Community

Tensions flare at APLS hearing on 'gender ideology' material in children's sections

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 22

On Oct. 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board held a contentious public comment hearing on LGBTQ-related topics in the children’s section. The change to the code would deem any material that “promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders” as "inappropriate" for minors. According to the contested proposal, libraries would have to have to move all material that “promotes, encourages, or positively depicts transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two biological genders” to the adult section. The proposed rule change provides an exception regarding “age-appropriate materials regarding religion, history, biology, or human anatomy.”

Over 400 Auburn and Opelika residents gather for 'No Kings' protest

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 18

On Saturday, Oct. 18, over 400 Auburn and Opelika residents of all ages gathered for the “No Kings” protest outside the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Protestors stood along North College Street and held up American flags and light-up letter signs that spelled out “COUNTRY OVER PARTY.” According to the Auburn/Opelika No Kings website, they wanted to “take advantage” of game-day traffic.

The front of the new IHOP on South College Street in Auburn, Alabama.

New IHOP location opens on South College Street

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor and Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 16

On Oct. 14, a new IHOP location opened on 1678 S. College St. The restaurant, formerly a Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, was rebranded to meet profit expectations and create a high-quality family dining experience.

Harold Rashad Dabney III, who is charged with two counts of capital murder, flashes a peace sign to his family following the conclusion of his Oct. 15 preliminary hearing. Photo by Adam Sparks, photographer for Opelika-Auburn News.

Court moves forward with charges for the murder of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 15

On Oct. 15, 2025, the preliminary hearing for the murder of retired Auburn University professor, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, was held at the Lee County Justice Center. The hearing determined that there was enough evidence against the accused, Harold Rashad Dabney III, to move to a grand jury. While the case is still in its early stages, lots of new information surrounding the case emerged in the hearing.

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle tends to one of her patients, a dairy cow of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Contributed by the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In tribute to Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | October 14

Known for her intentional heart and driven mind, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was a brilliant light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Every experience and opportunity she encountered was met with exceptional leadership and an unconditional compassion for others. Before her retirement in 2021, Dr. Gard Schnuelle held a specialty in reproduction and served as a board-certified theriogenologist in the large animal section of the Department of Clinical Sciences at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University in February 2023.

Gas leak reported near the Gogue

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | October 13

On Oct. 13, 2025, Auburn University reported a gas leak near the Gogue Performing Arts Center. The notice was sent out at 9:08 a.m. in an AU Alert, which provided instructions and more details about the leak.

In memoriam: Dr. Troy Best

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 6

Troy L. Best, an emeritus professor for Auburn University’s Department of Biological Sciences, passed away at his home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico on Sept. 9, 2025. Dr. Best, 80, was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, educator and friend.

East AL health & Tuskegee announce research partnership Graphic.jpg

East Alabama Health and Tuskegee University launch cancer research partnership

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | October 6

On Sept. 29, East Alabama Health and Tuskegee University announced a research partnership that will bring together doctors and scientists from both organizations to study, diagnose and treat various forms of cancer.

Opelika hosts the 76th annual Lee County Fair

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 5

The 76th Lee County Fair returned to Opelika from Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd, 2025. First opening in 1948, the event sees it annual return in the first week of October, and this year's edition has seen record attendance. While some aspects have changed, the fair continues to feature carnival rides and games, live music, livestock showcasing and other activities.

Mayor Ron Anders holds 2025 State of the City Address

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | October 3

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders presented his seventh annual State of the City Address at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Oct. 2. The address focused on the city’s challenges and successes over the past year.

Southern Greens opens in downtown Auburn

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | October 1

On Friday, Sept. 19, downtown Auburn welcomed Southern Greens at its grand opening, featuring customizable menu items and ready-made meals all with a focus on health and wellness.

Downtown Opelika vandalized, more than $2,500 in damages

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | September 29

On Sept. 28, Opelika Police Department (OPD) responded to calls about graffiti in the downtown area. Over $2,500 in damages resulted, with buildings and vehicles being painted on. OPD has identified the vandals, and they're now in custody.

Opelika removes 2013 Miss America signs following statements about Charlie Kirk

By Sydney Gallardo | News Reporter | September 25

Late last week, the city of Opelika took down signs identifying itself as the hometown of Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, following her controversial statements about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A Sept. 19 Facebook post by the City of Opelika states that the mayor Gary Fuller requested for the signs to be taken down.

Brilyn Hollyhand announces campus tour with Turning Point USA

By Tripp Hedden | News Writer | September 25

On Sept. 19, Brilyn Hollyhand, Auburn freshman studying political science, announced his plans to join forces with Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to launch his “One Conversation at a Time” college campus tour. Hollyhand, driven by the death of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, will travel across the southeastern United States to speak and encourage young people to stay engaged in politics. Hollyhand aims to build on the legacy established by Charlie Kirk.

State representatives promote violence prevention strategies

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | September 18

On Sept. 16, Alabama State House Representatives Jeremy Gray and Phillip Ensler attended a discussion with members of the Auburn-Opelika community regarding ways to prevent violence among young individuals in Alabama. The event was hosted by Moms Demand Action, an organization dedicated to protecting individuals from gun violence through public safety measures, and was held at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

Opelika Police respond to fatal stabbing, investigation ongoing

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | September 16

In the morning of Sept. 16, 2025, Opelika Police responded to a suspicious incident that left one woman fatally stabbed in Opelika, Alabama.

Auburn University hosts 2025 Homecoming Parade

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | September 13

On Friday, Sep. 12, Auburn University hosted the annual homecoming parade. Beginning its run through Downtown Auburn at 6 p.m., the parade featured local businesses, student organizations and other members of the community.

Tunnel to Towers: 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit comes to Opelika

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | September 11

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the East Alabama Regional Training Association hosted the non-profit Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit in Opelika. As its first arrival in Alabama, the exhibit serves as a tribute to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and will continue to be displayed until Sept. 16. Admission is free for all, and access is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

AUPD investigating assault on East Glenn Avenue

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | September 10

On Sept. 10, 2025, AUPD responded to a call, citing a disturbance on E. Glenn Ave, outside of Chappy's Deli and CVS. Citing the victim, a 36-year-old male, was assaulted with an edged weapon.

Auburn-Opelika ICE raids lead to arrests of fugitives and detainment of immigrants

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | July 15

Immigration raids occurred at local Auburn-Opelika Mexican restaurants on Tuesday, July 15, following an on-going, joint investigation by federal, state and local agencies; more than 40 immigrants allegedly living in the U.S. illegally were detained. Authorities executed search warrants in relation to a federal indictment of fraud and abuse of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for 52-year-old Cesar Campos-Reyes, who is now in FBI custody.