Community

Auburn voices from the polls: Choosing who to vote for

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | November 5

Voters in the city of Auburn share how they chose which presidential candidate to vote for in the 2024 election.

CP Gogue Performing Arts Center - My Fair Lady Preview

Auburn Speaks event canceled after potential security threat at Gogue Performing Arts Center

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | November 4

The Auburn Speaks public speaking competition is set to be rescheduled after a potential security threat was reported at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Nov. 4. Entrances to the event were supposed to close at 6 p.m. for the start of the competition, however, GPAC sent a cancellation email to students rsvp'd for the event at 5:59 p.m alerting them of the postponing of the event.

Auburn political science professors provide insight on what matters going into Election Day

By Tucker Massey | Content Editor | November 4

Going into a highly anticipated presidential election, several of Auburn University's political science professors have noted the factors they think will determine the outcome of the Nov. 5 contest.

Register, Plan, Vote: Voting Made Easy

By Jennifer Santiago | News Writer | November 2

Citizens can sometimes find voting at the polls daunting due to confusing ballots, strict voter identification requirements and lengthy lines. The voting process may be especially intimidating for new voters, typically young college students, but completing three key steps will guarantee an effortless election day come November 5.

Looking ahead to Aubfest, Auburn’s DIY Music Festival

By Jack Fawcett | Sports & News Writer | October 31

The Loveliest DIY Music Festival in Auburn returns for Aubfest V on Saturday. The project spearheaded by festival founder Ashley Spencer has grown into a once-a-semester tradition and serves as Auburn’s premier showcase for local artists.

It’s official, Tacorita is back

By Heather Wright | News Writer | October 31

Tacorita, now on 155 N College Street, opened its doors for a soft opening a few days before the grand opening on Oct 25. At noon, the restaurant was almost at full capacity, just an hour after opening its doors.

Pride flag stolen from St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | October 29

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church on Magnolia Street had its pride flag stolen for the third time. While the church's community is concerned about the intolerance of such a crime, they remain dedicated to their message of inclusivity.

Cow College: Exploring Auburn University's rich legacy of cattle

By Gabriel Fox | Columnist | October 29

Auburn University’s history as a leader in agricultural work dates back to 1872 when it became the South’s first land-grant university, established for the purpose of education and community outreach. Easily dismissed as pastoral and picturesque, cattle production is often out-of-mind from the everyday life of metropolitan communities. Auburn University's nickname "Cow College," has a deeper meaning within the world of agriculture.

Syrup Sopping Day returns to Pioneer Park in Loachapoka

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 25

As autumn once again comes into the greater Auburn area, Syrup Sopping Day makes its annual return to Pioneer Park in Loachapoka on Saturday, Oct 26th. The festival, known for its traditional syrup-making and sugar-milling displays, has returned to Loachapoka for the better part of a century each October to celebrate Lee County's rich agricultural history. Hosted by the Lee County Historical Society, Syrup Soppin' at Pioneer Park is free to attend and is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, with over ten thousand visitors expected.

14-year-old arrested in relation to shooting threat on Opelika High School

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 24

The lockdown at Opelika High School has been lifted after an "external" threat was reported to Opelika School resource officers at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday. The school remained on lockdown until 12:45 p.m. and parents are now allowed to pick up their children through the main entrance as long as they have their ID.

Author Eileen Garvin speaks at 2024 Common Book keynote

By Jennifer Santiago | News Writer | October 24

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, author Eileen Garvin discussed her debut novel, The Music of Bees, Auburn University’s 2024 Common Book, at the Student Activities Center Auditorium. Introduced by Provost Dr. Vini Nathan, Garvin shared insights into her writing process and the novel’s themes of community, mental health, and sustainability. The event concluded with a Q&A and book signing.

Auburn celebrates Girls in Aviation Day 2024

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 22

Auburn's War Eagle Chapter of Women in Aviation hosted Girls in Aviation Day at the Auburn University Regional Airport on Oct. 19, where students of all ages were able to explore a variety of different aerospace activities and learn about potential careers.

Tipoff at Toomer’s returns to the Plains

By Heather Wright | News Writer and Railey McCord | News Writer | October 18

On October 17, Tipoff at Toomer’s marked the highly anticipated beginning of Auburn University’s men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The event made its long-awaited return to the Plains since its last appearance three years ago in 2021. This year, Tipoff at Toomers expanded to include more festivities, including a marketplace and a live music performance by popular country music artist Cole Swindell.

Cole Peake - 10,000Hz Records Spotlight 5

Russell Baggett: Rediscover Vinyl at 10,000 Hz Records

By Landi Rutledge | News Writer | October 17

10,000 Hz Records, owned by Russell Baggett in Opelika, Alabama, has become a popular destination for vinyl lovers, offering a diverse selection of records. Inspired by his love for music and a lack of local vinyl stores, Baggett opened the shop in 2018. With a focus on quality and community, the store blends online sales with engaging in-person experiences.

Previewing AU Oktoberfest 2024

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 16

Auburn's Oktoberfest returns on Saturday Oct. 19 at Agricultural Heritage Park, featuring over 60 breweries, live music, contests, food trucks and a variety of activities. The event will showcase national and local brewers, including a homebrewing competition, with attendees voting for the best in central Alabama. Highlights include the Samuel Adams Beer Stein Holding Contest, weiner dog racing, and a Friday night kickoff dinner.

Tiger Rags: Where spirit begins again

By Ally Northridge | News Reporter | October 15

Tiger Rags made its return to the Auburn community with the launch of its official website under new owners Brett and Natalie Whiteside. Known for its iconic game day shirts featuring Rags the tiger, the brand had paused production for five years, but is now reviving its beloved designs. With deep Auburn roots, the Whitesides aim to preserve and expand the Tiger Rags tradition, offering both vintage and new designs through online sales and partnering with Mike Lester and The Atelier in downtown Auburn.

A stage for all, a community for everyone: The Jailhouse's Open Mic Nights

By Albert Osorio | Sports & News Writer | October 14

Local Auburn artists no longer have to compete for play time because there is a place that welcomes musicians of any skill level to play their instruments and sing covers, originals and other types of songs. The Jailhouse in Downtown Opelika behind Rock ‘N Roll Pinball hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musicians from every skill level are welcome to perform their music there, and poets are welcome to perform their acts.

How Hurricane Helene affected the Auburn community

By Ally Northridge | News Reporter | October 9

In light of Category 4 Hurricane Helene, Auburn University shut down its campus on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:00 p.m. and reopened at 11:00 a.m. the following morning on Friday, Sept. 27. Whether affected directly or indirectly by Hurricane Helene, the Auburn community is joining together to support each other and neighboring states in the aftermath.

The Farmer in the Dell: more than just a pumpkin patch

By Landi Rutledge | News Writer | October 8

The Farmer in the Dell pumpkin patch has been around for 17 years, but they have been farming on the land since 2005. Read more about Marie Foshee's journey and heart behind this project, and how the love from the Auburn-Opelika community has fueled her going forward.

Pro-Palestinian group holds memorial vigil on one-year anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | October 7

On the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attacks, students and community members held a vigil memorial for those killed in Gaza and others during the Israel-Hamas war. Held from 5 to 7 p.m. demonstrators sat at Toomer's Corner, with some holding up pro-Palestine signage, creating artwork and lighting candles for the vigil.