Good morning, Auburn.

Cesar Campos-Reyes, a restaurant owner from Lee County, pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to charges of bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and forfeiture after federal raids linked him to misusing $225,000 in pandemic business loans—he faces up to 30 years in prison.

A chain of Mexican restaurants clarified it is not connected to the federal investigation that raided 14 locations for human smuggling and drug trafficking — owner Jesus Perez said customers have been calling his business, including locations in Birmingham, Moody, Attalla, Gadsden and Trussville, to ask if they are affected.

Cesar Campos-Reyes, a local business owner, pleaded not guilty to charges of $225K PPP loan fraud—if convicted he could face up to 30 years in federal prison—according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Middle District of Alabama.

A Johns Hopkins report finds that medical mistakes are one of the top causes of death as a new 24/7 Wall St. study ranks states by malpractice claims.

Alabama ranked 42nd—recording $55.04 per capita and 491 cases from 2015 to 2024—while other states like New York reported much higher payouts.

Sports director Lindsey Bonner reported that pitcher Brody Hopkins, who comes from a strong baseball family, was traded to the Rays for Randy Arozarena after being drafted by the Mariners in 2023.

He played at the MLB All-Star Futures game and is listed as the sixth prospect with a call-up projected for 2026 — marking a key step in his minor league journey.