---

Latest: Instances of looting reported, sheriff says

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

"If anyone out there is watching these newscasts, if they have any inkling about coming to Lee County, coming to Smiths Station, coming to Beauregard and have evil intent, then be forewarned: They will go to jail," the sheriff said.

'We are Beauregard Strong': Sen. Doug Jones tours tornado damage

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

"You cannot fully appreciate what has happened here," Jones said. The devastation "will absolutely take your breath away."

Regions Foundation announces $25,000 donation to support Alabama tornado recovery

By Staff Report | March 7

The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank, announced a $25,000 donation to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts following an EF-4 tornado that destroyed areas in Beauregard, Smiths Station and nearby communities on Sunday. From the $25,000 contribution, a $15,000 portion ...

'Rent,' The Beach Boys, Postmodern Jukebox, Wynton Marsalis among Gogue Center inaugural performances

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 6

Broadway shows and musical artists ranging from "Rent" and "Waitress" to Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, The Beach Boys and soprano Reneé Fleming will appear on stage at the new Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center during its inaugural season starting in fall 2019.

Gov. Kay Ivey tours tornado damage

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | March 6

Gov. Kay Ivey visited Lee County, Alabama, Wednesday to survey the damage from Sunday’s tornadoes that killed 23 people.

Student raises money for tornado victims through jewelry business

By Lauren Pieper | Lifestyle Writer | March 6

Natalie Hermes, senior in interdisciplinary studies, is doing her part by donating $14 from every necklace she sells to Saint Michael’s Catholic Church’s tornado relief.

Latest: Four remain hospitalized in ICUs. All missing are accounted for alive.

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 6

At least four people injured in Sunday's storm remain in critical condition at hospitals in Georgia and Alabama, officials said Wednesday.  

State of the State: Governor honors tornado victims, proposes $75 million higher ed funding increase

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 6

The governor held a moment of silent prayer for the victims before she pitched her priorities for the 2019 legislative session to lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol Tuesday for her annual speech.

Trump approves major disaster declaration for Lee County after severe weather, tornadoes

By Staff Report | March 5

 President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Lee County, Alabama Tuesday. This comes after Gov. Kay Ivey ‘s request for such assistance on Monday and triggers the release of federal funds to help the community recover from Sunday’s storms that ravaged Lee County killing 23 people.  

What is known about the Lee County tornado victims

By Mikayla Burns | Managing Editor and Eduardo Medina | Enterprise Editor | March 5

The ages of those who died in the storm range from 6 to 89.

Lawmakers send letter to Trump in support of expedited major disaster declaration

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor | March 5

After the pair of devastating tornadoes that hit Lee County on Sunday, state representatives sent a letter to President Donald Trump, supporting Gov. Kay Ivey’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the state.

Airbnb begins Open Homes Program for Lee County tornado victims, relief workers

By Staff Report | March 5

Airbnb has activated its Open Homes Program for displaced residents and relief workers deployed to Lee County following the tornado Sunday that left 23 dead and ravaged the parts of Lee County.  

President Trump to visit Alabama to survey tornado damage

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 5

The 23 people who were killed by tornadoes in southern Lee County on March 3, 2019, have been identified by Lee County Coroner Bill Harris.

'I can't believe this': Stunned citizens sift through destruction in Beauregard

By Eduardo Medina | Enterprise Editor | March 4

Large trucks and vehicles carrying bulldozers drive through the small roads bordered by uprooted trees. The people in this small town walk up and down the streets and stare at the destruction. On Lee County Road 11, there’s a gathering of mournful neighbors.

Officials: Lee County tornado was a mile-wide EF-4 with 170 MPH winds

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

The tornado was nearly a mile wide at .87 miles and stayed touched down on the ground for more than 24 miles.

Donations pour into Auburn church following Sunday tornado

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | March 4

Cars circled the Auburn Dream Center as volunteers unloaded donations for tornado relief after storms ripped through Lee County Sunday afternoon.

Students have mutually beneficial relationship with local sisters

By Halle Boso | Campus Writer | March 4

Auburn seniors Grace Burkes and Jessie Floyd have been mentors to a pair of local sisters since they were freshmen. The relationships have provided the sisters with guidance, and the two mentors have learned a lot about themselves as well.

Fourth-grader first victim identified after tornado outbreak in Lee County

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

The first victim of Sunday's deadly severe weather has been identified as a fourth grade student at Lee-Scott Academy.