New Bedford expanding its first-time homebuyer program is a hot topic. Read more about it.

As we head into a new week, let's take a look at the news from this past week.

New Bedford State Pier proposal makes fishing a destination attraction. It's a joint proposal from Buyers and Sellers Exchange Seafood and New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. A seafood market and a satellite office for the fishing heritage center would be in front with the auction house in the back. They would be employing 56 people with the potential for more employment.

With its five epic waterslides, Water Wizz has kicked off its 42nd season with several changes aimed at improving the customer experience. It has a new ticketing system with scanning stations on podiums, VIP seating, updated lockers, and lots of reservations to check out.

Keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and Player of the Week voting at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports.

Here are the most-read stories of the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com:

New Bedford expands first-time homebuyer program helping more to pursue the American dream

With the expansion of the city’s first-time homebuyer program, current New Bedford residents looking to buy property in the city may be able to live the dream of home ownership.

New Bedford continues to make use of its American Rescue Plan Act funding by expanding its homebuyer program with another $500,000 at a time when there are more than 700 new units of housing in development across New Bedford at all income levels.

ARPA funding is also available to assist eligible homebuyers with repairs and contribute additional funding to the city’s existing home repair programs.

Housing:New Bedford expands first-time homebuyer program helping more to pursue the American dream

Could a restaurant on New Bedford State Pier bring 200,000 people downtown?

Servedwell Hospitality owner Steve Silverstein says his proposed restaurant on State Pier - Homeport - would attract 200,000 people a year.

The $5 million restaurant project is one of seven proposals for the eight-acre State Pier's redevelopment being considered by MassDevelopment.

Homeport would be reminiscent of the former iconic Boston seafood restaurant, No Name Restaurant.

What to know:Could a restaurant on New Bedford State Pier bring 200,000 people downtown?

Former GNBVT guidance director pays $10,000 state penalty for conflict of interest

Heather Larkin, former Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School guidance and pupil personnel services director, has paid a $10,000 civil penalty for violating the conflict of interest law.

Larkin contracted with her friend and business partner to provide services to the school, using the school’s resources to promote her private business event, and through other actions, according to a press release from the state Ethics Commission.

School news:Former GNBVT guidance director pays $10,000 state penalty for conflict of interest

Stabbing at Dartmouth Mall under investigation

One person was taken to the hospital and another arrested after an apparent stabbing in the parking lot of the Dartmouth Mall on Sunday, June 23.

According to a police press release, at approximately 2:50 p.m., the police responded to the Dartmouth Mall regarding a possible stabbing in the parking lot outside of Five Below.

One person in custody:Stabbing at Dartmouth Mall under investigation.

New Bedford Harbor Tours are back

Back for its second season, New Bedford Harbor Tours are re-launching from Pier 3 offering one-hour guided tours and 90-minute sunset tours.

"I would say the tour is a fascinating mix of history, industry and natural beauty," said Captain Annette Martel.

"We leave our docking area and typically take a counterclockwise route around the harbor," Martel said. "We pass by local landmarks such as Palmer's Island Lighthouse, Crow Island and The Joshua Slocum Memorial. We also take the opportunity to go outside of the hurricane barrier for a closer look at the largest fishing fleet in the U.S."

What to know before you go:New Bedford Harbor Tours are back.

All of these stories can be read in their entirety at southcoasttoday.com.