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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.

Former transit driver Tony Patillo found guilty of rape, sodomy of an Auburn student

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

The jury convicted Patillo of first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy charges. He was also found guilty of a misdemeanor public lewdness charge.

Where you can donate to help tornado survivors

By Staff Report | March 4

Donations are being accepted for tornado survivors at local businesses and churches. The following are some we know of. 

Search and rescue resumes after at least 23 killed by tornado in Lee County

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

Search and rescue operations are resuming this morning after emergency personnel were forced to call off efforts Sunday night because of darkness and dangerous debris.

Sheriff: Death toll rises to 23 after 'catastrophic' tornadoes hit Lee County

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 3

A spokesman for East Alabama Medical Center says dozens are being treated for injuries.

All clear: Tornado warnings, watch canceled in Lee County

By Staff Report | March 3

All Tornado Warnings in Lee County have been canceled, but a Tornado Watch remains in effect at this time.

'Krewe Krawl' brings Mardi Gras spirit to downtown Auburn

By Ellie Falconer | Community Writer | March 2

The third-annual Mardi Gras parade in Auburn, organized by Krewe de Tigris and hosted by the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, brought local families and students downtown to watch around 45 floats throw beads and moon pies to the enthusiastic crowd.  

A look inside the Gogue Performing Arts Center

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 2

Construction is nearing an end on Auburn University's new $70 million Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Blazing new trails — Miles of hiking and biking trails coming to nearby park

By Scott Berson | Assistant Community Editor | March 2

A group of adventurers are planning a new system of trails for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike just a short drive from Auburn.

Jury Watch: No verdict Friday. Jury will return Monday for more deliberations.

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 1

The jury came with questions for Circuit Judge Christopher Hughes. They asked about lesser charges and whether they could come back Monday for more deliberations. Minutes later, the jury decided to go home for the weekend. Jury deliberations will continue Monday, March 4, at 8 a.m.

Mama Mocha’s — an inclusive spot for everyone

By Ellie Falconer | Community Writer | March 1

“I hate to use the term safe space,” said Sarah Barnett, owner of Mama Mocha’s in both the Auburn and Opelika locations. “I feel like it’s so overused. People know I’m very accepting, and Mama Mocha’s is a business who loves everyone.”  

Auburn rent can be costly — but how bad is it?

By Scott Berson | Assistant Community Editor | March 1

Out of all 14 schools in the SEC, Auburn came in as the eighth most expensive place to find student housing.