Celebrities visiting New Bedford was the most read story of the week. Find out who:

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

A 51-year-old New Bedford woman was struck and killed after exiting a vehicle on the highway in Westport on April 15, according to Massachusetts State Police. A 2010 Ford Fusion traveling eastbound on Interstate 195 hit the woman who was making her way down the right travel lane on foot, MSP said.

Changes are in store for the historic Capitol Theater as it develops into a neighborhood center to meet the needs of diverse groups of community members.  It will be restored and transformed into six affordable rental apartments and will also provide commercial space that will house small businesses and health and neighborhood services.

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:

These celebrities have visited the New Bedford area

Bill Murray, left, poses with a staff member at Turk's Seafood while dining out on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Bill Murray, left, poses with a staff member at Turk's Seafood while dining out on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Even though Hollywood may seem worlds away, it's not uncommon to catch a glimpse of some A-list celebrities in the humble city of New Bedford.

The Whaling City has become a popular destination for film productions and has also drawn in famous names for leisurely visits and dining experiences. Memorable celebrities who have made their way to New Bedford over the years include renowned stars such as Justin Timberlake, Bill Murray, and Tommy Lee Jones.

Here's why: These celebrities visited the New Bedford area.

Closed for 15 years, Fairhaven's old Bijou Theatre building is active again

Julio Barbosa, owner and developer, walks into the apartment door of the former Bijou Theater on Main Street in Fairhaven.
Julio Barbosa, owner and developer, walks into the apartment door of the former Bijou Theater on Main Street in Fairhaven.

Once a staple in the community, the Bijou Theatre was closed for over 15 years, slowly falling apart, fading out of existence, and falling into disrepair. Now, Julio Barbosa, who saw potential in this historic building, has brought it back to life.

The Bijou Theatre building, which includes 15 one-bedroom apartments and three retail spaces, is now fully renovated and occupied. The apartments provide housing for elderly veterans and others who were previously homeless.

Step inside: Closed for 15 years, Fairhaven's old Bijou Theatre building is active again.

Lead singer for the Grammy winning, Billboard topping R&B group Tavares dies

From left to right, Ralph, Pooch, Tiny, Butch and Chubby Tavares entertain a full house.
From left to right, Ralph, Pooch, Tiny, Butch and Chubby Tavares entertain a full house.

Arthur “Pooch” Tavares, member of the iconic music group Tavares, has passed away.

His brother, Perry Lee “Tiny” Tavares, posted a photo tribute on his Facebook page  April 17, with the message, "Miss what we had."

It was only a little over a week ago that the New Bedford City Council met to discuss the dedication ceremony for Tavares Brothers Way, a street honoring the brothers and their accomplishments.

Music icon: Lead singer for the Grammy winning, Billboard topping R&B group Tavares dies

New Bedford Public Schools wants your ideas on what to name a new elementary school

New Bedford Public Schools is looking to replace the existing James B. Congdon and John B. DeValles elementary schools in the city's South End with one new building. If all goes smoothly, the district looks to open the school sometime in 2026.
New Bedford Public Schools is looking to replace the existing James B. Congdon and John B. DeValles elementary schools in the city's South End with one new building. If all goes smoothly, the district looks to open the school sometime in 2026.

New Bedford Public Schools wants your input on what to name the district's yet-to-be-built South End elementary school.

The school, expected to be completed sometime in 2026, will replace the aging James B. Congdon and John B. DeValles elementary schools in the South End. The location planned for it is the former Goodyear plant site at 651 Orchard St.

Send in your suggestions: New Bedford Public Schools wants your ideas on what to name a new elementary school.

The Black Whale opens its newly renovated patio

The Black Whale opens their new outdoor patio area.
The Black Whale opens their new outdoor patio area.

The Black Whale has officially opened their newly renovated outdoor patio.

The addition of the patio, which opened softly on April 11, has been an anticipated project for the restaurant, as it aims to elevate the three pillars of their business: food, service and ambiance.

The Black Whale has also added multiple heating systems to the patio, making it possible for guests to dine comfortably for most of the year.

What's new: The Black Whale opens its newly renovated patio.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Week's top stories were Celebrities in New Bedford and Bijou Theatre