Happy weekend, Auburn! In today’s happening-today edition: Vulcaflex’s $70 million plant, the Juneteenth parade, and City Market + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Auburn protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Financial outlook stays strong: S&P and Moody's affirmed Auburn's strong bond ratings, AA+ and Aa2, citing solid finances and a diversified tax base. The move helps lower borrowing costs and support services -- check Auburn's bond rating.
New manufacturing expansion: Italian manufacturer Vulcaflex announced a $70 million Auburn plant, bringing 130 jobs. Site prep is underway at Auburn Technology Park West, and technician hiring is planned this fall on WorkInAuburn -- see the plant plans.
Community celebration grows: Auburn residents gathered for the Juneteenth parade, honoring emancipation. Councilwoman Connie Fitch Taylor said it may have been the biggest yet, with a Talladega drum line and community groups participating -- catch the parade highlights.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
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.*
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.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Dial in your swing: John King Golf pairs a PGA coach’s eye with TrackMan, 3D motion, and pressure mapping to build a repeatable swing that actually shows up on Saturdays. Hop on a virtual check-in this week, then line up an in-person session at Grand National when he’s back, and watch those doubles quietly retire.
Bourbon, Bacon, Bliss: Make this week easy on yourself and grab a table at THE HOUND, Auburn’s cozy hunting lodge hangout with a deep bourbon lineup and 28 craft beers on tap. The bacon flight and bison burger are clutch, and the vibe makes catching up with friends feel like the plan all along.
Where to park it: If your driveway’s full or game weekend snuck up on you, Vic & Pearls RV Park is the easy, no-fuss place to stash your rolling home. Close to everything in town with space to breathe, so you can plug in, unwind, and get back to life without overcomplicating parking.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year, it's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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 conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
Get cash back on your gas, groceries, and dining: This is real cash, not points you have to convert like credit card rewards. There are no coupons to clip and no deals to hunt down, you just claim an offer, pay with your linked card, and the cash back lands automatically. You can set it up in minutes and start earning on your very next purchase. *Start earning → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛒 City Market @ Town Creek Park | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – If your Saturday starts with coffee and a list, City Market turns Town Creek Park into a hub for fresh produce, local goods, live music, and family fun. Peak Auburn, where you bump into neighbors, meet new makers, and pretend the stroll counts as cardio.
🏺 Day in Clay @ The Fired Fox Art Studio (Opelika) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:30 AM – Trade scrolling for sculpting at this bring-your-own-beverage pottery session, no set project, just 1.5 pounds of stoneware, tools, and gentle guidance to make whatever your inner artist mumbles about, then return for glaze day. $50, no experience required, and yes, one ticket per human.
🎸 Naum and more @ Boxcar Theater & Events (Opelika) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Remember when live music did not require a road trip? Naum and Timothy Rose are back at Boxcar in Opelika, serving tight sets that go down easy with a good pour, a familiar crowd, and the comforting promise of getting home before the news.
🎸 Boxcar Rocks: Naum and more @ Boxcar (Opelika) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Five bucks gets you Naum leveling up the local alt scene, Proxi bringing neon swagger from Georgia, and Timothy Rose, America’s Folk Sweetheart, insisting genres are suggestions. It is loud enough to feel alive, friendly enough to still hear your friends, and very St. Augustine.
🚴 Super Sunday Group Ride @ Chewacla State Park | Sunday (6/21) at 4:00 PM – Head to Chewacla for a laid-back, all-levels group ride where routes get picked on the spot. We split by pace, from chill cruisers to flow chasers, no Strava flexing. Ride is free, park entry applies with military and senior discounts, meet in the second lot. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Auburn report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 54% A chance of rain showers before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 85°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 71% A slight chance of rain showers before 7am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 70%. This house is wildThis custom Grove Hill gem pairs classic full-brick curb appeal with a rare above-garage apartment, all on a quiet cul-de-sac in Auburn’s beloved Moores Mill area. Inside, a two-story foyer, sun-filled great room, updated kitchen, main-level primary suite, and flexible upstairs spaces keep things easy and elegant. Outside, a fenced backyard, patio, and neighborhood pools and trails seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → | | |