Culture

A large sign displays "FOOD BANK OF EAST ALABAMA" in bold letters, next to a modest brick building with multiple windows.

Giving back: Volunteer spots in Auburn

By Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | June 19

For students trying to get involved at Auburn, volunteering is a way to get plugged in to not only the University but also the city itself. It involves giving back to a community in need, and several organizations search for volunteers of every skill set throughout the year.

Aubie autographs a kid's football helmet during A-Day.

A look into the year at Auburn

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | June 16

Auburn has no shortage of campus events and traditions. From the dozens of First 56 events to A-Day in the spring, Auburn hosts plenty of opportunities to show up and connect with others.

Two hands are clasped together firmly, with fingers intertwined, set against a soft purple background.

To be or not to be: Should freshmen break up with their high school sweethearts?

By Jennifer Santiago | Content Editor | June 3

After crossing the stage at graduation, high school graduates must say farewell to family, childhood friends and the only home they’ve ever known. Among these goodbyes, some incoming freshmen weigh whether to remain steady with their high school sweetheart or hold out for future flames on the Plains.

A blue figure sits on Samford Lawn while another figure waves, surrounded by lush green trees and a clock tower in the background.

June events to look forward to in the Auburn-Opelika area

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | June 1

From art scenes to sports, there is plenty to do this month in the Auburn-Opelika area. Read on for a list of local events happening in June.

Nancy Barry teaches students from BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose how to use an autoharp. Contributed by Nancy Barry.

Auburn professor leads music program for students with disabilities

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | May 7

Music is an important part of the human experience and an outlet for expression, but it can be inaccessible to people with disabilities. Nancy Barry, professor and program coordinator of music education, established BraveHeart Music Outreach to provide music education for students with disabilities. Through the BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose (BCPP), Barry is helping students explore the joy of music.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University.

Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama to host 36th annual Great Futures Gala

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | May 4

The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama (BGCEASTAL) will host its 36th annual Great Futures Gala at the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center on May 7. The ticketed event will act as an opportunity for the Auburn community to learn about the organization's mission and provide a chance to support its goals of raising up Alabama's future leaders.

Three men stand together, smiling and posing with a trophy in front of a colorful backdrop featuring the text "DALLAS DRIVE."

Studying in the spotlight: An Auburn student’s experience with professional cheerleading

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | May 3

On March 27, Aleks Slavich, senior in biomedical sciences, experienced a victory larger than he could ever imagine. Slavich competed on Dallas Drive, a professional cheerleading team, and helped bring home the win with his fellow teammates at the Professional Cheerleading Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. The team's triumph over Miami Metal brought the league their first championship title, but Slavich found himself on the championship-winning team by chance.

The text features the word "DRAMA" in bold red letters, with a diamond ring accentuating the letter "R," topped by the word "The" in a smaller cursive font above.

Radical acceptance: 'The Drama' review

By James Dewberry | Assistant Opinion Editor | April 29

"The Drama" begins as any rom-com would, amidst the jitters of wedding planning and the recounting of adorable first impressions and embarrassing dates, but director Kristoffer Borgli’s 2026 film, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, is anything but an ordinary rom-com.

A pair of hands holds a small figure enveloped in light, set against a dark background with a face partially visible above.

A reflection of our nation: 'The Pitt' season 2 review

By Cullen Emerson | Columnist | April 23

A New York Times opinion column from February titled “The Television Show Every American Should Watch” deconstructed HBO’s critically acclaimed poster child, "The Pitt," claiming the show is a direct reflection of the current state of our chaotic country. I see the analogy of the column as rightfully fitting to the first season of "The Pitt," and even more to the second season.

Pictured, each of the main actors in "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike". from left to right: Reid Williams (Spike), Sarah Schomburg (Nina), Morgan Mckenzie (Cassandra), Director Scott Phillips, Harrison Dunn (Vanya), Rebekah Taylor (Sonia), Elizabeth O'Malley (Masha)

Auburn University Theatre Department presents 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | April 22

From April 9 to 18, the Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance put on a production of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" on the Black Box stage in the Telfair Peet Theatre. Serving as the final performance of the Department's 2025-26 season, the play was a send-off for the senior actors and a demonstration of up-and-coming freshman talent.

A cartoon character with a red cap and mustache gazes upward at brightly colored stars in a dark, starry background.

