BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER
SPONSORED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
First Team
[{"id":"113369","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/17\/former-opelika-businessman-kyle-sandler-reportedly-dies\/","name":"former-opelika-businessman-kyle-sandler-reportedly-dies","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/round-house-2.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Former Opelika businessman Kyle Sandler reportedly dies","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 17, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-17 14:50:07","modifiedDate":"2026-09-17 10:03:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-17 15:03:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":50},"status":"publish","content":"Kyle Sandler, the former Opelika businessman who served federal prison time after defrauding investors through The Roundhouse business incubator, has been reported to have died"},{"id":"113360","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/academic-freedom-rally\/","name":"academic-freedom-rally","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Photo-Sep-11-2026-9-02-39-AM-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Academic Freedom rally","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:56:59","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:57:06","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:57:06","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":0},"status":"publish","content":""},{"id":"113357","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/whos-watching-the-watchers\/","name":"whos-watching-the-watchers","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_4509-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"WHO\u2019S WATCHING THE WATCHERS?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:37:28","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:48:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:48:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"Recent firing of a Lee County deputy for misuse of camera data adds local urgency to a national debate over privacy, access and oversight BY"},{"id":"113348","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/auburn-delays-downtown-lounge-moratorium\/","name":"auburn-delays-downtown-lounge-moratorium","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_3534-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Auburn delays downtown lounge moratorium","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:16:16","modifiedDate":"2026-09-16 15:30:09","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 20:30:09","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":32},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER Correction: The Auburn City Council voted to postpone a vote on vacating the Prosper at Plainsman Lake sewer easement at 1803"},{"id":"113346","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/opelika-council-approves-new-regulations-for-hemp-stores\/","name":"opelika-council-approves-new-regulations-for-hemp-stores","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/20260915_182155-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Council approves new regulations for hemp stores","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:13:22","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:13:27","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:13:27","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":7,"sec":14},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Opelika City Council approved new regulations governing hemp stores and moved forward with additional restrictions on package liquor stores"},{"id":"113343","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/news-from-the-chambers-of-commerce-main-street\/","name":"news-from-the-chambers-of-commerce-main-street","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-Opelikas-20-Under-40-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"News from the Chambers of Commerce, Main Street","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:18:35","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:18:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:18:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":2},"status":"publish","content":"Introducing the Opelika Chamber\u2019s\u202f2026-2027\u202f20\u202fUnder\u202f40\u202fclass\u00a0 CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika\u2019s\u202f20\u202fUnder\u202f40\u202fprogram is made up of\u202f20\u202foutstanding people\u202funder\u202fthe age of\u202f40\u202fwho live in Opelika, love Opelika and have"},{"id":"113341","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/june-soccer-friendly-had-27-million-economic-impact\/","name":"june-soccer-friendly-had-27-million-economic-impact","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"June soccer friendly had $27 million economic impact","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:17:44","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:17:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:17:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":34},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDT THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The June 9 international soccer friendly between Argentina and Iceland generated an estimated $27.2 million in total economic"},{"id":"113339","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/now-is-a-good-time-for-ayn-rands-money-speech\/","name":"now-is-a-good-time-for-ayn-rands-money-speech","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ron-hart-new-683x1024-1.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Now is a good time for Ayn Rand\u2019s \u201cMoney Speech\u201d","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:16:38","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:16:44","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:16:44","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":57},"status":"publish","content":"As left-wing populists gain momentum, we must remember the late author's writings OPINION \u2014 Capitalism has done more to lift people en masse out of"},{"id":"113337","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/lee-county-commission-tables-river-rock-subdivision-plat\/","name":"lee-county-commission-tables-river-rock-subdivision-plat","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Observer-Logo-e1784054044906.png","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission tables River Rock subdivision plat","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:15:02","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:18:44","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:18:44","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":58},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Lee County Commission approved several items during its Sept. 14 meeting but tabled a proposed subdivision plat after"},{"id":"113335","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/scouts-explore-uss-alabama\/","name":"scouts-explore-uss-alabama","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Pack-and-Troop-858-USS-Alabama-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Scouts Explore USS ALABAMA","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:14:15","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:14:20","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:14:20","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":10},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY PACK AND TROOP 858 OPELIKA \u2014 Pack and Troop 858 from Opelika spent the night of Saturday, Sept. 12, living aboard the Battleship"},{"id":"113333","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/altar-call-admiring-jesus\/","name":"altar-call-admiring-jesus","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ALBRITTON.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Altar Call | Admiring Jesus","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:13:32","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:13:37","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:13:37","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":46},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 There is much to admire about Jesus. He \u201cwent about doing good.\u201d His compassion for the sick and helpless was extraordinary. He healed"},{"id":"113331","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/kids-talk-about-god-what-does-it-mean-to-not-be-ashamed-of-the-gospel\/","name":"kids-talk-about-god-what-does-it-mean-to-not-be-ashamed-of-the-gospel","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-6.43.16\u202fPM.png","alt":""},"title":"Kids talk about God | What does it mean to not be ashamed of the Gospel?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:12:18","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:12:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:12:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":12},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 \u201cIf you\u2019re not ashamed, it means you\u2019re not afraid to tell people about Jesus, even if they think you\u2019re weird,\u201d said Tyler, 9."}]
