Community

Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation hosts 11th annual Burger Wars

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant News Editor | May 31

On Saturday, May 31, the 11th annual Burger Wars was hosted in downtown Opelika, with 22 grillers competing for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Hosted by the Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, the goal was not only to create a competitive culinary environment but also to fundraise for local charities.

Tennibot: An Auburn-based company overcoming global challenges

| May 26

Tennibot, founded by Auburn University graduates and still based on the Plains, aims to become a household name in the tennis world. Though its roots remain local, the company’s challenges have grown increasingly global as it navigates a rapidly shifting tariff landscape and complex international legal disputes.

Four Corners Ministries to open thrift store in Opelika

By Ali Carriere | News Writer | May 23

Four Corners Ministries is preparing to open its fourth thrift store, with the soft opening set for June 2, 2025, and the grand opening following on June 17. The store will be located at 820 Columbus Pkwy. in Opelika.

EN ESPAÑOL | Revocación de visados: Lo que necesitas saber

April 25

Aproximadamente 15 estudiantes y becarios internacionales de la Universidad de Auburn han visto revocados sus visados por «infracciones penales cometidas en el pasado». Como parte de una ofensiva nacional, la Universidad de Auburn es una de las numerosas universidades que se enfrentan a oleadas de revocaciones de visados y cancelaciones de expedientes dirigidas por el Departamento de Estado y Seguridad Nacional.

Lawn mowing app GreenPal expands to Auburn

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | April 24

GreenPal, the lawn mowing app users commonly call the "Uber of lawn care," expanded to Auburn on Thursday, April 10. Across the nation and most recently in Auburn, GreenPal connects users with local vendors to achieve affordable, efficient and high-quality lawn care at the touch of a button.

Governor Ivey signs bill regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | April 16

On April 15, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 252, the Community Pharmacy Relief Act, into law. This act is seen as a crucial step towards protecting Alabama's local pharmacies.

24th annual Old 280 Boogie taking place this weekend

By Ashley Massey | News Writer | April 11

The 24th annual Old 280 Boogie is coming to Waverly, Alabama, this Saturday, April 12, for art and music enthusiasts to enjoy. Tickets are available online or at the gate for $50 a piece for ages 13+. Kids 12 or younger can enter for free. For veterans and students, there will be a 20% discount, bringing the total down to $40 per ticket.

Hundreds gather in Opelika for 'Hands Off!' protest against Trump administration

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | April 7

More than 500 people attended the April 5 protest at the Andrews Federal Building in Opelika, according to an unofficial count given by Kristin Hinnant, one of the volunteer organizers of the protest. Known as the "Hands Off!" movement, the Opelika protest is one of over 1,200 protests that occurred across the nation on April 5.

Auburn Vintage (photographer's preference)

Auburn Vintage Market shut down by university

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor | April 4

On Friday, April 4, Auburn Vintage Market’s first market was shut down by the university. The event, held on Haley Concourse, was originally set to last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but was shut down around 10:30 a.m.

Beignets and Brews opens in Downtown Auburn

By Olivia Garrett | News Writer | April 4

On March 29, 2025, Beignets and Brews officially opened its doors on North College Street, adding a fresh and exciting option to Auburn's culinary scene, offering a new spot for students, locals, and visitors to enjoy a delicious combination of sweet treats and coffee.

Specials and Sports: Menu deals in Auburn for Saturday's Final Four game

By Ashley Massey | News Writer and Railey McCord | News Writer | April 4

As Auburn University’s men’s basketball team prepares for its second Final Four appearance in program history, local businesses anticipate the excitement and are already preparing for a busy night in Auburn. As Auburn fans’ game-watching locations are being planned, several special deals will be running for those who want to enjoy food and drinks in truly electric atmospheres with each other.

Outreach Global to host upcoming Global Community Day Festival

March 31

The Outreach Global Office at Auburn University will host its fourth annual Global Community Day Festival on April 5 on Cater Lawn. Free to anyone in the Lee County community, the event will feature arts and crafts, food trucks and a fashion exhibition.

Brewing to success: A small business spotlight on The Bean

By Ashley Massey | News Writer | April 4

Hope Nichols, daughter of owners Ben and Sydney Nichols, reflects what her journey has been like as a proud member of her family’s business, The Bean.

AubFest welcomes back Auburn's growing community of young creatives for its spring festival

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | March 23

On Saturday, March 22, the local DIY music festival AubFest, united young creators and music lovers for its sixth edition at Boggin' On The Plains, a local ATV recreation park. Hosted once every fall and spring semester, the day-long festival welcomed those of all ages to enjoy musical performances, local vendors and group activities at the Vibes Tent.

The Heart of Every Community: The Value of Small Businesses

By Olivia Garrett | News Writer | March 12

Small businesses are the backbone of a community, helping the local economy grow and bringing people together. Whether you are grabbing coffee with a friend or picking out flowers, local businesses play a big role in making Auburn feel like home.

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.