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$1 Billion May Go To Roads

By Davis Potter / WRITER | April 22

The Alabama Senate has approved a compromise to the 10-year, $1 billion roads bill. The money from the bill will go toward improving roads and bridges.A number of the special projects included in the House version of the bill were reduced.The bill was sponsored by Sen.

Bill Creates Toughest Gaming Commission

By Jillian Clair / STAFF REPORTER | April 22

The vote on the Alabama gambling bill that could provide an end to the debate may not take place after all."There's still one day left so they could bring it up tomorrow, but right now it looks like there are more votes against this gambling bill than there are for it," Gov.

Bill Bans Smoking While Eating Throughout State

By Ashley Marks / WRITER | April 22

Although Auburn may be largely smoke-free, most of Alabama is not.However, a bill proposed by Sen.

People Of The Plains: Randles Farm For Future

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | April 22

Randle Farms is famous for its blueberries.But blueberries are only the beginning of the myriad produce and meat it offers residents of Lee County interested in shaking the hand of the farmers who grow their food.Randle Farms is a Community Supported Agriculture farm, meaning people buy shares of the goods produced on their farm."The commonality is all these people are interested in knowing where their food comes from," said Frank Randle, owner of the farm said, "knowing the farmer that produced it."Randle said having orders already placed for the food creates some security for their business."We know that the fruits, vegetables that we're producing already has a home," Randle said.Because of the way the farm operates, the Randles develop close relationships with a lot of their customers."We know the kids," Randle said.

Scoping Stars From Forest

By Nicole Emmett / WRITER | April 22

Stargazers snacked on Moon Pies, Starbursts, Milky Ways and Cosmic Kool-Aid as they watched a movie about the Hubble space telescope and gazed at the stars Saturday night.The Auburn Forest Ecology Preserve staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society held its biannual Astronomy Night Saturday at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest."I think it is set up really well," said Colin MacDougall, junior in mass communications at Southern Union State Community College.

Businesses Increasingly Offer Unpaid Internships

By Jillian Clair / STAFF REPORTER | April 15

The economy is sagging, and businesses often can't afford to pay interns. It is also becoming harder to find a job without a resume full of prior experience.Unpaid internships seem to be many businesses' solution to their lack of funds, and the internships give students experience to add to their resumes.

UPC Shines Light Into Concert Process

By Michelle Wilder / CAMPUS EDITOR | April 15

UPC doesn't need a "crying shoulder," because it successfully booked the Goo Goo Dolls for the annual spring concert.The organization began searching for an artist last December and it has been an ongoing process ever since, said Paul Bagley, UPC director of major entertainment.Bagley said UPC usually plans a larger spring concert and smaller fall concert, so the Goo Goo Dolls fit the bill for spring."We are allocated $230,000 for the year from SGA to cover two concerts," Bagley said.

Ropin', Ridin' and Wranglin'

By Derek Lacey / WRITER | April 15

Benjamin Willoughby had never ridden a bull before Saturday, when he saddled and strapped up to ride in front of hundreds of spectators at the 2010 Alpha Psi Rodeo.A freshman in building science, Willoughby is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and has been going to the Rodeo since he was a junior in high school.\0xAD\0xADHe hung on to the bull for about three seconds before being thrown, but considers it one of the most exciting experiences of his life."It was a huge adrenaline rush," Willoughby said, "probably one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've ever had."Everybody who's anybody hears about the Alpha Psi Rodeo, according to Willoughby, and this year's rodeo was definitely a big event, hosting more than 15,000 people, a large crowd for a first-time bull rider."It was like Christmas morning, waiting for rodeo," Willoughby said.

The Plains Hosts 7 Cities at Tiger Nights

By Jillian Clair / STAFF REPORTER | April 15

The Student Center, normally void of activity after dinner time on the weekends, was alive with nightlife from cities all over Friday night.City Lights: Tiger Nights provided students and members of the community opportunities to travel to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York and Seattle.A free F.L.Y.

