Good morning, Auburn.

Longtime and award-winning meteorologist James Spann will launch the Alabama Weather Network on Aug.

11th as a 24/7 channel airing statewide forecasts every 20 minutes on streaming services and social media—offering dedicated coverage and local preparedness tips for all areas of the state.

Cesar Campos-Reyes — an Auburn business owner accused of defrauding a CARES Act small business loan program of $225K — surrendered to federal authorities Tuesday evening and will have his initial court appearance today in Montgomery.

Local police in Auburn and Opelika are investigating a series of violent crimes, including a July 13 Opelika stabbing where Tempest Vanshay Reese was arrested after Janiah Thomas died from stab wounds—along with a double homicide and kidnapping on July 10 in Auburn that led to the arrest of Aaron Dontay Williams following a manhunt, as well as a July 10 Opelika shooting in which Deon Monzel Daniel died and two suspects were taken into custody—authorities continue to investigate all cases.

Federal agents, supported by state and local officers, raided several Mexican restaurants in East Alabama Tuesday morning as part of a fraud and drug investigation linked to an indictment against Cesar Campos Reyes, 52, who is at large—resulting in the detention of over 40 undocumented individuals and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and fraudulent documents.

OPD said a 20-year-old man involved in a robbery at a Herndon Street residence was killed in a shootout with suspects—two of whom are charged with murder—.

Auburn families will save money on essentials during Alabama’s 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. July 18 and runs through midnight July 20 — local taxes are waived and free downtown parking is offered on July 18 except at the Wright Street Parking Deck. The tax break covers items like computers, clothing and school supplies with set price limits to help parents prepare for the new school year.

Tiffany Jones announced a free Youth Empowerment Event for kids at the Valley Community Center on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In other business, the council approved unopposed certifications for councilmembers in Districts 2, 3, 5, and 7 — along with actions on the Auburn Game Day Agreement, public consumption for events at Lakeview and a budget amendment for Get Out to Vote signs.