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A chain of Mexican restaurants in Alabama that shares the same name as businesses raided as a part of a national money laundering and drug investigation is trying to clear up confusion.

“I have clients (that have) got my phone number. They’ve been calling me and asking me, ‘Hey, are you all guys okay? Are you related to that guy?’” said Jesus Perez, an owner of El Patron, which has restaurant locations in Birmingham, Moody, Atalla, Gadsden and Trussville.

“That’s not us,” he said.

Earlier this week, 14 restaurants and locations were raided as a part of a multi-agency, long-term investigation into human smuggling, drug trafficking and financial fraud. Officials arrested 40 people thought to be undocumented immigrants. Authorities also seized large amounts of methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack and pills and $100,000 in cash.

Cesar Campos-Reyes, one of the targets of the investigation and the owner of multiple restaurants, is in federal custody.

El Jefe, a Mexican restaurant by the Auburn-Opelieka Mall, the Colt Grill in Foley, El Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina in Robertsville and at several other restaurants in Elmore County were raided.

“Please be advised that El Patron Mexican Restaurant is not, in any way, affiliated with or connected to the business currently in the spotlight,” Perez’s company said in a statement after the raids.

El Jefe, the raided restaurant in Auburn, took to social media earlier this week to try to differentiate new ownership from a previous owner that they say was the target of the visit from federal law enforcement.

“There has been some confusion that the individual is still in this business with us. We are NOT associated with the individual and have NOT been since 2023,” the restaurant said on Facebook Wednesday.

An employee at a different Alabama restaurant named El Jefe Tex-Mex, based in Russellville, answered the phone Friday afternoon in Spanish. She said she did not know if there had been similar confusion about her restaurant, which was not involved in any raids.

Perez, the owner of the El Patron chain that was not raided, is worried the mixup might be bad for business. But he’s hesitated to explain more on social media for fear of fueling more confusion.

“We’re not related to the company or the owner of the other Patrons,” he said.

A woman this week told police that Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons strangled her with both of his hands during an argument, according to court records obtained by AL.com.

In a deposition, Opelika police identified the woman as Simmons’ girlfriend and said they saw bruises on her neck when they responded to a domestic violence call on Wednesday afternoon. Simmons, 20, was charged with a felony count of domestic assault with strangulation or suffocation.

Police said Simmons denied strangling his girlfriend.

In a statement responding to Simmons’ arrest, an Auburn spokesperson told AL.com, “We are aware of the situation, are gathering the facts, and will address the situation.”

Simmons was one of many breakout freshmen for Auburn in 2024, catching 40 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns. A four-star recruit out of Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Simmons was part of the “Freeze four” group of blue-chip receivers in the Tigers’ 2024 signing class.

He’s the second Auburn player to be arrested in the last two weeks, following DJ Barber, who was arrested on charges of trafficking in marijuana, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkusor email him at[email protected]m

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 3:07 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Montgomery, Macon and Bullock counties.

Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 3:07 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Shopton, or 12 miles west of Union Springs, moving northeast at 25 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include eastern Montgomery, Tuskegee, Union Springs, Pike Road, Shorter, Pine Level, Auburn University In Montgomery, Franklin Field, Beans Crossroads, Shopton, Davisville, Waugh, Liverpool, Hardaway, Mount Meigs, Sprague, Tysonville, Victoryland, Pinedale and Warriorstand.

The weather service states, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Astronomer, the company of employment at the center of two people caught in an embrace at a Coldplay concert, released a statement Friday.

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the statement read. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”

The statement comes after Coldplay’s Chris Martin pointed out if the two who ducked out of the way of the camera were “having an affair or (are) just very shy.”

CEO Andy Byron and company chief human resources officer Kristin Cabot – both married – were those identified in the video.

Byron ducked out of the frame while Cabot covered her face and turned around.

The company statement noted that another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, who many had misidentified, was not at the event.

Furthermore, a Byron apology circulating on social media was indeed fake.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

The San Francisco Giants play against the Toronto Blue Jays in an MLB game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 6:07 p.m. CT on MLB Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Giants enter this matchup with a 52-45 record, and they have lost three of their last four games. In their most recent game, the Giants lost 5-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In order to bounce back this evening, the Giants will need a great performance from their star player Heliot Ramos. He leads the team with 14 home runs and a .262 batting average, so he will look to continue his offensive success tonight.

The Blue Jays enter this matchup with a 55-41 record, and they have also lost three of their last four games. In their most recent game, the Blue Jays lost 6-3 against the Athletics.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Blue Jays will need to rely on their star player George Springer. He leads the team with 16 home runs and 53 RBI, so he will try to continue his great play this evening.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 2:50 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:15 p.m. for Coffee and Geneva counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:50 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Opp, moving northeast at 30 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Elba, Kinston, Alberton, Perry Store, Carl Folsom A/p, Rhoades, Ino, Turner Crossroads, Goodman, New Haven, Basin, Holley Store, Enterprise Municipal A/P and Lowery.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

A few years down the road, Huntsville residents will be able to walk or ride a bike from Alabama A&M to an event at the Von Braun Center or an entertainment venue like Stovehouse along Governors Drive using “Skybridge” to cross Memorial Parkway.

