Alabama News

The owners of an Alabama barbecue restaurant involved in multi-state raids have entered not guilty pleas on charges they systematically hired undocumented immigrants to work in some of their restaurants.

Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits in Foley was one of more than a dozen locations in six counties raided July 15 by multiple federal and local agencies.

Among the Alabama sites targeted by authorities, it was the only one in southwest Alabama: the other restaurants, residences and properties were in Lee, Macon, Autauga, Elmore, and Crenshaw counties.

Colt Grill is based in Arizona, and its four locations there also were raided July 15.

The owners, Brenda and Robert Clouston, were arrested and charged with five immigration-related offences: a pattern and practice of knowingly employing unauthorized aliens; conspiracy to bring illegal aliens into the United States unlawfully; conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens; and conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien to unlawfully enter the United States.

Two Colt Grill employees, Rogel-Jaimes and Romero-Molina, were arrested on the same charges.

Prosecutors allege that the four defendants conspired to recruit undocumented immigrants to work at Colt Grill, employed them through a shell company so that the restaurants could dodge reporting requirements, and provided housing and vehicles for them.

The addresses where the workers allegedly were housed are all in Arizona.

Since then, all four defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to all charges, according to court documents. The four have separate legal counsel, and their status varies.

Brenda Clouston was released on her own recognizance after an arraignment on Monday. Efforts to reach her and her attorney have not drawn a response.

Robert Clouston, her husband, remains in custody. He was represented by an attorney from the Federal Public Defender’s Office at his arraignment, but that attorney told the court that a change of representation is expected. A hearing on his detention status has been set for Thursday.

Iris Cristal Romero-Molina has a detention hearing set for Monday, July 28.

Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes, a Spanish speaker requiring a translator, has a detention hearing set for Tuesday, July 29.

At least five people identified as material witnesses are being held in federal custody.

A court order says that the “Court finds that it may become impracticable to secure the presence of the witnesses by subpoena in further proceedings because they are not in the United States legally and have no legal residence or employment in this country.” The order says the witnesses “shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity for private consultation with counsel.”

A jury trial for all four defendants has been set for Sept. 2 in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, Ariz.

According to information provided by the Offices of the United States Attorneys, four of the charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The fifth charge, pattern and practice of knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a fine of up to $3,000 per unauthorized employee.

A 3-year-old Alabama boy died Tuesday when he was left alone inside a hot vehicle in Birmingham for roughly five hours.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the child as Keterrious Starks Jr. He lived in Bessemer.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Keterrious was left alone in the vehicle in the 1500 block of Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham.

The vehicle was in the driveway of a private residence. It was not running and the windows were rolled up.

Yates said the boy was in the car from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 6:03 p.m.

According to Keterrious aunt, Brittney Debruce, the boy is in DHR custody and lives in a foster home.

When the foster parent went to pick the child up from daycare, he was not there, Debruce said.

Debruce said a transport driver – possibly from a company that contract with DHR for transport children to visitations – picked up Keterriuos to take him to DHR in Bessemer for a scheduled visit with his father.

When that visit was over, she said, Keterrious was never returned to daycare.

Debruce said Birmingham police found her nephew inside the car. They and DHR then notified Debruce’s sister that the child had died.

The parents and other family members are beyond distraught.

“We don’t know what’s going on,” Debruce said.

Efforts to reach DHR for comment weren’t immediately successful.

The death is under investigation by Birmingham police.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Construction is set to begin this fall on a new BJ’s Wholesale Club in Foley, according to a recent release from the city.

This will be the chain’s second Alabama location following the Madison BJ’s that opened in late 2023.

The closest BJ’s Club to Foley is currently located in Pensacola.

The Foley Planning Commission has recommended approval for the project, which will be located on a 14-acre site along the South Juniper Street Extension, about a block east of South McKenzie Street, according to the release.

BJ’s members will find groceries, household goods, electronics, tires and automotive services, and more at the new 106,370 square-foot facility, which will also include a fueling station.

“This will be the first wholesale club in South Baldwin, and it means our citizens won’t have to leave Foley for this type of shopping,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said in the release.

“It’s a significant addition to our retail space, and we’re glad they decided to come here.”

City officials have been working with developers and BJ’s representatives for about three years to bring the project to Foley, the release adds.

Construction is expected to start in September or October and take about a year to complete.

Linebacker Quincy Williams got a crash course in playing for the New York Jets without C.J. Mosley on the field during the 2024 season. Now he’s preparing for a campaign knowing that the former Alabama All-American will not be with him in 2025.

That leaves a leadership void on the New York defense, and new Jets coach Aaron Glenn is expecting Williams to fill it.

