Sunday, April 26, 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.*

Iowa City's culinary rise: Iowa City’s Paper Crane was named to Midwest Living’s 2026 best restaurant list, the only Iowa spot honored, known for elevated ramen and craft cocktails in a sleek, intimate setting -- read the full story.

Options expand for reuse: Iowa City Council unanimously approved zoning changes that could let downtown’s former hotelVetro and Hotel Chauncey convert to housing, easing parking and open space rules. Two readings are still required -- read the full story.

Preservation push gains momentum: Iowa City neighbors and veterans are rallying to save the F-86 Sabre Jet at Iowa City Municipal Airport as maintenance costs and possible relocation put the long-standing tribute in doubt -- learn what could happen next.

The bill everyone over 50 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.*

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.*

Patio pints, anyone? When you need a low-effort hang with high vibes, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom brings award-winning beers, a roomy taproom, and a dog-friendly patio with year-round firepits. Post up with friends, cheer the Hawks, and pretend you’re “just stopping in”... until you’re not.

Summer plans, simplified: Local pro tip: Summer of the Arts is already lining up the good stuff with free concerts, outdoor movies, and downtown festivals like the Iowa Arts Festival and Iowa City Jazz Festival. Peek at the calendar this week, claim your lawn chair spot, then let the season plan itself.

Midwest comfort, elevated: Whether you're craving diner staples with chef-y twists or just want a spot that nails breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pullman Bar & Diner delivers. Think classic Midwest fare made with local love, plus proper craft cocktails and rotating beers that make lingering with friends feel like the plan all along.

That patch of scalp that wasn't there a year ago: It's more common than most folks talk about. Especially in your 50s... hormones, stress, and nutrition all start pulling at hair density at once. Nutrafol is a drug-free daily supplement designed to work on those causes together — and in clinical studies, 93% of women said their hair looked healthier after six months. *Take a look →

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 →

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 →

Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *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 →

📚 Children's Day & Book Day Fiesta @ Iowa City Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:30 AM – This Children’s Day and Book Day fiesta brings a bilingual storytime with Iowa’s own luchador, Latin Thunder, proving the library can body-slam boredom. Bring the kids or grandkids for tales en español y inglés, hands-on activities, and bragging rights at school pickup.

🧹 Coralville Community Cleanup @ Wells Fargo Bank | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:00 PM – Clock out and meet at the Wells Fargo parking lot, 327 2nd Street, for Clear Creek cleanup, the kind of happy hour your cardiologist approves. They supply gloves, bags, and grabbers, you bring sturdy shoes, sense, and a neighborly streak we pretend not to have.

🕯 Farm to Table Candlelight @ Walden Place Senior Living | Thursday (4/30) at 4:30 PM – Trade your weeknight takeout for candlelight and a plate that actually met a farmer. Chef K.C. turns produce grown down the road into courses that make small talk feel profound, with seasonal flavors, cozy vibes, and zero mystery ingredients.

🎨 Paint + Sip: Field of Poppies @ Brush & Barrel (Coralville) | Friday (5/1) at 6:30 PM – Ready to channel your inner Klimt, wine glass in hand? This Paint+Sip debuts a Field of Poppies inspired by Gustav himself, a bright little burst of spring that pairs nicely with good company, unrushed conversation, and the second pour that improves every masterpiece.

🍵 Sisterhood Tea - May 2nd @ LIFEchurch Coralville | Saturday (5/2) at 9:30 AM – Trade the inbox for actual conversation at a relaxed Sisterhood Tea in Coralville, a free morning for women with childcare covered, charcuterie included, and a short, encouraging talk from Krisha Roeder. Dress up if you fancy, browse the boutique, and register early, seats vanish fast.

🌷 Tulip Festival @ Wilson's Orchard & Farm | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats wandering a tulip field you can actually snip from. Wilson's hosts the Corridor's original festival the weekends of April 25/26 and May 2/3. Nab tickets online for less, then reward yourself with photos, blooms, and pizza because balance.

🎗 Spring Benefit @ Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Follow the Farmers Market with a laid-back brunch at Brown Street Inn, with bites, music, and mimosas. Tickets are $40, or $75 for two, a refined BOGO, and the silent auction opens online, then closes at the event. Space is limited, so snag yours early.

14-foot foyer opens to a great room with 18-foot ceilings and wall of windows facing a tree-lined backyard. A zoned kitchen features a range, double ovens, and breakfast room. Study with French doors and dual workstations. Primary suite with cathedral ceiling and fireplace. Upstairs billiards loft, wet bar, and theater, plus lower level flex spaces and circular paver patio.