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Notasulga man charged with sexual abuse of child

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | February 20

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection to an investigation of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old and possession of child pornography. 

Pedestrian hit on Wright Street, transported to hospital

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | February 20

A woman is in the hospital today after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Wright street and West Glenn Avenue just before noon. The Auburn Police Department and Auburn Fire Department arrived on scene and provided aid to the woman, who was then transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Tuskegee men arrested on charges of arson

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | February 19

On Jan. 13, 2026, the Opelika Fire Department (OFD) responded to a fire at By His Grace Daycare and Learning Center. Six days later, the department responded to another fire at the Children Palace Learning Center. Once both fires were extinguished, the City of Opelika Police Department (OPD) and OFD announced that they were investigating the incidents as a possible arson. Today, as of 1:25 p.m., the OPD announced that they had arrested two Tuskegee men with charges of arson related to the previously mentioned daycares.

Indivisible chapter hosts Signs of Fascism protest at Toomer's Corner

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | February 19

On Feb. 18, over 120 individuals of all ages gathered at Toomer's Corner to protest actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) and the Trump administration as a whole. Specifically, Minneapolis residents Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during confrontations with ICE. From 5 p.m. to 6, the event was coordinated by a national, bipartisan organization called Indivisible. Indivisible has been gaining momentum over the years through its activism, including the organization of the "No Kings" protests. 

City of Auburn placed under Phase 1 Drought Watch

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | February 17

Effective Feb. 9, the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn has placed the city under a Phase 1 Drought Watch. The announcement stems from an agreement with the City of Auburn Drought Management Plan.

Smalls Sliders temporarily closed until March 10

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | February 16

Smalls Sliders on Opelika Road closed earlier this month after approximately one year in operation, leaving uncertainty about whether the shutdown is temporary or permanent. Google currently lists the restaurant as “temporarily closed,” but community members speculate that the closure may be lasting. However, as of Feb. 16, an updated statement on the Yelp restaurant page states the restaurant is scheduled to reopen on March 10, 2026. No further reason or information has been provided by the company.

CARE Humane Society accepts 18 dogs following Tuskegee hoarding case

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | February 16

On Thursday, Feb. 5, Tuskegee Animal Control officers responded to a call reporting that a recently deceased Tuskegee resident had animals that needed to be removed from the property. When officers arrived, they found 32 small breed dogs, confined inside the home amid piles of crates, feces and debris. Four deceased dogs were also found on the property. Since the incident, CARE Humane took in some of the rescues. While all are currently in foster care, CARE hopes to make these dogs ready for adoption in the near future.

‘Education is power’: Reproductive advocacy groups rally against SB209

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | February 10

On Feb. 10, reproductive advocacy organizations held an advocacy day at the Alabama State House to urge Alabama legislators to vote against SB209. The bill would require abstinence-only education and restrict sex education in public schools. This is the third time the Alabama Legislature has introduced a bill that would require abstinence-only education. The previous bills were HB195 in 2024 and SB277 in 2025. URGE organized the event in partnership with Yellowhammer Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, Alabama Values Progress and the Alabama Reproductive, Health, Rights and Justice Coalition amongst other statewide organizations.

Man stable after fall from 'significant height' in Jordan-Hare Stadium

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | February 9

On Saturday, Feb. 7, a 22-year-old male was hospitalized following a fall from a reportedly significant height inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Emergency Medical Services and the Auburn Fire Department arrived on scene for further assistance. The individual was then flown to a regional hospital for further treatment and is currently in stable condition.

Whataburger closes in Downtown Auburn

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | February 1

On Dec. 15, 2025, the Downtown Auburn Whataburger location ceased operations. The fast-food restaurant had occupied the intersection of North College Street and West Magnolia Avenue since its opening in late 2021.

Lee County inmate charged with electronic solicitation of minor

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | January 29

On Jan. 23, the Lee County Detention Center investigations unit was notified of an inmate who was reportedly soliciting a child under the age of 18. Investigators recovered evidence confirming these suspicions.

Fizz N Fork comes to Auburn

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | January 26

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. 

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

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | January 21

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.

AubFest presents music and local artists at Grounds and Sounds

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter | January 19

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.

Lee County deputies arrest three in connection to animal cruelty

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | January 12

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.

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.

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.