“That was one of the things Coach AG challenged me when he first got the job,” Williams said. “He called me. He said, ‘The first thing I’m going to do is I’m going to challenge you. First of all, I’m going to tell you my vision, then I’m going to hear about what’s your vision for yourself, and then I’m going to challenge you. I’m going to have you a personal challenge, and then I’m going to have you a team challenge.’

“So that was one of the team challenges, especially with C.J. being gone. (Linebacker Jamien) Sherwood coming in is also a young player. Me being one of the oldest guys on the team, it’s more like, ‘All right, it ain’t just doing your job no more. I’m going to challenge you with something else this time. You asked for this next level. Let’s see if you’re going to be able to handle it.’”

Williams joined the Jets in 2021, and over the next three seasons, Mosley registered 478 tackles and Williams recorded 355.

Mosley retired in June after injuries limited him to four games in 2024, and the Jets released him in March. But Williams said he’s still consulting with his former teammate.

“It feels natural,” Williams said of his more vocal role. “But it’s just the thought process, the confidence part of it. But I’ve been talking to C.J. about it. I’m confident in myself. I’m confident in the job I’m already doing, so now I can open my mouth and help other people because I’m confident in what I’m doing already.”

New York is holding its first practice of training camp on Wednesday. During the Jets’ offseason program, Williams said he was making sure he would be ready to lead from the start when training camp arrived.

“Making sure as far as like anything that’s bothering me, making sure I’m a full-go in training camp, so that won’t be one of the things that’s on my mind,” Williams said of his preparation. “And then on top of that, making sure I got my playbook down pat so that won’t be one of the things on my mind. …

“So now it’s more like leading a team instead of ‘All right, let me get myself together.’ And then I’m being quiet because I’m not confident in what I’m doing and I can’t tell nobody what to do if you ain’t confident in what you’re doing.”

Williams and Mosley were Alabama high school standouts – Williams at Wenonah and Mosley at Theodore.

The Jets open their three-game preseason schedule on Aug. 9 against the Green Bay Packers. The regular season kicks off on Sept. 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

The Kalen DeBoer era didn’t get off to the best of starts in 2024. The Crimson Tide lost four games in the first year of the post-Nick Saban era, the most they have lost in a single season since Saban’s first year in Tuscaloosa (2007).

As you can imagine, “transition” is a four-letter word at Alabama. For that reason, DeBoer enters the year on the hot seat after the Crimson Tide did not make the College Football Playoff in the first year of the 12-team format.

Yet, oddsmakers think DeBoer will be on safe ground by the end of the year: Alabama is in the top-10 in the latest CFP National Championship odds. So what to make of this version of the Tide?

Let’s take a look at the latest Alabama college football futures odds and some of my favorite bets to make before fall practice kicks off on July 30 (exactly one month before the season opener at Florida State).

Alabama Crimson Tide futures bets to make now

• Alabama Win Total: Under 9.5 (+105) at DraftKings Sportsbook
• Alabama to make the College Football Playoff: Yes (-170) at bet365 Sportsbook
• Alabama to win the SEC: +500 at BetMGM Sportsbook
• Alabama to win National Championship: +1200 at Caesars Sportsbook
• Ryan Williams to win Heisman Trophy: +4000 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Crimson Tide Under 9.5 wins

(+105) at DraftKings Sportsbook

The last time Alabama failed to reach double digit wins for two consecutive seasons was 2006 and 2007. This was the final year of the Mike Shula era and the first year of the Nick Saban era. It’s fair to say that double digit victories have become an expectation in Tuscaloosa.

The biggest question for the Crimson Tide entering training camp is who will win the starting quarterback job. Jalen Milroe was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, leaving behind a massive hole that will be filled by either redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack or true freshman Keelon Russell. The three have combined for zero collegiate starts.

Outside of that, it’s a typical Alabama team that we have gotten accustomed to. They have a star-studded defense. According to PFF rankings, they’re the only team in the country with a top-10 unit at all three levels of the defense. Additionally, they return one of the top offensive lines and a great collection of skill players, headlined by electric wide receiver Ryan Williams.

Alabama’s schedule this season features out-of-conference games at Florida State and against Wisconsin. Also on the schedule are visits to Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina and Auburn. The Crimson Tide will play host to Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma.

It’s a typical gauntlet of an SEC schedule, and it’s too easy to find three losses for me. Maybe under Nick Saban, I’d have more confidence in Alabama’s ability to navigate the schedule, but it’s a tough ask for a team who doesn’t know who will start under center a little more than a month before kick-off.

Alabama to make the college football playoff

Yes (-170) at bet365 Sportsbook

Despite missing the College Football Playoff last season, Alabama is a rather strong favorite to get into the dance in Kalen DeBoer’s second season.

Alabama has the seventh best odds to make the playoffs behind Ohio State, Penn State, Texas, Oregon, Georgia and Clemson. It’s hard to envision a world where Alabama misses the postseason for a second consecutive year, especially when we saw last season that three loss teams can get in.

