Culture

A large popcorn bucket sits prominently in front of a movie screen, with a filmstrip curling around it.

Thanksgiving movie guide: New films to see in theaters

By Katie Gibson | Lifestyle Writer | November 25

Thanksgiving is a time that students can finally kick up their feet and relax before finals season comes into full swing. November is typically a time when major movies come out. Do you want to go enjoy a cinematic production on the big screen, while munching on extremely-buttered popcorn and sipping a cold soda? Maybe this sounds appealing, but you have no idea what movie ticket to buy. Luckily for you, I have created a guide of the top three highly-anticipated movie releases that Auburn students will be making sure they go see this Thanksgiving break. In no particular order, here are the must-see movie releases to enjoy this holiday season.

The Auburn Campus Food Pantry's glass door, which features an orange circular sign that reads "CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY," and information about food pantry hours is visible below.

Giving back in times of food insecurity

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | November 24

With the holidays approaching, this is a season of practicing gratitude, giving back and eating delicious food. For many in East Alabama though, food insecurity complicates the season. Food insecurity, the lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, affects at least 16% of Lee County. In times of need, Auburn offers plenty of ways to get involved and give back to the community.

Love Does in Action members pose in front of a sign for the fall festival hosted with Vecinos Ministry. Contributed by Love Does in Action.

Love Does in Action joins The Loveliest Village

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | November 24

This fall, the Love Does in Action club launched in Auburn. The club focuses on loving one another through acts of kindness, from buying a stranger a coffee to hosting community events for underserved families.

BrainSTEM guides neurodivergent students to success

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | November 24

College is a notoriously difficult transitional period for young adults because of a mix of increased responsibilities, rigorous studies and a sense of newfound independence. BrainSTEM is a new student organization at Auburn University that seeks to assist all neurodivergent students, who may especially struggle during this transition, with achieving their goals, while providing a community consisting of other self-identifying neurodivergent students.

A brick storefront with a sign reading "Cookie Fix," featuring striped awnings, a glass door, and a wooden bench outside.

Cookie Fix brings a sweet new flavor to Downtown Auburn

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | November 21

Downtown Auburn got a little sweeter with the opening of Cookie Fix on Nov.5. This is the company's 10th location and marks a new chapter for the brand that started nearly a decade ago.

Football players in white jerseys interact with enthusiastic fans reaching over a barrier, celebrating a victorious moment in a stadium at night.

Auburn's culture of away games

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | November 20

For Auburn students, away games are more than a weekend trip – they’re a ritual. Students plan their fall schedules around the football season, as flocks of students pack their cars to get ready for game days across the Southeast. No matter if a game is home or away, Auburn students bring the same loyalty, passion and sense of belonging everywhere they go. The trip might be long and the city may look different, but the feeling remains the same. There is no doubt that Auburn fans show up for their team and for each other.

From Test Track to Highways: NCAT’s Road Innovations

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 19

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) is changing the game in asphalt innovations and their sustainability. The minds behind these advances conduct research in labs and on the Test Track, where they work to build more economically and environmentally friendly roads.

Inside The Auburn Popcorn Company on Nov. 11, 2025.

Pop on in to The Auburn Popcorn Company

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 18

Since opening in 2017, The Auburn Popcorn Company has been gracing downtown Auburn's presence with freshly popped popcorn. With about 14 different flavors, there is a salty and sweet treat for everyone who ventures into the store.

GrubHub sign captured in the Chick-fil-A in the Auburn Student Center.

Auburn Campus Dining adapts to students' wants

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

When it comes to the college student experience, it is safe to say that food is a huge part of it. Auburn University has a variety of options, from dining halls like The Edge to on-campus chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. However, despite the positives, students and staff alike feel like Auburn's dining options have room for improvement.

Santa Claus sits on a chair surrounded by poinsettias, with a campus backdrop and people walking by.

Christmas countdown with Auburn's Letters to Santa program

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

With the holidays rapidly approaching, excitement is ramping up for Auburn’s unique Christmas traditions that celebrate community and spread joy through various events. Among the most popular is Letters to Santa, a program that allows children from Auburn and surrounding areas to send letters to Santa Claus and receive a letter in return. For several years, the city of Auburn has sponsored this program for children every holiday season.

A silhouette of the main character beside a motorcycle in front of forested trees, with text reading "THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES."

