Madie's Margins 4.5 stars Happy spooky season, everyone! The scariest thing of all is unexpected spoilers, and this review will be full of them, so this is your warning! One of my strongest opinions is that children have higher emotional intelligence than we credit them for, and also, that they’re very disturbed individuals. I think “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman perfectly encapsulates this phenomenon. Coraline is an imaginative girl, a bit small for her age, who is never taken

The Troy community gathered on Tailgate Terrace and surrounding areas to prepare for the Troy Football game against Southern Miss Tuesday night. Brady Fitch photos

The Troy University Symphonic Band kicked off its fall 2026 performance series last Wednesday, featuring works by Hagen, Grainger, Bennett, Rimski-Korsakov and Marquez. This concert cycle took 15 rehearsals, some up to two hours long, and an abundance of individual work. The music was daunting, the sounds melodious, yet for the musicians, it was all worth it. "It's really fun, the students are fun to work with," said Dr. Jerianne Larson, the conductor for the concert and as

"Radical Frame" album cover Modern Intelligent Dance Music (IDM) is extremely splintered in comparison to the more techno and drill and bass-focused 1990s. A lot of modern-day greats are in specific niches within the genre, and there’s almost no trace of one or two main “sounds” like previous years. Actress started making music during this modern period, and he’s an artist I haven’t delved into as much as other modern IDM greats. His newest album, “Radical Frame,” originall

Art club members sale baked goods in TC to raise money for future events and opportunities. The Troy University Art Club is making their way to students’ wallets through their stomachs to raise funds. Members of the club sold homemade treats in the Trojan Center, giving students a chance to support the organization while getting something in return. Helix Kisner, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Prattville, Alabama, and the club’s secretary, said the fundrais

A new student organization at Troy University is giving students a place to read, discuss books and meet other students who share their interests. Booked and Busy was created over the summer by students Bess Dunn and Nixon Cartee after the two realized they were struggling to find time to read while balancing college. “When me and Nixon were texting over the summer, the whole club started with the foundation that we never get to read because we’re so busy all the time,” sai

The Department of Art and Design opened applications for the Spring 2027 Artist Residency, which aims to bring professional artists to educate Troy students and the local community. Funded with the aid of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, selected artists will be invited to interact with students in concert with their own research and projects. Applications are split into two opportunities, one for an artist-in-resi

Crowe's will soon open their new storefront. Quang Le photos An old Troy favorite chicken spot is returning under new ownership after seven years of absence. Crowe's Chicken opened in Troy 50 years ago, in 1976. Ever since then, it’s been a Pike County staple and, until 2018, part of the identity of Troy. A second location opened in Brundidge in 1999 and another one in Ozark last year. “When I originally came to Troy (State) University in 2000, the old Crowe’s was fire, li

Okay, everyone, say it with me now, “What the actual heck Gregory Maguire?” I think enough time has passed since the release of the movies based on a musical based on a book pretending to be based on a book but is actually based on a movie based on a musical based on a book for me to talk about “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” or just “Wicked,” by the aforementioned Gregory Maguire. In good faith, I cannot recommend this book to lovers of the Wi

Spoiler Alert with Jimmy Nichols It is officially October, which means it is time to welcome the start of spooky season. With the start of spooky season, it is also time to start looking at some of the best horror movies of all time. One movie I have heard several people talking about this year is an independent horror movie, “Obsession,” which was released in US theaters back in May. Before watching this movie, I learned that the director is comedian Curry Barker. After w

Troy's Chinese Student Cultural Organization and Troy's international programs held a Mid-Autumn Festival at the Baptist Campus Ministries building last Thursday. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration for the beginning of the Autumn season. The event consisted of planned performances of singing, dancing and music. After the performances, all guests in attendance were welcome to dinner, made up of Chinese dishes traditionally eaten during the holiday.

The Anthropology Club is turning movie night into a way for students to explore the study of humanity outside the classroom. The club recently gathered for one of its anthropology movie nights, an event designed to bring members together while introducing students to topics connected to the study of humans, cultures and societies. About 25 students are members of the club, and movie options are chosen by its officers before members vote on what they want to watch. The movie

Is it really plagiarism if you're stealing from yourself? "Ride Lonesome" album cover. After the longest time in between studio albums in his career, Beck released “Ride Lonesome.” While it does have interesting ideas, these ideas are re-hashed from previous moody folk releases by Beck in completely milquetoast ways. To some, Beck has been a cultural institution for over 30 years. Ever since he earned a top 10 hit with his song “Loser” in 1994, Beck has been experimenting w

