Alabama News

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are currently involved in raids at several locations in Alabama, including reports at Mexican restaurants.

WRBL in Columbus, Ga. is reporting that some are taking place in the Auburn-Opelika area.

A post from the Homeland Security Investigations-Atlanta office on X says that the agency is “executing federal search warrants across Alabama.”

“The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into multiple federal crimes,” the agency announced. “There is no threat to public safety. More details will be released as available.”

One of the operations happened at El Jefe, a Mexican restaurant near the Auburn-Opelika Mall, with agents entering the building, and Auburn police and unmarked vehicles in the area.

Auburn Police are expected to hold a news conference at 3 p.m. with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA and HSI.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more is known.

A record number of passengers arrived or departed from Huntsville International Airport in June, the second month in a row that HSV has reached a new high-water mark.

The 160,455 passengers were 9.1% above the total in June 2024 and up 4.7% for the calendar year to date, CEO Butch Roberts told directors during a meeting Tuesday.

Yet rail cargo traffic continued a three-month slide in the wake of multiple tariffs the United States has unilaterally imposed on numerous countries — tariffs that have led to higher consumer prices. The airport’s International Intermodal Center saw 2,198 rail lifts in June, down 10.1% year over year and a drop of 50% since March’s 4,400.

The latter was a record number as shippers sought to move inventory before President Donald Trump’s initial round of tariffs went into effect.

“[Companies are] adjusting for inventory and what’s going on with tariffs and trying to minimize that,” Roberts said. “We’re sightly up [on rail lifts] so far this month.”

Barbie Peek, chief business development officer for the airport, said the rail numbers were not a surprise.

“We continue to get some new customers, and we’re seeing growth in auto engine parts and general merchandise,” she said.

Air cargo freight weights were just over 5 million pounds last month, down 29.5% compared with June 2024 and down 22% year to date. Roberts said some of the drop could be attributed to the recent merger between European airfreight forwarding giants DSV and DB Schenker, a $15.9 billion deal that has resulted in the industry’s largest global firm.

DSV has a sizeable presence at Huntsville, Roberts said, and the airport is hopeful it will see more business as the new company comes to terms with its larger fleet.

Directors also approved the next steps in millions of dollars of improvements underway at HSV.

The airport will contract with Robins & Morton LLC for up to $7.1 million in upgrades to the concourse, including replacing tile with terrazzo, installing powered seats and tables and replacing carpet and ceiling tiles.

The firm will also expand the security screening queuing area, remove central planters and install additional lighting in the terminal’s waiting hall at a cost of up to $825,613.

The projects are funded by a grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.

You have to appreciate Kirby Smart’s candor.

He was asked Tuesday at SEC Media Days about his Georgia Bulldogs playing at Auburn in a night game.

His response was respectful of Auburn. He even called Jordan-Hare “iconic.”

It was his reaction to the way the question was phrased, which got laughs from the gathered media.

“You want me to pump up Jordan-Hare?” he replied.

His point, of course, is Auburn’s football stadium doesn’t need his help.

“It’s already one of the iconic places to play college football,” he explained. “Some of the greatest games in SEC history have come out of that stadium. It’s one of the toughest places to play in college football because of the passion and environment that they create.”

He also doesn’t want to see the rivalry game go away, which he said has been speculated about during the 8 vs. 9 conference-game schedule debate.

“That’s a tradition I love,” Smart said of the Georgia-Auburn game. “I grew up in southwest Georgia where it was easier to get to Auburn than it was Georgia from where I lived. So, I respect that rivalry, but they’re all big games.

“I would hate to lose that one, if that happened.”

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.

Rescuers have completed the search for a missing family that was swept away from their riverside cabin in Kerrville in the recent Texas floods.

The bodies of Mobile resident Ileana Santana, 66, and her 5-year-old granddaughter, Mila Rose Santana, were found Tuesday, according to posts from family members on Facebook.

“With a heart full of gratitude we received word that both Ileana Santana and Mila Santana have been located,” wrote Ileana’s daughter Jaimee Santana.

“Our family can now finally lay EVERYONE TO REST TOGETHER! We extend our deepest thanks to everyone near and far for the overwhelming support and prayers. These radiant smiles will forever be etched in our memories.”

Mila and Ileana were the last two members of the Santana family to be found.

The body of Ileana’s husband Eddie Santana, 69, was found on Friday, July 11, and the body of Mila’s mother, Camille Santana, 38, was found Tuesday, July 8.

Camille’s husband, Eddie Santana Jr. was found alive and discharged from a hospital on July 6, according to a previous post from his brother Michael Santana.

