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Hey Bridgeport, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: U.S. presidential scholar candidates, a $50M cleanup of a former engine plant, and an Islanders vs. Phantoms showdown + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Bridgeport protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Inside a storied program: Stratford students were named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates, honoring top graduating seniors and arts talent. About 650 candidates are named semifinalists for review by the Commission on Presidential Scholars — learn more about the program.

Redevelopment choices ahead: Developers have put nearly $50 million into cleaning up Stratford’s 77-acre former Army Engine Plant, with 54 buildings set to be demolished. Cleanup is expected by the end of 2026 — see possible redevelopment options.

Fresh talents take spotlight: Artists Collective of Westport presents its first New Members Exhibit at the Sheffer Barn at Westport Playhouse. A free reception is today, 6-8 p.m., and the exhibit runs March 4-7 — see schedule and reception info.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Catch Islanders vs. Phantoms showdown
• Sharpen driving skills with AARP
• Meet artists at Housatonic exhibition opening
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Fresh pasta fix: When the week needs a bowl-sized hug, Trattoria a Vucchella delivers handmade pasta, Sorrento-leaning flavors, and a cozy, no-fuss vibe that simply hits. Settle in with a friend for a lingering, chatty dinner, and leave lighter, fuller, and a little sunnier than when you walked in.

Vintage with soul: Craving a closet refresh that feels like you, not the algorithm? At Loom Vintage, find natural‑fiber staples and one‑of‑a‑kind pieces with real character, from timeless textures to slow‑style ease and ever‑rotating discoveries. A quick browse often becomes a grin‑worthy find.

Cool plunge, big reset: When your knees, back, or brain need defrosting from life, iCRYO Fairfield delivers whole-body cryotherapy with smart recovery add-ons like infrared sauna, red light, and compression. In minutes, a brisk freeze refreshes muscles and mood, so post‑workout you feel pre‑Zoom again.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

⛪ Annual Lenten Recital Series @ First Church Congregational | Wednesday (3/4) at 12:15 PM – Take a culture break at lunch with five Lenten Wednesdays of mini-concerts on First Church’s renowned Klais pipe organ, performed by standout regional musicians. It’s free, donations welcomed, and lunch follows, so you can trade email pings for glorious chords, sandwiches, and a breather.

🎷 Park City Jazz Jam @ Park City Music Hall | Wednesday (3/4) at 7:00 PM – Free jazz, run by locals the way it should be. Scott Cushman & Friends host Park City Music Hall’s new jazz jam series, a tight house set, on-site signups, open solos, and an excuse to finally dust off that horn, or just sip and listen.

🏠 CT Better Home Show @ Fairfield University Recreational Complex Field House | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – CT Better Home Show is taking over Fairfield U’s field house with 150-plus exhibits and free tickets. Stop by Shannon Landscaping & Garden Center for advice on tick control, greener lawns, and spring refreshes, then leave plotting patio upgrades, and caring about mulch.

🎹 Children’s Pillow Concert @ Blake Recital Hall | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – This Pillow Concert brings Yale pianist Melvin Chen to Suzuki Music School in Westport, where kids can sprawl on pillows, sit inches from the keys, and even enjoy classical music. It runs 45 minutes, free to attend, family friendly, and screen-free. Reserve a spot.

🎸 Blues Jam @ Park City Music Hall | Wednesday (3/18) at 7:00 PM – A night at Park City Music Hall means a free blues jam with the good stuff. Tom Crivellone from Eddy Clearwater’s band brings Chicago bite, Hall of Fame cred by proxy, and guitar licks that make you forget traffic, chores, and group texts.

🎶 Parks + The Wreck @ The Shebeen | Friday (3/20) at 7:30 PM – The Shebeen’s pouring pints, stoking the fireplace, and letting Parks + The Wreck rip through the stuff you actually know: Petty, INXS, REM, Wilco, Prince, and more. It’s free, loud, and delightfully unpretentious, all killer, no filler.

🤘 School of Rock @ Park City Music Hall | Sunday (3/22) at 2:00 PM – The School of Rock Fairfield crew hits Park City Music Hall with Pink Floyd, plus more favorites, and it’s free, all ages. You get nostalgia, they get stage time, and the kitchen and bar are open. Come for solos, stay for fries and a pint.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Bridgeport report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 36°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 93%

Snow likely between 7am and 11am, then rain and snow likely between 11am and 1pm, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 36. East wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 78%

Rain before 7am. Mostly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Northwest wind around 1 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This newly built Raised Colonial blends bi-level living with modern finishes. The 4-bed, 3-bath design features a living area, sleek kitchen with stainless appliances, and sliders to a patio and backyard. A primary suite awaits upstairs. The lower level adds a family room and fourth bedroom, plus laundry. An unfinished attic offers storage. Close to shops, schools, parks, and transit.

Take a peek inside →