Hello DeKalb! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: An AI-powered stethoscope, the big balloonosaur adventure, and Lincoln Highway mural + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community-backed art project: Kirsten Sandlin completed a Lincoln Highway mural in DeKalb, crediting community support, a commission’s America 250 nod, and an Illinois Arts Council grant. A 1920s vehicle and history shape design -- see the mural details.
A milestone for downtown: Artist Kirsten Sandlin finished DeKalb’s Lincoln Highway mural with strong community support, a Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission pick for America 250 that received partial funding from the Illinois Arts Council -- see the finished mural.
Advancing smarter diagnostics: NIU researchers in DeKalb are developing an AI-powered stethoscope to detect respiratory disease, supporting clinicians and parents. The project enhances care without replacing providers, highlighted at the Huskie Trek Talks -- see the new stethoscope.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees 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.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Green-thumb reset: If your yard or windowsill needs a glow-up, Blumen Gardens over in Sycamore blends a full nursery with perennials grown on-site, trees and shrubs, and plenty of houseplants, plus a gift shop and an event venue tucked into renovated historic buildings, so you can wander, get inspired, and bring a little jungle home.
Quick nature recharge: Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or a lazy afternoon, Prairie Park is the low-effort, high-reward move. Stroll the walking trail, toss a round on the disc golf course, wet a line, then claim a shady picnic table and pretend your inbox doesn’t exist.
Press start, DeKalb: Rediscover button-mashing joy at STAR WORLDS ARCADE, a true neighborhood spot with a rotating mix of classic cabinets and modern finds in a family-friendly vibe. Expect lovingly maintained machines, surprise throwbacks, and plenty of bragging-rights moments... your high score awaits.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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05 — Featured events Can't-miss things to doNoteworthy happenings from some of our favorite spots around town.
Pies, BBQ and Patriotism Friday, July 3 · 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at The Treehouse Pie Company Independence Day at The Treehouse Pie Company means pie, ribs, brisket, and no guilt about second helpings. Pre-order by June 29 for July 3 pickup with Lalo's BBQ in the mix, or swing by for on-site sales, then sign a card with Operation Quiet Comforts. *Get all the details → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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06 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👕 Fireworks Kids T-Shirt @ Jubilee Art Gallery | Wednesday (6/24) at 1:30 PM – This kid-friendly tee workshop turns fireworks into fabric art, just in time for the Fourth. The little ones get simple, guided, step-by-step instruction, you get a blessed pocket of quiet. Registration with T-shirt size is required in advance, and class size is limited.
🦖 The Big Balloonosaur Adventure @ DeKalb Public Library | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – The library is trading shushing for a free, family balloon show from Smarty Pants, packed with magic, comedy, and alarming numbers of dinosaurs. Expect giant balloon dinos, an eight-foot egg, and chickens with Jurassic ambitions, wowing the kids, and restoring your faith in family outings.
🏞 Park Party @ Kiwanis Prairie Park (Sycamore) | Thursday (6/25) at 4:00 PM – Head to the park for a free neighborhood hang where NIU athletes play hoops, soccer, kickball, and yard games, and call it cardio. Chat up Sycamore Library, Kish Kids Outside, the History Center, the League of Women Voters, and RAMP Disability Resources, community spirit included.
🪁 Family Fun Science: Soar into Science with Kites and Helicopters @ P A Nehring Forest Preserve | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Still riding the Artemis II buzz? This family science hangout at P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve has kids building kites and rubber band helicopters in the picnic shelter, then launching them in fresh air. It’s NASA on a budget, and limited to the first 30 children.
🎨 Pick N Paint Pottery @ Jubilee Artisans | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Pick a pre-fired vessel, plate, or pot with Danni, then splash on colors like you mean it, no clay wrestling required. $35 gets you a relaxing session, painty satisfaction, and a kiln-fired keepsake ready for pickup within 14 days.
📒 FIFA World Cup Sticker Trading Event @ DeKalb Public Library | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – Bring the kids and that pile of duplicate FIFA World Cup stickers for a low-stress swap to finally fill the album gaps. Drop-in fun for grades 3 to 5, and their families, no registration. Consider it Economics 101, with shinies.
🛍 Artist + Maker Market - June @ Blumen Gardens (Sycamore) | Sunday (6/28) at 11:00 AM – The June Artist + Maker Market is taking over the heart of Sycamore with local creativity, handmade goods, and neighborly vibes. Think pottery that survived a real kiln, prints that did not ship from a warehouse, and makers who know your coffee order.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
07 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
08 — The DeKalb report Weather forecastToday — High: 78°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 51%
A chance of rain showers between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 7%
Partly sunny, with a high near 78. West northwest wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront duplex pairs easy living with peaceful views. Bright natural light, high ceilings, fresh neutral paint, and newer luxury vinyl plank flooring create a crisp, open feel. The primary suite adds a walk-in closet plus a soaker tub and separate shower, while the private patio keeps the water right in sight.
Take a peek inside → |
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