As of July 15, the flood is reported to have killed over 120 people, about a third of them children, according to USA Today.

Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, was among the victims.

Alabama has sent two rescue teams from nine cities to help find people that are still missing from the floods.

“Our state is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Texas in this critical hour,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a recent release.

“As long as there’s help to be given, Alabama will be in the fight.”

After finishing with a top 20 defense last season, Auburn football kept majority of its core and got younger in the process.

On its defensive line depth chart, the Tigers have 13 players battling for spots at the position. Keldric Faulk, Malik Blocton and Quientrail Jamison-Travis are the three returning starters in that group.

The Tigers have also added more experience from the transfer portal signing Dallas Walker IV, Jay Hardy, and James Ash.

However, Auburn’s top 10 recruiting haul last year was headlined by four highly touted prospects in that same position.

Four-star Jourdin Crawford, five-star Malik Autry, five-star Jared Smith and Darrion Smith all saw snaps during the spring practice period.

So, how does Auburn coach Hugh Freeze plan to balance out this busy and active rotation heading into fall camp?

First it starts with assessing his talented freshmen.

“Jourdin Crawford strength and explosives is special, and he’s very difficult to handle. And we’ve got a really good center in Connor Lew, and Jourdin is a handful. And I was telling people earlier; I really like the depth of our interior,” Freeze said at SEC media days.

“Do we have the guy that has already put up the enormous stats in this league? No, but I think we really are six deep there.”

Crawford, a 6-foot-1, 330-pound run stopper, has not only impressed his coaches but has earned the respect from his teammates.

“Just being out in the spring, I really didn’t get a chance to go one-on-one against him. But watching the film and stuff I think he’s going to be really good for us especially as a freshman,” Connor Lew said at media days.

“He’s really strong. I think that’s the biggest thing that sticks out for him. I’m excited to see how he develops. I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity at some point.”

Aside from Crawford, Freeze lauded praise on other players in that group.

“Malik Blockton can be really special as a young kid and Malik Autry, but they’re just young,” Freeze added.

With all the depth at this position, Freeze also broke down what he’s looking for out of each player to when their number is called to play.

“We were able to bring in a few older guys that have experience, too, that men that are really going to have to buy into the program,” Freeze said.

“Men that will give us 15 to 20 plays and get it done. Those that buy into that kind of rotation will play this year.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].

While Dyson is known for its light-weight and effective cordless vacuums, the brand’s most iconic technology is arguable the viral Dyson Airwrap that broke the internet. And now, this must-have hair tool just got even better with the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x multi-styler made for both straight and curly hair.

Dyson states that the new Airwrap Co-anda2x multi-styler is the most powerful Dyson Airwrap multi-styler for supercharged styling as it features 2x the air pressure from the all new Dyson Hyperdymium 2 motor. This means the updated Airwrap now creates better curls, straighter styles and dries hair even faster all with no heat damage.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler – Curly+Coily

The new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler comes in two designs: One for straight to wavy hair and one for curly to coily hair. Each comes with a unique set of styling attachments.

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RELATED: Dyson’s smartest Supersonic hair dryer just dropped to its lowest price yet

The Co-anda2x multi-styler for straight to wavy hair now features the new AirSmooth2x™ finishing attachment, to smooth dried hair using only air pressure. Meanwhile, the multi-styler for curly to coily hair now comes with the new Tension comb 2x attachment, to dry hair fast, while stretching and smoothing curly and coily hair.

All other features included in both Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x multi-stylers are as follows:

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• The next-level multi-styler: The most powerful Dyson Airwrap multi-styler for supercharged styling with stronger Coanda airflow. 30% more powerful. 2x the air pressure with the Dyson Hyperdymium 2 motor.
• Bluetooth wireless technology: Compatible with the MyDyson app. Create a quick and easy hair profile by answering six questions about your hair type and length. For an automated styling sequence, tailored to you.
• New intelligent attachments: Automatically adapts to the best heat and airflow settings and remembers your go-to styling preferences.

Those interested in the new can checkout more details on Dyson’s website here. You can also browse previous Airwrap models on sale this week here.

It’s not just MAGA that is skeptical of the joint Department of Justice/FBI memo finding that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and that a list of his clients does not exist, according to a new poll released Tuesday.

A majority of likely U.S. voters — 56% — say the government’s memo is not truthful, the latest Rasmussen Reports poll found.

On July 6, the Department of Justice and the FBI issued a joint memo saying there was “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no credible evidence” that Epstein blackmailed co-conspirators who sexually abused underaged girls provided by him, Axios first reported.

