News

Poarch Band of Creek Indians ups donation for tornado victims' funerals to $184,000

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

When the tribe called back later this week to find out how much would be needed to cover the costs completely, they decided to up their donation to $184,000, Harris said.

This woman called her family to warn of an approaching tornado. It might have saved their lives.

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

Kiara Slater said she knew she needed to call her mom when she saw the tornado warning on television.

GoodwillSR donates $15,000 to families affected by tornadoes

By Staff Report | March 7

Goodwill of the Southern Rivers announced it will donate $15,000 to those affected by the March 3 tornadoes that devastated Lee County.

Auburn City Council votes on new member for Board of Education

By Cory Blackmon | Community Reporter | March 7

After 21 applications and an extensive interview process, Florence Holland and Kathy Powell were nominated for the vacant spot.

Latest: Instances of looting reported, sheriff says

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

"If anyone out there is watching these newscasts, if they have any inkling about coming to Lee County, coming to Smiths Station, coming to Beauregard and have evil intent, then be forewarned: They will go to jail," the sheriff said.

GALLERY: Alabama Senator Doug Jones tours tornado damage

'We are Beauregard Strong': Sen. Doug Jones tours tornado damage

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 7

"You cannot fully appreciate what has happened here," Jones said. The devastation "will absolutely take your breath away."

'Rent,' The Beach Boys, Postmodern Jukebox, Wynton Marsalis among Gogue Center inaugural performances

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 6

Broadway shows and musical artists ranging from "Rent" and "Waitress" to Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, The Beach Boys and soprano Reneé Fleming will appear on stage at the new Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center during its inaugural season starting in fall 2019.

Gov. Kay Ivey tours tornado damage

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | March 6

Gov. Kay Ivey visited Lee County, Alabama, Wednesday to survey the damage from Sunday’s tornadoes that killed 23 people.

University offering opportunities to volunteer with tornado relief during spring break

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor | March 6

Students who will be in town for spring break will have a variety of opportunities to volunteer with tornado relief during spring break.

State of the State: Governor honors tornado victims, proposes $75 million higher ed funding increase

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 6

The governor held a moment of silent prayer for the victims before she pitched her priorities for the 2019 legislative session to lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol Tuesday for her annual speech.

Lawmakers send letter to Trump in support of expedited major disaster declaration

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor | March 5

After the pair of devastating tornadoes that hit Lee County on Sunday, state representatives sent a letter to President Donald Trump, supporting Gov. Kay Ivey’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the state.

President Trump to visit Alabama to survey tornado damage

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 5

The 23 people who were killed by tornadoes in southern Lee County on March 3, 2019, have been identified by Lee County Coroner Bill Harris.

Applications now open for SGA assistant vice president, cabinet positions

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor | March 4

Now that the Student Government Association executive team has been solidified, applications are open for the assistant vice president and cabinet positions.

Student-ticket system, guest passes discussed at SGA Town Hall

By Trice Brown | Campus Reporter | March 4

At the SGA Town Hall on athletics and student tickets, panelists discussed challenges of perfecting the student-section experience and the problems affecting that experience.

Officials: Lee County tornado was a mile-wide EF-4 with 170 MPH winds

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

The tornado was nearly a mile wide at .87 miles and stayed touched down on the ground for more than 24 miles.

Activist continues Delta Speaker Series with talk on intersectionality

By Trice Brown | Campus Reporter | March 4

Activist Jordyne Blaise continued the Delta Speaker Series with a focus on intersectionality in leadership.

Fourth-grader first victim identified after tornado outbreak in Lee County

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

The first victim of Sunday's deadly severe weather has been identified as a fourth grade student at Lee-Scott Academy.

Former transit driver Tony Patillo found guilty of rape, sodomy of an Auburn student

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

The jury convicted Patillo of first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy charges. He was also found guilty of a misdemeanor public lewdness charge.

Where you can donate to help tornado survivors

By Staff Report | March 4

Donations are being accepted for tornado survivors at local businesses and churches. The following are some we know of.

Search and rescue resumes after at least 23 killed by tornado in Lee County

By Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | March 4

Search and rescue operations are resuming this morning after emergency personnel were forced to call off efforts Sunday night because of darkness and dangerous debris.