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'Southern charm' lives in Alabama

By Brian Desarro/ Staff Writer | September 24

Residents agree that Alabama is not lacking in the "Southern hospitality" department, according to a recent survey conducted among Alabamians by Ask Alabama.Of 639 households surveyed in July about the state's overall friendliness, race relations and economy, 96 percent said Alabama can be described as a "friendly" state."The survey gives some idea of how Alabamians feel about various issues," said Don-Terry Veal, director of the Center for Governmental Services.

Laser Labeling May Soon Come to America

By Daniel Chesser/ Staff Writer | September 24

Produce distributors are beginning to abandon the application of price look up codes or "PLU" stickers, the traditional labels on fruits and vegetables, to adopt a new way of expressing information about the products in the grocery store.Instead of stickers, produce distributors will now mark fruit with lasers.Instead of using ink, this new form of labeling will imprint information on fruit by removing the fruit's pigment in the shape of the information."Anytime a new technology is introduced there are a whole set of behaviors wrapped around it, but a tool is not just introduced, it also influences how people interact with it," said Michelle R.

Spanking may cause more than just a bruised butt

By Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR | September 24

The results of a study by researchers at Auburn, Duke and Oklahoma State said being physically disciplined at a young age can lead to behavioral problems as an adolescent."Most American parents use physical discipline at some point in their parenting history, but increasingly there are concerns about long-term implications for children of parents who use physical discipline and concerns about where to draw the line between physical discipline and physical abuse," said Jennifer Lansford, study leader and associate research professor at Duke University.The researchers first began studying a sample in 1987, when the children in the study were 5 years old.

'Hero of Hope' for cancer survivors

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | September 24

The American Cancer Society named Danielle Maurer, a senior in public administration, as a Hero of Hope in August.Maurer is one of 20 Heroes.

Congress passes bill, $40 million for students

By Aubrie Davis/ Staff Writer | September 24

In an effort to make college education more affordable to students, Congress passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.The bill, which will be the country's biggest federal investment in college education, will change how student loan programs operate.The bill was proposed July 15 and passed Sept.

NASA Awards Auburn University $600,000 Grant

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | September 24

A $600,000 grant from NASA has been awarded to Auburn University's College of Sciences and Mathematics in association with the Alabama Department of Education in order to educate high school students about global climate change."The first year of the grant is for development," said Robin Nelson, Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative science coordinator.

Tiger Transit Stolen Saturday

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | September 21

An Auburn University Tiger Transit bus was stolen in front of the McDonalds on West Magnolia Avenue after 2 a.m. Saturday."Somebody just didn't want to wait, " said University Manager of Transit Services Rex Huffman.

State officials attend Auburn meeting concerning PACT program

By Emily Beckett/ Staff Writer | September 21

Countless years and thousands of dollars later, many Alabama citizens are worried the earlier efforts they made to pay for their children's college education are now worthless.Concerns about the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition program were the focus of a meeting held at the Grove Hill Subdivision Clubhouse Thursday night for the East Alabama chapter of SaveAlabamaPACT!."Job one for us as a SaveAlabamaPACT! area is to locate PACT contract holders (and make) our contracts solvent," said Terry Calcote, an East Alabama area leader. "I'm gratified that we had a full house here tonight."

Auburn City Council Meeting on Sept. 15

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | September 21

Citizens gathered in the Auburn City Council Chamber. Minutes from Sept. 1 were read and approved.Auburn University's Student Government Association distributed facts regarding Toomer's Ten.

Band Marches With Record Membership

By Brittany Cosby / Campus Editor | September 17

The crowd is silenced as the drum major steps onto field, walking with precision and leading the band into Jordan-Hare Stadium. This is the Auburn University Marching Band.Though it is built on tradition, the band has increased in size. The AUMB boasts its largest membership in history this fall with 380 members, beating their previous record of 372 in 2006.

SUSCC Hosts Heathcare Forum

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | September 17

More than 50 people attended the healthcare reform forum at Southern Union State Community College's health science building.The forum was Sept.

Start of Semester Spike in DUI Arrests

By Charley Gaines/ Staff Writer | September 17

Alabama is cracking down on unsafe driving.Each year, states get money from the National Highway Safety Bureau that is distributed throughout the states, and Gov.

Testicular Cancer Linked to Marijuana Use

By Kendra Kelley / Assistant News Editor | September 17

The results of a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study said using marijuana may increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer.Researchers found that the male reproductive system produces a cannabinoid-like chemical that is thought to have a protective effect against cancer.Marijuana may disrupt the body's natural resistance to developing tumors, which could be a possible link between marijuana and testicular cancer.According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer is rare and accounts for only 1 percent of cancers in men from the U.

Auburn University Assures Asbestos Poses no Health Risks

By Ellison Langford / News Editor | September 17

Auburn University buildings are full of asbestos. Not all them, just the majority that were built before 1980.However, there are those who don't think this is a problem."I want to be clear with you, there is no asbestos crisis across campus," said Assistant Vice President for Facilities Dan King.

Cost of Tuition Continues Rising, Despite Recession

By Emily Clever/ Staff Writer | September 17

Even during a recession, universities still find reasons to raise tuition.This year, a semester of education at Auburn University for in-state students costs $3,462.That is a 6 percent increase from last year, and it only applies to students taking between 12 and 15 hours.Tuition and fees at private universities rose an average of 4.3 percent this year, the lowest hike in 37 years, according to The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.Auburn's tuition increased 3 to 4 percent less than other in-state public universities of equal caliber, said Mike Reynolds, the executive director of Student Financial Services."When tuition has to increase, it is generally because of inflation," Reynolds said.

New Cybersecurity Bill Poses Problems

By Simpson Fletcher/ Staff Writer | September 17

The Senate Bill 773 may be only part of the Cybersecurity Act of 2009, but it has been stirring up controversy all on its own.The bill, introduced in April 2009, is only in its first step in the legislative process.

Auburn University's Naval ROTC Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims

By Lindsey Grubbs/ Staff Writer | September 15

On the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Auburn University's Naval ROTC paid tribute to the victims of the 2001 September tragedies and the selfless service of men and women in uniform across the country.As rain fell on the morning of Sept.

Car catches fire in Lowder parking lot

By Elizabeth Mahaney / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR | September 14

A white Plymouth Breeze in the Lowder parking lot caught fire, according to Battalion Chief Joe Lovvorn.The fire department received a phone call that a car was on fire at 11:35 a.m. Approximately three minutes later, the fire department contained the flames in the cars engine compartment, according to the fire department officials.