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.*

Groundwork for rail expansion: DeKalb approved an IDOT study exploring Metra service from Elburn to downtown and NIU, backed by a $400,000 grant and a local match, potentially positioning the project for federal review -- learn what the study covers.

Community generosity on display: Give DeKalb County returns in May, rallying support for local nonprofits. Each donation earns a share of a bonus fund. More than $12 million has been raised over 13 years -- get all the details.

From painter to pizzaiolo: Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana is now open downtown, bringing true Neapolitan pies to DeKalb with owner Tim Cottingim trained through VPN Americas using San Marzano tomatoes and double zero flour -- discover the location and 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.*

Make weeknights fun again: Fatty's Pub & Grille is the reliable move when you need energy without overthinking it, with Pop Culture Trivia, karaoke and live music keeping things fun. Grab Beer Nuggets and the signature Cajun Fried Potato Salad, then settle in with a burger or wings like a true DeKalb regular.

Classic DeKalb watering hole: Sullivan's Tavern is that reliable, no-frills spot with a "Cheers" vibe, family-run in DeKalb since 1945. Sometimes there’s live music, always there’s friendly regulars, making it a perfect place to catch up over a pint and reset your week. (shawlocal.com)

Small plates, big vibes: When your group text can't agree on dinner this week, Tapa La Luna has globally inspired tapas, a solid wine list, and a polished dining room with a comfy bar and TVs, so you can graze, sip, keep an eye on the score, and still feel a little fancy.

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 →

📣 Take Back the Night @ Egyptian Theatre | Monday (4/27) at 5:30 PM – Skip small talk and show up for a quiet, powerful vigil and march to Take Back the Night. Walk with neighbors through our streets, hold space for survivors, and lend your voice, and a steady stride. This one is about showing up, not showing off.

✨ Book Bedazzling @ DeKalb Public Library | Monday (4/27) at 6:30 PM – If your paperbacks could use a midlife glow up, swing by to bedazzle a book with gems, glue, and sparkle. Bring a favorite, or grab one from the free pile. Adults only, first come, first served, supplies limited, and the glitter will follow you home.

🍖 Drive-Thru Missions Pork Chop Dinner @ First Baptist Church of Sycamore | Tuesday (4/28) at 4:30 AM – Skip the kitchen heroics and roll through for FBC’s drive-thru pork chop or chicken dinner, with 5-B’s doing the work. Your appetite gets fed, their teams get to Poland and Guatemala, and you avoid dishes. Pre-order at https://bit.ly/FBC-PorkChop, or scan the QR like a pro.

✂ Craft Corner @ DeKalb Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 9:45 AM – Post-storytime, the library turns into Craft Corner, where little hands tackle a new, theme-tied project each week. It is wholesome chaos, minimal mess, maximum imagination, and plenty of free fridge art. You supervise, sip coffee, and claim creative credit.

📚 Nellie Bly @ DeKalb Public Library | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Feel like time-traveling to 1919 Paris without leaving DeKalb? Hit the library for a free visit with Nellie Bly, the trailblazing reporter who circled the globe and rattled institutions, as she shares wartime dispatches and scoops from the States and Mexico, no passport required.

📖 Pop-Up: American Tales, Legendary Heroes and Heroines @ DeKalb Public Library | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Craving a little folklore without the book report? Librarian Elizabeth Hallaron serves up American legends, from Davy Crockett and Annie Oakley to Belle Starr, Johnny Appleseed, and Wild Bill Hickok. Good for upper elementary through adults, no registration, part of the America 250 fun.

🌕 Beltane & Full Moon Sound Bath Meditation @ Connect Collaborative (Sycamore) | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Ready to meet your inner bonfire? A Beltane Scorpio full moon sound bath with guided meditation, bowls, and a fire ritual, plus mats, tea, and lavender eye masks provided; dress cozy, bring a mug and blanket, and nab tickets before Sycamore snaps them up.

New Samuel Model ranch in Bridges of Rivermist offers a 4-bed, 2-bath layout with an expansive open concept connecting kitchen, dining, and living. Shaker cabinetry, granite countertops, and an island with bar seating anchor it. Soaring ceilings and abundant light amplify luxury vinyl plank floors. Fully upgraded throughout, with neutral finishes and nickel or bronze options, finishes still customizable.