Good morning, Auburn.

United Way of Lee County will host its Annual Campaign Kickoff Event on July 31 at the Food Bank of East Alabama in Auburn—volunteers will pack 50,000 meals to help people in need.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m.—the program starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 10 a.m.

Local residents gathered on the Moores Mill Road bridge in memory of late Congressman John Lewis to display handmade signs reading "Love Your Neighbor" for Interstate 85 drivers.

The demonstration, led by Auburn Opelika Indivisible, sought to unite the community amid political division and ICE raids — echoing Lewis’ call for peaceful protest — to honor his legacy.

O Grows Farmers Market in Opelika now accepts SNAP — letting low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities buy fresh produce — and will start Double Up Food Bucks in August to match SNAP dollars up to $40 on eligible fruits and vegetables.

The market is held at Courthouse Square each Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Tandoori Flame Pizza (opened July 2) now serves fusion pizzas that mix traditional flavors with Indian spices at 196 N.

Donahue Drive in Auburn, offering Halal options and discounts for AU students. Owner Gurpinder Singh plans to expand seating and add draft beer as business grows.

Opelika police arrested a suspect charged with attempted murder in the Grub Mart shooting after a SWAT team searched his home—police said the suspect and victim had an altercation before the incident.

Officials with the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program introduced South African septic system technology to help end straight piping of sewage in rural Lowndes County.

They are selecting two pilot sites to test whether the system meets U.S. environmental standards (pilot tests to start soon).

Auburn City Council approved a pay raise that doubles future councilors’ salaries from $7,200 to $15,000 and increases the mayor pro tem’s pay to $18,000; it will take effect on Nov.

1, 2026 after newly elected members are seated following the Aug. 25, 2026 municipal elections. The council also approved several retail licenses, loan restructuring, easements, and appointments for city projects.

State Sen. Jay Hovey announced his bid for reelection to District 27—covering parts of Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties—citing his record on cutting sales taxes, boosting education funding and supporting local programs, and he will continue to serve with conservative leadership if reelected.

2025 Involvement Fair

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Auburn Campus Green — Free entry — Discover your interests at the fair with 200 organizations and enjoy complimentary food and games.