Students test their line dancing skills at Footwork and Fizz. Sydnee Pennington photos Students gathered for line dancing, music and customized dirty sodas during Footwork & Fizz, a Campus Life event designed to help students meet new people and get involved on campus. The event gave students a chance to step outside their comfort zones while participating in a social activity with other members of the Troy University community. Olivia Schwarte, a freshman accounting major

Local children and families gathered at the IAC on Saturday for ArtSPARK with artist Rebekah Alexander. This month's program, inspired by the works of artist and photographer Pinky Bass, allowed attendees to get creative and craft a personalized camera. Emma Wasden photos

Attendees participate in Dolly Parton themed activities in honor of her legacy. Austin Horne photos Last Friday, on Sept. 25, now known as Dolly Parton Day, art and music came together at the Johnson Center for the Arts when a simple event became so much more: A gathering for Troy community members to celebrate the life and influence of the country music icon. The Johnson Center partnered with Troy University’s POPulus ensemble for a Dolly Parton-themed event featuring arts

The Department of Theatre and Dance put on their first production of the year in a show written by a Troy professor. “Trains,” written by theatre Professor Quinton Cockrell, is a play about a Black family – the Hamptons – who were victims of the 1919 Corbin Kentucky race riot. The riot was a real-world event in which a group of white people in Corbin forced all the Black residents of the city on train cars at gunpoint and sent them off to Knoxville, Tennessee. The play take

Dear reader, today is going to be a good day, and here’s why: today we’re talking about the “Dear Evan Hansen” novelization by Val Emmich with Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. If you’ve heard of this story before, it’s probably through the musical by the same name. It’s a wonderful musical with a compelling story and a phenomenal album. The novelization was meant to expand the story of the musical, providing more context to the cast of characters, including the

"Angel" Album Cover Hello, Lizzy. 14 new songs, including the two previously released singles, “The light in the painting” and “Ugly things,” graced listeners last Friday, Sept. 18. I have a lot to say, so let’s get into it. I won’t go over the singles, as I did already review those separately. The second track of the album, “Anybody’s fool,” is easily recognizable as a song that plays on the emotions of losing someone who was your everything. The piano backed vocals

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, giving Troy University students an opportunity to learn more about Hispanic and Latino cultures and the contributions of Hispanic Americans. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year. The month begins on Sept. 15, a date that marks the independence celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, while Chile celebrates on Sept. 18. For o

Students gather for yoga at Sips and Self-Care. Emma Wasden photo Troy University Panhellenic women took time to slow down, connect with others and focus on their well-being during a Sips and Self-Care event designed to give students a break from the stress of college life. The event gave students an opportunity to participate in yoga, practice breathing exercises and spend time with other women while also supporting a community service project. Dr. Korrie Lynn Williamson,

The Department of Theatre and Dance is starting their productions of the semester with a play written by a Troy professor. Quinton Cockrell is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Last year, his play “Trains” was showcased at Virginia’s Barter Theatre as a part of their series “SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories.” Now, the department is adapting it for their first show of the semester. “It is gratifying to have work I normally do for outside theatres performed

Students gather for Engineering Club meeting. Quang Le photo Troy University engineering students are stepping outside the classroom to build new skills, professional connections and a stronger community within the university’s growing engineering program. The Engineering Club held a meeting Tuesday night to introduce students to the organization and discuss future activities, including a long-term project to construct a working replica of BB-8, the spherical droid from the

No, the bugs weren’t in the burgers, but they were all around the Arboretum. The Naturalist Club ethically trapped and observed many types of creepy crawlies at their annual Bugs N Burgers event on Sept. 17, giving students a chance to get up close and personal with the insects. “We hang up moth sheets, and the moth sheets let out different wavelengths of light, and they attract a lot of moths and other insects for us to observe and identify,” said Fisher Parrish, a Naturali

Students left words of encouragement for each other at SGA's "Write One, Take One" table. Avery Lewis photo Students walking through campus had the opportunity to leave a few words of encouragement for a stranger and take a message for themselves as part of a suicide awareness initiative hosted by the Student Government Association. The “Write One, Take One” table encouraged students to write positive or supportive messages on cards for other students to read. Students coul

Students read excerpts of queer literature at Sigma Tau Delta read-in. Charles Nelson photo On Sept. 17, the Pi Lambda chapter of English Honors Society Sigma Tau Delta invited students to participate in a celebratory read-in for works of queer literature. The event, held in room 267 of Smith Hall, aimed to explore students’ favorite novels, poems, authors and themes relating to the LGBTQ+ experience. The event gathered at 3:30 p.m., and, in the perennial tradition of late

