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Man escaped from Opelika police custody, still at large

By Staff Report | March 29

A man who escaped from custody at the Opelika Police Department is still at large.

Auburn feels impact of Brussels terror attack

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 28

When she heard of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Valentina Hartarska, professor in agricultural economics, said her daughter was scared for her friends who live there. "I have a young daughter who is horrified because she lived there for three months ... she asked me, 'Why is ISIS so mean?' Hartarska said. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks at an airport and subway station that killed 35 people on Monday, March 21. Hartarska taught microfinance at two universities in Brussels  Hartarska said she thinks the attack will make people think twice about traveling there. "Brussels was a great place, and now I don't know how to think about it," Hartarska said.

UPDATE: Fired ALEA chief accuses Governor of affair with top adviser, Bentley denies

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 28

Gov. Robert Bentley announced he had fired Spencer Collier, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency secretary, Tuesday, March 22, according to a news release issued by the governor's office.

Indian Student Association hosts Holi Festival

By Andria Moore | Campus Reporter | March 26

Students, community members and families were hardly recognizable with their faces dowsed in colors.  The 2016 Holi Festival held this morning on the Student Center greenspace attracted a crowd of more than 300 people.

Defense to argue for immunity for Tiger Lodge shooter

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 25

Markale Hart's attorney is arguing Hart shot and killed freshman football player Jakell Mitchell in self-defense. Hart killed Mitchell during an altercation at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex in December 2014.

Breaking down how your campus dollars are spent

By Emily Esleck | Managing Editor | March 25

It's almost halfway through the semester, and for some, those dining dollars are dwindling. Eating on campus can be convenient and a good way to network with other students, according to Bill Sallustro, resident district manager for Chartwells, the contracted company Auburn University chose to help run Tiger Dining.  Everything cost money these days, and some students feel their meal plan monopoly money gets squandered away within the first months of the semester.

Camp Good Grief helps children battle loss

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 25

Camp Good Grief, a free day camp for children ages 5-18 who have lost a friend or family member, is a safe and welcoming place for children to have those tough discussions. The camp check in begins at 7:45 a.m on Sat., April 16 at the Opelika SportsPlex.

35th annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held March 26

By Lily Jackson | Community Writer | March 24

Auburn's 35th annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Kiesel Park on March 26 at 10 a.m. The hunt is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Mike Hubbard's trial delayed until April

By Maria McIlwain | Community Editor | March 24

Judge Jacob A. Walker III delayed the trial for two weeks, according to multiple reports. The new start date is scheduled for April 11.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Get to know the 'Sushi Guy'

By Andria Moore | Campus Reporter | March 24

But beyond his well-known fried Tiger Tails and build-your-own sushi rolls, Chris Lin is a man with a dream.

Auburn's future of food sustainability

By Eric Pereira | Campus Writer | March 24

In the U.S., 30–40 percent of the food supply is wasted, equaling more than 20 pounds of food per person per month, according to World Food Day. Auburn’s main food provider, Tiger Dining, has implemented programs such as Go Tray-Less, The Perfect Circle and Clean Plate.

University senate votes to oppose concealed carry bill

By Corey Williams | Campus Editor | March 23

The Auburn University senate voted to oppose Alabama House Bill 12, a bill that would allow concealed pistol permit holders to carry concealed pistols on campus, at its March 22 meeting.

Auburn Ag Week scheduled for March 28 - April 1

By Staff Report | March 23

Auburn University’s College of Agriculture will host its annual Ag Week March 28-April 1, according to a press release. All events are free and open to Auburn students.

Downtown Opelika is growing

By Liz Maddux | Community Writer | March 23

The majority of the growth seen in Opelika is occurring specifically in downtown Opelika.

Auburn unemployment rate increases

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 23

Auburn saw its unemployment rate increase during the month of January, marking another month of unemployment rate increases. According to new unemployment statistics released by the Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area increased to 5.3 percent — up 0.3 percentage points from December's rate of 5 percent. Most other major metropolitan areas in Alabama also saw their unemployment rates increase last month.

Opelika shines as Alabama's only city with a fiber optic network

By Jim Little | Community Writer | March 23

Google made headlines when they unveiled fiber optic Internet service for cities, such as Kansas City, Missouri and Austin, Texas. Chattanooga, Tennessee styled itself the "Gig City" after building its own fiber optic network. But in Alabama, Opelika has quietly built its own high-tech fiber optic network.

Auburn City Council adopts downtown master plan after three years of development

By Jim Little | Editor-in-Chief | March 23

The process to develop and approve the plan that began in 2013, which drew sharp scrutiny from Auburn residents after the construction of 160 Ross in 2015, was approved Tuesday, March 22, at the Auburn City Council meeting.

State plans four new prisons as Alabama debt nears $70 billion

By Chip Brownlee | Community Reporter | March 23

Total outstanding debt for the state of Alabama exceeds $68 billion, according to a report by the nonpartisan think tank State Budget Solutions.