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Tuberville on governor's race, redistricting and AI following primary election

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | May 19

During a press conference on May 19, Sen. Tommy Tuberville spoke about his bid for governor and his plans for Alabama if he is elected. The senator levied praise and criticism towards his allies and opponents, while building his platform and answering reporters’ questions about redistricting, industry growth and artificial intelligence (AI).

Man charged with manslaughter in connection to death of Whitney Robeson

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | May 16

Jeffrey Scott Towers, 54, was charged with manslaughter following the investigation into the March 7 death of 22-year-old Whitney Robeson at his home in the 7700 block of Deer Trail in Trussville, Alabama. Towers was booked into the Jefferson County Jail without incident on May 11 and later released on a $30,000 bond. 

Gov. Kay Ivey sets August 11 special primary election

By Amanda Machamer | Editor-in-Chief | May 14

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that the state will conduct a special primary election on August 11 for the districts affected by the state's 2023 congressional map. The announcement comes one day after the Supreme Court's decision to lift the block on Alabama’s previous congressional map, sending it back to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in light of Louisiana v. Callais.

Supreme Court clears way for Alabama to eliminate majority-Black district

By Amanda Machamer | Editor-in-Chief and Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | May 11

The U.S. Supreme Court has paved the way for Alabama to adopt a new congressional map, which could leave the state with one majority-Black district. The ruling comes a little more than a week before Alabama’s primary elections on May 19. The latest decision, known as Allen v. Caster, lifts the court’s block on Alabama’s previous congressional map alongside any changes to the current one until 2030. The court previously ruled in 2023 that the state’s 2021 map was racially discriminatory under the Voting Rights Act and ordered Alabama to add a second Black-majority district. The proposed map would eliminate one of the two majority-Black districts in Alabama, which is currently held by Shomari Figures, a Black Democrat.

Phase II Drought Warning remains in effect, city says

By Amanda Machamer | Editor-in-Chief | May 8

The City of Auburn announced today that the Phase II Drought Warning, which took effect May 1, remains in place despite recent rainfall. The city recommends that citizens continue water conservation measures and confirms that water restrictions remain active. Those whose water use exceeds the monthly thresholds are subject to surcharges.

Protestors rally at Alabama State House over redistricting and voter rights

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | May 7

After Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session in anticipation of possible redistricting, nearly 400 people rallied in front of the Alabama State House on May 4 to protest the session and changes to Alabama’s districts. The proposed legislation — HB1 and SB1 — would set up special congressional and state Senate primary elections for the affected districts based on Alabama’s original 2023 maps, and the Alabama Legislature passed both bills on May 7.

Registered sex offender arrested in Lee County on SORNA violations

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | May 7

A 21-year-old registered sex offender was arrested earlier this week in Phenix City, Alabama, after violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), according to authorities.

Remote Area Medical free healthcare clinic comes to Montgomery

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | May 7

Remote Area Medical, or RAM, is a privately-funded nonprofit committed to providing access to medical treatment in areas where healthcare resources are limited. To accomplish this, RAM hosts pop-up and telehealth clinics across the country. From April 25 to 26, RAM came to Montgomery, Alabama, for an in-person pop up at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

2 injured after man falls from Skybar rooftop patio, statement released

By Jennifer Santiago | Content Editor | May 3

During the early hours of Sunday morning, two individuals were injured after a man fell from the upper-level deck of Skybar Café on West Magnolia Avenue. Skybar Café released an official statement on May 4, stating that the business is reviewing the incident and that neither individual sustained life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.

Gov. Ivey signs bill, requires Ten Commandments display in schools

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | May 1

Alabama public schools will soon be required to display the Ten Commandments in certain classrooms under a new law signed by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this month, expected to take effect Oct. 1. Senate Bill 99 (SB99), passed by Alabama legislature and signed into law on April 13, requires that the Ten Commandments be displayed in a state‑approved poster or framed document throughout public school classrooms. The displays must be shown in fifth through 12th grade classrooms where U.S. history is taught, as well as in common areas like cafeterias and school libraries.