Madie's Margins 4.5 stars If you’re confused as to why I’m reviewing “Peter Pan and Wendy” by J.M. Barrie, you have not met me. I love classic children’s literature, and I could rant until the sun goes down about how the genre is extremely relevant and interesting beyond “Hey, did you know this children's story you loved is actually really dark?” There is something special about this book, something that makes me wish it was the first thing I ever read, while also knowing

Spoiler Alert with Jimmy Nichols Growing up, I was a big Disney and Pixar kid. Either with my mom or with my siblings, I would always go to see the newest animated film from either studio. However, my favorite memories are not from the theater but from the couch. We owned a lot of DVDs, and this let me watch some movies that came out either before I was born or when I was too young to understand what was happening. The 2008 Pixar movie “WALL-E” is a good example of one I w

Economics Society learns about business operation at GoodTimes. Contributed photo Troy University students traded graphs and classrooms for bowling lanes Monday as the Economics Society visited GoodTimes Bowling to learn how economic concepts apply to starting and operating a business. The event gave students an opportunity to hear about the development of Good Times while also connecting with other students interested in economics and business. Dr. Noah Trudeau, assistant

Troy Abroad helps students explore study abroad opportunities. Austin Horne photo Students were able to learn about study abroad and explore other countries at the Study Abroad Fair last Monday. The fair consisted of tables from Troy Study Abroad to third-party groups that guide study abroad experiences around the globe. Students were excited to learn about experiences available to them and gain knowledge on how study abroad works. “I've been interested in study abroad

Students gather for Crafts and Conservation presentation. Ty Davidson photo Troy’s Campus Learning Center played host for an event to teach students about environmental conservation, with a creative twist. As an option for an Atlas Event for freshman Troy 1101, Crafts and Conservation allowed students to paint custom designs on oyster shells while learning about ocean conservation practices. “If I ever have kids, I want them to experience the world that I have gotten to ex

"I Must Be Dreaming" album cover I must preface this by saying, I like the Alabama Shakes. Now, the new album. It’s called “I Must Be Dreaming,” and I truly must, because this album is low-key just... lame. The album has 11 tracks and comes in at 48 minutes, and I was tempted to skip several of the songs. The first song I wanted to skip was “Tea Time,” which is, in fact, the first song of the album, which did not bode well for the rest of it. “Tea Time,” to me, is vagu

Students present their poetry at Poetry Night. Quang Le photo Students intrigued by the written rhyme were invited to join the Creative Writing Guild for their first Poetry Night on Thursday, Sept. 10, designed to celebrate the works of talented poets. The guild, dedicated to aiding members improve their creative writing skills through discussion and critique, also gave the stage to some students’ own poetic works. The evening event, held in Patterson Hall, was conceived

Students relax and build community over games at Board Game Night. Austin Horne photos Students gathered with the Art Club last week to play board games, a night aiming to give students a night to relax and build connections with others. The event gave members a chance to step away from their schoolwork and spend time together in a more casual setting. For Art Club members, nights like this are about more than playing games. They also create opportunities for students to ge

A Shiloh's Ark sign hangs outside to show it's open for business. Austin Horne photo Community members gather for Shiloh's Ark ribbon cutting. Carrie McLendon photo The owner of Shilo’s Ark Cafe spent nearly a year preparing to open her business, but when opening day finally arrived, she never could’ve expected the response. “I didn’t know we were going to have that big of a turnout,” said Kaitlyn Cool . “Everyone I knew showed up.” Cool is the owner of Shiloh’s Ark Cafe,

September 11, 2001 remains more than a date in history for the people who lived through it. At Troy University, faculty members and students gathered for a 9/11 panel to share memories, firsthand experiences and reflections on the attacks that changed the nation. The panel gave students an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of what happened that day — from the Pentagon to the military and even from a college campus.  Rather than learning about Sept. 11 solely through te

Maddie's Margins I made a promise to myself when I was 13 that I would never read “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer. Three years later, I was bored. Stuck in a reading slump, I stared blankly at my high school English teacher’s bookshelf, and my eyes fixed on a black cover, six ghastly pale teens staring back at me, and I thought, “How bad could it be?” Ha. Ha ha ha. HAHAHAHAHA. The two weeks in which I devoured this series were simultaneously the best and worst two weeks of m

Spoiler Alert: With Jimmy Nichols After the death of Dolly Parton, I was distraught. Growing up, I looked up to Dolly. She wrote and sang hundreds of songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” donated millions of dollars to charities and founded her Imagination Library, which gives children a book a month from birth to age 5. However, the Queen of Country was also a star on the silver screen. One of her most notable roles, and a favorite movie of mine, was “9 to 5.

Troy University’s POPulus band will take the stage at Singing River Live in Florence, Alabama, on Oct. 15. The performance will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event will bring Troy students and other attendees together for an evening of live music and community. “I believe what this event means to the band is bringing people together and enjoying not only music, but enjoying each other’s time together,” said Tyler Johnson, a graduate student studying musi

Horne enjoys a meal tradition with his friends before kickoff. -------Members of SOTS dance to a drumline cadence. Austin Horne photos For the past three seasons, when the Sound of the South (SOTS) took the field at halftime, I was somewhere inside the formation with a saxophone in my hands. This season, I watched from the sideline. As a field tech, I watched the band prepare for halftime, but for the first time, I wasn’t preparing to march onto the field with them. Inste

Trojan Threads offers a variety of Troy gear with something for everyone to wear on game day. Avery Lewis photos As football season gets underway at Troy University, Trojan Threads is stocking its shelves with new gear for students and fans looking to show their Trojan pride. Since opening in 2023, owner David Smith said the store has grown by giving customers another affordable option for Troy merchandise. “It’s come a long way since we opened in 2023, having another opti

Students looking for an active job that works around their college schedules can find an opportunity at Butter and Egg Adventures, which is hiring recreation guides to help with field trips, groups and events. The outdoor recreation facility hires employees throughout the year to keep up with its changing schedule and staffing needs. Returning employees sometimes leave when school and other responsibilities become more demanding, creating opportunities for new workers. “We'

Students browse Theatre and Dance library collection at grand opening. Carrie McLendon photo The Troy University Department of Theatre and Dance officially opened their departmental library on Sept. 2. The library is open to all students and features a variety of reading materials relevant to the department, including musicals, plays, history, theatre education and more. Mia Schuler, a junior theatre education major from Foley, Alabama, is one of the library’s two libraria

Student-Made creators showcase their work at TC pop-up sale. Quang Le photo Trojans got a chance to check out some student creators’ wares last Thursday during Student-Made Troy’s pop-up table. Student-Made is an organization which aims to support students in growing their own small businesses, providing them with real-world experience while still in school. The organization partners with various different colleges across the nation – from Maryland’s Loyola University all t

The Confetti Crate in Downtown Troy offers a variety of game day fashion options in both clothing and coordinating accessories. Avery Lewis photos For Troy University students, game day is more than a Saturday football tradition — it’s a chance to show off their Trojan pride through what they wear. Local boutiques are seeing students lean into game-day fashion, with outfits ranging from Troy-colored dresses and matching sets to overalls, polos and accessories. Reese Steedl

“The Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah “The Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah is, hands down, one of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read. It is a gorgeous historical fiction with themes of love, loss and endurance, set in Nazi-occupied France during the second world war. I first came across this book in my local Target’s book section, the closest thing I have to a bookstore in my hometown. As I was scanning the shelves, “The Nightingale" caught my eye and the synopsis had me

Toy Story 5: A return to form for the franchise This summer, Pixar released the fifth installment of the Toy Story franchise. While there was some excitement for the new movie, most fans online expressed disappointment. For most fans, the franchise should have ended after “Toy Story 3” in 2010. Andy left for college and gave his toys to Bonnie, ending his trilogy. “Toy Story 3” felt like the perfect ending because it showed that eventually everyone grows up, and while you

"Lost Weekend" album cover It’s no secret that Phoebe Bridgers has been a big name in indie music throughout her career. It makes sense: her sound is usually wide and spacious, operating in this sad, sometimes yearning space with lyrics that can immediately teleport the listener to the scenarios Bridgers describes. Bridgers released her third album, “Lost Weekend,” on Aug. 14, 2026. The track list features 16 songs. In her newest album, Bridgers added an extra electronic

Students learn about organizations at SCOB expo. Contributed photos Students explored ways to get involved on campus during the Sorrell College of Business Organization Expo held last Wednesday. Representatives from student organizations and campus programs spoke with students about opportunities for leadership, professional development and community outside the classroom. Clay Graham, a lecturer and program coordinator for the Sorrell 360 Center for Professional Life, sa

Art lovers will have the opportunity to view original artwork from over 45 artists during Art on the River’s October exhibition at the historic Elba Theatre. The exhibition was organized by Elevated Earth. It first began in May 2026 and is now set to be held twice a year, in May and October. The event gives artists an opportunity to have their work professionally displayed while bringing art and cultural experiences to rural communities. “Ultimately, Art on the River is abo