Locals Preserve Roots For Trees

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | April 15

Mouthwash.Toothpaste.Chewing gum.It's not likely teeth realize how many times a day they come in contact with tree products.It's not likely many people do either, which is why the Louise Kreher Ecology Preserve hosted Goods from the Woods Saturday morning."We don't rely on other people," said Jennifer Lolley, outreach administrator for the preserve.

PACT Users May Get Tuition Cap

By Jillian Clair / STAFF REPORTER | April 15

The Senate rejected a House version of a bill that aims to save the Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition plan yesterday.Members of a six-member conference are seeking a compromise on the controversial addition of a tuition cap.The House bill, sponsored by Rep.

Auto Supplier Creates Jobs

By Anna Schierholz / WRITER | April 15

Auburn will be welcoming an influx of jobs over the next two years thanks to a Korean auto supplier.Pyongsan America, Inc. has outgrown its facility in Auburn after eight years in Auburn Technology Park North.It plans to spend $5 million on its expansion, which includes 100 new jobs."We are thrilled to be able to offer Pyongsan a solution for growth in Auburn," said Mayor Bill Ham after learning of the company's plan to expand to another location.Ham said he is impressed with the company's growth, and the amount of jobs it has provided in the Auburn area will double with the opening of the new facility.The Auburn City Council approved an unspecified incentives package for the company at its meeting April 6.Pyongsan America is an auto supplier that specializes in air-conditioner and heater core pipe assembly.

Tea Party Tempers Boil

By Derek Lacey / WRITER | April 15

Picket signs bearing "vote stupid out of Washington" and "conservatism built America" dotted the courtyard across from the Lee County Courthouse Saturday during the East Alabama Tea Party.The event was held by the East Alabama Patriots, a political organization that believes in the constitutional values of limited government, personal responsibility and individual freedom.The rally began with the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance and consisted of a series of speeches from notable members of the Tea Party movement.Caroline Wren, senior in economics and president of the Auburn College Republicans, spoke to the crowd saying American freedoms are being attacked."We're fighting against the best organized and most capable enemy of freedom that has ever existed in America," Wren said.

House Unanimously Approves Budget

By Daniel Chesser / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR | April 15

Non-education state agencies will receive $1.6 billion after approval of Alabama's General Fund Budget April 5.The House passed the budget 104-0 with Gov.

Lack Of Funding Delays Skate Park

By Patrick Dever / ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR | April 15

It has been a few years since the hey day of Tony Hawk and other professional skateboarders, but skateboarding hasn't lost much ground.Auburn skaters, however, do not have a place to call their own.The Auburn City Council approved plans for a skate park to be built on Glenn Avenue in October 2009.Six months later, approval is the most ground the skate park has gained.Greg Darden, development manager for Donald H.

Pot, Prescriptions, Politics

By Jake Mastroianni / WRITER | April 15

Alabama could be the first Southern state to allow the distribution of medical marijuana.The Alabama House voted to allow the state to prescribe medical marijuana to patients who are in serious pain.The deadline for the bill was supposed to be last Tuesday, but is being carried over according to Rep.

People Of The Plains: Melnicks Have House Full Of Love

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | April 15

Blake and Micah Melnick are offering support to the approximately 120 residents of Lee County who can fit all their possessions in a single trash bag.Their non-profit organization, BigHouse, aims to provide clothing and extracurricular activities to Lee County's foster children.The Melnicks started BigHouse after seeing the difficulties Micah's parents experienced providing for their three foster daughters."We saw the need," Blake said.

Goo Goo Dolls Bring 'Better Days' to Auburn

By Laura Maxwell / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR | April 8

The Goo Goo Dolls will be headlining the University Program Council-sponsored concert Wednesday, April 28. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the band's opener, Sister Hazel. The Rocket Summer has been touring with the Goo Goo Dolls and will open for the band as well. Tickets will be available April 21. There will be stations on the Haley Concourse, Lowder and Miller Gorrie Center. Tickets are free, but in order to get one students need to have their student IDs in hand. Tickets will be given to about 8,000 students.