Ride like lightning, crash like thunder: A review of 'The Place Beyond the Pines'

By Logan Myers | Columnist | November 17

There are films that entertain, and there are films that haunt you long after the credits have rolled. "The Place Beyond the Pines" belongs unmistakably to the latter. Derek Cianfrance’s third feature is not merely a story about men and their choices; it is a meditation on legacy, guilt and the invisible threads binding fathers and sons across time.

A bustling indoor market features shoppers browsing handmade jewelry displays and vintage goods, with a festive atmosphere highlighted by chandeliers and decorations.

Moore's Mill Christmas pop-up returns with holiday spirit

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 16

On Nov. 16, a line formed outside of the Moore’s Mill Club, as excited buyers and browsers waited for its highly anticipated Christmas market pop-up. Open to the public, the market welcomed people from every corner of the community, as attendees browsed and bought handmade and vintage goods from local vendors.

A stylish interior features a dark tiled wall, illuminated sign reading "Olivine," lush green plants, and plush seating.

Exclusive look at Olivine, downtown Auburn's new rooftop restaurant

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 14

The new rooftop bar and restaurant Olivine hosted an exclusive first look on the evening of Nov. 13. Auburn’s newest rooftop experience offers a menu inspired by Italian cuisine mixed with Southern charm. Although opening officially on Nov. 19, Olivine invited a select few to an exclusive fine dining experience.

Graphic with question mark over a calendar in front of a Christmas tree with music notes, a record and headphones around it.

Noel in November: When Auburn students start listening to Christmas music

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 12

The unique aspect about holidays is that every individual is able to celebrate them differently. While some people are persistent in beginning Christmas festivities only after Thanksgiving, others eagerly await the morning of Nov. 1 to bring on the holiday spirit. There is one major point of contention, though, for all of those who celebrate Christmas. When is the proper time to start playing Christmas music?

A small black dog with expressive eyes and slightly raised ears sits on a soft, patterned blanket.

Where every paw matters: The heart of the CARE Humane Society

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 12

For 51 years, the CARE Humane Society has been dedicated to serving the community by sheltering cats and dogs and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The shelter first started as a volunteer establishment, but has grown into an animal shelter that strives to find a home for every adoptable animal.

Auburn’s Whitetail Deer Lab: A leader in wildlife study and conservation

By Laura Newman | Lifestyle Writer | November 11

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their respective fields. One such opportunity is with the college’s whitetail Deer Lab – a facility that not only studies the characteristics and breeding patterns of deer but also raises conservational awareness for wild animals.

A smiling man in a navy polo shirt stands casually against a column outdoors, surrounded by trees and natural light.

From the Loveliest Village on the Plains to the Most Magical Place on Earth

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 9

Jeff Vahle graduated from Auburn University in 1985 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Today, he is the president of Walt Disney World Resort.

A woman in a white dress with floral embellishments joyfully holds a pom-pom in front of a red brick building.

In memory of Lainey Anderson

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 9

Filled with overflowing kindness and a welcoming spirit, Lainey Anderson made an effort to spread love wherever she went. During her time at Auburn, she was dedicated to including everyone at the table, while being a constant friend in her relationships. Anderson graduated from Auburn this past May with a degree in professional flight from the School of Aviation with a minor in finance. She was also a certified flight instructor at Sander’s Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.

Many students are outside the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center. Contributed by Leanne Greene.

Staying active in Auburn

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | November 9

Whether students enjoy late afternoon runs in "The Rec," walks with friends around campus or fitness classes conveniently located near their apartment, there is no shortage of ways to stay active in Auburn. Within the past couple of years, recent fitness additions, such as workout classes or local gyms, have grown to help students maintain healthy lifestyles year-round. These new fitness communities are becoming multigenerational, as they are populated with college students and residents who enjoy a breadth of exercise options.

A colorful children's book titled "Andy: A Dog's Tale" features a cheerful cartoon dog on the cover, with multiple copies stacked below it.

Award-winning animation director Jamy Wheless introduces newest character at Auburn Public Library

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 8

Animator, veteran of Lucasfilm, director and Auburn University alumnus Jamy Wheless hosted an event at the Auburn Public Library on Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. to introduce one of his newest characters: Andy the future service dog. Andy made his debut in a short film directed by Wheless and is now the star of a brand-new children’s book based on the film.