Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Reviewing expanded crime-fighting measures: Buckeye City Council is considering over $1 million in public safety grants, including seven police drones and a new drug task force with investigators and mobile data tools -- see what's under consideration.

Designer cafe lands out west: Coach’s coffee shop opened April 24 at Tanger Outlets Phoenix in Glendale, pouring Stumptown lattes and matcha with a New York diner vibe, plus playful Tabby Cake treats for shoppers -- see what's on the menu.

New pathway to high-tech careers: West-MEC opened a first-of-its-kind K-12 semiconductor cleanroom earlier this month, bringing industry-grade training to West Valley students, with support from partners and guests including TSMC, Amkor, and the SEMI Foundation -- get all the details.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Stitch something cozy: Arizona Quilts in Surprise carries beautiful fabrics, precuts, patterns, and threads, plus frequent new arrivals and approachable classes. Prefer to sidestep quilting a queen-size top yourself? Their friendly longarm services handle the heavy lifting, so you can finish projects with polish and keep the fun in stitching.

Salsa bar, big burritos: Francisco’s Mexican Food is the no-fuss local go-to when you want breakfast burritos all day, carne asada fries that can sub in for dinner, and a salsa bar with actual heat. Friendly, fast, and exactly the kind of comfort you’ll crave midweek.

Self-serve sips await: MT Barrel Tasting Room pours 20 rotating wines and a few local beers to explore at your pace, with cozy vibes, occasional live music, and shareable bites. Guests swipe a pour, sample around, and find a new favorite without the fuss... just easygoing sips and good company.

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 →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🏺 Open Studio / Air Dry Clay @ Conscious Creations Art Studio | Wednesday (4/29) at 10:00 AM – Think kindergarten art time, but with better tools, and zero glitter. Our own Awilda Crespo leads a relaxed air dry clay open studio for newbies and pros alike. Bring a project, lean on her decades of know-how, leave with something you want to display. $35.

✂ Shred-A-Thon @ Fullerton Financial Planning (Peoria) | Wednesday (4/29) at 10:00 AM – Tax-season hangover calls for some therapeutic confetti. Swing by Fullerton Financial Planning’s Shred-A-Thon, feed those ancient statements to the hungry shredder, and leave with a cleaner home office, a quieter junk drawer, and the smug satisfaction of outsmarting identity thieves.

🎨 Paint Night Fundraiser @ Charley's at the Lakes (Peoria) | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Trade scrolling for a brush and join a laid-back paint night that actually does some good. We’ll splash color, swap stories, and fund Kiwanis projects, so your masterpiece supports more than the garage wall. No experience needed, just enthusiasm, and a sense of humor.

💰 Luke Family Homes Community Yard Sale @ Luke Family Homes (Glendale) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Weekend in Luke Family Homes means a neighborhood yard sale, caffeine, neighborly chatter, and haggling. Clean out closets or cruise for hidden gems, curios, and that Pyrex your aunt swears she returned, and if you’re hosting, drop your address so treasure hunters can find you.

♻ Lake Pleasant Cleanup @ Christmas Tree Reef at Lake Pleasent (Peoria) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Bring gloves and a can-do mood to Lake Pleasant for a multi-shop cleanup that helps our favorite swim hole live up to its name. Certified divers get free gear rentals, pick up the day before, return the day of, then brag about rescued sunglasses.

🌎 3rd Annual Ripple Effect Earth Day Cleanup @ Lake Pleasant (Peoria) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Lake Pleasant is getting an Earth Day scrub, above and below the surface, with divers, paddlers, kayakers, and land crews hauling out other people's treasures. Do your good deed, then stay for a potluck, bring something for the grill, and swap tales with lake crew.

📚 Free Comic Book Day Festival 2026 @ Drawn To Comics (Glendale) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you still have longboxes in the garage or just want free reads for the kids, Free Comic Book Day hits Velma Teague Library with Drawn To Comics. More guests, family activities, and cosplayers than ever. Spandex, smiles, and, bless them, still free.

In The Meadows, this nearly 4,400-square-foot stunner delivers 4 ensuite bedrooms with walk-in closets, a versatile flex office, and a rare second primary suite with a private sitting and media lounge. The entertainer’s kitchen boasts a massive island and abundant cabinetry. Seamless indoor-outdoor flow leads to a resort-style backyard. An impressive RV garage expands storage and creative possibilities.