Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
George Zimmerman painting fetching almost $100K on eBay
Bids on eBay for a painting by George Zimmerman of a blue American flag have hit the six-figure range — a dramatic upswing from the opening amount at 99 cents. Published December 17, 2013
North Korea elite rush to pledge allegiance to Kim Jong-un
In the wake of the execution of Kim Jong-un’s uncle, political and military elite in North Korea have rushed to defend and re-pledge allegiance to the young dictator. Published December 17, 2013
Trayvon Martin’s parents shop book deal on son’s death: report
Trayvon Martin's mother and father are reportedly shopping a book about their 17-year-old son whose death by gunfire sparked a national discussion about stand-your-ground defense laws and racism. Published December 16, 2013
Horsemeat scandal leads to 20 arrests in France
At least 20 people were arrested in France on Monday in a wide-sweeping police operation that found traders were taking raw horsemeat used in animal experiments and selling it to butchers — who would then sell it to humans to eat. Published December 16, 2013
George Soros-affiliated Media Matters calls off Fox News attack: ‘We won’
A group affiliated with leftist billionaire George Soros that had declared a war on Fox News now has called off the dogs, saying the network is no longer a threat. Published December 16, 2013
Rodeo clown at heart of Obama mask flap winning ‘Person of the Year’
The rodeo clown who sparked a national discussion about racism and respect for authority when he wore a mask of President Obama at the Missouri State Fair — in line with the fair's 25-year, traditional nod at the White House — is leading the local vote in an annual Sedalia contest for "Person of the Year." Published December 16, 2013
Harvard hoax? Students see bomb threat as intentional test interruption
Police aren’t yet confirming, but members of the student body seem clear: A Monday morning bomb threat that sent four facilities at Harvard University into emergency evacuation mode was due to a prankster who wanted to avoid final exams. Published December 16, 2013
Rep. Darrell Issa vows tenacious fight for Operation Fast and Furious truths
Rep. Darrell E. Issa is vowing to keep up the heat in the investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, which led to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, until accountability is affixed and the family can get closure. Published December 16, 2013
Harvard evacuated as exposives or bombs sited on campus: report
Harvard University officials have ordered an evacuation at four of its Cambridge campus sites Monday morning after explosives were sited on campus. Published December 16, 2013
New Year’s goodbyes: 40- and 60-watt bulbs to disappear from shelves
Stock up now because come Jan. 1, the popular 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs no longer will be welcome on U.S. store shelves. Published December 16, 2013
‘Saturday Night Live’ gets back in game with skits mocking Obama, fake signer
"Saturday Night Live" has finally jumped in the mock-Obama game — a turnaround from years of silence about the president's political gaffes — and kicked off skits poking fun at the leader's behavior during Nelson Mandela's memorial and his reaction to a fake sign-language interpreter. Published December 16, 2013
Sen. John McCain admits to gross ‘exaggeration’ on Obama comparison
Sen. John McCain on Sunday admitted he went a little overboard with his comparison of President Obama's handshake with Cuban President Raul Castro to former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's grasp of Adolf Hitler's hand. Published December 16, 2013
Outrage in Britain as Muslims push women to back of auditorium
Reports have surfaced in Britain about women attending college events sponsored by Muslim groups being forced to sit separate from men or in the back of the room — and women's rights activists and attendees are outraged. Published December 16, 2013
2 injured in U.S. Navy chopper crash in Japan
A U.S. Navy Knighthawk helicopter crashed on Monday near the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, injuring two of the four crewmembers aboard. Published December 16, 2013
8 Santas fighting: ‘Santacon’ NYC event ends in brawl
Eight men dressed in Santa suits for a "Santacon" event in downtown New York City started brawling, throwing punches and rolling on the snow — as video cameras rolled and bystanders rushed to upload the scene on YouTube. Published December 16, 2013
Saudi prince to Obama: You’ve made a mess of the Mideast
A Saudi prince sent a harsh message to President Obama and his administration, saying White House waffling and indecision has compromised the ability of the United States to nail down a peace pact between Israel and the Palestinians. Published December 16, 2013
Colorado revolt: 55 of 62 sheriffs refuse to enforce new gun laws
Fully 55 of the 62 sheriffs that serve in Colorado have outright refused to enforce the state's new gun laws — the requirement for universal background checks and the ban on ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. Published December 16, 2013
Israel demands Lebanon account for border killing of soldier
The United Nations is urging restraint after a Lebanese sniper shot and killed an Israeli soldier near the border, sparking a retaliatory incident by IDF troops and leading to a scheduled emergency meeting on Monday to try to diffuse the tensions. Published December 16, 2013
John Kerry pledges $32M to help Asians defend waters from China
In the face of growing tensions between China and Japan over ownership of a set of islands, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry vowed during a Monday stop in Vietnam to bolster maritime security for nations in the region friendly to America’s interests. Published December 16, 2013
Russian torchbearer dies of heart attack after carting Olympic flame
A Russian carrying the Olympic flame to kick off the Sochi 2014 Winter Games fell ill, returned to his starting point — and was taken to the hospital in the throes of a heart attack. Published December 16, 2013