Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
Tomato wars head toward peaceable end
A long-running tomato trade war that pitted U.S. and Florida growers against Mexican importers may finally come to an end, as the U.S. Commerce Department has announced an agreement to regulate and control prices. Published February 6, 2013
Sly dodge: Congress stretches ethics rules for lobbyist-paid trip
At least 32 lawmakers and congressional aides attended a four-day, lobbyist-paid technology conference in Las Vegas, despite ethics rules that normally limit such travel to one day. Published February 6, 2013
‘America’s toughest sheriff’ Arpaio targeted by fraudsters
Joe Arpaio, the Arizona lawman known by supporters and detractors alike as "America's toughest sheriff" for his aggressive approach to law enforcement, has himself been hit by crime. Published February 6, 2013
Prayers answered? Boy Scouts delay decision on gay membership
Boy Scouts of America governing board members have decided to delay their decision on whether to admit gays or not, according to breaking news reports from NBC. Published February 6, 2013
States scramble with legislation to fend off drones
States are responding to the rising concerns over drone use by police agencies and at least 11 have brought forth bills limiting the use of the technology, according to various media. Published February 6, 2013
President Reagan’s legacy lives on as he’s remembered on his 102nd birthday
Within hours of launch, thousands of well-wishers had already signed the virtual birthday card for Ronald Reagan — who would have turned 102 on Monday — posted on a specially created Facebook page from The Heritage Foundation to commemorate the nation's 40th president. Published February 6, 2013
French oil tanker, crew seized by pirates now free
The crew of a French oil tanker that had been hijacked by pirates off the Ivory Coast on Sunday are now free, according to various media reports. Published February 6, 2013
Media turns blind eye to secret CIA drone base in Saudi
For two years, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has been quietly operating a base for unmanned drones in Saudi Arabia, according to various media reports. Published February 6, 2013
Carney: Drone strikes on Americans overseas are lawful
White House spokesman Jay Carney said that drone strikes on Americans, under certain circumstances, are constitutional. Published February 5, 2013
Rand Paul echoes dad’s call for Fed audit
Like father, like son. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is following in the footsteps of his father, former Texas Rep. Ron Paul, and pushing for a bill that requires an audit of the Federal Reserve. Published February 5, 2013
Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.’s wife faces own federal investigation
The wife of former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. — who resigned his congressional seat in November, after facing fire from federal investigators along with ailing health — is now in the midst of her own federal inquiry. Published February 5, 2013
EU headquarters nearly empty as unions call for strikes
The European Union's headquarters in Brussels was almost empty Tuesday. That's because civil servants are on strike, pushing back proposals to cut their pay or benefits in the face of looming budget pressures. Published February 5, 2013
Cantor’s language mirrors Obama’s, Teddy Roosevelt’s
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor still wears the Republican pin — but his language may be moving left. According to The Hill, which obtained excerpts of the Virginia Republican's speech a day before he was due to speak at the American Enterprise Institute, Mr. Cantor called for aid for working families using language eerily similar to that of notable Democrats. Published February 5, 2013
Lindsey Graham on Chuck Hagel: He’s ‘clueless’
Sen. Lindsey Graham had harsh words on Monday for Chuck Hagel, President Obama's would-be Secretary of Defense: He's "clueless" on some foreign-policy issues. Published February 5, 2013
Bangladesh erupts in violence after Islamist gets life in jail
Police opened fire on protesters Tuesday as violence erupted in cities in Bangladesh over a war crimes tribunal's sentencing of a key Islamist party leader to life in prison. Published February 5, 2013
NYPD sued for spying on Muslims
Civil rights lawyers filed a suit against the New York Police Department on Monday, alleging law enforcement has created a climate of fear with its "widespread and intense" surveillance of Muslims. Published February 5, 2013
Skier Lindsey Vonn, Tiger Woods’ girlfriend, tears knee ligaments in horrific crash
U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn crashed at the World Alpine Skiing Championships in Schladming, Austria, according to various media reports. Published February 5, 2013
U.S. sues S&P ratings agency over housing-market collapse
The federal government has lodged a civil complaint against Standard & Poor's, alleging the ratings agency of driving the mortgage crisis by giving high marks to risky bonds. Published February 5, 2013
Memo: Superdome officials warned of electrical problems in October
The cause of Sunday's 34-minute Super Bowl power outage may still be a mystery, but documents show that Superdome officials had been warned months earlier about the subpar electrical system and the need for overhaul. Published February 5, 2013
Minister vows Falklands back in Argentina’s hands within 20 years
Argentina's foreign minister said Monday he will bring forth a "diplomatic package" that United Kingdom governing officials couldn't refuse and that within 20 years, Britain will relinquish ownership of the Falkland Islands. Published February 5, 2013