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Hey New Bedford, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Voc-tech climate concerns, whaling history walking tour, and karaoke night + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Campus climate concerns grow: At New Bedford Voc-Tech, a union survey found teachers burnt out and excluded from decisions, as Superintendent Mike Watson received positive June evaluations and said the school’s changes were worthwhile -- read the full story.
New graduation roadmap outlined: Massachusetts’ K-12 Graduation Council released recommendations for new high school requirements, including end-of-course exams and capstones. South Coast districts face uncertainty, with changes unlikely before the 2027–2028 school year -- see the graduation roadmap.
Campaigning face to face: Rep. Seth Moulton met voters at New Bedford’s Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, pitching an in-person campaign ahead of the Democratic Senate primary, while polls showed Sen. Ed Markey leading -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Dog’s day, upgraded: Give your four-legged roommate a win with Diamond in the Ruff Grooming Spa Daycare & Training, offering spa-like grooming, roomy daycare with indoor play and outdoor turf, real-deal training, and boarding with Play and Stay. They even host pup birthday parties with cupcakes and tiny hats, so book a little fun this week.
Level up your unwind: When you want quality without the guesswork, CANA Craft Cannabis Dispensary & Premium Outlet packs a deep menu of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vapes, and artisanal glass pipes, with friendly budtenders who actually listen. Preorder online, swing through, and treat your week some kindness.
Fresh hair, good vibes: Salon V Beauty Lounge is a local favorite for a reason, with beautiful hair tailored for you and customized permanent jewelry that actually fits your vibe. Established in 2017 and voted New Bedford’s Platinum Salon in 2024, it’s an easy confidence boost when you need one.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧘 Yoga in the Park @ Hazelwood Park | Tuesday (8/4) at 5:30 PM – Free outdoor yoga in the park, all levels welcome, with certified instructors guiding gentle movement, mindful breathing, and actual relaxation. Bring a mat, water, and a friend, then stretch, chat, and enjoy high oxygen, low drama, and trees that keep your secrets.
🏘 Ward Wednesdays @ Buttonwood Park Zoo | Wednesday (8/5) at 9:00 AM – Ward 4 folks, the Buttonwood Park Zoo is on the house for Ward Wednesdays, so Downtown and Central neighbors get in free. Flash proof of address at the gate, not your old Blockbuster card. Animals included, rides not included, and smiles encouraged.
🃏 MTG - Commander Night @ The Armoury Wargames and Hobbies (Fairhaven) | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:00 AM – Every Wednesday, MTG Commander takes over, because slinging cardboard with 40 to 50 locals counts as self-care. Free, casual pods, plenty of decks to tangle with, and an optional raffle where one in four win. Hit 32 entries, first place hauls a booster box.
❓ Trivia Night Wednesdays @ New Beige | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Think you remember 90s sitcom catchphrases, or was that just the reruns talking? Wednesday means free trivia featuring themed and general rounds, play solo or squad up, and prizes for the sharpest minds. Full themed nights hit twice a month, with locals nudging the topics.
🧘 Free Yoga @ The Trustees - Haskell Public Gardens | Thursday (8/6) at 5:30 PM – Trade the creaky gym floor for grass at Haskell Public Gardens with a free, all-levels yoga class from NB Well instructors. Expect birdsong, easy stretching, and zero judgment, just bring a mat, water, a towel or blocks if you like, and your best backyard zen.
🎤 Karaoke Nights @ The Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts (Fairhaven) | Friday (8/7) at 6:30 PM – Whether you belt it out or stick to enthusiastic clapping, The Shep turns into our neighborhood songbook every Friday. Free to join, family friendly, and gloriously off key in the best way, show up solo, with a duet partner, or the whole crew.
🚢 Lagoda: Below Deck Tours @ New Bedford Whaling Museum | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Climb aboard Lagoda at the Whaling Museum for a below deck tour on the half-scale bark, free with admission. Closest you can get to 19th century whaling grit without the seasickness, the smell of blubber, or a three-year voyage. Bring your curiosity, leave your Dramamine.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — New Bedford report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 8%
Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 1 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 17%
A slight chance of rain showers between 10am and 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 1 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. This house is wildThis beautifully renovated South End seaside home sits just steps from the beach and pairs modern comfort with easy coastal charm. A newly added second level expands the layout with a private primary suite and three additional bedrooms, while the main floor offers a first-floor bedroom, full bath, and sun-filled open living space made for relaxed entertaining.
Take a peek inside → |
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