Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
Russia calls for international intervention in Mali
Russia's foreign ministry said the international community must ramp up its efforts and stop the tide of violence from rising in Mali. Published February 22, 2013
Same-sex marriage group removes former first lady Laura Bush from pro-gay video
A group advocating same-sex marriage has agreed to former first lady Laura Bush's request and removed her from a video campaign pushing gay rights. Published February 22, 2013
Oscar Pistorius granted bail: Magistrate rules ‘Blade Runner’ not a flight risk
Olympian track star Oscar Pistorius, who is charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, was granted bail on Friday. Published February 22, 2013
Pentagon hits reports about U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reportedly told his German counterpart that the United States would leave between 8,000 and 10,000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014, when combat missions have ended. But Mr. Panetta is disputing that account of his meeting with the defense minister, Thomas de Maiziere, according to a report by The Associated Press. Published February 22, 2013
Democrats’ sex-ed bill teaches STDs, not abstinence
Sexual education that focuses on abstinence is not working and not worthy of much federal funding, according to two Democratic lawmakers who have introduced a bill to scale back the teaching principle in schools. Published February 22, 2013
Marijuana munchies could have crabcakes selling like hotcakes under plan to legalize pot in Maryland
A Maryland delegate introduced a bill on Thursday to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, in line with what passed in Colorado and Washington state last year. Published February 22, 2013
FBI brass to employees: Quit sexting naked photos
The Federal Bureau of Investigation — which touts an agency motto of "fidelity, bravery, integrity" — is battling a sexting scandal. A newly issued report finds its workers have been involved in a "rash of sexting cases" using government-issued devices. Published February 22, 2013
Utah Highway Patrol trooper accused of false DUI arrests, lawsuit says
A Utah state trooper with a reputation for nabbing drunken drivers now faces legal fire as dozens of her victims are lining up for a possible class-action suit, alleging they weren't under-the-influence and she abused her police power. Published February 22, 2013
Conspiracy alert: South Dakota college stores take fingerprints, not cash or card
No cash or card needed. Two stores located on a remote college in western South Dakota have started taking payment from fingerprint swipes. Published February 22, 2013
Republican N.J. Gov. Chris Christie picks up more backing from Democrats
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie may tout an "R" for Republican Party in his title, but he sure does get a lot of support from Democrats — the latest just this week. Published February 22, 2013
Obama channels his inner Hillary Clinton, gets more emotional when pushing his message
A new and much more emotional President Obama has hit the town, with a second-term confidence that sees him dropping his tightly controlled expressions in favor of a softer, at times tearful, approach to selling his agenda. Published February 22, 2013
U.N. finds troubling upgrades at Iran’s Natanz uranium-enrichment site
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog has just released a report that shows Iran has installed advanced technology at Natanz, its main site for uranium enrichment. Published February 22, 2013
EPA’s own watchdog faults agency for using inaccurate data to control fracking
The Environmental Protection Agency's own internal watchdog has faulted the agency for using inaccurate and unreliable estimates on the level of air pollutants that are released during oil and natural gas production. Published February 22, 2013
EU economy to shrink, despite earlier reports for growth
The European Commission got it wrong. After first predicting the economy for the eurozone would grow slightly in the coming months, members now say wait a minute, the economy will actually shrink. Published February 22, 2013
Al Qaeda’s drone defense plan surfaces in Mali: Cover cars with carpets
A document uncovered in Mali giving Islamist extremists 22 tips on avoiding drones is sending a subtle message to military analysts: Al Qaeda is becoming more united. Published February 21, 2013
AFL-CIO strikes immigration deal with U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The AFL-CIO has struck a deal on immigration reform with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that eases the path for temporary workers and pushes for creation of a new federal agency. Published February 21, 2013
‘White flight’ hits London, highlighting immigration trend
For the first time in history, the white Brit population has fallen below the 50 percent mark in London, the largest city in the country, the BBC reported. Published February 21, 2013
Bob Menendez sees ‘dreadful’ 15-point poll drop
In one month's time, Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez's favor with constituents fell by 15 percentage points, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac University. Published February 21, 2013
Ill. lawmaker wants to abolish Internet anonymity
An Illinois lawmaker has brought forth a bill in the state that would abolish the right of website commenters to post anonymously. Published February 21, 2013
Three British Muslims found guilty in terrorist bomb plot
A London jury found three British Muslims guilty of planning terrorist bombings that were intended to cause more damage than the 2005 attacks against the city's transit system. Published February 21, 2013