---

Opelika Public Library hosts A Very Merry Stroll

By Ali Carriere | News Writer | December 25

The Opelika Public Library held the Merry Stroll Tree Lighting event on Nov. 27, signifying the kickoff of holiday festivities the city of Opelika planned for the rest of the year. Families gathered and conversed, children played while being wowed by the decor and Christmas music filled the air as everyone patiently waited for the lighting ceremony. 

Recent Lawsuit Alleges Proposed Chambers County Quarry Would Harm Auburn University Eventing Club

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | December 12

Several Chambers County farms have filed a lawsuit against two mining companies seeking to develop a quarry near Cusseta. The Auburn University Eventing Club relies on one of these farms and claims the quarry could harm their horses, riders, and the local equestrian community. The suit raises additional environmental concerns including the destruction of a bald eagle habitat. 

Lighting up Auburn for the holidays: The 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremony

By Railey McCord | News Writer and Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | December 1

On Dec. 1, the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony took place on Samford lawn. The ceremony blended Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, bringing the Auburn community together over warm refreshments, holiday-themed crafts and vocal performances. Hosted by the city of Auburn and Auburn University, the event was staffed by Auburn University’s United Program Council (UPC) and Jewish student organization Hillel. The evening concluded with the highly anticipated lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah.

Spillin’ The Tea about downtown Auburn’s newest addition

By Miller Sparks | News Writer | November 22

On Oct. 15th, downtown Auburn welcomed Spillin’ The Tea to N. College Street, making it one of the newest loaded tea stores within walking distance of the Auburn campus. Owner, Nikki Anderson highlighted the importance and appreciation she felt as a business owner in Downtown Auburn.  

Football, Fans, and Foot Traffic: How Auburn Football traffic fuels local shops

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | November 22

As another Auburn Football season on the Plains begins to finish, game days brought strains to the city’s infrastructure. One such instance was the appearance of long, often slow lines of game day traffic. However, for many of Auburn’s local businesses, this traffic has become surprisingly beneficial, with slower transit and increased foot traffic being surprisingly advantageous for the locals of downtown Auburn.  

Bald eagle nest removal sparks outrage, boycott and federal investigation

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Ali Carriere | News Writer | November 19

On Friday night, Nov. 15, Columbus, Georgia contractor Hughston Homes removed a bald eagle nest near North College Street, despite a viral petition and community support to save the nest. The bonded bald eagle pair, named Jim and Pam by locals, are now without a home for nesting season, sparking outrage in the Auburn community, as residents and students call for a boycott and city officials request a federal investigation.

Lee County's 2024 Day of Remembrance

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | November 19

The Lee County Remembrance Project held the 2024 Day of Remembrance on Nov.17 at the Lee County Courthouse Square in Downtown Opelika. The event commemorated the lives of Black men who lost their lives to racial terror lynching in Lee County, AL. and featured spoken word and musical performances.

Mayor Ron Anders holds 2024 State of the City Address

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor , Auston Kucholtz | News Writer , Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor and Michaela Yielding | News Editor | November 13

Mayor Ron Anders presented his sixth-annual State of the City Address at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Nov. 12. For the 2024 State of the City Address, Mayor Anders discussed Auburn’s growth and challenges in the past year. 

Rocking Through the Fire and Flames: an AubFest V Festival recap

By Jack Fawcett | Sports & News Writer | November 11

Music festival AubFest V rocked local ATV recreation park Boggin’ on The Plains on Nov. 2. Held once a semester, AubFest has rapidly grown into a community that came out in droves to support local talent and each other.  

PREVIEW: Live on the Plains

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | November 7

The first ever Live on the Plains is coming to the Auburn-Opelika area on Nov. 9, featuring the sounds of Headliner Tyler Childers and smaller country artists. The one-day music festival welcomes all guests ranging from large families to solo music lovers. 

Baking up a Business: Stinson Breads

By Railey McCord | News Writer | November 7

For Anna Claire and Matthew Stinson, the owners of Stinson Breads, creating and running a bakery is all about bringing high-quality, European-style bread culture to Opelika in a hospitable environment. Located in historic downtown Opelika, Stinson Breads opened its bakery doors to the public earlier this year in late April.    

Auburn students roll Toomer’s Corner for Donald Trump’s presidential win

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | November 6

Auburn students and local city residents gathered at Toomer's Corner last night and rolled like they would for an Auburn Athletics win. 

Auburn voices from the polls: Megan Thrasher

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

Restaurant manager and Auburn University student Megan Thrasher shared her thoughts on the importance of making an informed vote for a presidential candidate, as well as her journey through the voting process in the city of Auburn. 

Auburn voices from the polls: Long lines

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

People at voting locations throughout the city of Auburn share perspectives on the long lines and extensive wait times involved in casting their ballots for the 2024 General Election. 

Auburn voices from the polls: Scott Shepherd

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

Local chaplain Scott Shepherd shares his experience deciding who to vote for, as well as an appreciation for voting accessibility at the polls.

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. 

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.