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.*

What staff must do: Tuscaloosa City Schools is testing emergency alert badges at three campuses. The $136,000 pilot aims to speed police response, with districtwide rollout planned in August for the 2026-2027 school year -- learn how it works.

Community turns out for giveaways: Hemline, a New Orleans-based boutique, opened with a ribbon-cutting at 2111 University Boulevard. Owned by Bill and Staci Carlson and daughter Chatham, it offers women's fashion for UA students -- read the full story.

Family-friendly lake days return: Lake Lurleen State Park reopened April 15 after an $18 million upgrade, with improved campsites, a new beach, and a playground. Officials expect a lift for Tuscaloosa County’s economy -- get all the details.

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.*

Rainy day sanity saver: Kids climbing the walls? Redirect that energy to Children's Hands-On Museum, where little hands can tinker, pretend, and make glorious messes you don't have to clean up. Perfect for a midweek reset or post-practice decompression, and a solid bribe for finishing homework without a negotiation.

Upgrade your game night: Whether your deck needs a tune-up or you just want new board game chaos, Down to Game is the local hangout for trading cards, dice rolling, and friendly matchups. Swing by this week, meet new players, and finally learn that game your group keeps talking about.

Make errands less boring: Tuscaloosa Midtown Village turns a basic checklist into a mini victory lap, with a mix of shops, grab-and-go bites, and easy wandering between stops. Pop in for one thing, leave feeling like you actually have your life together, at least for today.

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 →

✂ Cotton, Cloth, and Community: Alabama Quilting Traditions @ Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center, Moore-Wilson Gallery | Monday (4/27) at 8:00 AM – Skip the errands and wander into UA’s Randall Welcome Center for a thoughtful Alabama quilting exhibit. See Yvonne Wells’ Bicentennial Quilt for T-town’s 200th, Gee’s Bend masterpieces, a West Alabama Quilters’ Guild standout, and a student quilt, all stitching history, artistry, and community together.

🎗 Third Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month Conference @ Capstone College of Nursing | Tuesday (4/28) at 7:30 AM – Skip the small talk and make space for conversation at this third annual conference on sexual assault, a day of survivor-centered discussions, prevention strategies, and resources. Whether you are a survivor, ally, or simply want to do better, expect expert guidance, practical tools, and support.

🎵 Name That Tune @ The Crossings at North River | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – If you’ve been itching to turn your shower-singing into charity points, Rotary’s annual Name That Tune is your moment at The Crossings at North River. Play for bragging rights, support Patti’s Pantry and RYLA scholarships, and call Charlotte Bowers at 205-310-6688, or cbowers@allstate.com.

🥕 Tuscaloosa Farmers Market @ Tuscaloosa River Market | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Saturday morning at the Tuscaloosa River Market means coffee in one hand, tomatoes in the other, rain or shine. Over 60 vendors sling Sweet Grown Alabama produce, baked goods, meats, and crafts, and parking by the Riverwalk is free, which feels downright vintage.

📚 Free Comic Book Day 2026 @ The Comic Strip | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – If you needed an excuse to relive your spinner-rack glory days, Free Comic Book Day at The Comic Strip has you covered. Special guests, huge sales, and yes, actual free comics. Bring the kids, or claim them as an alibi, your call.

🐾 Claws, Paws & Craws! @ Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Whether you peel crawfish like a pro or show up for sides, this crawfish boil fundraiser at Metro Animal Shelter serves up spicy tails, wagging ones, and company. Every plate supports the 500-plus animals the shelter cares for daily, so bring appetite, patience, and heart.

✍ "Your Story, Your Voice": Memoir Writing Workshop @ Tuscaloosa Public Library | Saturday (5/2) at 2:00 PM – Ready to turn those "remember when" tales into something your kids, grandkids, and nosy neighbors might read? TPL and the Tuscaloosa Writers and Illustrators Guild folks host a six-session memoir workshop with guided prompts, discussion, and supportive feedback. All levels welcome, no registration required.

ALUM blends luxury and tradition in the heart of Tuscaloosa, an elegant condo-hotel just steps from campus. Curated interiors channel timeless sophistication, complemented by an on-site coffee shop and restaurant. Ownership perks include exclusive access to a whiskey lounge, cigar room, fitness center, and pool. Game days shine with catered events and spirited programming that celebrate enduring roots.