Trump Picks Top Prosecutors for Alabama!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity citizens! President Trump has just nominated two Alabamians to head up federal prosecutions right here in our state.

Meet the Nominees!

Thomas Govan, Jr. is in line for U.S. Attorney for the Middle District, and Phil Williams, Jr. is tapped for the Northern District. These are four-year appointments, folks, and now they're heading to the Senate for approval.

Govan's Got the Goods

Govan's no stranger to the courtroom. He's a seasoned prosecutor, currently chief of the Criminal Trials Division in the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Plus, he's a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and even serves in the Air Force Reserve JAG Corps! He even ran for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 2024!

Williams' Wide Reach

Williams, a former Alabama State Senator from Etowah County and a practicing attorney, knows how to get the word out. He's the head honcho at Rightside Media, Inc., a syndicated media outfit heard and seen all over the state.

Stay Tuned!

We'll be keeping an eye on these nominations as they move through the Senate. Get ready for some legal fireworks, ChumCity!

OWA Welcomes New Property Manager, Ken Leone!

Get ready for some exciting changes at OWA Parks & Resort! The team just announced that Ken Leone is taking the helm as the new property manager, and this guy is bringing some serious experience to the table. Think decades of hospitality know-how, property development smarts, and top-notch leadership skills.

Who is Ken Leone?

Leone isn't just any manager. He's a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and seasoned hospitality executive who's led some impressive national developments. OWA leaders are calling this a whole new chapter of growth and innovation, and with Leone on board, we're inclined to believe them!

What's He Bringing to the Table?

Cody Williamson, president/CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority, is super excited about the hire. "His industry expertise and visionary leadership will play a key role," says Williamson.

Leone's most recent gig was as managing director of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City. He oversaw the multimillion-dollar project from the ground up! Before that, he developed award-winning Margaritaville and Westin properties. One of his hotels even snagged USA Today’s Best New Hotel in 2018!

What's Next for OWA?

The company says Leone's leadership will boost guest experiences and drive growth across the entire resort - that means entertainment, lodging, and all those delicious dining options!

"OWA represents a rare opportunity to blend innovation and guest-focused service," says Leone himself. "My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place, by empowering our teams, enhancing the guest experience, and driving long-term value!"

About OWA

For those who don't know, OWA Parks & Resort is a massive 520-acre destination owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They've got Tropic Falls, the area’s biggest indoor water park, a thrilling 23-ride theme park, and Downtown OWA, a pedestrian paradise of shops, restaurants, and events. Plus, you can even stay on-site at TownePlace Suites by Marriott or Tropic Hideaway RV Resort. Sounds like the perfect ChumCity getaway!

Local Legend Alert! Troy University's Chancellor Honored!

Mobile, get ready to give a HUGE shout-out to one of our own! Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., the big cheese at Troy University and a bonafide Vietnam War hero, just snagged the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission's 2025 Patriot of the Year award!

From Marine to Maestro

This Mobile native isn't just any chancellor. Dr. Hawkins served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and serious props from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. Talk about dedication!

Higher Education Hero

After serving his country, Dr. Hawkins went on to conquer the academic world, with degrees from the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama. He even led the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind before taking the reins at Troy in '89!

Troy's Top Dog

Dr. Hawkins is now the longest-serving public university president in the country. Under his watch, Troy U has become a HUGE supporter of our military community. Remember that time Military Tuition Assistance got canned during a government shutdown? Dr. Hawkins stepped up BIG TIME!

"Never Leave Anyone Behind!"

He famously declared, "As a Marine, I learned you never leave anyone behind on the battlefield!" Troy U made sure active-duty service members' educations didn't get sidelined. Plus, their Military and Family Scholarship makes college way more affordable for military students.

Accolades Galore!

Dr. Hawkins' service and leadership haven't gone unnoticed! He's been showered with awards, from Distinguished Alumnus of the Year to "Top College President" and even induction into the Murphy High School Hall of Fame!

Family First

Dr. Hawkins and his wife, Janice, have two amazing daughters, one who served in the U.S. Air Force and another who's a lawyer. And they're proud grandparents to four lucky grandkids!

A True Patriot

This Patriot of the Year award is a well-deserved tribute to Dr. Hawkins' unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and our nation's heroes. HUGE congrats!

Alabama's Mayors Sound the Alarm on Mental Health Crisis

The mayors of Alabama's ten biggest cities are banding together, shouting from the rooftops about a mental health crisis that's hitting the state hard. They say it's straining everything from law enforcement and hospitals to schools and overall public safety.

A Unified Voice of Concern

"Every city in Alabama is feeling this," the mayors declared in a joint statement. They emphasized the enormous burden on communities, from overwhelmed police departments and ERs to struggling schools. The lack of resources? It's a daily battle that's only getting tougher.

Local Governments Under Pressure

This crew, known as the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, recently met and pinpointed mental health as a top-tier challenge. They're seeing local governments forced to pick up the pieces – rising homelessness, jam-packed jails, and emergency rooms swamped with folks in crisis. And the impact on teens and young adults? Seriously worrying.

