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.*

Support for pedestrian improvements: South Bend is accepting applications for a reimbursement program that helps pay for curb, sidewalk, and ADA curb ramp repairs. Homeowners, property owners within city limits, and businesses may qualify -- get all the details.

Enchanting evenings for all ages: Potawatomi Zoo's second annual Zoo Luminate is lighting up South Bend now through June 28 with glowing lanterns, discounted admission, and rides on the zoo train and carousel -- get all the details.

Full circle radio homecoming: Radio Sabor Latino, South Bend's only Spanish station on 93.5 FM, has moved into WNIT's downtown building, launching a new partnership. Mayor James Mueller welcomed the station to the city -- read the full story.

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.*

Riverfront reset idea: Howard Park packs river views, a creative playground, the Rask Family Fountains with nighttime light shows, and on-site Howard Park Public House when the snack alarm hits. Stroll the Riverwalk, catch community events, and enjoy a LEED-certified community hub that actually makes weeknights feel like mini staycations.

Dinner that wows: Roselily is your South Bend go-to for seasonal plates meant to share, plus a chef’s tasting menu if you’re in a let-them-cook mood. Put it on your this-week list, then sit back while thoughtful flavors and zero-stress vibes make you look like a planning genius.

Creativity on Tap: The Rocki Button is part art gallery, part music hub, part boutique, all South Bend vibe. Drop in for local designer finds, live shows and open mics, then leave feeling like your week just upgraded.

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 →

🎗 Share Night Fundraiser @ Culver's | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:00 PM – Culver's on S. Michigan is flipping burgers for a cause, helping the Valleyaires reach the international barbershop stage. Bring the coupon so 10 percent comes back, order a favorite, and enjoy a side of harmony with your custard. Eat well, feel smug, support local voices.

🖌 Alcohol Ink Coasters @ Make South Bend | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Upgrade your coffee table with a laid-back art night where you make four 4"x4" alcohol ink coasters, sealed, sturdy, and party-chat ready. Bring a friend, sip something, and create gifts that look boutique, or finally retire those free bar coasters like the adults we are.

🐠 Zoo Luminate 2026 @ Potawatomi Zoo | Wednesday (4/29) at 7:00 PM – Potawatomi Zoo is lighting up with an undersea dreamscape of Chinese lanterns, over 60 glowing installations from Tianyu Arts & Culture. Think a culture-rich stroll, easy on the knees, big on wonder, perfect for unhurried chats with your person or the grandkids, no wetsuit required.

🧠 Stroke Risk, Response and Recovery @ St. Paul's Senior Community | Friday (5/1) at 12:00 PM – Whether you know FAST, or you think numbness is just from sleeping weird, grab a healthy lunch and hear Dr. Randall Bjork of South Bend Neurology explain stroke signs, symptoms, and treatment for different types of strokes. Bring questions, leave smarter, and RSVP to 574-284-9065.

🌿 Plant Lady Night @ The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Plant Lady Night at Pigeon Hen Pottery means trading small talk for small succulents. Paint a planter with stencils, specialty glazes, and zero pressure. Ten bucks gets you 1 to 3 succulents, a planting kit, and treats, planters sold separately, only 25 spots.

♻ Spring Shredding Event @ St. Joseph 4-H County Fairgrounds | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Nothing beats spring cleaning where you never leave the driver's seat. Roll through the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, hand off those ancient statements to Integra for secure shredding, drop a $20 donation, and help Michiana Crime Stoppers quietly mulch identity theft.

🌱 Native Plant Sale @ Pinhook Park | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Think your yard is fine on autopilot? Trade the big-box begonias for hardy Michiana natives with local nurseries, community partners, and Wild Ones, plus a handy planting guide. Presale’s live, so snag the pollinator magnets early at southbend.wildones.org/__spring-sale-2026/.

New Modern Tudor under two blocks south of Angela Blvd, an easy walk to Notre Dame and Trader Joe's. About 5,000 sf by Allen Scott Construction and Flourish Interiors delivers luxury finishes and custom millwork. Five bedrooms with full en-suite baths and tile showers, plus a second story deck offering campus views, ideal for multi-generational living. Completion Nov 2026.