City officials unveiled part of that vision during an open house at City Hall on Thursday night.

“It can’t come soon enough,” Huntsville resident Ben Payment told AL.com.

He would be among the residents most likely to use the greenway discussed at the open house. He rode his bicycle to see what the city has planned.

Consultants were on hand with maps, renderings, and ideas to share with residents about what is right now being called the North Huntsville Greenway. It would connect the Meek Greenway under design at Alabama A&M to the greenway being created by the $65 million Pinhook Creek project that includes the “Skybridge” pedestrian bridge across Memorial Parkway near the VBC.

“I’ve been a bike advocate for a decade in the community,” Payment said. “It’s not just a recreation outlet. It’s about connecting the community where you don’t have to have a car to get to work downtown or get to school. And having these greenways come together and form networks as alternatives to roads is really important.”

Atlanta firm Lord Aeck Sargent has been working on the plans for about 10 months, according to the company’s director of urban design, landscaping and architecture Matt Cherry. He said they’ve spent several days walking the corridor, “trying to understand the corridor better.”

“We’re trying to figure out where the trail system should go through the city of Huntsville,” he said.

Cherry said his firm is looking at future open spaces with the potential for new parks and community gathering places. They are also looking at potential places for public and private investment.

“We think this is a really transformative project,” added Dennis Madsen, the city’s manager of urban and long-range planning. “We’re excited about what this can do for this part of north Huntsville. We’re excited about what this will do for the quality of life for residents. We’re excited about the investment opportunities. This is a unique tool for areas that struggle to attract investment.”

Eva Harris, who works with Thrive Alabama, said the area covered by the greenway segment has been overlooked for a long time.

“I think the city is working really hard with consultants, people in the neighborhoods, the organizations in the neighborhoods to try and make sure it’s a vibrant neighborhood,” Harris said.

Thrive Alabama is building a 72,000-square-foot, $35 million health center adjacent to the proposed greenway. The greenway will also be near the $400 million Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative revitalization project. Residents who will live there in a mixture of market value, work force and low-income housing would have access to the greenway through “Skybridge.”

The greenway will also be within walking distance of the $375 million mixed-use Front Row development being constructed on the former Coca Cola plant site across from the VBC at the corner of Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue.

“It enhances everything, especially quality of life,” said Brian Williams, who like Payment describes himself as a cyclist. “People moving here come from cities that have more infrastructure that accommodates walking, biking, skateboarding. We’ve got to catch up. We’ve definitely got to make things more inviting.”

Cherry said the greenway project is being modeled after Atlanta’s Beltline but said there are parts of it that will be unique to Huntsville.

The project is also being compared to Birmingham’s Rotary Trail, Greenville, South Carolina’s Swamp Rabbit Trail and New York City’s High Line.

The Writers Guild of America wants Paramount investigated for bribery after news of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” being canceled.

Variety reports the WGA said it has “significant concerns” that the move may have been a way to bribe president Donald Trump into sanctioning Paramount’s pending acquisition by Skydance.

“On July 2nd, Paramount agreed to settle a baseless lawsuit brought against 60 Minutes and CBS News by President Trump for $16 million,” the statement read. “On July 15, during a regular show of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Colbert went on-air and called the settlement a ‘big fat bribe’ in exchange for a favorable decision on the proposed merger between Paramount and Skydance, a charge currently under investigation in California.

According to Variety, Colbert has been a critic of Trump, having referred to Paramount’s recent $16 million settlement with the president as “a big fat bribe.”

“Less than 48 hours later, on July 17, Paramount canceled ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ a show currently performing first in its timeslot, giving vague references to the program’s ‘financial performance’ as the only explanation. For 10 years, the show has been one of the most successful, beloved and profitable programs on CBS, entertaining an audience of millions on late night television, on streaming services and across social media.

“Given Paramount’s recent capitulation to President Trump in the CBS News lawsuit, the Writers Guild of America has significant concerns that The Late Show’s cancelation is a bribe, sacrificing free speech to curry favor with the Trump Administration as the company looks for merger approval.

“Cancelations are part of the business, but a corporation terminating a show in bad faith due to explicit or implicit political pressure is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society. Paramount’s decision comes against a backdrop of relentless attacks on a free press by President Trump, through lawsuits against CBS and ABC, threatened litigation of media organizations with critical coverage, and the unconscionable defunding of PBS and NPR.”

Check out the full report and statement at Variety.

The network, which has aired Colbert’s show since 2015, said Thursday this version of “The Late Show” had an “historic run.”

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘THE LATE SHOW’ franchise at that time,” CBS executives said in a joint statement. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.

“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Colbert, who replaced David Letterman on the show, announced the news on his show Thursday.