Beyond Their Scope

"Our officers are NOT mental health professionals, but way too often, they're the ones responding," the mayors explained. Hospitals are feeling the squeeze, jails are overflowing, and cities are scrambling just to keep up. They're calling it a public safety issue, a public health issue, and something that demands action ASAP.

A Call to Action for State Leaders

The mayors are urging state leaders to step up and bolster Alabama's mental health infrastructure. Think expanding crisis intervention, improving access to treatment and recovery programs, and giving local governments, judges, and law enforcement the tools they need to effectively respond.

Ready to Roll Up Their Sleeves

"As mayors, we're on the front lines," they stated. They're geared up to team up with the Legislature, the Governor's Office, law enforcement, the courts, healthcare providers, and community leaders to find lasting solutions. "We can make a real impact when we unite to tackle a problem," they added, eager to work with partners across the state to solve this crucial issue.

Building on Past Successes

This focus on mental health follows previous public safety advocacy efforts. Back in 2022, the Big 10 Mayors successfully pushed for Aniah’s Law. Earlier this year, they supported legislation in the Safe Alabama public safety package, which included banning “Glock switches” and increasing penalties for firing into occupied buildings.

Who are the Big 10?

The Alabama Big 10 Mayors coalition represents the state's ten largest cities: Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Birmingham, Auburn, Decatur, Montgomery, and Madison.

Alabama Elections: Time for Real Enforcement!

Alabama boasts some of the toughest election integrity laws in the nation. But let's be real, good laws are only half the battle. We need serious enforcement to keep our elections secure!

The Problem: Voter Fraud is Real

Our outstanding law enforcement often lacks the election process expertise to proactively tackle voter fraud, especially ballot harvesting. Local prosecutors are stretched thin dealing with everyday crimes. We need backup!

Recent arrests in Phenix City and Clay County prove voter fraud is alive and kicking in Alabama. Ballot harvesting and absentee ballot fraud are happening now.

The Solution: An Election Security Division

That's why I'm proposing an Election Security Division within the Secretary of State’s Office. Florida did it, and it's time for Alabama to step up!

Growing up in the Black Belt, I know these recent arrests are just the tip of the iceberg. We need more resources to truly have a zero-tolerance policy in Alabama.

What the Division Will Do

This division will consist of investigators, cybersecurity experts, and campaign finance specialists. They'll work with the existing legal division to investigate claims and proactively stop election crimes.

Having a dedicated team with statewide jurisdiction devoted to voter fraud cases will make a tremendous difference in our enforcement of Alabama’s voting laws. This team will handle the preliminary legwork, delivering court-ready cases to state and local prosecutors.

Why It Matters

Ensuring free and fair elections is fundamental. As a mother, I want my daughters to trust our election process. Alabamians are fortunate our leaders have passed strong laws, now we need to be equally serious about enforcement.

Caroleene Dobson, Republican Candidate for Secretary of State

Aderholt Aghast at Abortion Pill Approval Under Trump

Hold on to your hats, folks! Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt is throwing down the gauntlet after a generic abortion pill got the green light under, wait for it, the Trump administration. Yep, you read that right!

FDA Shocker

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the nod to a generic version of mifepristone, a key player in medical abortions. They're saying it's pretty much the same as the brand-name version, Mifeprex, which has been around since way back in 2000.

Aderholt's Outrage

Aderholt, a staunch defender of the unborn, is hopping mad and wants the Department of Health and Human Services to slam the brakes on this decision.

"Washington Watch" Weigh-In

"Totally disappointing," Aderholt confessed. He added that the approval "caught us all by surprise" and wasn't what he expected under the previous administration.

Evita Solutions & Controversy

The pill's made by Evita Solutions, which boasts about "the freedom that medical abortion provides patients." But Aderholt isn't buying it. He believes NO form of mifepristone should be used EVER.

Safety Concerns

He argues the drug is unsafe for mothers, period. "This performs an abortion, and it is very dangerous for the mother."

Congressional Pushback

Aderholt's not alone in this fight. He says fellow members of Congress are lining up to get the Department of Health and Human Services to reverse course. He's determined to "get to the bottom of it."

Hot Seat for Ex-CIA Director?

Folks, things are heating up in Washington! Rep. Jim Jordan is dropping bombshells, accusing former CIA Director John Brennan of straight-up LYING to Congress.

The Accusation

Jordan, who heads the House Judiciary Committee, is pulling no punches. He claims Brennan misled Congress in his 2023 testimony about the whole Trump-Russia collusion saga.

Moore Weighs In

Rep. Barry Moore is cheering Jordan on. He says declassified docs show Brennan knew the infamous dossier was bogus, yet testified otherwise under oath. Moore believes this is just the tip of the iceberg in holding the previous administration accountable for "weaponizing" the government against conservatives.

