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Freedom Fest Weekend 2025: An opportunity to honor U.S. veterans

By Nicolle Generaux | News Writer | November 8

On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, Opelika celebrated American Veterans by hosting the first Freedom Fest Weekend. In past years, Opelika has organized an annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Veterans Day Program. This year, more additions were made to the tributary festivities with the support of the City of Opelika, Flags for Vets, IS4S and ESPN, establishing a two-day-long tradition to recognize those who have served. 

Federal aid suspended for SNAP benefits in November

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | November 3

A month after the government shutdown at midnight on Oct. 1, the Trump administration announced that SNAP benefits will be suspended starting Saturday, Nov.1. As Washington remains polarized in a political deadlock, the effects are being felt far away from Capitol Hill. For now, Alabama families are encouraged to check with their local food banks and community organizations for aid.

Rural Studio continues teaching architecture students and serving rural communities

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | November 3

For Auburn University architecture students, Rural Studio offers hands-on experience and a way to give back to their community. During their time at the program, students work in teams alongside professors and experts to choose their projects, create designs, figure out budgets, and build homes and community centers.

Raising Cane's looking to add downtown Auburn location

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | October 29

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Auburn’s Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) met with Sarah Holmes, Raising Cane’s property development manager for the Southeast, and other Raising Cane’s representatives, to discuss initial plans for a new Raising Cane’s location at 103 N. College St., directly next to Whataburger.

Students host BigHouse fundraiser with Jackson Arnold

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | October 29

This year, students taking a persuasion class that Auburn University offers are handed a uniquely impactful opportunity to engage in a fundraiser for the BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves to meet the needs of foster and adoptive families in East Alabama. A group in this class speaks to how this fundraiser lays the groundwork for a much-needed system of care, one that reaches beyond the area.

Stone Martin Builders launches new program for home design

By Gracie Goodman | News Editor | October 27

On Sept. 23, Stone Martin Builders launched its new Build On Your Land program, which provides property owners with the opportunity to create and design their dream home on their land.

Auburn students give back in IMPACT's Rooted in Service event

By Lindsey Niles | News Writer | October 27

On Oct. 26, Auburn students set out to give back to the community they call home during the Rooted in Service event. This event, hosted annually by on-campus service organization IMPACT, sends students out in teams to tackle tasks for Auburn and Opelika residents who could use a few helping hands.

Lee County Historical Society hosts annual Syrup Sopping Festival

By Amanda Machamer | Editor-in-Chief | October 25

On Oct. 25, the Lee County Historical Society hosted the annual Syrup Sopping Festival at Pioneer Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held for over 50 years, the event features food, live music and pop-ups by small businesses in the area. Among these vendors were local businesses selling products like custom hydrographics and jewelry, while others were there on behalf of organizations.

Auburn Area Community Theatre presents 'Misery'

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | October 23

The Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) will be presenting "Misery," a new production based on the novel from Stephen King, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The psychological thriller is one of many productions in AACT's 21st season and is recommended for patrons 16 and older.

14th annual Oktoberfest returns to Auburn

By Nicolle Generaux | News Writer | October 22

The 14th annual Oktoberfest will return for the weekend at Ag Heritage Park, with the festival taking place on Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Established in Auburn in 2008, Oktoberfest has become one of the largest beer festivals in the South. Around 70 of the world’s most renowned breweries and wineries are registered for the event, including Blue Moon, Sweetwater, Goat Island, Stone, Victory, New Belgium and more.

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

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | 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 | Assistant News Editor | 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.

New IHOP location opens on South College Street

By Amanda Machamer | Editor-in-Chief and Gracie Goodman | News Editor | 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.

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

By Erin Cosby | Legal Reporter and Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News Editor | 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.

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.

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 Alabama Health and Tuskegee University launch cancer research partnership

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | 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.