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Two figures in vacation clothing lying down on beach chairs, facing towards each other and smiling.

From friends to lovers: 'The People We Meet on Vacation' review

"The People We Meet on Vacation" is a natural and heartfelt romantic comedy that was recently released on Jan. 9, 2026. This uplifting film captures the beauty of connection, timing and personal growth as experienced through two characters navigating their life and love across years of shared adventures. Directed by Brett Haley, the film combines realistic endeavors with themes of passion, confidence and staying true to oneself. From beginning to end, this film takes the audience on a compelling journey that lasts long after the movie ends. 

A vintage television displays a notepad with handwritten text and roses, accompanied by a green pen.

Shakespeare play turned 90s rom-com: '10 Things I Hate About You’ review

As the Valentine’s season draws near, romantic comedy movies tend to be a popular category, with ‘10 Things I Hate About You (1999)’ being a forerunner for the more modern take on the genre. The film follows the two Stratford sisters: abrasive and antisocial Kat (Julia Stiles) and popular and yearner-for-romance Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). When their strict father says Bianca can’t date until Kat does, two of their peers, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Michael (David Krumholtz), do whatever they can to find Kat her ideal mate.

Reverend Dale Braxton at a workshop in Hale County, Alabama, for the "Sew Their Names" project.

The Jule Art Museum hosts Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts hosted the 2026 Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture as an all-day event on Feb. 7. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a series of exhibitions, speakers and other explorations of art originating from or inspired by the South, alongside its usual art displays. Entry to the event was free and various artists and speakers came to further explain their work.

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Ferrophobia: A review of 'Iron Lung'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

“Iron Lung” is a must-see for any fans of unique horror, especially eldritch horror, and its smaller scale doesn’t hold it back from being an ambitious movie and a perfect example of what a dedicated team can accomplish on a shoestring budget and a solid concept.

Jack Dutton (middle) with Gavin Fisch (right) and basketball star Keyshawn Hall (left).

In memory of Jack Dutton

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer and Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 2

It is an honor to recognize a student whose character, dedication and impact have left a lasting impression on Auburn University’s community. Jack Dutton, junior in Auburn’s Professional Flight program, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, following a tragic plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Dutton's passing, together with his father Dennis and others, is deeply felt across the Auburn community.

Two glass hourglasses filled with red sand are positioned on a textured background of soft, colorful clouds.

Monthly picks: A 'timeless' movie, book and album for February

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 1

As the ice of January melts away, February marks a time of celebrating the special connections we have in our lives. Whether it be family, friends or significant others, this month is focused on all sorts of love. To celebrate the new month, I’ve curated a list of entertainment, including a movie, book and album, guaranteed to set the mood for the season.

A brown boot is filled with a green sprouting plant, surrounded by colorful, twinkling holiday lights.

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.

An illustration of a gray figure flexing its biceps next to a calendar for the month of January.

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?

A small golden gramophone stands on a black base, with bright yellow lights shining in the background.

'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.

The Band Honey AubFest

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.

10000 HZ Records in Opelika, Ala., hands out posters of the new album 'Everybody Scream' by Florence and the Machine the evening of Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

10,000 Hz builds community through listening parties

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant 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.

Silksong Review Graphic

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

By Sydney Gallardo | Assistant News 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?

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