Plainsman's Choice 2026 highlights the best food in the Auburn-Opelika area. Read to learn more about the winners of this section's four categories, including: Best restaurant, best Mexican food, best dessert and best coffee.
The unofficial results from Alabama's May 19 primary elections have been released by the Alabama Secretary of State. With several key races on the line for future elections, here's who Lee County residents can expect on the ballot, along with their vote percentage. The candidates will face off against each other during runoffs on June 16 and the Nov. 3 midterm general election.
During a press conference on May 19, Sen. Tommy Tuberville spoke about his bid for governor and his plans for Alabama if he is elected. The senator levied praise and criticism towards his allies and opponents, while building his platform and answering reporters’ questions about redistricting, industry growth and artificial intelligence (AI).
The U.S. Supreme Court has paved the way for Alabama to adopt a new congressional map, which could leave the state with one majority-Black district. The ruling comes a little more than a week before Alabama’s primary elections on May 19. The latest decision, known as Allen v. Caster, lifts the court’s block on Alabama’s previous congressional map alongside any changes to the current one until 2030. The court previously ruled in 2023 that the state’s 2021 map was racially discriminatory under the Voting Rights Act and ordered Alabama to add a second Black-majority district. The proposed map would eliminate one of the two majority-Black districts in Alabama, which is currently held by Shomari Figures, a Black Democrat.
After Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session in anticipation of possible redistricting, nearly 400 people rallied in front of the Alabama State House on May 4 to protest the session and changes to Alabama’s districts. The proposed legislation — HB1 and SB1 — would set up special congressional and state Senate primary elections for the affected districts based on Alabama’s original 2023 maps, and the Alabama Legislature passed both bills on May 7.
After months of negotiations, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the state reached a settlement with Roblox regarding children’s online safety in a press conference on April 21. The settlement includes $12.2 million and several terms of agreement. All users will have to verify they are over 16 using facial age recognition or their ID before using chat features or accessing potentially age-inappropriate content. Alabama is one of the first states to reach a settlement with the company regarding children’s online safety.
Auburn University’s America250 celebration kicked off its first signature speaker series with a conversation between 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and “Firing Line” host Margaret Hoover. The event took place in the Gogue Performing Arts Center from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 30.
Around 700 people rallied at Toomer’s Corner on March 28 for the third “No Kings” protest since President Donald Trump took office. The protest was hosted by Indivisible Auburn-Opelika and lasted from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Although the protest ran mostly smoothly, there were issues with Auburn University. Protestors were not allowed on Samford Lawn or the sidewalk by the road despite it being city property.
The Auburn City Council approved the development plan and proposed pre-zoning, re-zoning and annexation ordinances for The Foundry at North College, a new commercial and residential development. The council also approved other resolutions, contracts, easements and rights-of-way.
Sitting on the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue lies Toomer’s Drugs, the beloved Auburn landmark. Founded in 1896 by Sheldon “Shel” Toomer, the drugstore quickly became a staple of the Auburn downtown area and a hotspot for Auburn traditions.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville speaks at a press conference in Auburn on May 19.
Deanna Reed, the Alabama state organizing manager for Black Voters Matter, speaks at the rally outside the State House on May 4, 2026.
Sheyann Webb-Christburg speaks at the rally outside the State House on May 4, 2026.
ACLU of Alabama Executive Director JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist speaks at the rally outside the State House on May 4, 2026.
Protesters stand outside of the State House with signs protesting HB1, SB1 and changes to Alabama’s district maps.
Protesters stand outside the Alabama State House and hold a sign reading “Black Voters Matter” on May 4.
Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson speaks about the Roblox settlement at a press conference on April 21.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks about the Roblox settlement at a press conference on April 21.
A map of the annexed, pre-zoned and re-zoned areas of The Foundry development site. The green represents VADA, LLC, blue represents Owens Family Partnership, LLC and the yellow represents The Auburn Place, LLC.
The concept plan map for The Foundry.