Gov. Kay Ivey signs law, changes college tenure authority

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | April 29

Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB580 into law on April 13, changing faculty governance and establishing a process for removing tenured faculty at Alabama's public colleges and universities. The law is set to take effect on Oct. 1. Alabama House Bill 580 (HB580), sponsored by Rep. Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka), shifts faculty senates to an advisory role and expands the authority of university boards over curriculum and tenure decisions, granting them final decision-making authority.   

Auburn frats host inaugural 'Romo Cup' wiffle ball game to honor late brother

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | April 27

Several Auburn fraternities hosted and participated in the inaugural “Romo Cup” wiffle baseball game on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cup honors the life and legacy of Will “Romo” Romanowski, a member of Auburn’s Sigma Nu fraternity who died in June of 2023 in a car accident. The goal of the event was to raise money for a scholarship fund honoring Romanowski and to remind brothers to “Be Better Than Yesterday.”

Opelika Fire Department awarded $15,000 grant for equipment

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | April 23

On April 17, the City of Opelika shared that the Mid South RC&D Council, an Alabama non-profit that works to meet community needs, awarded a $15,000 grant to the Opelika Fire Department for equipment. The grant will strengthen the department's ability to respond to high risk situations, aiding in the purchase of six Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) kits, which are vital tools that enhance a firefighter's safety during emergency actions, and better equipping the firefighter teams with specialized gear, which is designed to help rescue firefighters in distress.

'We're watching': Alabama and Roblox reach settlement over online child safety

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | April 22

After months of negotiations, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the state reached a settlement with Roblox regarding children’s online safety in a press conference on April 21. The settlement includes $12.2 million and several terms of agreement. All users will have to verify they are over 16 using facial age recognition or their ID before using chat features or accessing potentially age-inappropriate content. Alabama is one of the first states to reach a settlement with the company regarding children’s online safety.

Auburn Honors to hold debate with University of Alabama Honors

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | April 21

On April 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Birmingham, Alabama, Auburn honors students will go head-to-head against The University of Alabama honors students in an AI ethics Iron Bowl. This debate is the first of its kind, with 10 cases for both teams to debate. The debate will be judged by 12 different individuals with specific focuses in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Their experience varies from advocating for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, information technology (IT) auditing and risk mitigation, to cybersecurity education. The event places an emphasis on the learning experience, rather than winning the debate.

In tribute to Whitney Robeson

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | April 20

Whitney Harlow Robeson was born on Aug. 1, 2003, in Richmond, Virginia, to her loving parents, Carin “Carrie” Grunkemeyer Robeson and J. Matthew Robeson, with whom she shared a deeply meaningful bond, as well as with her brother, Griffin Brinck Robeson, and her sister, Payton Grace Robeson. Her 22 years of life are deeply cherished and honored, continuing to inspire all who carry her legacy forward. Whitney lived and loved fearlessly, pursuing assurance, confidence and fulfillment in her passions and relationships.

From hooves to scales: Vet Fest showcases animal science at Auburn

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | April 11

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (AUVCM) hosted its third annual Vet Fest on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at their campus on Wire Road, this free, family-friendly event invites the entire Auburn community to learn and see what the college of veterinary medicine does. With plenty of educational and hands-on activities, Vet Fest aims to both educate and entertain its guests.

Students of suspended UA magazines file federal lawsuit against university

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | March 31

Eight students at the University of Alabama (UA) filed a federal lawsuit against the university on March 23 following the suspension of two student publications in December 2025. The plaintiffs argue that the university violated their First Amendment rights by suspending the magazines based on their disagreement with the magazine's editorial perspectives regarding race and gender. The publications, Nineteen Fifty-Six and Alice Magazine launched in 2020 and 2015, respectively.