Just 21% of the poll’s respondents said they believe the government was telling the truth about Epstein.

Another 23% were unsure whether the government was being forthright or not telling the truth.

Of those who believe the memo was untruthful, two-thirds say it is more likely that Epstein was murdered.

Just 16% of likely voters believe that the Epstein case is now closed, the poll founds, while 68% said there are dozens of powerful and wealthy offenders who need to face justice. Another 16% were not sure.

A majority of likely U.S. voters — 57% — said they have closely followed news reports on Epstein, including 21% who said they closely follow the developments.

Among those who have very closely followed recent news about Epstein, 67% don’t believe the DOJ and FBI are telling the truth about him.

The survey of 1,164 U.S. likely voters was conducted July 8-10 by Rasmussen Reports, the poll stated. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

The planned opening of a new drag bar and eatery is on hold at the site of the old Hush Lounge where a deadly mass shooting happened in Birmingham.

The owners of Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria originally announced that they hoped to open the bar on Magnolia Avenue in Five Points in time for Pride Month in June. But last week, the owner, Scott Charby, laid off all six members of the management team and rescinded offer letters to roughly 30 staff.

There was no more money.

“Everything sadly just kept taking longer than expected and costing a little more than expected,” Charby said in an interview with AL.com. “I’m not trying to make excuses for any of that.”

Hush Lounge closed at the site last December, a couple months after a shooting on the sidewalk killed four people and injured at least 17.

“We wanted to take this space back, make it not have its black mark on it anymore, and really make it a safe space for this community,” Charby said. “That was what the intent always was.”

As the bar struggles to open, Birmingham has seen two LGBTQ+ bars close recently, The Quest Club and Our Place, both in Lakeview. It’s a gap that Charby said he and his partner, Wade Brooks, specifically wanted to fill.

Charby and Brooks moved to Birmingham from Las Vegas in October with the hopes of opening a gay bar. Between November and December, they worked with REV Birmingham to build out their business plan and applied for a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

That funding didn’t come through, so Charby took out personal loans, he said. They’ve been renovating inside the bar, installing a video wall and a sound system that he said ended up costing much more than estimated because of tariffs.

They started hiring the management team in May, and a total of six managers were working by June.

“Weeks passed where I had no revenue coming in and salaries going out every single week,” Charby said.

In early July, the owners sent out offer letters to more staff members – servers, kitchen and bartending staff. They were instructed to start July 21, according to a copy of an offer letter dated July 2 that was obtained by AL.com.

But then, on July 8, Charby said, he found out that a funding source had dropped out. The next day, he said, he called the six managers into his office and told them he had to lay them off. He said that they would receive paychecks on Friday and that he didn’t have the money to pay them for the three days they had worked that week.

Then, Charby sent out an email to the rest of the staff rescinding their offer letters.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have to revoke your offer letters at this time. We have encountered some difficulties that will cause us to not be able to open when we originally thought,” Charby wrote in the email obtained by AL.com. “I deeply apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to each of you. When we have more information on a new opening date, we will reach out to see if you are still interested in joining the team here at Opulence.”

Tyler Weber was one of the front of the house managers in that meeting.

“People are devastated,” he said. “People quit their jobs, put in two weeks notices and now some of them can’t get their jobs back.”

He added that the bar had prioritized hiring LGBTQ+ people, many of whom are gender-nonconforming, that were looking forward to a safe workplace environment.

Charby noted that it “gut punches” him every time he thinks about that, adding that one of the managers had relocated from Las Vegas for the role.

“This is not what I was intending to do,” he said. “I was not trying to hurt anybody here. I wanted to do something that would benefit the city.”

Charby said that he is searching to secure money to pay the six managers for those three unpaid days of work.

Weber said he felt led astray by the owners that the bar was closer to opening than it actually was.

“They were just rushing us and rushing us and rushing us so hard,” he said. “I was just like, ‘Well, what’s the rush because we don’t have any licensing?”

Opulence’s licensing has been held up by contracting issues, Charby said.

“We expected to be okay,” Charby said. “I didn’t share things all the way through the process,” he said. “I didn’t want them to be worried about things. Maybe I should have, maybe I’m just hard-headed.”

Charby told AL.com earlier this year that Opulence would operate as a taco bar from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with drag entertainment in the evening, and as a full-service bar and restaurant through the night, with drag brunches on the weekend.

As for now, the owners are searching for a new source of funding.

“I still want to do this for the city,” Charby said. “To be honest, I’m not 100% sure the city wants us anymore. I’m hoping that changes. I’m hoping that when they see what we try to put together for them, if we can get it across the line, that that will change.”