Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief

DoD awards Auburn University $48 million to further defense research

On April 27, 2026, the Pentagon released a list of their contracts totaling to $2.2 billion in awards. Among those awards was a $48,994,134 "cost-no-fee indefinite-delivery contract" to Auburn University for engineering research and development that will support the Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Command on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The Aviation and Missile Command is part of a larger company, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, which supports the Army through research, engineering services and development for the Army's missile and aviation programs.

Auburn Honors to hold debate with University of Alabama Honors

On April 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Birmingham, Alabama, Auburn honors students will go head-to-head against The University of Alabama honors students in an AI ethics Iron Bowl. This debate is the first of its kind, with 10 cases for both teams to debate. The debate will be judged by 12 different individuals with specific focuses in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Their experience varies from advocating for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, information technology (IT) auditing and risk mitigation, to cybersecurity education. The event places an emphasis on the learning experience, rather than winning the debate.

UPDATE | Ivey to fly flags half-staff on March 30

On March 17, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native, Auburn graduate and one of six killed in Iraq during a plane crash. On March 17, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native, Auburn graduate and one of six killed in Iraq during a plane crash.

Opelika man charged with murder

On Wednesday, March 25, Opelika Police Department (OPD) responded to a call regarding shots fired and an active shooting within a residential area on Fox Run Parkway. An Alabama State Trooper was at the scene when the call was made and apprehended Marc John Love. Love has been officially charged with murder and OPD detectives are investigating the circumstances and Love's possible motive concerning the shooting.

2 men cited on wildlife abuse charges at Pines Crossing Golf Course

On March 1, 2026, a user in the "What’s Happening in Auburn and Opelika" Facebook group posted a series of images and videos that depicted two men throwing rocks at Canada Geese, as well as taking photos with one that they killed at Pines Crossing golf course. Carter Allen McCullough and Jacob Daniel Dyas Jr. were cited with the following: hunting without a license, hunting during a closed season and hunting without permission. These citations are moving to court and will be heard in the Lee County District Court on April 7, 2026.

Ivey to fly flags half-staff for Alabamians killed in Iraq

On March 12, six US Military personnel lost their lives in a plane crash involving two KC-135 aircrafts. To honor those killed, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a directive for flags to be lowered on the day of interment of Maj. John A. Klinner, an Alabama native and Auburn graduate. Ivey's directive includes mention of three of the personnel killed that were a part of the 99th air refueling squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham. Those three are: Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Prutt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino and Maj. John A. Klinner.

Forged by freedmen: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist (MB) Church is one of the oldest churches in Alabama, with its doors first opening in 1870. Now, 156 years later, the church continues to be one of the most historic sites in Auburn.

Third man arrested in daycare arson investigation

A third Tuskegee man has been arrested in connection to the Opelika daycare fires that occurred in early January. As of Feb. 24, 2026, Terrence Kareem Johnson was arrested on two counts of second degree arson. This is the third arrest in relation to these fires.

Tuskegee men arrested on charges of arson

On Jan. 13, 2026, the Opelika Fire Department (OFD) responded to a fire at By His Grace Daycare and Learning Center. Six days later, the department responded to another fire at the Children Palace Learning Center. Once both fires were extinguished, the City of Opelika Police Department (OPD) and OFD announced that they were investigating the incidents as a possible arson. Today, as of 1:25 p.m., the OPD announced that they had arrested two Tuskegee men with charges of arson related to the previously mentioned daycares.

The Loveliest Village: An Irish poem turned Auburn moniker

Auburn, in its 170 years of schooling, has claimed many names, vocations and slogans. Two of Auburn’s most recognized slogans have origins from Oliver Goldsmith’s 1770 poem "The Deserted Village."

AU Family remember your humanity .m4a

No hate, no fear.m4a

No Trump No hate.m4a