Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
U.S. kicks off allied fighter jet training over Pacific
Fighter jets from the United States, Australia and Japan are currently flying over western Pacific skies, as military drills — called Cope North — aimed at bolstering an allied force kicked off Thursday. Published February 7, 2013
Brown University insurance covers sex changes for students
Looking for a free sex change operation? Enroll at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Come August, the school will offer coverage in its student health care plan for the procedure, according to The Daily Caller. Published February 7, 2013
Military salaries to plummet under Panetta budget plan
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's plan to address budget cuts and fiscal uncertainties may bring about pay cuts to military members. Published February 7, 2013
Labor unions turn to marijuana industry to bolster flagging membership
Unions, facing shrinking membership rolls, legislative limits to collective bargaining agreements and national backlash over rising pension costs, have found an emerging business to tap: Marijuana. Published February 7, 2013
House Democrats fire away with 15 new gun-ban proposals
House Democrats are bringing their own gun-control plan to the table and are due to unveil on Thursday 15 separate proposals — including a copycat of President Obama's wish to outright ban assault weapons, according to various media. Published February 7, 2013
‘Obamacare’ rule could hike grocer costs by $1 billion
New Food and Drug Administration rules to be imposed under 'Obamacare' could lead to higher food prices, according to grocery store executives who are casting wary eyes on the looming mandate. Published February 7, 2013
Putin fires top Olympics official for construction delays
Russia President Vladimir Putin on Thursday sacked his top Olympics Committee official because of construction delays of the ski-jumping complex. Published February 7, 2013
Japan-Russia territory dispute heats up as fighter jets face off
A long-running diplomatic row between Russia and Japan heated Thursday after the two countries faced off briefly via fighter jets over dispute island territories. Published February 7, 2013
Family sues Disneyland over ‘racist’ rabbit
Six-year-old Jason Black Jr., from San Diego, just wanted a hug from the Disneyland employee dressed as the White Rabbit, from the "Alice in Wonderland" story. Published February 7, 2013
Iran claims it extracted footage from downed U.S. drone
Iranian state-run television has aired footage it claims was extracted from a CIA drone its military supposedly downed and captured on Dec. 4, 2011, near Kashmar, about 140 miles from the border with Afghanistan. Published February 7, 2013
Foreign diplomats lobby hard for favorable immigration reform
Who loves the idea of opening U.S. borders and relaxing immigration policy? Foreign governments do — and embassy officials with several nations are throwing their two cents into Washington, D.C., policy discussions, hoping to influence and shape reform while maintaining diplomatic boundaries. Published February 7, 2013
Florida lawmaker pushes to label North Korea as a sponsor of terrorism
Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is leading a Republican charge for stronger sanctions on North Korea, after that nation released a video about the destruction of the United States, to the tune of Michael Jackson's "We Are the World." Published February 7, 2013
Obama strategist David Plouffe gloats over GOP infighting, encourages Dems to ‘grab the popcorn’
David Plouffe, former campaign manager and political advisor for President Obama, weighed in on recent Republican Party rifts with a gleeful, early morning Thursday tweet: "Grab the popcorn," he wrote. Published February 7, 2013
Iran rejects direct nuclear talks with the U.S.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is saying 'no' to any direct talks with U.S. leaders over the nation's nuclear program. Published February 7, 2013
Obama celebrates NARAL, reassures group of his pro-abortion views
President Obama gave NARAL Pro-Choice America a clear thumbs-up message Tuesday night, delivering remarks via videotape to group members that included his personal belief of a woman's right to control her reproductive system, including abortion. Published February 6, 2013
Belgium’s chocolate-flavored stamps get seal of approval
Come March 25, Belgium will launch a new postal product — a chocolate smelling, chocolate tasting stamp. Published February 6, 2013
Ireland’s push for transparency a sharp contrast to Obama’s secrecy
An Irish move is afoot to abolish fees for documents requested and obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Published February 6, 2013
Timothy Geithner heading to Council on Foreign Relations
Tim Geithner is jumping from U.S. Treasury Secretary to the Council on Foreign Relations, as distinguished fellow based in New York, starting later this month. Published February 6, 2013
President Ahmadinejad says Iran ready to wipe out Israel
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday his nation is ready to storm Israel and "wipe it out" if it dares launch at attack on Tehran. Published February 6, 2013
Hillary Clinton’s new website fuels rumors of White House run
It's only been a few days since she left office for the private sector, but former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's newest website seems to suggest re-entry back to civil service — as a candidate for the White House. The rumors are flying, once again, as HillaryClintonOffice.com strikes a decidedly official tone. Published February 6, 2013
