Sunday, April 26, 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.*

Boost for nuclear medicine: DOE approved a $263 million loan to SHINE Technologies in Janesville to build the Chrysalis isotope plant, which will create roughly 150 jobs and establish a U.S. supply of molybdenum-99 -- get all the details.

Optimism tempered by concerns: A recent Forward Janesville survey found most Janesville residents think the city is on the right track, while many still worry about property taxes, housing, homelessness, and major projects -- get all the details.

Shoppers spotlight a standout: Janesville-based Blain’s Farm & Fleet was named to USA TODAY’s America’s Best Stores 2026 list on March 26, the retailer’s second nod highlighting strong customer service and product selection -- 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 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.*

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.*

Local zen, unlocked: Trade the to-do list for a slow wander through Rotary Botanical Gardens, a 20-acre escape with 26 distinct garden styles including Japanese, French Formal, and English Cottage, plus over 4,000 plant species that basically do the stress-busting for you.

Need a hometown pour: Rock County Brewing Company is Janesville’s first nano-brewery, pouring small-batch, hand-crafted beers right in the historic Carriage Works building. Rotating taps keep things interesting, from the easygoing Grasshopper Crème Ale to the locally tipped Tower 81 Irish Red... plus soft pretzels when you need a salty sidekick.

Treasure hunt, unlocked: Because sometimes your place needs a little character, 608 Vintage is the kind of spot where a quick browse turns into finding that perfect piece you didn’t know you needed, from furniture to décor to quirky conversation starters. Swing by this week, soak up the treasure-hunt vibes, then brag about the find forever.

That patch of scalp that wasn't there a year ago: It's more common than most folks talk about. Especially in your 50s... hormones, stress, and nutrition all start pulling at hair density at once. Nutrafol is a drug-free daily supplement designed to work on those causes together — and in clinical studies, 93% of women said their hair looked healthier after six months. *Take a look →

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 →

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 →

Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *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 →

🌱 Start from Scratch: Seed Starting @ Rotary Botanical Gardens | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – Whether your seedlings keep fainting on the windowsill or you’re done buying mystery tomatoes at the big box, get the real seed-starting how-to from horticulturist Andrea Geske at Rotary Botanical Gardens. She’ll cover timing, soil, light, water, and transplanting, so your starts actually thrive.

🎡 Spring Carnival @ Madison Elementary School | Thursday (4/30) at 5:00 PM – Madison Elementary is throwing its annual spring carnival with bounce houses, classic games, prizes, food trucks, and raffle baskets calling your name. Let the kids wear themselves out, then watch them slime the principal while you treat a taco truck stop as couple time.

🎾 Women's Pickleball Mixer @ Woodman's Sports & Convention Center | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Ladies, trade the treadmill for friendly rallies at a women’s pickleball mixer at Woodman’s North Courts, where the focus is social play, new friends, and light bragging rights. All levels welcome, some experience helps, no coaching. ProLite paddles provided if needed, $25, only 16 spots.

☀ Pop Up Event @ The Sol Sanctuary Wellness Center | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – The Sol Sanctuary is celebrating its grand opening, which means a nosy peek at Janesville’s newest wellness spot, and yes, free treats. Come tour the space, sample the goods, and practice your serene face while catching up with half the town you already know.

🎗 Charlie: Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser @ Ironside Fitness | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Join the Charlie Hero WOD, a sweat session that actually matters, supporting families facing cystic fibrosis and honoring a tiny warrior who outgrits most of us. Come for the workout, stay for the perspective, the camaraderie, and a reminder to breathe while you can.

🛍 Rock County Fairgrounds Market @ Rock County Fairgrounds | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from the grind and wander Rock County Fairgrounds Market, the first outdoor event of the season. Fresh produce, handmade goods, food trucks, and neighborly gossip, all in one loop. Wear layers, bring a tote, and your best small talk smile.

🧠 BTC Behavioral Health and Wellness Fair @ Blackhawk Technical College | Saturday (5/2) at 10:30 AM – Whether you have a therapist on speed dial or just call it taking a walk, this community fair brings approachable behavioral health resources, wellness demos, and family-friendly activities under one roof. Low pressure, high value, and probably the healthiest thing you'll do this month.

Well-maintained and HOA-free, this Milton School District condo lives like a single-family home. The main floor offers laundry, an open kitchen and dining area, and a spacious living room. A finished lower level adds a large rec room with plumbing for a future wet bar, an additional bedroom and full bath. A deck, shed, 2-car garage, and updates complete it.