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Hey Grand Island, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Nebraska passport stops, drool in the pool, and trivia night + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Explore Nebraska’s hidden gems: Applications are open for the 2027 Nebraska Passport. Grand Island spots can vie to be among 70 stops, open May 1 to September 30. Apply by October 31, 2026 -- see how to apply.
Hidden dining gems: From Omaha to Columbus, 11 Nebraska restaurants are quietly serving exceptional food. Highlights include Yoshitomo’s inventive sushi, Casa Bovina’s Italian finesse, and historic Glur’s Tavern, celebrated for quality without frills -- see the full list.
Nebraska’s legacy of innovation: UNL highlighted 15 Nebraska innovators who shaped America, including Nobel laureate George W. Beadle, botanist Charles Edwin Bessey and computing pioneer Jay Forrester, showcasing discoveries that began in our state -- meet Nebraska's innovators.
The bill all retirees 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.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Need a racing fix? Even after the spring season, Fonner Park keeps the thrills rolling with simulcast action, live streaming and replays, plus the Finish Line Restaurant and Fonner Keno for a little friendly luck. Round up a crew this week and pick a pony.
Game night, sorted: Whitey's brings the casual, boisterous energy locals love, with good eats, cold drinks, and the kind of fan-friendly vibe that makes catching a big game actually fun. Founded by Grand Island’s own Jeff “Whitey” Richardson of MLB fame, it’s an easy pick for a lively hang this week.
Elevate dinner plans: When you want steak that actually tastes like the Midwest and seafood that didn’t phone it in, Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood brings prime rib, filet marmalade, Chilean sea bass, and Australian lobster tails with house-made butters, a deep wine list, and sunset views from the top floor.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
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 →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
☕ 1 Million Cups @ Central Community College | Wednesday (8/5) at 8:30 AM – Whether you're building the next big thing or love free coffee and smart conversation, Wednesday mornings in Grand Island are for 1 Million Cups. Local entrepreneurs share what they are working on, you ask real questions, and everyone leaves a little sharper, caffeinated, and connected.
❓ Trivia Night @ Buffalo Wild Wings | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Give your Wednesday purpose at Buffalo Wild Wings in Grand Island with team trivia that puts your random facts, half-remembered lyrics, and photo recall to work. Free to play, prizes and bragging rights abound, and the only thing you have to lift is a wing.
🏛 Planning Commission Meeting @ Aurora City Hall | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:30 PM – Consider this the town’s backstage pass to growth: the Planning Commission Meeting, public attendance welcome. Expect spirited debate about setbacks, roundabouts, and “neighborhood character,” plus a masterclass in saying “with all due respect” for twenty minutes. Low drama, high stakes, free civics.
🥕 Prairie District Farmers Market @ Prairie District | Thursday (8/6) at 5:00 PM – Thursday night in the Prairie District means strolling the farmers market, catching up with your favorite growers, and pretending you only came for tomatoes. Stock up on artisan bread, flowers, and one-of-a-kind finds, then reward your good decisions with Baristas, Balz, and Big Red Treats.
🧘 Meditation practice @ A Higher Plane | Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 AM – Ready to sit still without your to-do list heckling you? A Higher Plane hosts a free, twice-monthly meditation class with a teacher who has over 40 years under their cushion, perfect for anyone curious about their own mind, not someone else’s aura.
🎤 Home Free @ Nebraska State Fair Grounds | Friday (9/4) at 7:30 PM – Craving harmonies with your funnel cake at the Nebraska State Fair? Home Free hits Grand Island for a singalong full of rich vocals, dancing, clapping, and general good vibes, and the show is included with your fair ticket, which feels delightfully old-school.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Grand Island report Weather forecastToday — High: 75°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 39%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 74°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 73%
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch-style home in Northwest Grand Island blends classic curb appeal with thoughtful updates throughout. A welcoming entry with tall ceilings leads to a freshly improved kitchen with newer appliances and custom window coverings. The fenced backyard adds outdoor appeal, while the well-established neighborhood keeps schools, parks, and shopping close by.
Take a peek inside → |
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