Happy weekend, Union County! In today’s happening-today edition: Budget changes, Hot Wheels Legends Tour, and a volunteer love story + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Union County 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.
Budget changes take shape: Union County approved funding for a new school resource officer as part of the budget. The budget also included teacher stipends and 7.25% water rate increase to fund projects -- check the budget changes.
Toll project showdown: Monroe leaders push to revive I-77 South toll lanes as a bill could force cities to repay $60 million, with the board meeting July and a vote expected in August -- see the toll-lane showdown.
A volunteer love story: Martha and Johnny O'Tuel made a difference at Indian Trail’s Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, helping care for 5,000 to 7,000 animals each year, from geese and swans to donkeys -- meet the rescue volunteers.
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.
Your weeknight seafood fix: Whether you’re craving a fried shrimp plate, a bag built with snow crab legs, or even live blue crabs to tackle at home, Brothers Seafood House nails the fresh, coastal vibe without a beach trip. Local, unfussy, and reliably delicious for Union County appetites.
Lake day, sorted: Need a low-stress recharge without leaving Union County? Cane Creek Park brings the goods with a calm lake for fishing and paddling, a legit swimming beach, miles of hiking and multi-use trails, disc golf, and camping options from tents to rustic cabins. Pack snacks, invite the crew.
Weekend tee time, sorted: When you need fresh-air therapy that doesn’t require a road trip, Charlotte National Golf Club delivers... approachable for casual rounds, plenty of bite if you’re feeling spicy, and perfect for sneaking in nine with neighbors. Make it your midweek sanity check.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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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 →
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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 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.
🚗 Hot Wheels Legends Tour @ Walmart Supercenter (Monroe) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – The Hot Wheels Legends Tour hits Charlotte, hunting for a custom build worthy of becoming a 1:64 die-cast icon. Think car show meets childhood, with Queen City wrench wizards, gleaming paint, and bragging rights that live on your desk, not your driveway.
🌿 The Plant Man Pop-Up @ East Frank Superette & Kitchen (Monroe) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Bring Dad to East Frank for a low-stakes plant adoption, or snag one for yourself and call it “household morale.” The Plant Man’s rolling in with easygoing houseplants, good vibes, and zero judgment if you’ve previously murdered a fern, downtown Monroe style.
🃏 Pokémon & Sports Card Show @ Carolina Courts (Indian Trail) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from chores and wander to Carolina Courts in Indian Trail for a free card show with 400+ tables of Pokémon, sports, and vintage finds. Buy, sell, trade, and relive your binder days, with giveaways, cosplay, and enough nostalgia to embarrass your teenagers.
🧘 Summer Solstice Cacao Ceremony and Sound Healing @ Waxhaw Yoga | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Honor the summer solstice in Waxhaw with a quiet cacao ceremony, then melt into a sound healing journey as gongs, bowls, and sacred instruments do the heavy lifting. Think spa day for your nervous system, minus the cucumber slices, plus a mug of heart-opening cacao.
👨 A Father's Day Soiree: An Evening of Honor, Love, and Legacy @ K's Royal Palace LLC Event Venue (Monroe) | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – Dust off the good blazer and polish your dad jokes for a sophisticated evening that actually earns the word 'soiree.' We are raising a glass to fathers, grandfathers, and the men who came before, with love, luxury, and stories that get smoother than whiskey.
🐶 Paint Your Pet @ Painting with a Twist (Indian Trail) | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – This paint-and-sip turns your furry overlord into wall-worthy art, with step-by-step help, wine, and zero judgment about your cat's side-eye. Roll in a bit early to uncork, smock up, and settle, then channel Picasso, patience, and pet-parent pride.
🏛 Main & Hayne Street Historical Tour @ Alice Jules Coffee House (Monroe) | Sunday (6/21) at 2:30 PM – Think you know Monroe better than your coffee? Start at Alice Jules with Dale Loberger, wander past the oldest home, through Morgan Alley to Hayne, hearing who lived where, what vanished, maybe peeking into Belk Mansion your ticket helps restore, and supporting Dale’s stories. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Union County report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. North northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. West southwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 90. South southwest wind 1 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. This house is wildThis 1.26-acre Whitney compound pairs a full-brick John Wieland home with a rare non-HOA rear parcel in Town of Marvin. Inside are 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, a Wolf and SubZero kitchen, heated marble primary suite, and sunroom studio. Outside, enjoy a pool, hot tub, Japanese garden, creek bridge, chicken coop, and Heritage Cabin retreat.
Take a peek inside → |
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