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.*

Honoring a devoted educator: Pasco School District specialist Rajiv Panikkar was awarded a regional lifetime achievement honor this month for his longtime work supporting visually impaired students and families across our community -- learn more about the honor.

What changed for taxpayers: IRS gives Benton, Yakima and Kittitas taxpayers extra time after December flooding, extending the federal filing deadline to May 1, with late fee relief and state property tax help available -- see how to get extensions.

Drivers urged to plan ahead: Construction at SR 240 and Aaron Drive continues through early May, with minor closures as Richland adds a grade separated eastbound bypass and a roundabout, with daytime and evening work -- get traffic schedule and impacts.

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.*

Smart skincare upgrade: If your routine’s on autopilot, reset with dermatologist-guided care at DermaCare TriCities, including Hydrafacial, chemical peels, and lasers, plus a curated lineup of medical-grade products from their team. Expect straightforward advice, not fluff, so only what earns its spot lands on your counter.

Craving island smoke: From flame-grilled huli huli chicken and pork steaks to beef flanken short ribs, loco moco, and crispy-edged spam musubi, Huli Huli ‘Ohana BBQ keeps the plate-lunch vibes strong. House-made glazes and aloha chili bring the heat, perfect for a midweek pick-me-up that tastes like a mini vacation.

Upgrade your tools: Tired of flimsy pans and dull knives? Western Restaurant Supply is open to the public, stocked with legit cookware, cutting boards, and pro-grade gadgets. Upgrade your home kitchen with tools you can handle in person... no online guesswork, just solid gear that lasts.

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 →

🎨 Cable Bridge Paint & Sip! @ Magill’s Restaurant & Catering (Pasco) | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Turn the Cable Bridge into a masterpiece at Magill’s, where Wednesday means half-off wine and someone else handles the supplies. An artist walks you through acrylics step by step, beginners to show-offs welcome, kids included, and your happy little clouds suddenly look intentional.

🌿 The Conscious Living Expo @ HAPO Center (Pasco) | Friday (5/1) at 12:00 AM – Feeling like your nervous system has been stuck on high alert since, oh, 2019? Swing by the Conscious Living Expo at the HAPO Center and chat with the Soul Alignment Studio crew about breath, alignment, and awareness. Low pressure, real talk, and maybe one small aha.

🌷 Potted Pleasures & Treasures May Day Sale @ Potted Pleasures & Treasures (Kennewick) | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Swing by the greenhouse on May Day for the annual spring sale, where color is back and porch envy begins. Snag a custom container, hanging basket, individual beauties, or that succulent birdcage you didn’t know you needed, then gloat quietly. Come early, they vanish.

🌳 Arbor Day Celebration @ Howard Amon Park (Richland) | Friday (5/1) at 1:00 PM – Feel like doing something that actually lasts longer than a latte? Join the Arbor Day tree planting at Howard Amon, help green up our backyard, and snag a free tree for your place. Dig a little, chat a little, leave a lot more shade.

👑 Miss Juneteenth Flapjack Fundraiser @ Applebee's Grill + Bar (Pasco) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Trade your sad home toast for Applebee’s pancakes on Road 68 in Pasco, backing the Tri-Cities Miss Juneteenth scholarships. For 12 bucks you get fluffy stacks, sausage, eggs, and coffee, and the smug joy of doing good, which pairs nicely with syrup. Bring the crew.

⭐ Star Wars Day Art Market @ Magnolia Studios (Kennewick) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – If your inner nerd has been gathering dust, Downtown Kennewick’s Star Wars Day art market is your excuse to browse fan-crafted treasures, trade dad jokes with costumed neighbors, and feel smug about shopping local. Artists, apply for a booth. The Force favors the prepared.

🍛 Hands-on Indian Cooking Class: Biriyani @ Red Mountain Kitchen (Kennewick) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:30 AM – Trade takeout for the real thing at an Indian biryani class with a home chef, chicken biryani and raita included. Learn fluffy basmati, spice layering, then eat your work with a welcome drink, ingredients, and a recipe card. Bring a plus-one, stations are for two.

Insulated Concrete Form construction at Sundance Estates pairs cutting edge efficiency with serene quiet. Devoted Builders and IC Smart Homes deliver custom craftsmanship, offering flexible floor plans from minor tweaks to full redesigns. High performance construction, premium finishes, and tailored features come together throughout, supported by optional professional design guidance.