is it just a labor dispute, municipal mismanagement, or something far more insidious?
My View: Who’s Really Behind Gloucester’s Trash Nightmare?
By Darren Splake | Guest Columnist People of Gloucester! I’ve been on the case — and not just because the police log formally accused me of staging a midnight “seaweed heist” at the Gloucester Hous…
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August 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“He may be small in stature, but he’s got big ideas,” the taller Lundberg said. “If Gloucester is going to thrive, we need both full-size vision and pocket-sized practicality.”
Lundberg Introduces Running Mate: Meet “Small Lundberg”
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — Mayoral candidate Paul Lundberg, known for his steady demeanor, pragmatic platform, and extensive sweater vest collection, stunned suppor…
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July 30, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The DPW yard on Poplar St. has seen its share of oddities this summer as the Republic Services labor strike nears one month, but nothing prepared residents for the sight of Marvin — a living, breathing, oddly wise mound of trash believed to be the child of Marjory the Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock.
Recycling Pile Gets a New Guardian: Fraggle Rock’s Trashy Offspring Moves In
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — The Department of Public Works yard on Poplar Street has seen its share of oddities this summer as the Republic Services labor strike nea…
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July 28, 2025 at 1:03 PM
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments: Friday, July 25
July 28, 2025 at 2:21 AM
In a 7-2 vote Tuesday night, the Gloucester City Council approved a $666,000 loan order to fund the design and installation of a bronze statue of the late heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, to be placed in Grant Circle at the entrance to Gloucester.
Council OKs $666,000 Loan Order for Ozzy Osbourne Statue
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — In a 7-2 vote Tuesday night, the Gloucester City Council approved a $666,000 loan order to fund the design and installation of a bronze s…
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July 23, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Scandal is rocking Cape Ann after a local photographer captured the Man at the Wheel and Our Lady of Good Voyage locked in what appeared to be a passionate — but poorly timed — embrace at the Cape Ann Big Band concert this weekend.
TALK OF THE TOWN: Local Statues Caught Embracing
Scandal is rocking Cape Ann after a local photographer captured the Man at the Wheel and Our Lady of Good Voyage locked in what appeared to be a passionate — but poorly timed — embrace at the Cape …
thedogtownreader.com
July 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments: Friday, July 18
July 21, 2025 at 1:16 AM
The show follows Annie, a washed-up cruise ship singer turned townie, as she careens through a whirlwind of local feuds, small-town entanglements, and brushes with the supernatural.
Netflix Sets Cape Ann Aflutter with New Comedy Series “Cape Annie”
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — Netflix has officially announced production of Cape Annie, a new original comedy series set and filmed on Cape Ann, promising “lobsters, …
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July 15, 2025 at 1:24 PM
“I’ve been described as ‘blighted, decadent, and substandard,’” the lot said. “Which, to be fair, in Gloucester is a pretty common personality profile.”
At 63, I4-C2 Still Doesn’t Know What It Wants to Be When It Grows Up
By Dan LaRue | Man-on-the-Street Reporter GLOUCESTER — The city-owned parcel known as I4-C2 sits along the Gloucester waterfront like a question that never got answered. It’s a scenic slab of…
thedogtownreader.com
July 10, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Thanks Obama.
July 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
With garbage collection delayed, canceled, or up in the air — depending on the hour — throughout Cape Ann due to the recent sanitation workers’ strike, the City of Gloucester has announced a groundbreaking new initiative: transitioning the local economy to a fully trash-based system.
Gloucester Declares New “Trash-Based Economy” Following Garbage Strike
By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent GLOUCESTER — With garbage collection delayed, canceled, or up in the air — depending on the hour — throughout Cape Ann due to the recent sanitation wo…
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July 7, 2025 at 12:42 PM