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Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks about the Roblox settlement at a press conference on April 21 in Montgomery, Alabama

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

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.

Cater Hall, formerly the Social Center, was named after Katherine Cooper Cater, Dean of Women, on April 25, 1980.

Auburn Honors to hold debate with University of Alabama Honors

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.

A woman in a white dress stands smiling in front of a brick sign that reads "AUBURN UNIVERSITY."

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.

A cow's nose is gently touching a person's hand, who is offering food while standing behind a green gate.

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.

UA censorship

Students of suspended UA magazines file federal lawsuit against university

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | 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.

A crowd gathers outdoors, holding signs that address social issues, with trees and a historic building in the background.

Over 700 rally for 'No Kings' protest

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | March 28

Around 700 people rallied at Toomer’s Corner on March 28 for the third “No Kings” protest since President Donald Trump took office. The protest was hosted by Indivisible Auburn-Opelika and lasted from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Although the protest ran mostly smoothly, there were issues with Auburn University. Protestors were not allowed on Samford Lawn or the sidewalk by the road despite it being city property.

A bald eagle soars through a blue sky, clutching something in its talons, while an American flag softly billows in the background.

UPDATE | Ivey to fly flags half-staff on March 30

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 26

On March 17, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native, Auburn graduate and one of six killed in Iraq during a plane crash. On March 17, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native, Auburn graduate and one of six killed in Iraq during a plane crash.

Marc John Love, 27, arrested in Opelika AL for murder. | Contributed by the Opelika Police Department

Opelika man charged with murder

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 25

On Wednesday, March 25, Opelika Police Department (OPD) responded to a call regarding shots fired and an active shooting within a residential area on Fox Run Parkway. An Alabama State Trooper was at the scene when the call was made and apprehended Marc John Love. Love has been officially charged with murder and OPD detectives are investigating the circumstances and Love's possible motive concerning the shooting.

The front entrance to Pines Crossing golf course on March 17, 2026.

2 men cited on wildlife abuse charges at Pines Crossing Golf Course

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 18

On March 1, 2026, a user in the "What’s Happening in Auburn and Opelika" Facebook group posted a series of images and videos that depicted two men throwing rocks at Canada Geese, as well as taking photos with one that they killed at Pines Crossing golf course. Carter Allen McCullough and Jacob Daniel Dyas Jr. were cited with the following: hunting without a license, hunting during a closed season and hunting without permission. These citations are moving to court and will be heard in the Lee County District Court on April 7, 2026.

143 flags displayed on Cater Lawn at Auburn University on Sept. 12, 2023 in memory of Alabama Veterans who took their lives last year.

Ivey to fly flags half-staff for Alabamians killed in Iraq

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 17

On March 12, six US Military personnel lost their lives in a plane crash involving two KC-135 aircrafts. To honor those killed, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native and Auburn graduate. Ivey's directive includes mention of three of the personnel killed that were a part of the 99th air refueling squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham. Those three are: Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Prutt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino and Maj. John A. Klinner.

The Pentagon, the headquarters building for the U.S. Department of War, located in Arlington County, Virginia.

Auburn announced as potential partner for US military fellowships

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 16

On Feb. 27, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Auburn University as a potential partner institution for the military’s Senior Service College (SSC) fellowship program in a memorandum titled "Aligning Senior Service College Opportunities with American Values." In the announcement, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed and laid out the department's plans for the future of senior military education.

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