Local art and history mark America’s 250th anniversary BY GRACIE GOODMANFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — The Southside Center of Arts is marking America’s 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence with a new exhibition that brings together local artwork and historical artifacts to celebrate the nation’s history.The exhibition features art by local artists alongside artifacts from the East Alabama Museum and memorabilia from East...

BY OBSERVER STAFF EAST ALABAMA — The Observer, The LaFayette Sun and LIVE Lee Magazine brought home 33 awards in the 2026 Alabama Press Association Media Awards, including several first-place honors and major overall awards.These awards recognize the work our team does throughout the year to provide quality, local news to both Chambers and Lee County,” Michelle Key, owner and publisher of Key Media said. “None of these awards would happen...

BY GRACIE GOODMANFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Established more than two decades ago, the Penguin Project uses theater as a way to empower children and young adults with disabilities. Participants are involved in specially adapted musical productions that give them an opportunity to develop performance skills, express themselves creatively and gain experience on stage.Beyond the performances themselves, the program focuses on personal growth....

Opelika children are helping people in Malawi have clean water with H2Opelika project BY OBSERVER STAFF OPELIKA — Children across Opelika are working together this summer to help provide safe drinking water to children and families in Malawi through a citywide fundraising effort called H2Opelika.The campaign encourages children to operate lemonade stands in their yards, neighborhoods, churches and other locations through Aug. 31. Money raised...

BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER EAST ALABAMA — Supporting nonprofits that serve East Alabama, the Nonprofit Center of East Alabama’s building houses multiple nonprofits and regular events, helping create opportunities for organizations to support community members in need.“The Samford Cannon Foundation had the vision for this building,” said Carrie Thomas, director of the Nonprofit Center of East Alabama. “They actually had a relationship with a...

A golf cart wreck nearly took his life. Now he intends to help others with brain injuries. BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — Nearly a year after a golf course accident left 20-year-old Collin Long with a fractured skull and a brain injury doctors expected would change his life forever, his family is turning the anniversary into a celebration rather than a reminder of tragedy.On July 20, the Auburn University Club golf course will host a...