[{"id":"113369","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/17\/former-opelika-businessman-kyle-sandler-reportedly-dies\/","name":"former-opelika-businessman-kyle-sandler-reportedly-dies","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/round-house-2.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Former Opelika businessman Kyle Sandler reportedly dies","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 17, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-17 14:50:07","modifiedDate":"2026-09-17 10:03:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-17 15:03:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":50},"status":"publish","content":"Kyle Sandler, the former Opelika businessman who served federal prison time after defrauding investors through The Roundhouse business incubator, has been reported to have died"},{"id":"113360","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/academic-freedom-rally\/","name":"academic-freedom-rally","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Photo-Sep-11-2026-9-02-39-AM-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Academic Freedom rally","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:56:59","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:57:06","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:57:06","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":0},"status":"publish","content":""},{"id":"113357","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/whos-watching-the-watchers\/","name":"whos-watching-the-watchers","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_4509-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"WHO\u2019S WATCHING THE WATCHERS?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:37:28","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:48:40","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:48:40","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":42},"status":"publish","content":"Recent firing of a Lee County deputy for misuse of camera data adds local urgency to a national debate over privacy, access and oversight BY"},{"id":"113348","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/auburn-delays-downtown-lounge-moratorium\/","name":"auburn-delays-downtown-lounge-moratorium","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_3534-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Auburn delays downtown lounge moratorium","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:16:16","modifiedDate":"2026-09-16 15:30:09","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 20:30:09","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":32},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER Correction: The Auburn City Council voted to postpone a vote on vacating the Prosper at Plainsman Lake sewer easement at 1803"},{"id":"113346","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/opelika-council-approves-new-regulations-for-hemp-stores\/","name":"opelika-council-approves-new-regulations-for-hemp-stores","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/20260915_182155-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika Council approves new regulations for hemp stores","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:13:22","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:13:27","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:13:27","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":7,"sec":14},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Opelika City Council approved new regulations governing hemp stores and moved forward with additional restrictions on package liquor stores"},{"id":"113343","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/news-from-the-chambers-of-commerce-main-street\/","name":"news-from-the-chambers-of-commerce-main-street","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-Opelikas-20-Under-40-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"News from the Chambers of Commerce, Main Street","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:18:35","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:18:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:18:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":2},"status":"publish","content":"Introducing the Opelika Chamber\u2019s\u202f2026-2027\u202f20\u202fUnder\u202f40\u202fclass\u00a0 CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER OPELIKA \u2014 Opelika\u2019s\u202f20\u202fUnder\u202f40\u202fprogram is made up of\u202f20\u202foutstanding people\u202funder\u202fthe age of\u202f40\u202fwho live in Opelika, love Opelika and have"},{"id":"113341","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/june-soccer-friendly-had-27-million-economic-impact\/","name":"june-soccer-friendly-had-27-million-economic-impact","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"June soccer friendly had $27 million economic impact","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:17:44","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:17:49","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:17:49","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":6,"sec":34},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDT THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 The June 9 international soccer friendly between Argentina and Iceland generated an estimated $27.2 million in total economic"},{"id":"113339","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/now-is-a-good-time-for-ayn-rands-money-speech\/","name":"now-is-a-good-time-for-ayn-rands-money-speech","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ron-hart-new-683x1024-1.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Now is a good time for Ayn Rand\u2019s \u201cMoney Speech\u201d","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:16:38","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:16:44","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:16:44","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/opinion\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Opinions<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":57},"status":"publish","content":"As left-wing populists gain momentum, we must remember the late author's writings OPINION \u2014 Capitalism has done more to lift people en masse out of"},{"id":"113337","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/lee-county-commission-tables-river-rock-subdivision-plat\/","name":"lee-county-commission-tables-river-rock-subdivision-plat","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Observer-Logo-e1784054044906.png","alt":""},"title":"Lee County Commission tables River Rock subdivision plat","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:15:02","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 22:18:44","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-16 03:18:44","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":58},"status":"publish","content":"BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Lee County Commission approved several items during its Sept. 14 meeting but tabled a proposed subdivision plat after"},{"id":"113335","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/scouts-explore-uss-alabama\/","name":"scouts-explore-uss-alabama","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Pack-and-Troop-858-USS-Alabama-scaled.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Scouts Explore USS ALABAMA","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:14:15","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:14:20","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:14:20","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":10},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY PACK AND TROOP 858 OPELIKA \u2014 Pack and Troop 858 from Opelika spent the night of Saturday, Sept. 12, living aboard the Battleship"},{"id":"113333","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/altar-call-admiring-jesus\/","name":"altar-call-admiring-jesus","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ALBRITTON.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Altar Call | Admiring Jesus","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:13:32","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:13:37","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:13:37","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/walt-albritton\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Walt Albritton<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":46},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 There is much to admire about Jesus. He \u201cwent about doing good.\u201d His compassion for the sick and helpless was extraordinary. He healed"},{"id":"113331","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/15\/kids-talk-about-god-what-does-it-mean-to-not-be-ashamed-of-the-gospel\/","name":"kids-talk-about-god-what-does-it-mean-to-not-be-ashamed-of-the-gospel","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-6.43.16\u202fPM.png","alt":""},"title":"Kids talk about God | What does it mean to not be ashamed of the Gospel?","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 15, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:12:18","modifiedDate":"2026-09-15 18:12:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-15 23:12:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/column\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Column<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":12},"status":"publish","content":"OPINION \u2014 \u201cIf you\u2019re not ashamed, it means you\u2019re not afraid to tell people about Jesus, even if they think you\u2019re weird,\u201d said Tyler, 9."}]
Second Team
THIRD TEAM
Honorable Mentions
Individual Awards
