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.*

Major infrastructure upgrades ahead: Using a $5 million grant, the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District plans a new West Bloomington sewer interceptor and says the line could reach Hudson, alongside infrastructure updates near Sunnyside Park -- get all the project details.

Elevating student news savvy: Unit 5 in Normal received a $30,000 grant to expand media literacy in both high schools, training teachers and helping students spot misinformation and build critical thinking skills before college -- read the full story.

Helmet safety concerns rise: Normal is warning residents after a recall of Pro-Rider bike helmets that may not protect riders in a crash, urging checks of model numbers and manufacture dates before hitting Bloomington-Normal trails -- learn which models are affected.

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.*

Global flavors, local vibes: When dinner indecision hits, Fusion Crunch saves the night with from-scratch mashups like birria tacos, Malaysian quesadillas, ramen bowls, and the Furious Fusion Burger, all backed by house-made sauces and a farm-to-fork mindset. A solid Bloomington go-to when your group wants everything, all at once.

Spice things up: When your week needs a little wink, Lovers Playground stocks adult novelties and movies to level up solo time or couple time. Browse in person, or keep it low key with ship to store, then get back to being the fun Bloomington local you are.

Embrace the wonderfully odd: If your living room needs a conversation piece, The Painted Wraith Curiosity Shoppe LLC curates taxidermy ducklings, unused vintage caskets, metaphysical reads, and local original artwork that’s equal parts eerie and charming. Pop in this week, let your inner goth or curious neighbor choose a conversation starter you’ll grin at every time.

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 →

🪴 Spring Porch Pot @ Wendell Niepagen Greenhouses and Garden Center | Thursday (4/30) at 5:00 PM – Get your hands dirty at a spring porch pot workshop with Kathy, who’ll show simple, colorful combos your front step will brag about. It’s five bucks for soil and instruction, then you pick and buy the pots, plants, and decor. Bundle up, bring gloves.

🏷 Mrs Fort Estate Sale @ McKinley Clean Outs & Sales (Normal) | Friday (5/1) at 10:00 AM – Normal’s living estate sale of the week, where you could score a barrister bookcase, a pile of Pyrex, or a 2006 Crown Vic. Everything in the house, garage, and yard is priced to move, with Saturday half price. No “how much” texts, bring loading help.

🧵 Threads of Hope @ Bloomington Country Club | Friday (5/1) at 1:00 PM – If your Derby hat needs a field trip, Threads of Hope is the move. High tea luncheon, Prosecco and Rosé at the table, an Oaks Lily, local boutiques on the runway, and donation-based Best Dressed bragging rights, all backing Lilac Rising’s work for women.

🌶 Salsa de Mayo @ Von Champs Boutique | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to pretend you planned ahead, this is it. Downtown is kicking off summer with Fudge Farm Flowers for Mother’s Day orders, homemade salsa samples, and Vicky’s Boutique slinging tomato starts, starter plants, and garden goodies.

✨ Glo-Bingo @ Bloomington VFW | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Forget the gala this year, we’re glowing up at the VFW in Bloomington for Mulberry School’s Glo-Bingo fundraiser. Expect winning rounds, raffle baskets, a 50/50, glow merch, and snacks, all the fun without the rubber chicken, and your night out actually helps the kids.

🥕 Opening Day Farmers' Market @ Downtown Square | Saturday (5/2) at 7:30 AM – Opening Day at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market is back, so expect to bump into half the town while pretending you came for kale. Fresh produce, handmade goods, music, and favorite vendors, plus a few new faces, fill the Square. Bring a tote, and patience.

🛍 All Access Market: Inclusive Spring Market @ Lifelong Access (Normal) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Take a breather from errands and swing by this inclusive spring market at Lifelong Access, where local vendors, one-of-a-kind art, and food trucks make Normal feel anything but. Bring your wallet, your curiosity, and the kids, then leave with crafts, snacks, and neighborly bragging rights.

This all-brick 2-story pairs classic curb appeal with a resort-style backyard offering an in-ground pool, pergola, and a deck. Inside, a two-story foyer, 9-foot ceilings, and triple crown molding set the tone. A see-through fireplace links the office and family room to a gourmet kitchen. A primary suite and a finished basement with wet bar and wine storage complete it.