With this market, you can also bet on the other side. If you want to bet Alabama to miss the playoffs, you can get +140 odds at bet365.

Alabama to win the SEC

+500 at BetMGM Sportsbook

The Crimson Tide are widely considered the third most likely team to win the SEC behind Texas and Georgia. Those two teams met in the SEC Championship game last season, and most are expecting a similar result this season.

Texas should be even better with star prospect Arch Manning taking over for Quinn Ewers at quarterback. Georgia has taken over as the most consistent team in the SEC, appearing in the championship game in seven of the last eight years.

Of course, Alabama still wants to believe they are the cream of the crop in the conference. If you believe that as well, you can get a nice payout at 5-to-1 odds.

Alabama to win the National Championship

+1200 at Caesars Sportsbook

In most years, Alabama would be on a two or three team shortlist as teams most likely to win the college football national title. This year, they’re in the same tier as schools like Clemson and Notre Dame and a clear rung below the true national title favorites.

Texas, Georgia, Penn State, Oregon and Ohio State all have odds of lower than 10-to-1 to win the National Championship this year. It’s rare to see Alabama missing from the top tier of teams, but here we are. Bettors who disagree can try and take advantage of the 12-to-1 odds available.

Ryan Williams to win Heisman Trophy

+4000 at FanDuel Sportsbook

It might seem like a waste of time and money to bet on a wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy, but we’ve seen in recent years that it isn’t only a quarterback award. Travis Hunter and DeVonta Smith have both won the award playing the wide receiver position.

In a year where names like Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik are getting Heisman hype, it might be another year to potentially fade the quarterback position.

While a lot of attention is focused on Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, the Crimson Tide have a young receiver who might be just as good. His 865 receiving yards ranked behind only Smith for totals posted by a true freshman over the last three years.

He was just 17 years old last season and is already the second best receiver in the sport. At 40-to-1 odds, he’s worth a Heisman bet.

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With just five weeks remaining before Mobile’s Aug. 26 mayoral election, State Rep. Barbara Drummond is urging local media outlets to organize a formal debate among the four candidates vying for the city’s top political post.

It’s the first time there has been an open-seat contest for Mobile mayor in 20 years.

“This is probably the most consequential election we will have,” Drummond said ahead of a community forum at B.C. Rain High School on Tuesday. “I think the voters in this city deserve to see a robust debate.”

Drummond emphasized that a structured debate, not just forums, would give voters the clearest view of where candidates stand.

“Money can buy ads, but it can’t buy leadership,” she said. “Mobile’s voters deserve to see each candidate think on their feet, not hide behind talking points.”

Forum focus

Drummond’s call comes amid a campaign season shaped by community forums held at churches, community centers, and schools. While those events have been well-attended, they’ve largely avoided confrontation or rebuttals, leaving voters without much opportunity to see candidates challenge each other directly.

TV stations have held events ahead of the election, but not structured debates. Fox10 News teamed with the League of Women Voters to host a candidates’ forum earlier this month.

A runoff election will take place between the top two candidates in the Aug. 26 election if none of them receives more than 50% of the vote.

Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said the difference between a forum and a debate is substantial.

“I’m just honored to have the opportunity to talk to the people,” Prine said. “But debates and forums are two different things. The forums are very restrictive, whether it’s a response or your opening dialogue on what you’re trying to do.”

He added, “I would love to debate. It would allow the citizens to hear what the issues are and see specifically how the candidates will respond to the rebuttal sometime when someone gives information that might not necessarily be the right information.”

Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson also supports a debate and says she’s open to whatever format is presented.

“I’m here to state what I believe and feel and provide my plans for the future,” Hudson said. “I’m game for whatever comes along. We have five weeks left before the election. We have an interested electorate here. People are interested in the future of Mobile.”

Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis agreed in principle, though he raised scheduling as a potential obstacle.

“I don’t think we’ve turned down an opportunity to speak to the people yet,” he said. “The only problem is right now, we’re five weeks out. If it’s something we can work into the schedule, I’ll be there.

Cheriogotis said the forums give candidates “opportunities to mix it up” and speak about similar topics with a message pertinent to the organization that is hosting the event.

Baldwin contrast

The lack of a structured debate in Alabama’s largest Gulf Coast city is notable when compared to neighboring Baldwin County, where political contests have featured fiery exchanges and pointed accusations:

• In Spanish Fort, a debate between mayoral challenger Brian Bass and incumbent Mayor Mike McMillan saw Bass accusing the city of underfunding public safety, claiming firefighters are sleeping on fire station floors in an allegation McMillan fiercely denies.
• In Gulf Shores, the construction of a new high school has sparked heated discussion following a site raid that led to the arrest of over two dozen immigrants.
• In Orange Beach, the mayoral race has turned contentious after The Lagniappe reported on a domestic abuse allegation at a city office. Mayor Tony Kennon denies the report but faces a stiff challenge from longtime Councilman Jeff Boyd. The two are scheduled to debate next month, though the event will be closed to the media.
• In Fairhope, online activity involving the city council races suggests they have become flashpoints for disputes involving supporters of the conservative group Moms for Liberty opposing the incumbents and controversies over library book placements.

