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A spirit that is not afraid

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A brick storefront features a glass door with "OPEN" signage and a sign reading "FIZZ n FORK" above.

Fizz N Fork comes to Auburn

In November 2025, Fizz N Fork, the new health-focused dining spot at 234 W. Magnolia Ave., celebrated its soft open near Downtown Auburn. The emphasis on health was created through owner Danielle Shaw, who made it her mission to create tasty and healthy food. 

Protestors hold up signs that spell out 'No Ice' and 'No War' during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Ala. on Jan. 21, 2026.

'Ice belongs in Toomer's Lemonade': Indivisible Auburn-Opelika gathers to oppose ICE and war

From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 21, Indivisible Auburn-Opelika held a peaceful protest at Toomer’s Corner opposing Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and war. Almost 100 people gathered by the end of the protest. The protest was motivated by ICE’s recent actions that has caused harm to both undocumented individuals and citizens in Minnesota. Although a few passersby yelled insults at the protesters, the protest remained peaceful. The majority of interactions were positive, with several drivers and pedestrians honking or shouting in support of the protest.

A woman with shoulder-length hair sings into a microphone while playing an electric guitar on stage, surrounded by colorful lighting.

AubFest presents music and local artists at Grounds and Sounds

On Jan. 18, AubFest hosted a pop-up event called Grounds and Sounds at Coffee Mafia, a local Auburn coffee shop. While some of these pop-up events function as fundraising opportunities to ensure AubFest can keep improving, Grounds and Sounds was geared towards fueling the DIY community surrounding AubFest. Guests could enjoy the night's festivities with a $5 donation although visitors could donate more.

An entrance to the Lee County detention center on Oct. 31, 2022.

Lee County deputies arrest three in connection to animal cruelty

On Jan. 12, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 10:45 a.m. regarding possible animal cruelty in the 8100 block of Lee Road 146 in the Beauregard community. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 29 deceased dogs in the backyard of the home. According to experts, the animals died between the past few months to up to a year. The defendants bonds are set at $48,700 each.

Venerable Monk Bhikkhu Pannakara leads the group of monks to Collins Farm in Cusseta, Ala. for their lunch stop after walking from Opelika, Ala. on Dec. 26, 2025.

Buddhist monks stop in Opelika on peace walk across the United States

On Dec. 25, 2025, roughly two dozen Buddhist monks passed through Auburn and Opelika on their 2,300-mile peace walk across the United States. Foundry Opelika Church housed the group on Dec. 25, while community members volunteered and prayed with the monks throughout the day and into the night. On Dec. 26, the group began their trek from Opelika to Cusseta, Alabama, where over 100 onlookers greeted them. Supporters are able to keep track of the monks through a live map found on their social media.

The Collegiate's new mural molds tradition, culture and community to represent the Auburn experience. Photo by Jolie Bishop, former culture editor.

Murals across Auburn

Scattered throughout downtown Auburn University are several striking murals painted on the sides of businesses and buildings. A scenic walk down College Street and Magnolia Avenue reveals many of these colorful works of art.

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Auburn student among seven killed in North Carolina plane crash

On Dec. 18, 2025, a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina killed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others in the morning in an attempt to make an emergency landing. It has been confirmed by ESPN that Jack Dutton, an Auburn junior studying professional flight, was among those killed in the crash. Dutton was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, a barista at Well Red and had recently became an instrument rated private pilot.

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Ham Amphitheatre and Studio Theatre almost complete at Gogue Center

As of Oct. 24, the Studio Theatre and Ham Amphitheatre projects at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center (GPAC) are substantially complete. This means that the real construction work has been finalized, and all that’s left to do is to prepare the spaces for their debut. The GPAC’s production team is currently hard at work finalizing the lighting and audio systems for the two brand-new venues.

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Hattie B's Hot Chicken to open in Auburn summer 2026

A flavorful new arrival will soon make its way to Auburn. Nashville-based Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is officially set to join the lineup of downtown Auburn shops and restaurants in summer 2026. The location will open at 121 N. College St. and will bring a fresh and renewed purpose to the former historic Tiger Theatre.

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BBFD and East Alabama Food Bank face influx after SNAP suspension

After the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was suspended earlier in November, Beat Bama Food Drive (BBFD) and the Food Bank of East Alabama faced an influx of people in need. Although the Alabama Department of Human Resources plans to fully reinstate SNAP benefits after the resolution of the government shutdown, food insecurity in Auburn still continues, driving more community members to food banks and pantries for help.

Children run to collect flags from a vintage car during the Freedom Fest Veterans Parade in Opelika, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Freedom Fest Weekend 2025: An opportunity to honor U.S. veterans

On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, Opelika celebrated American Veterans by hosting the first Freedom Fest Weekend. In past years, Opelika has organized an annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Veterans Day Program. This year, more additions were made to the tributary festivities with the support of the City of Opelika, Flags for Vets, IS4S and ESPN, establishing a two-day-long tradition to recognize those who have served. 

A view of Samford Hall on Sept. 27, 2022.

Federal aid suspended for SNAP benefits in November

A month after the government shutdown at midnight on Oct. 1, the Trump administration announced that SNAP benefits will be suspended starting Saturday, Nov.1. As Washington remains polarized in a political deadlock, the effects are being felt far away from Capitol Hill. For now, Alabama families are encouraged to check with their local food banks and community organizations for aid.