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Love is in the stars: A review of WALL-E

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | January 30

In 2008, animation studio Pixar released an animated feature called "WALL-E," following a string of eight consecutive Oscar nominees, making up the studio’s golden age. Unlike those films, this was not about talking animals, sentient toys or lovable monsters. Instead, "WALL-E" was a space opera, an environmental piece and most importantly, a romance. Through a mix of clever homages to classic love stories such as “Hello, Dolly!,” as well as the movie's masterful use of cinema as a language, Pixar manages to create a beautiful dynamic between the two leads. For these reasons and more, I cannot help but recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic movie to watch this Valentine's Day.

Progress on the Plains: Do Auburn students make New Year's resolutions?

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | January 30

Many see the new year as the perfect time to start over, as it represents the ability to leave what’s old in the past and start fresh. People from ages 18 to 29 are the most likely to create New Year’s resolutions. Most of Auburn’s student population falls within that age range. That leaves the question: How did Auburn students approach New Year's resolutions this year?

'And the winner is…' – 2026 Grammys predictions

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | January 29

When it comes to the realm of music, it’s safe to say that the Grammys are highly anticipated by industry workers and general audiences alike, and the case is no different for 2026. The award show will be streaming on Feb. 1 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. CST on Paramount+ and CBS, so be sure to make your guesses, tune in and celebrate a great year of music.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism's art gallery: Where community meets creativity

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | January 2

As cold, dreary weather sets into the South, visitors and locals alike escape into the bold, bright colors of Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s art gallery on North Gay Street. Over 20 artists contributed roughly 150 paintings to share stories and encapsulate the beauty found within the local community. 

A backstage look at AubFest

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | December 28

Auburn’s own DIY music festival AubFest had its seventh successful edition from Oct. 3 to 5, uniting the community with music performed by over 30 regional bands. Starting as a simple idea by an Auburn University student, Ashley Spencer, the festival is now a non-profit event and has quickly blossomed into a beloved, biannual tradition. However many attendees do not realize the amount of hard work that Auburn University students dedicate to the festival.

The storied history of performance arts on the Plains

By Auston Kucholtz | News Writer | December 21

For over a century, Auburn has hosted some of the most impactful and culturally significant singers and performers in the nation. As the local artistic scene blooms now more than ever, The Plainsman takes a look back at the most notable cultural events from Auburn’s long history with performing arts.

10,000 Hz builds community through listening parties

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | December 20

From a display stand in the corner of a coffee shop to a brick and mortar store, record store 10,000 Hz has built community in the Auburn-Opelika area through music. These events serve to build community through music. In the Auburn-Opelika area, where record stores are scarce, 10,000 Hz has filled this hole by uniting listeners of all backgrounds.

AU Players: An organization focused on theatre and friendship

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | December 20

Auburn University Players (AU Players) is a student-run club that immerses its members into the world of theatre, whether they’re majoring in it or not. Students are able to join at any point of the year with just an annual fee of $15.

How to 'deck the halls' for a Christmas dinner party

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | December 19

For students hoping to bring friends together at home, a Christmas dinner party provides the perfect opportunity to reunite. From the invitation to the table setting, follow the guide below to properly “deck the halls” of your home.

The game that broke the internet: A review of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong'

By Sydney Gallardo | Newsletter Editor | December 15

After years of waiting by excited fans, "Hollow Knight: Silksong," the sequel to the acclaimed "Hollow Knight," was released by indie developer Team Cherry on Sept. 4. The game was so highly anticipated that it crashed Steam, a widely-used platform hosting thousands of video games. After years of "Silksong tomorrow" jokes and theorizing, fans across the globe descended upon Steam all at once. As a Hollow Knight fan, I, too, coveted my chance to play "Hollow Knight: Silksong" with bated breath until I finally got the opportunity. Through all this excitement, however, we must ask ourselves: Is it worth the hype?

The 512 cultivates a haven for DIY music

By Jennifer Santiago | Content Editor | December 15

The 512 is a DIY music venue created by Auburn students in 2022, which is located on Mary Lane. What started as a Halloween party at a townhouse has transformed into a community center and hub for live music in East Alabama.

Musical horoscopes: What's your perfect song?

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | December 15

Music is a unifying thing, songs have feelings and they're often written in the starts. Here's what your perfect album would be based on your zodiac sign. These horoscopes are meant to be pure satire and offer songs that you or your friends may enjoy.

Lights, camera, action! Boxcar, calling all film fans

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | December 10

Boxcar, located in downtown Opelika, is a nonprofit establishment opening in early 2026 that will primarily screen unique films from a variety of genres. It will have a cinema, a lounge area and a bar, while showcasing other forms of art through live performance.

An ‘Elf’ review: ‘Santa! I know him!’

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | December 8

When many people think of a Christmas classic, it’s safe to say that “Elf” is one of the first movies to come to mind. The 2003 film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy Hobbs, a human who was raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole, and follows his odyssey to New York City to discover who he truly is. “Elf” explores themes of family, romance and acceptance, while aiming to warm the hearts of its viewers during the holiday season.

A profitable, forgettable sequel: 'Predator: Badlands' review

By Logan Myers | Columnist | December 3

In "Predator: Badlands," writer-director Dan Trachtenberg does away with the traditional cat-and-mouse structure of a Predator film, focusing instead on a buddy-cop adventure film with no human characters. While certainly an ambitious venture, this attempt at humanizing the Predator takes away from the aura of mystery that made the monster so iconic in the first place. For the first time in the history of the series, our titular Predator is given a name — Dex — and daddy issues.

Classical Christmas: A review of Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | December 2

Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ covers the life of George Bailey (James Stewart) and the struggles that he faces between his family, his finances and missed opportunities. After facing financial ruin due to a bad relationship with the town’s richest man, Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), and a bad night with his wife, Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), George plans to end his own life. Just before he carries out his plan, a guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers) visits George and helps him realize all of the good that he has put into the world around him.

Electrical engineering students make waves in research

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Editor | November 30

Students from Auburn’s Electrical Engineering Department have spent their summer and fall semesters devoted to research projects. Some students have been continuing work they began during a summer research program, while others started working with professors this fall.

Divided households: Why Auburn students chose The Tigers over The Tide

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 29

It’s no secret that we inherit most traditions from our families: favorite football teams, pre-game rituals and a shared dislike for opposing teams. As the 90th Iron Bowl approaches and the Auburn-Alabama rivalry begins to heat up, Auburn students in divided households are preparing themselves to go head-to-head with their parents' favorite team.