---

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. 

Tiger Transit trial begins second day of testimony

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | February 28

The second day of testimony began Thursday morning in the trial of the former Tiger Transit driver charged with rape and sodomy of an 18-year-old Auburn student. 

Organization aims for political reform

By Cory Blackmon | Community Reporter | February 28

In a time of political divide and agenda-driven politics, one Auburn-based group is working to find compromise and put power back in the hands of voters.

Area schools can now provide life-saving drug

By Drew Daws | Campus Writer | February 28

Lee County Schools and Auburn City Schools recently implemented an initiative, that allows schools to administer naloxone, which can potentially save the lives of high school students.

Auburn man arrested on multiple charges

By Staff Report | February 27

The Auburn Police Division have arrested a 19-year-old Auburn man on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a pistol without a permit. 

Development’s standstill leads to new city ordinance

By Cory Blackmon | Community Writer | February 27

In an attempt to sell and zone about 25 acres of land for development, Sheri Todd and her siblings unknowingly set into motion a chain of events leading to a new city ordinance and months of legal confusion.

Diversity Task Force lays groundwork

By Jack West | Editor-in-Chief | February 27

Auburn residents were still reeling from news of a racist photograph posted by an Auburn High School student when they met with Mayor Ron Anders and City Councilmembers for the first meeting of the Diversity Task Force on Feb. 7.

City Council delays new housing ordinance again

By Cory Blackmon | Community Reporter | February 27

Auburn City Council decided, after much deliberation, to table the vote on a new city ordinance that would introduce a new classification of housing.

UPDATE: Victim testifies after opening statements in Tiger Transit rape case

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor and Eduardo Medina | Enterprise Editor | February 27

District Attorney Brandon Hughes, who is prosecuting the case, began opening arguments by saying, “knocked out, huh.” That's a quote from Patillo, recorded on video, when he first saw the victim on the bus, the district attorney said.

Jury selected to hear case against former Tiger Transit driver charged with rape, sodomy

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | February 26

The jurors will decide the case against Tony Patillo, who was charged in September 2017 with two first-degree counts of felony rape and sodomy. He also faces one count of public lewdness.

From combat boots to go-go boots: Tim Peacock's 10 years as a Southern drag queen

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | February 26

“Being in the military kind of put me in a dark place — having to hide myself to avoid harassment and bullying,” Peacock said. “It had just brought me to an extremely dark place.”

Temporary lane closures planned near Shug Jordan, Richland Road intersection

By Staff Report | February 26

Motorists are advised to be cautious in the area and take alternate routes when possible.

Auburn's 'oasis': New plan for the Medicinal Plant Garden

By Scott Berson | Assistant Community Editor | February 26

Auburn's Medicinal Plant Garden was an oasis of herbs, flowers and  shrubs. Now it's a parking lot. But there are plans to rebuild it bigger and better than ever.  

City, University to host off-campus housing focus groups

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | February 25

Students are invited to participate in the focus groups Wednesday, Feb. 27, and Monday, March 4. 

Entrepreneur succeeds in Auburn with transportation business

By Lauren Pieper | Lifestyle Writer | February 25

Small towns are not typically hubs for entrepreneurial success; however, when Kevin McCarley saw a need for safe transportation, he got to work on his business. 

Dozens of volunteers pitch in to clean trash-clogged campus creek

By Scott Berson | Assistant Community Editor | February 25

The project, a partnership between the city and Auburn's Risk Management & Safety Department, happens at least twice a year as a way to keep the on-campus stream as healthy as possible.