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Hey UP, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Roadwork slowdowns, a hands-on mushroom workshop, and yoga under the stars + 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.
Wildcats earn academic acclaim: Northern Michigan women’s basketball was honored for academics, tying for 17th in Division II with a 3.752 GPA. A dozen Wildcats earned GLIAC awards, and four made Academic All-District -- read the full story.
Back-to-school health checklist: As school approaches, Michigan pediatricians urge parents to reset children's sleep, schedule wellness visits, update immunization documentation for kindergarteners, seventh-graders, and new-district students, renew medication authorizations, and consider eye checkups -- read the full story.
Roadwork season heats up: Michigan roadwork ramps up this week with more than 130 projects statewide. In the U.P., U.S. 41 has closures in Houghton County and other highways face slowdowns -- see the full construction list.
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.
Giant cinnamon roll fix: Locals know Hilltop Restaurant for homestyle plates that actually taste homemade, plus those famous giant cinnamon rolls that laugh at your willpower. Swing up for a cozy meal, tomato basil soup that hits the spot, and hilltop views this week because you earned it.
Sky-high U.P. reset: Ride the Copper Peak Adventure Ride by chair lift to an 800-foot hilltop, then hop an 18-story elevator to an observation deck with views sweeping over 2,500 square miles. It’s a quick way to remember why you live here, and the place is gearing up for even bigger things with ski jump redevelopment underway.
Nails worth showing off: M Nails And Spa pairs expert technicians with exclusive nail designs, high quality products, and grade-A sanitation so your manicure actually lasts and your feet forgive you. When the week gets loud, a relaxing pedicure or quick waxing here resets your vibe for real U.P. life.
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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.
🎨 Jurassic Art Reception @ Peter White Public Library (Marquette) | Tuesday (8/4) at 3:00 PM – Whether your fridge gallery is full or you are new to glue sticks, the Jurassic Art Reception lets kid artists who submitted strut in dress-up finest, enjoy treats and drinks, and admire their masterpieces with family and friends. Free, festive, and mercifully glitter-contained.
🥕 Downtown Houghton Farmers Market @ Downtown Houghton Farmer's Market | Tuesday (8/4) at 3:00 PM – Tuesday afternoons call for canal breezes, fresh berries, and running into everyone you know at Houghton Waterfront Pier by the library. Growers, artisans, and chefs bring the Keweenaw’s best June through October, you can swipe for tokens, with cash, cards, and food assistance welcome.
🍽 Lunch on Ludington @ Escanaba Marketplace | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:30 AM – Call it a working lunch and wander to the MarketPlace on Ludington for live music every Wednesday, plus a food truck that actually feeds grown-ups. Rotating acts keep it fresh, your inbox can wait, and the sidewalk people-watching is peak Escanaba.
🎵 Brookie @ Downtown Houghton | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Summer Slam is keeping Wednesdays easy as Brookie brings shimmering indie folk and light rock to the Downtown Houghton Pier. Free, local, and ideal for a lawn chair, a picnic, and social district sips. If the clouds misbehave, we pivot to the Dee Ballroom.
🎶 Century 21 Affiliated Summer Concert Series @ Kestner Waterfront Park (Houghton) | Thursday (8/6) – Call it the soundtrack to August, weekly concerts by the water at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, courtesy of Century 21 Affiliated. Every Thursday, the band shell becomes the neighborhood living room, so bring a chair, your best small talk, and a tolerance for lake breezes.
🧺 Farmers & Artisans Market @ Iron Mountain Downtown Farmers & Artisans Market | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Think you know your tomatoes from your turnips? The downtown market across from the library is back to rescue your Saturday mornings with fresh produce, strong coffee, and neighborly gossip. Thirty-ish vendors, zero pretense, plenty of flowers, breads, and reasons to linger.
📚 Summer Reading Lawn Bash @ Escanaba Public Library | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – Nothing says small-town summer like a library lawn bash, with food, music, games, and the Bookmobile holding court. Turn in that final reading log for a $10 Canterbury Bookstore certificate, courtesy of the Friends, and if clouds roll in, the party relocates inside, fewer mosquitoes.
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 — Upper Peninsula report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 30%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 52°F — Precip: 19%
A slight chance of rain showers before 7am. Mostly sunny. High near 78, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. This house is wildThis 2,062-square-foot new build in Houghton Public Schools pairs modern style with smart functionality. A front-facing great room, quartz-topped kitchen, 48-inch island, and dining nook opening to a 10x10 deck keep daily life feeling connected. Upstairs, four roomy bedrooms include a private primary suite, while the walkout basement, oversized 20x24 garage, and energy-smart construction add extra appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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