In contrast, Mobile’s forums have been tamer, often covering recurring issues like economic development, litter control, neighborhood revitalization, and even pruning Crepe myrtles.

Drummond said voters deserve more than “30-second TV spots bankrolled by outside donors” to make their decision.

Campaign finance reports show that Cheriogotis leads the field, having raised nearly $1 million this cycle and ending June with nearly $700,000 on hand. Hudson is second, with $605,000 raised and $419,000 cash on hand. Drummond has brought in $236,000 and ended last month with $161,000, while Prine has raised $142,000 and reported $108,000 on hand.

Cheriogotis, who received the endorsement of outgoing Mayor Sandy Stimpson in May, said he’s focused on meeting voters directly.

“All I know to do is to work as hard as I possibly can and meet every voter I can,” he said. “You can only worry about the things you can control. I pray that the voters will trust me with their vote.”

Brace yourself for a major change at Costco’s famous food courts.

The warehouse chain is rolling out new drink selections as it officially changes over from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola. The new machines started appearing in Costco stores over the last week, including at least one in Alabama at its new Madison location.

Costco confirmed at the beginning of the year it was switching to Coke after offering Pepsi products as its drink choice for more than a decade. At the time, Costco didn’t provide a timeline for the changeover, other than CEO Ron Vachris saying it would happen “this summer.”

The change means Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero and Sprite will once again be available at the food court, alongside the $1.50 hot-dog combo, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and more. The switchover is expected to be complete by fall 2025.

The change is just the latest from Costco, which has more than 630 locations in the U.S. The chain recently announced it would now allow executive members in the U.S. to shop an hour earlier than those with standard memberships. The change started on June 30.

Costco’s Executive membership costs $130 annually. A regular Gold Star membership is $65 per year. The Executive membership gives users a 2% annual reward on qualified purchases.

A brand new season of the hit animated comedy South Park premieres on Comedy Central Wednesday, July 23 at 10/9c.

Those looking to enjoy another season of laughter can stream the season 27 premiere through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is South Park about?

For those unfamiliar with the long-running comedy series, South Park is an animated series featuring four boys who live in the Colorado town of South Park, which is beset by frequent odd occurrences.

Season 27 kicks off with the residents of South Park facing possible demise, but before things turn too chaotic, Jesus returns to give them an important message.

How to watch South Park season 27 without cable

Cord cutters looking to keep up with the weekly releases of new South Park episodes can stream the upcoming season through the streaming platforms listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month ($45.99 a month after first month)

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is Fubo?

Although primarily known as one of the most popular sports-focused streaming platforms, Fubo offers its subscribers much more than just sports related content. Fubo users can access over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, MTV and more.

Subscribers can also enjoy a plethora of on-demand content in the form of hit TV shows and blockbuster movies and gain access to useful features such as the unlimited DVR feature.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Comedy Central. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

Roy Wood is never short a joke.

Recently when he was promoting his new memoir, “The Man of Many Father,” the comedian had some advice for concertgoers.

“If you cheatin’, sit in the third deck,” he joked. “They never point the camera at the third deck.”

The comment, of course, was in reference to the recent viral story about Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, who was caught in an embrace at a Coldplay concert with the company’s chief people officer Kristin Cabot.

Since the story broke, Byron resigned his position but that came after the Internet was set ablaze with memes.

Wood, who grew up in Birmingham, wasn’t done. The third season of his CNN original “Have I got news for you” debuts on Sept. 6.

“Donald Trump, please don’t cancel me.”

Trump, it is believed, had a hand in having “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” canceled.

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

The WGA, per Variety, 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.

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.

Germany plays against Spain in the Women’s EURO Semifinals today. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

Germany has struggled offensively at the tournament, as the team has only scored six total goals. However, the team is coming off a 6-5 win against France in penalty kicks.

In order to win today’s game, the German squad will need a great performance from their star player Jule Brand. She leads the team with two goals and two assists at the tournament, so she will try to continue her offensive success this afternoon.

Spain has played at a high level at the tournament this year, as the team enters this game with a +13 goal differential. In their most recent game, Spain knocked off Switzerland 2-0.

In order to win the EURO Semifinal today, Spain will need to rely on their star player Esther Gonzalez. She leads the team with four goals at the tournament, so she will try to find the back of the net this afternoon.

Fans can watch the Women’s EURO Semifinals for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.