A jolly Jumpman's jaunt: A review of 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | April 13

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," based on the popular 2007 Nintendo game of the same name, released in theatres on April 1. Despite its explosive box office opening, the film has proven rather controversial in terms of critical reception.

A cow's nose is gently touching a person's hand, who is offering food while standing behind a green gate.

From hooves to scales: Vet Fest showcases animal science at Auburn

By Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 11

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (AUVCM) hosted its third annual Vet Fest on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at their campus on Wire Road, this free, family-friendly event invites the entire Auburn community to learn and see what the college of veterinary medicine does. With plenty of educational and hands-on activities, Vet Fest aims to both educate and entertain its guests.

A large, brown, segmented creature with long limbs is set against a geometric background of intersecting lines.

'Project Hail Mary' review: 'Amaze, Amaze, Amaze'

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | April 10

On March 20, “Project Hail Mary” hit theaters, engaging audiences with its remarkable cinematography, exhilarating story and painfully endearing characters.

A young character with spiky hair and a large straw hat smiles while looking back, accompanied by the text "Season 2."

The one good live action adaptation: Review of 'One Piece' season 2

By Sam Gladden | Columnist | April 6

On March 10, Netflix released season two of the live action “One Piece,” based on Eiichiro Oda's anime and manga of the same name. The most recent season continues to follow the Monkey D. Luffy’s (Iñaki Godoy) journey to find the One Piece, an unknown piece of treasure, and become the next Pirate King.

A shiny, gold statuette stands on a round base, featuring a figure with arms holding a sword and a smooth surface.

A night to remember: Recap of the 2026 Oscars

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | March 30

On March 15th, 2026, the annual Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, was held at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and streamed to the public on ABC and Hulu. For 98 years, this awards ceremony has recognized the various achievements of the worldwide film industry, with this year being no different.

A cartoon-style drawing features a boy dunking and a girl holding a basketball, both with exaggerated features and vibrant colors.

Beware The Jungle: The rise of Auburn basketball culture

By Melana Mcneely | Lifestyle Writer | March 27

Auburn is a University historically defined by its loyalty to their football program, but a shift in momentum is now undeniable. Even in the post football season, the energy on campus refuses to quiet down. Jerseys shape shift accordingly, a sports buzz hangs in the air and lines stretch across The Village for Auburn's winter spectacle. Neville Arena becomes a commune for the devoted, who stay till the end of the game, win or lose. Basketball culture at Auburn University has evolved as both students and community members alike race to cheer on The Tigers.

Bright blue background with the words "MARCH MADNESS" in bold, colorful letters, surrounded by playful doodles, basketballs, a trophy, money and a thumbs-up icon.

Auburn ranked No. 5 in most affordable college towns for March Madness

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | March 23

According to BadCredit.org, Auburn ranks fifth in the most affordable college towns to watch March Madness. Recently accepting the bid to join the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) tournament, Auburn is expected to host schools in Neville Arena in the coming weeks, and this ranking shows students they can enjoy Auburn basketball to its fullest, all without breaking the bank.

Wilson Gore (left) and Curry Jones (right) from The Band Honey perform in front of the audience at AubFest on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Auburn, Ala.

AubFest VIII creates community through a weekend of music and art

By Katelyn Smith | Assistant Lifestyle Editor and Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | March 22

From March 20-22, AubFest hosted nearly 1,300 attendees for its eighth edition at local ATV park Boggin’ on the Plains. The biannual independent music and arts festival showcased over 25 artists and 30 different performances, including headliner Carver Commodore. Along with live music and entertainment, guests enjoyed local vendors, food trucks and camping.

Two stylized portraits of women are positioned beside a large, glowing test tube against a black background.

Survival horror's second wind: 'Resident Evil: requiem' review

By Sam Gladden | Columnist | March 17

On Feb. 27, the Japanese video game company Capcom released its newest and ninth single-player survival horror game under the modern Resident Evil name: “Resident Evil: requiem.” After my initial playthrough of the game, I am happy to announce fans of Resident Evil will be absolutely elated by the quality of the newest installment. With a great balance between combat-focused gameplay and survival horror, it is a complete blast to play.

A division of blue and yellow hues features clock hands on the left and a sunburst on the right.

The sunlight question: Should the modern world still observe daylight saving time?

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | March 7

Daylight saving time is a concept that appears rather simple on paper: The clock jumps one hour forward or backward biannually. However, despite its supposed simplicity, the impact of this “springing forward” and “falling back” has led to some controversy.