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.*

Street-side sweets debut: La Michoacana on Wheels has opened in Champaign near the Plasma lot on Kirby Avenue, with food and ice cream trucks serving mangonadas, chocolate-covered bananas, Cheetos with cheese, and more -- see what's on the menu.

Broader mobility on the horizon: Champaign is updating its rules to make bike-share easier. Veo has agreed to expand service west of I-57, reaching 9,000 more residents. City officials expect to finalize changes by July -- see what's planned for e-bikes.

Community rallying for prom: With racks thinning, the fifth annual C-U Prom Giveaway ends tomorrow, April 28. Free dresses and suits have gone out, and donations are accepted at Farren's, Fire Doll, and NuEra -- find local drop-off locations.

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.*

Fresh cut, glow-up? At Hansen & Co. Beauty Lounge, a Davines salon in Champaign, expect expert cuts, color, lash lifts, brow lamination, spray tans, and bridal styling. Artists keep upkeep effortless and a bit indulgent... perfect for a quick confidence boost that feels low-fuss and high-polish.

Conversation-friendly pints: This week, trade the shouty bar scene for Hound's Rest, a warm, antique-bar vibe with 27 taps pouring local craft picks plus a focused lineup of cocktails and mocktails. It’s the kind of spot where your group can actually hear each other, then stay for one more because you can.

Slurp-worthy comfort ahead: When Champaign needs a warm-up, Pho Noodle Station quietly delivers the fix with aromatic broth, your pick of brisket, meatball, or eye-round, and noodles with just-right bite. Add fresh spring rolls if you’re feeling extra. It’s the kind of cozy bowl that makes Tuesday feel less Tuesday.

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 →

🌿 Tuesdays at Ten: Out in the Garden @ Champaign Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:00 AM – Tuesdays at Ten at the library means coffee, conversation, and a little brain food. This month is all about plants and springing into the growing season. Swap tips, finally figure out why your basil quits on you, and enjoy that library events are always free.

🌱 Vegetable Gardening From the Soil Up @ Extension Auditorium | Tuesday (4/28) at 7:00 PM – Ready to stop blaming the squirrels and start fixing your soil? U of I’s Chuck Voigt, longtime veggie whisperer and Midwestern garden guru, breaks down soil, seeds, timing, and care for Central Illinois, then fields your questions. Register at go.illinois.edu/CCMGsoil.

🖼 Local Art Exhibit @ The Scratching Post | Wednesday (4/29) at 2:00 PM – Stroll the cat cafe to see Sydney Bruner’s bright, rhinestone-loving art, then reward yourself with a latte and civic virtue. Free to browse, pieces are for sale, and art, food, and merch kick back to local rescues. Reserve the lounge for whiskered VIPs.

🍼 Blooming Babies - Donation Drive @ Elevate Trampoline Park | Thursday (4/30) at 10:00 AM – If you needed a reason to bounce like your knees still remember how, bring a NEW baby item to Elevate Trampoline Park and get two hours for $10, any Thursday in April. One donation per jumper, all benefits stay local, smug glow included.

🎵 Music Bingo @ Harvest Market - Champaign | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Free Music Bingo on the mezzanine. Just check in with the host, claim a card, and let your decades of radio brain finally pay rent. Grab dinner while you hum along. The smash burgers are $2 off, and bragging rights are priceless.

👶 Toddler Time @ The Treehouse: Retail & Play Space | Friday (5/1) at 9:30 AM – Calling all caretakers of kids ages 0 to 5, this free morning at The Treehouse, courtesy of Christie Clinic, is a perfect place to let the wiggles out. Choose one of two playtime slots, register ahead, and finish a coffee while someone else climbs something.

🧱 Lego Star Wars Build Event @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (5/2) – Channel your inner Jedi at an in-store LEGO Star Wars build, open to all but designed for ages 10 and up. Basically May the Fourth prep, without the crowds, the hype, or stepping on a stray brick. Bring a padawan, or just your nostalgia.

On a rare double lot in Devonshire South, this stately brick residence pairs timeless symmetry with extensive updates and a serene, park-like setting. Mature landscaping, a Zen-inspired garden, and a tranquil fountain frame multiple screened porches. Inside, custom millwork and a chef’s kitchen shine. A separate upper-level suite with private access, finished lower level, and a versatile outbuilding add flexibility.