Good morning, Auburn.

Larry Green was diagnosed in May 2024 with a rare condition that made it hard for him to hold his head up unless he was in a recliner—his daughter Jessica Bowers enlisted Auburn experts who led a team of seven students to design and test a custom biomechanical brace on Valentine’s Day in North Carolina.

Auburn residents can enjoy live music at Courthouse Square today—free concerts with family activities at Kiesel Park on May 15, 22 and 29, a free movie night on May 16, and theatre shows in Opelika and Auburn running from May 8 to 18; a Memorial Day breakfast and wreath laying on May 26 add to the busy calendar. A Second Saturday event in Loachapoka on May 10, an art walk downtown on June 6, and monthly orchid meetings at the Opelika Public Library offer more chances for community engagement.

CARE Humane Society in Auburn has received a $16,500 grant from Petco Love to fund its lifesaving efforts for pets—supporting programs in Auburn and Opelika.

The national nonprofit’s investment adds to a long record of aiding local pet adoption and care.

Local designer Ayesha Ali from Fuse the Denim launched her first collection of transformable jeans in Auburn—each pair features a modular zipper system and intricate embroidery inspired by global cultural patterns.

A portion of every sale supports skills development programs for underrepresented artisans and women-led cooperatives.

Site Selection magazine named the Auburn-Opelika area one of the nation’s top 20 economic development groups when it won the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development.

In 2024, Auburn added three new business locations and six expansions that created 350 jobs and nearly $182 million while Opelika saw over $2.6 billion in investments and more than 5,700 new jobs — a sign of strong regional growth.

Opelika and Auburn Public Libraries are offering free summer programs for families to enjoy creative events and encourage reading.

Opelika’s summer reading kicks off May 30 with Polynesian dance performances while Auburn launches its Summer Learning Challenge on May 31 with games and music (including author visits, craft fairs, and surprise Tuesday events).

Steven Register, a former AU and MLB pitcher battling stage four colon cancer, will receive a life-saving liver transplant in June when his longtime high school friend, Kristin Johnston, steps in as a donor—an act of extraordinary generosity.

Both families will temporarily relocate to Rochester, New York—facing additional travel and recovery expenses as a support registry helps ease costs.

Chambers Academy Lady Rebels lost their state tournament games last week, ending their season with a record of 22 to 13.

The team, seeded third in an eight-team tournament, was eliminated after a walk-off win by Bessemer in the first game — and later lost a tie-breaker to Morgan Academy.

Auburn High School girls and boys soccer teams fought hard in Friday night quarterfinals at Duck Samford Stadium— the Lady Tigers beat Montgomery Academy 2-0 to improve to 19-3-1 while the boys fell 4-1 to the Eagles to finish their season at 14-8-1.

The Lady Tigers will face McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in the AHS 7A semifinals on May 8 at 9 a.m. at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.

Turf Wars Auburn

1-5 p.m. — Wire Road Soccer Complex — Free entry — Experience an exciting sports event during Memorial Day weekend in Auburn with Turf Wars.

On-Site Tour of Auburn Assisted Living

9 AM – 7 PM — Auburn Assisted Living — Free entry — Explore the best senior living community with exceptional care, dining, and activities.

Lunar Parque + Brotha Josh Concert

8:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. — John Emerald Distilling Company — Ticket info TBA — Enjoy a night of funky rhythms and smooth neo-soul vibes from two Alabama bands.