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Hey Denton, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: North Texas fair and rodeo, a $1 million scholarship endowment, and live trivia nights + 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.
Ten nights of fun: The North Texas Fair and Rodeo will run in Denton August 21 to 30 with country music, rodeos, kid zones, and Texas stars like William Clark Green and Diamond Rio -- get all the details.
Foundation backs future scholars: Honoring a TWU alumna, the JF Maddox Foundation created a $1 million endowment, with scholarships starting in 2027 and priority for first-generation students pursuing STEAM, nursing, and health sciences -- see the scholarship details.
A milestone wine celebration: GrapeFest will return to Grapevine’s Historic Main Street September 17 to 20 for its 40th anniversary, featuring Texas wines, the People’s Choice tasting, and wines from Austria, Australia, and Mexico -- 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.
Dinner, handled: Fiesta Mart #83 keeps Denton kitchens humming with Latin staples, fresh produce, and Pepe's Kitchen standbys like rotisserie chicken, crispy fried favorites, and taco party platters. This week, skip the recipe panic and let them stock your fridge and save your dinner plans in one quick run.
Smudge-proof glow-up: Microblade by Cheng specializes in permanent makeup that survives Texas heat, from natural-looking microblading and ombre brows to eyeliner, lash enhancements, and lip blush. If you’re over penciling at red lights, let Cheng’s decade-plus expertise deliver wake-up-and-go confidence that actually lasts.
Step into Denton history: Stretch your legs at Elm Fork Bridge - Texas State Historical Marker, a 1922 Pratt through-truss steel span reborn as a pedestrian bridge on the Ray Roberts Lake State Park Greenbelt, complete with a 20-mile trail that shadows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It’s local history you can walk on.
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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.
❓ Live Trivia Nights @ Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs | Tuesday (8/4) at 7:00 PM – Round up the human encyclopedias in your life and head to Cheba Hut on West Eagle for weekly live trivia. It is free to play, prizes go to the overachievers, and the sandwiches pair nicely with smug victory, friendly heckling, and Denton bragging rights.
🎤 Karaoke @ Harvest House | Tuesday (8/4) at 8:00 PM – Whether your go-to is a Sinatra croon or a guilty-pleasure 80s blast, Tuesday nights with J Doubles give your shower setlist a real stage. Free to sing, free to watch, decent pours, and zero judges, unless you count your neighbors.
🎤 Karaoke Tuesdays @ II Charlies Bar & Grill | Tuesday (8/4) at 9:00 PM – Karaoke Tuesday at 2 Charlies turns the midweek slump into your unofficial reunion tour, no cover, great eats, and drink specials. Pick from 50,000 songs, go solo or rope in harmonizing neighbors, then dance, cheer, and politely tolerate that one friend’s inevitable Journey moment.
🎲 Weekly Dungeons & Dragons @ More Fun Game Center | Wednesday (8/5) at 3:00 PM – If your idea of cardio is sprinting from a gelatinous cube, this weekly D&D night is your kind of workout. First timers play free, veterans kick in five bucks to the DM, and showing up a bit early helps you land the right party.
🏃 Wednesday Night Social Run @ Oak St. Drafthouse | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Wednesday nights around here are for the longest running social run, with a 5k or an easy 2 mile walk, your call. Scan QR like a modern athlete, show ID for the featured beer, and wear something the streetlights can see. Free, social, and endorphin-y.
💰 Wealth Lounge Live @ Denton County Administrative Courthouse | Thursday (8/6) at 5:30 PM – Think legacy, leadership, and community without the stuffy speeches. Wealth Lounge Live debuts as a complimentary gathering of local leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and families, built for real conversations, new connections, and the kind of impact you might actually feel good passing down.
🍻 Thirsty Thursdays @ The Picklr Denton | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – Thirsty Thursday at The Picklr brings open play pickleball, friendly competition, and half-off beer, so your backhand, pride, and wallet all get a win. No partner needed, and it is free for members, or ten bucks if you are not.
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 — Denton report Weather forecastToday — High: 102°F — Low: 80°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 80, with temperatures rising to around 82 overnight. Heat index values as high as 104. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 102°F — Low: 81°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 102. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 81, with temperatures rising to around 83 overnight. South wind 5 to 10 mph. This house is wildThis Toll Brothers Randolf, set for a November 2026 completion, pairs grand scale with smart design. A two-story foyer opens to a soaring great room, casual dining area, and covered patio, while the kitchen brings a large island and walk-in pantry. The main-floor primary suite adds a tray ceiling, spa bath, and oversized closet. Upstairs, loft and ensuite bedrooms keep things flexible.
Take a peek inside → |
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