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Auburn University student develops website showing heatmap of Auburn crime

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | February 28

Auburn University senior in software engineering Matthew Rogers recently released a website forming a heatmap visualization of crime statistics around Auburn University. The website creates an image showing the usually unseen prevalence of crime on the Plains.  

The impact of War Eagle Run Fest

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | February 27

War Eagle Run Fest is individually meaningful for all of its participants. However, one thing was always the same: though challenging, each person found it incredibly fulfilling to achieve their goals in a place that meant so much to them. 

Pharmacies across Alabama stage walkout to support Senate Bill 93

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | February 26

 On Tuesday, Feb. 25, 112 pharmacies across Alabama closed to express support for Senate Bill 93 in the Alabama legislature. While no pharmacies in the Auburn–Opelika area walked out, many aimed to support the bill in other ways, like displaying black bows or balloons. Bubba's Drugs in Opelika turned off their phones for an hour and a half and set a message expressing support for the bill. Jim's Drugs in Dadeville and Beauregard Drugs are the nearest pharmacies that closed.  

Downtown Auburn to host its 2025 Mardi Gras Parade and Krewe Krawl

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | February 25

Join the Krewe de Tigris for a family-fun day at their eighth annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in Downtown Auburn’s makeshift Entertainment District. In addition to the parade, the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will be hosting Krewe Krawl beginning at noon.  

February 20 proclaimed Abbie Stockard Day

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief and Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor | February 20

On the morning of Feb. 20, 2025, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders gave a proclamation at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, stating that today would henceforth be known as Abbie Stockard Day.

Generations in the making: Savanh Thai Kitchen

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant News Editor | February 20

Savanh Thai Kitchen opened its doors in 2018 at 1750 Opelika Rd. in Auburn, with a new takeout location on South College St. in December 2024. Generations of the Malavong family run the business, each having a different role. Nicholas Harrison, the restaurant's current manager, explained the business's history. 

The sudden drop of gas prices in Alabama

By Albert Osorio | Sports & News Writer | February 14

Gas prices in Auburn, Alabama are now at an average of $2.82, which is one of the lowest gas prices for Auburn in recent years. 

Richard Tomasello, owner of Well Red and The Fox, reflects on his journey

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | February 11

Richard Tomasello, owner of the two Well Red locations and recently, The Fox coffee shop, reflected on the success of the businesses he shares with his wife, Crystal.  

Two arrested following Beauregard burglary of over $28,000 of goods

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | January 29

A couple from Notasulga have been arrested in association with a burglary totaling more than $28,000 worth of firearms and other associated items in Lee County’s Beauregard residences three months ago. 

Winter Storm Enzo: What to expect in the Auburn Opelika area for the rest of the week

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | January 22

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Winter Storm Enzo brought record-breaking snowfall to the Southeast United States, halting operations and closing schools across the region. With the Auburn and Opelika areas covered in snow, numerous road closures and delays have interrupted normal city routines.

Is Trader Joe's coming to Auburn? The high demand for TJ's in the plains

By Ashley Massey | News Writer | January 22

Trader Joe’s is a popular grocery store chain that has taken over the United States with locations spanning across the nation as of January 2025. Out of its 597 locations, Auburn is not one of them. However, there has been a demand for a Trader Joes to open in the Auburn/Opelika area for a while. With multiple petitions and dedicated Facebook pages for an Auburn Trader Joes, the community's desire for the chain is apparent. 

Auburn and Opelika residents concerned for homeless population amidst winter storm

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | January 21

As temperatures drop below freezing, Auburn and Opelika residents grow concerned for locals who must endure long-term exposure to the increasingly cold climate. Established homeless shelters are reaching maximum capacity, as the homeless seek refuge from the cold. While neighboring cities and local non-profits provide resources, neither the Auburn nor Opelika municipalities have officially opened warming centers for both their housed and unhoused community members. 

Auburn welcomes four new businesses over the holidays

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | January 20

The city of Auburn welcomed four new shops - Aldi, Smalls Sliders, Chipotle and SweetFrog - into its commerce during this year’s holiday season with new bites and brands for the community. 

Auburn Police arrest woman for allegedly killing husky puppy

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor and William Speigner | Legal Reporter | January 15

The Auburn Police Department took 18-year-old Taylor Colbert—a student at Southern Union Community College—into custody on Jan. 14 on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals. Charges of aggravated cruelty to animals carry the weight of a Class C Felony in Alabama. 

Opelika Public Library hosts A Very Merry Stroll

By Ali Carriere | News Writer | December 25

The Opelika Public Library held the Merry Stroll Tree Lighting event on Nov. 27, signifying the kickoff of holiday festivities the city of Opelika planned for the rest of the year. Families gathered and conversed, children played while being wowed by the decor and Christmas music filled the air as everyone patiently waited for the lighting ceremony. 

Recent Lawsuit Alleges Proposed Chambers County Quarry Would Harm Auburn University Eventing Club

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | December 12

Several Chambers County farms have filed a lawsuit against two mining companies seeking to develop a quarry near Cusseta. The Auburn University Eventing Club relies on one of these farms and claims the quarry could harm their horses, riders, and the local equestrian community. The suit raises additional environmental concerns including the destruction of a bald eagle habitat. 

Lighting up Auburn for the holidays: The 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremony

By Railey McCord | News Writer and Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | December 1

On Dec. 1, the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony took place on Samford lawn. The ceremony blended Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, bringing the Auburn community together over warm refreshments, holiday-themed crafts and vocal performances. Hosted by the city of Auburn and Auburn University, the event was staffed by Auburn University’s United Program Council (UPC) and Jewish student organization Hillel. The evening concluded with the highly anticipated lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah.

Spillin’ The Tea about downtown Auburn’s newest addition

By Miller Sparks | News Writer | November 22

On Oct. 15th, downtown Auburn welcomed Spillin’ The Tea to N. College Street, making it one of the newest loaded tea stores within walking distance of the Auburn campus. Owner, Nikki Anderson highlighted the importance and appreciation she felt as a business owner in Downtown Auburn.