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A large brick building with multiple towers stands behind a grassy area where several people in period clothing are gathered.

The forgotten buildings of Auburn University

It is rare to find any student, professor or administrator who can confidently recollect every building on Auburn's sprawling campus. While most are familiar with the Haley Center and Melton Student Center or have fond memories at Jordan-Hare Stadium and Neville Arena, some buildings at Auburn remain far more unacknowledged than others. After campus's long, substantial history, many buildings have simply been left nearly forgotten.

The Depot on Mitcham Avenue in Auburn, Alabama.

Train stations to culinary prestige at The Depot

Opening in September of 2015, The Deport is a fine dining restaurant serving the freshest of seafood from a globally-inspired menu. Patrons appreciate the quality of their fried crustaceans and their family-friendly atmosphere, but they may not realize the significance of the actual construction of the restaurant – which began as none other than Auburn’s third railroad depot.

Auburn's Technology Parks are home to a number of manufacturing and processing companies in the Auburn-Opelika area

KettenWulf launching manufacturing operation in Auburn

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | February 28

On Jan. 26, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced that KettenWulf, a German-based global manufacturing company, will begin operations in Alabama with a new production facility based in Auburn. The company pledges to invest approximately $34 million into the new production site, bringing a planned 70 jobs to the Auburn-Opelika area.

Two officers with the Auburn Police Department chat in front of a row of motorcycles set to lead Auburn's Mardi Gras parade held on Feb. 18, 2023.

Tuskegee men arrested on charges of arson

By Brychelle Brooks | Former 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.

A diverse group of protesters hold signs advocating for immigration rights and social justice while standing under a cloudy sky.

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. 

Smalls Sliders closed on Opelika Road in Auburn, Alabama.

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.

Pictures of the dogs found by Tuskegee animal control on Thursday, Feb. 5. Contributed by Audrey Salazar.

CARE Humane Society accepts 18 dogs following Tuskegee hoarding case

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | 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.

Reproductive advocacy organizations and dozens of people gather for the Our Bodies, Our Futures Advocacy Day at the Alabama State House on Feb. 10, 2026.

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

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter 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.

A brick storefront features a glass door with "OPEN" signage and a sign reading "FIZZ n FORK" above.

Fizz N Fork comes to Auburn

By Landi Rutledge | Former 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. 

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