News

University Theatre presents "The America Play"

By Laura Vaughn / Staff Writer | April 5

The Auburn University Theatre Department is famous for tackling innovative material. Their current production, "The America Play" by Suzan-Lori Parks is no exception. TIME Magazine said of Parks' work, "Her dislocating stage devices, stark but poetic language and fiercely idiosyncratic images transform her work into something haunting and marvelous." "I hope that everyone who comes to see The America Play leaves wanting to discuss the work," said Director Heather May. "The America Play" is set in a theme park, The Great Hole of History, which was created by an African-American gravedigger known as "The Foundling Father."The play follows his journey to discover his place in history as he makes a living imitating Abraham Lincoln. "There is absolutely no "right" interpretation of this play, and I hope that all who attend are willing to set aside an obsession with finding one plot line/narrative to follow to make sense of it, and are rather willing to sit back and let the play work on them subconsciously," May said.

Auburn hosts Jay Sanders Film Festival

By Amanda Irle / Staff Writer | April 5

The Auburn Hotel and Conference Center Auditorium hosted the 12th annual Jay Sanders Film Festival.

President addresses the nation, discusses economic plan

By Bridgette Bonner / Staff Writer | April 5

President Obama spoke to Congress for an hour about his economic plan last Tuesday.Some of the issues Obama focused on were education, healthcare, the war in Iraq and areas in which money will be spent to rebuild the economy."We will rebuild," Obama said.

Amsterdam Cafe has begun offering complementary valet parking for their diners. The service starts at 5 p.m.

Amsterdam adds valet service

By Ellison Langford / Associate News Editor | April 1

Amsterdam Cafe offers valet service to diners after 5 p.m.

Board reviews construction projects, sites

By Brittney Williford / Associate Campus Editor | April 1

Multiple locations around campus approved for future construction

U.S. District Judge Edward Kornan ordered the FDA to make the Plan B morning after pill available over-the-counter for 17-year-old girls.

Morning after pill available for 17 year olds

By Vicki Johnson / Staff Writer | April 1

U.S. District Judge Edward Kornan ordered the FDA to make the Plan B morning after pill available over-the-counter to 17-year-old girls.

Auburn-Opelika metro area continues expansion, records 1.9 percent growth

By Loren Willis / Staff Writer | April 1

Area ranked 54th in 2007-2008 top 100 fastest-growing areas

Nonprofit organizations gather to garner support

By Kristen Bost / Staff Writer | April 1

Nonprofit organizations suffering because of the poor economy met in Birmingham to discuss their options.

Former Auburn assistant football coach Paul Davis dies

By Alex Scarborough-Anderson / Managing Editor | April 1

Served under three coaches in his 17 years at Auburn

Auburn awarded Outstanding Planning Award

By Ellison Langford | March 31

The City of Auburn's Interactive Growth Model was awarded theOutstanding Planning Award for a Project/Program/Tool.

At left, Kevin Carrol, a sophomore in building science, and Trey Stephens, a sophomore in accounting, enjoy a spring day by throwing around a football at the fields off Donahue Drive.

Auburn's 'beaches' provide outdoor leisure for students

By Mallory Boykin / Campus Editor | March 25

Footballs flying through the air. Dogs catching frisbees. Friends sitting around hanging out. Students are taking advantage of the spring weather and open fields by the Auburn University Medical Clinic."We've always had some (students) there," said Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services Bob Ritenbaugh.

Lights go out for Earth Hour

By Allison Clark / Staff Writer | March 25

Anyone with a light switch has the power to "vote Earth" by participating in Earth Hour this Saturday.Earth Hour is intended to put a temporary halt on light pollution and wasted energy by asking businesses and homes to turn off their lights and bathe the planet in what proponents think will be a replenishing darkness."I think a lot of people use too much electricity," said Kristin Scurlock, a junior in civil engineering.

Classes tuned in for iTunes

By Allison Thompson / Staff Writer | March 25

Universities all across the county are moving to a new beat as they incorporate evolving technology into the classroom.Auburn professors can now deliver recorded lectures and other information to their students through podcasts using a new program called Authenticated AU iTunes.Students seem to like the idea of iTunes being used more in the classroom."It would be a great idea for professors to use podcasts for their lectures, because it would allow students to better understand what their professors are talking about," said Chris Hawkins, a sophomore in physical education.

Alerts issued for Mexican spring break destinations

By Lindsey Davidson / News Editor | March 25

Students may need to think twice before traveling across the border to Mexico this spring break.The U.S.

Jennifer Foster, right, attended the Auburn City Council meeting to show her concern about the possibility that a bar could be built so close to a day care.

Representative pulls application for bar near day care

By Natalie Wade / Copy Editor | March 25

Outraged citizens didn't need their five minutes of individually-allotted time during the citizen's communications part of the Auburn City Council meeting Tuesday.

Manufacturer pursues wood as an alternative to gasoline

By Morgan Stashick / Staff Writer | March 25

Alabama cities are striving to find alternate sources for fuel that will reduce their dependency on foreign oil.

Tragedy accompanies PCB festivities

By Reynolds Fuller / Staff Writer | March 25

Panama City Beach offered more than just carefree days of lying in the sun and MTV concerts for the thousands of college students who traveled to the Emerald Coast for spring break this year.For the past two weeks, it has offered tragedy as well.

House passes gourmet beer bill

By Zach McDonald / Staff Writer | March 25

The Alabama House voted on a bill allowing stronger, gourmet beers to be sold in Alabama. On March 3 the House approved 49-37.

Auburn turns down PACT's request for help

By Christian Becraft / Staff Writer | March 25

The Prepaid Alabama College Tuition fund program is seeking a lending hand. However, the recession has most individuals and organizations working ambidextrously.Recently, the PACT Board asked schools throughout Alabama to offer a tuition discount for students involved in the PACT program.Officials at University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama System and Auburn University declined the proposal because they are not in a stable financial position to help out.Deedie Dowdle, executive director of the Office of Communications & Marketing, said as everything stands right now, Auburn University is expecting a $39 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.With this potential loss, Auburn students should expect an increase in tuition this fall.

Booze cruisin' comes to halt

By Mallory Boykin / Campus Editor | March 25

Think before popping a top on a beer this summer while behind the wheel of a boat.A new bill, classifying a DUI resulting in a homicide as a class C felony, the same as if the accident occurred while driving a car, is making it's way through the Alabama legislature.According to the National District Attorneys Association, ndaa.org, a person convicted of vehicular homicide because of a DUI can receive a sentence from one year and one day to 10 years, and a fine of up to $5,000.Rep.