Ally Northridge | Content Editor - The Auburn Plainsman

Three figs, with one cut open, rest on green leaves against a blue and yellow background.

Sophia Taylor | Graphics Artist

Columns

COLUMN | Let some figs rot

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | March 16

Lately, my social media algorithm has been circling back to Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar,” specifically her famous poem “The Fig Tree.” In the poem, Plath expands upon the seemingly endless choices in life — and how, with each decision, your path becomes more focused and equally more limited. These decisions can feel paralyzing, but I encourage you to read the poem and take its message to heart. Your future self will thank you if you let some figs rot.

Venerable Monk Bhikkhu Pannakara leads the group of monks to Collins Farm in Cusseta, Ala. for their lunch stop after walking from Opelika, Ala. on Dec. 26, 2025.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Identities

Buddhist monks stop in Opelika on peace walk across the United States

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor | December 26

On Dec. 25, 2025, roughly two dozen Buddhist monks passed through Auburn and Opelika on their 2,300-mile peace walk across the United States. Foundry Opelika Church housed the group on Dec. 25, while community members volunteered and prayed with the monks throughout the day and into the night. On Dec. 26, the group began their trek from Opelika to Cusseta, Alabama, where over 100 onlookers greeted them. Supporters are able to keep track of the monks through a live map found on their social media.

Maggie Bowman | Photographer

Campus

Country artist Zach Bryan to perform at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2026

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | November 25

On Nov. 24, country music star Zach Bryan announced the dates for his upcoming U.S. and European tour, With Heaven on Tour, and to the Auburn Family’s surprise – and delight – Bryan is scheduled to perform in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Oct. 10, 2026.

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University in February 2023.

Cole Peake | Photographer

Community

Gas leak reported near the Gogue

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | October 13

On Oct. 13, 2025, Auburn University reported a gas leak near the Gogue Performing Arts Center. The notice was sent out at 9:08 a.m. in an AU Alert, which provided instructions and more details about the leak.

William J. Samford Hall in Auburn, Alabama, on Oct. 8, 2025.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Campus

Auburn University to require test scores for admissions starting fall 2027

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Ali Carriere | News Writer | October 8

Starting in fall 2027, first-year students applying to undergraduate at Auburn University will be required to submit their ACT or SAT scores. This change will mark the end of the University's test-optional policy, which initially began during COVID-19.

Community

Opelika Police respond to fatal stabbing, investigation ongoing

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | September 16

In the morning of Sept. 16, 2025, Opelika Police responded to a suspicious incident that left one woman fatally stabbed in Opelika, Alabama.

Campus

Meet the 2025 Miss Homecoming candidates and their platforms

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | September 9

Five candidates will compete to become Miss Homecoming 2025. Beginning on Sept. 9, candidates will represent their campaigns Tuesday through Friday and meet with students on the Haley Concourse. Open to all Auburn students, voting will take place on Friday, Sept. 12 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The following day, the winner will be announced at half-time during the homecoming football game.

Brooke Fucito | Photo Editor

Columns

Plainsman's Pointers | Panhellenic Playbook

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | July 24

From Toomer’s Corner to eagle flights to game day chants, Auburn adores its traditions, and as August grows near, the campus waits in anticipation for one of its most beloved: Panhellenic recruitment. Here are five pieces of rush advice from your big sister who has already been through it.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Campus

Eli Manning helps set world record at Toomer's Corner

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor and Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | July 8

On July 8, the Auburn Family joined Eli Manning, retired NFL Quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, on his show Eli's Places in the rolling of Toomer’s Corner with over 3,000 rolls of toilet paper, officially setting a new Guinness World Record. Manning is the host for Eli’s Places, an ESPN+ series that celebrates college football by highlighting college football history and traditions. Auburn’s iconic tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner after a sports victory is the next college tradition to be featured.

Luca Flores | Photo Editor

Campus

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best of campus

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | July 3

In 2025, the Plainsman staff voted for three winners in the campus section in the annual Plainsman's Choice awards. Categories include: Best tradition, best on-campus dining and best student event.