Community

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

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor | December 26

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

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | December 24

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.

Auburn student among seven killed in North Carolina plane crash

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

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.

Ham Amphitheatre and Studio Theatre almost complete at Gogue Center

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | December 10

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.

The final float parked in front of the Lee County Courthouse after the Snopelika parade.

City of Opelika celebrates the holiday season at Snopelika

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | December 6

On Dec. 5, community members from across the Opelika and Auburn area congregated in downtown Opelika to celebrate the approaching holidays at Snopelika. A tradition for people of all ages, the event consisted of the Whoville-themed Christmas parade, tree lighting, artificial snow, food trucks and more.

The Lee County Sheriff administration and detention office on Nov. 12, 2025.

Lee County deputies discover human remains in front yard

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | December 3

On Dec. 2 at 8 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding a welfare check on a family member that had not been heard from in several months. Deputies responded to the 200 block of Lee Road 205 in the Salem community, where they discovered what appeared to be the human remains of an adult male laying in the yard of the home.

The University of Alabama suspends university-funded student magazines

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | December 3

The University of Alabama recently suspended two university-funded student magazines. This action was taken due to a memo issued by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in July 2025. The two magazines, Nineteen Fifty-Six and [alice] were censored due to Bondi’s statements on “proxy organizations” that focus on specific groups on The University of Alabama’s campus.

A man with a beard wears a striped prison uniform, standing against a light blue wall.

Opelika resident arrested in connection to fatal shooting

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | November 30

Early Sunday morning, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest following a fatal shooting in an Opelika neighborhood.

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

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 24

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.

Outside "Prim's Pizza" sits a sign that reads "pizza, calzone, wine" at Food Truck Friday in Opelika, Alabama on Nov. 21, 2025.

Downtown Opelika hosts the final Food Truck Friday of the 2025 season

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | November 22

On Nov. 21, locals flocked to the Railroad Avenue Historic District in downtown Opelika to enjoy the final Food Truck Friday of the 2025 season. The event featured over a dozen food trucks with a wide variety of different cuisines, giving visitors the opportunity to both try new foods and support local businesses.

Congressional candidate Lee McInnis talks with potential voters during an open meeting in Opelika, Alabama in Nov. 19, 2025.

U.S. congressional candidate Lee McInnis holds open town hall

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | November 20

U.S. House 3rd District candidate Lee McInnis held an open town hall meeting with voters to address issues around the economy, healthcare, education, veterans and farmers on Nov. 19.

BBFD and East Alabama Food Bank face influx after SNAP suspension

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | November 14

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

By Nicolle Generaux | News Writer | November 8

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

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 3

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.

Rural Studio continues teaching architecture students and serving rural communities

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | November 3

For Auburn University architecture students, Rural Studio offers hands-on experience and a way to give back to their community. During their time at the program, students work in teams alongside professors and experts to choose their projects, create designs, figure out budgets, and build homes and community centers.

Raising Cane's looking to add downtown Auburn location

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | October 29

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Auburn’s Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) met with Sarah Holmes, Raising Cane’s property development manager for the Southeast, and other Raising Cane’s representatives, to discuss initial plans for a new Raising Cane’s location at 103 N. College St., directly next to Whataburger.

Graphic for BigHouse fundraiser. Contributed by Hailey Mouat.

Students host BigHouse fundraiser with Jackson Arnold

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | October 29

This year, students taking a persuasion class that Auburn University offers are handed a uniquely impactful opportunity to engage in a fundraiser for the BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves to meet the needs of foster and adoptive families in East Alabama. A group in this class speaks to how this fundraiser lays the groundwork for a much-needed system of care, one that reaches beyond the area.

A personalized production home built by Stone Martin builders, showcasing their design and construction innovations. Contributed by Stone Martin.

Stone Martin Builders launches new program for home design

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 27

On Sept. 23, Stone Martin Builders launched its new Build On Your Land program, which provides property owners with the opportunity to create and design their dream home on their land.

Auburn students give back in IMPACT's Rooted in Service event

By Lindsey Niles | News Writer | October 27

On Oct. 26, Auburn students set out to give back to the community they call home during the Rooted in Service event. This event, hosted annually by on-campus service organization IMPACT, sends students out in teams to tackle tasks for Auburn and Opelika residents who could use a few helping hands.

Lee County Historical Society hosts annual Syrup Sopping Festival

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | October 25

On Oct. 25, the Lee County Historical Society hosted the annual Syrup Sopping Festival at Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held for over 50 years, the event features food, live music and pop-ups by small businesses in the area. Among these vendors were local businesses selling products like custom hydrographics and jewelry, while others were there on behalf of organizations.