Weaponization Allegations

Moore is convinced the evidence against Brennan is rock solid. He says Brennan swore under oath that the dossier wasn't part of their intel assessment on Russian collusion, but Moore says that's a flat-out lie. He believes they even tweaked assessments under Obama's direction to include the dossier and target Trump with the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Is this the beginning of justice being served, ChumCity style?

Cullman Spa Owner Out on Bail After Prescription Fraud Charges!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity folks! Whitney Cheatham, 33, owner of Infusion Wellness Spa in Cullman, is out of jail after being locked up since August 16th.

Million-Dollar Bail

Cheatham faced a whopping $1.05 million bail on 25 charges related to some seriously shady prescription activity. Details are still emerging about whether the bond was cash, a bail bondsman deal, or a property bond. We're also waiting to find out who posted it!

The Charges

The list of charges is longer than a CVS receipt:

• 3 counts of drug trafficking
• 1 count of criminal conspiracy to commit drug trafficking
• 1 count of attempted drug trafficking
• 6 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
• 1 count of attempted unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
• 1 count of criminal conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances
• 1 count of practicing medicine without a license
• 11 counts of fourth-degree forgery

Smiling Mugshot Goes Viral

And speaking of receipts, did you see Cheatham’s, shall we say, unusual smiling mugshot from the Cullman Police Department? It’s been making the rounds on social media!

How Did We Get Here?

A search warrant was executed at Infusion Wellness on August 11th, after the Cullman Police Department received a tip on August 5th about allegedly forged prescriptions being filled at multiple local pharmacies.

Controlled Substances

According to Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan, these prescriptions were used to obtain a range of medications, including controlled narcotics. The search turned up some key evidence, too!

Arrest and Aftermath

Arrest warrants were issued on August 15th, and Cheatham turned herself in on Saturday at 10:15 a.m., without incident. Her bail was initially set at $1.7 million, but it was later lowered to $1.05 million.

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker approved the warrants, so you know this is serious business.

Family Matters

Adding another layer to the story, Cheatham’s father, Kelvin Cheatham, was later arrested on related charges. Stay tuned, ChumCity, because this story is still developing!

Gator Coaching Chaos!

Florida's axing of Billy Napier has sent the SEC coaching carousel spinning like crazy. And guess what? The whispers about Nick Saban potentially being a target have resurfaced (again!). Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis couldn't resist chiming in on the silliness.

Kiffin in the Crosshairs?

Word on the street is the Gators are aiming for a big name, with Lane Kiffin supposedly leading the pack. But one outlet threw a real curveball into the mix.

Saban to Swamp? Hold Your Horses!

For the foreseeable future, any major coaching gig will probably involve linking Nick Saban's name to it. The Gators are no exception! Someone on X floated the idea that Florida would be interested in Saban if Saban were interested. Groundbreaking stuff, right?

DeSantis Drops the Mic

Governor DeSantis hilariously responded to the chatter, stating, "Sources confirm that I am 'interested' in winning the lottery." Pure gold!

Let's Be Real

The odds of Saban coaching the Gators are about as high as him leading Auburn. He seems pretty content on College GameDay, advocating for the future. Retirement looks good on him. But hey, never say never in the wild world of college football!

Alabama News Bites - ChumCity Style!

Top stories hitting Alabama this week, served up ChumCity style!

New U.S. Attorneys on Deck?

President Trump's tapped Thomas Govan for Alabama's Middle District U.S. Attorney gig, and Rightside Radio's Phil Williams is up for the Northern District spot. What does this mean for the Yellowhammer State? Stay tuned!

SEC Referee Gets the Boot!

The Southeastern Conference gave ref Ken Williamson a permanent suspension after a major officiating kerfuffle during the Auburn-Georgia game. Looks like the SEC is cracking down on those questionable calls! Time for some improved oversight, folks!

Colbert's Got Jokes (Maybe?)

That Fairhope protester rocking the indecent costume made it all the way to "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert. Was it funny? Depends on who you ask. One thing's for sure, the "No Kings" protest sure got some interesting national attention!

Trump Hits Russia with More Sanctions!

The Trump administration's slapped new sanctions on Russian oil exports, hoping to squeeze Moscow to end the war. Get ready to feel it at the pump, though – oil prices jumped about 5%. Ouch!

Library Book Battle Rages On!

A grassroots movement supporting the Alabama Public Library Service is making waves. They want those inappropriate books out of the kids' section, and it looks like they're getting some serious traction. This debate is far from over!

Dems Launch ICE Tracker App – Controversy Ensues!

Democrats are rolling out their very own ICE tracker app, and Attorney General Pam Bondi isn't happy about it. She's raising concerns about targeting federal agents, which she says is fueling violent rhetoric and attacks. Yikes!

AEA Wants Homeschool Reporting?

The Alabama Education Association seems to have misread the room, because they want homeschool reporting requirements despite reports of a record number of kids leaving public schools. Parents are up in arms about state overreach. Will they listen?

The Dale Jackson Lowdown

Want more Alabama insights? Dale Jackson, the brain behind Yellowhammer News, is your guy. Catch his talk show weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN.