News

Jeff Sessions blasts sanctuary cities in Philadelphia appearance

Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns at Trump's request

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

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was previously Alabama's junior senator, has resigned from his post as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

Lisa Pierce chooses to live in a shack

By Hannah Lester | Campus Writer | November 7

“It’s eerie to be sitting in there and to hear the sound of the tarp flapping back and forth," Pierce said. "And then you’ve got the wind, kind of the gusts that would come in and kind of rock the shack a little bit because it’s sitting on that trailer."

November 6

Tom Whatley wins third term in Alabama Senate

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor

Senator Tom Whatley has kept his seat in the Alabama Senate after a win against Democrat Nancy Bendinger in the close race for Senate District 24 Tuesday night.  Whatley ran for his third term in office, while Bendinger began her political career with the Senate race. Bendinger, a real estate agent ...

November 6

Gov. Robert Bentley shakes hands with new Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, after signing his appointment letter at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Marshall has served as the district attorney in Marshall County in north Alabama, appointed to the post in 2001 and re-elected three times. He is a past president of the Alabama District Attorney's Association and currently serves as commission chairman of the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.(Governor's Office, Jamie Martin)

Steve Marshall wins first full term as attorney general

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor

Marshall is sitting at 64.8 percent of the vote with 22 of 67 counties reporting at time of publishing, according to the secretary of state’s website.  

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John Merrill wins another term as Alabama's secretary of state

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | November 6

Merrill has served as Alabama’s secretary of state since 2015. Before that he served as the representative for Alabama House District 62, which includes Tuscaloosa, where he settled after attending the University of Alabama.

Auburn alumus Will Ainsworth is Alabama's next lieutenant governor

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor | November 6

The Auburn graduate who brought a fiberglass tiger to a press conference is Alabama's next lieutenant governor. Republican Will Ainsworth has won the race for lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy that was last left by newly re-elected Governor Kay Ivey. The office has been vacant since 2017. Ainsworth ...

Voters approve Ten Commandments, pro-life constitutional amendments

By Mikayla Burns | Lifestyle Editor | November 6

Alabama voters approved four constitutional amendments Tuesday night, including one that purports to give public officials the authority to display the Ten Commandments on public property. Another amendment that essentially declares Alabama a "pro-life" state also appears headed to passage.

Kay Ivey, an Auburn alumna, wins first full term as Alabama governor

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

Republican Gov. Kay Ivey easily won her first full term as governor Tuesday night, sailing past her Democratic challenger Walt Maddox, the mayor of Tuscaloosa.

Joe Lovvorn wins first full term as Auburn's representative in Alabama House

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor | November 6

Republican State Rep. Joe Lovvorn has won his seat once more in a close race for House District 79 against Democrat Mary Wynne Kling. According to the incomplete unofficial vote count, Lovvorn received 58 percent of the vote to Kling's 42 percent. The district includes most of Auburn. During ...

Rogers defeats Hagan to win re-election in 3rd Congressional District

By Gabby Dance | Assistant Campus Editor and Chip Brownlee | Editor-in-chief | November 6

Rogers defeated Democratic challenger Mallory Hagan in the race for the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Auburn and Auburn University.

Female reports possible drugging at fraternity party on Halloween

By Staff Report | November 6

A woman has reported that she believes she was involuntarily given a drug at a fraternity party on Halloween night, according to an AU Alert sent via email on Tuesday. The report stated she consumed one beer at the party and woke up with limited memory of the night. She said she was "dizzy and disoriented" ...

November 6

Amendments, unopposed races bring Auburn voters to the polls

By Cory Blackmon | Community Writer

Rain or shine, Auburn residents are hitting the polls Tuesday morning for Alabama’s general elections. Voters have until 7 p.m. to submit their ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state supreme court justice, secretary of state and state auditor. The positions of state treasurer ...

SGA passes resolution to join the American Talent Initiative, awaits president's approval

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor | November 5

Auburn's participation in the American Talent Initiative is awaiting approval from University President Steven Leath and other administration after the memorandum proposed by Student Government President Dane Block passed. The memorandum, brought to the floor by Block, entailed Auburn University's ...

A delicious spread of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, prepared by Lily Jackson, au pair,  awaits the family.

Share Meals: Students bring app to campus to fight food insecurity

By Stephen Lanzi | Campus Editor | November 5

The basic idea behind the app is to let people know where to get free food. Organizations can post whenever they have an event with free food, and students can also offer to buy a meal for another student.

Gov. Kay Ivey touts her record during plane tour across the state

By Elizabeth Hurley | Community Editor | November 5

Republican Gov. Kay Ivey touted her role in job creation to supporters Monday afternoon at one of her final campaign stops before the election Tuesday.

Polls point to Democratic takeover of the House, but here's what could change that

By David Lauter | Los Angeles Times | November 5

With the final polls finished, the last ads cut and well over 35 million people already having voted, political operatives in both parties expect Democrats to win back control of the House on Tuesday and make significant gains in state capitals even as Republicans keep narrow control of the Senate.

November 5

Need a ride to the polls? Here are your options

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor

You are registered to vote. You've made your decisions. Now, you need a ride.  Here are some options for getting to the polls. Do you know of an organization offering rides that we haven't listed? Email us at managing.editor@theplainsman.com.  Uber: There will be a "Get to the Polls" button ...

Senate District 27: Tom Whatley runs for third term on experience

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor | November 5

He said he feels confident that his history and work in the legislature is enough to get him re-elected.

Senate District 27: Nancy Bendinger focuses on mental health, education's role with treatment

By Lily Jackson | Managing Editor | November 5

Nancy Bendinger, a real estate agent in the area, is running for Senate District 27 against three-time incumbent Tom Whatley, R-Auburn. Bendinger has focused on healthcare, education and jobs throughout her campaign. In terms of healthcare, Bendinger supports the expansion on Medicaid in ...

Barista Jake Mcfarland puts the finishing touches on a cup of coffee on Monday, March 19, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Students avoid rain to rock out at third annual War Damn Coffee Jam

By Abby Cunningham | Campus Writer | November 5

“We both came because we really enjoy coffee houses and live music," said Carolina Williams, junior in business analytics, who came with her friend. "The event turned out really good, and we enjoyed the music tonight."