Cheryl K. Chumley
Columns by Cheryl K. Chumley
CIA admits $3 billion intelligence operation was a flop
The Central Intelligence Agency admitted Monday in published comments that a $3 billion intelligence program that was implemented after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States was a big flop. Published December 9, 2013
Berkshire County eschews dollars for own currency — BerkShares
It started at five community banks, and has now spread to more than 400 local businesses. One small county in Massachusetts has created its own system of money, currency called BerkShares that's accepted by a large portion of the establishments in the community. Published December 9, 2013
Florida authorities ban autistic boy from owning therapeutic chickens
Chickens seem to have helped an autistic boy in Florida come out of his shell, but local zoning authorities say they have to go — the residence isn't zoned for agriculture. Published December 9, 2013
Defendant in Lee Rigby machete murder trial: ‘I love al Qaeda’
A Muslim man on trial for the brutal machete street killing of British soldier Lee Rigby said during testimony in London's Central Criminal Court on Monday that he not only loved al Qaeda, but he also considered the terrorist group as close as family. Published December 9, 2013
MSNBC host: Obamacare a ‘wealthy white men’ racist word
MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry went off on a tangent in a recent broadcast, ranting about the racist overtones of a word that's been used for years by both sides of the political aisle -- Obamacare. Published December 9, 2013
Democrat thwarts Nevada activist’s try to name peak after Reagan
A Nevada conservative activist is incensed after his attempt to name a peak after former President Ronald Reagan was thwarted by a Democratic lawmaker who instead filed a bill to name the property after a former state politico — another Democrat. Published December 9, 2013
Rogue reindeer runs from Santa, eludes police for hours
A rogue reindeer who was supposed to hang with Santa for a Christmas lighting event in Dillon, Colo., had different ideas, jumping his enclosure and leading police on a chase that lasted for hours. Published December 9, 2013
Iran touts new laser that bolsters missile accuracy
The defense minister of Iran said the military has a new laser system, and it's significantly bolstered the accuracy of ballistic missiles — to the point that they can hit within a couple feet of their targets. Published December 9, 2013
Satanists petition for statue at Oklahoma Statehouse
Self-declared satanists in Oklahoma are seeking to erect a statue at the Statehouse, right next to a monument of the Ten Commandments. Published December 9, 2013
Deadly N.Y. train derailment leads to Senate call for cameras at tracks
At least two senators are pushing for cameras at the train tracks — their political response to a deadly derailment outside the Bronx borough of New York that was attributed to a sleepy engineer who entered a curve at three times the posted speed. Published December 9, 2013
WWII vet, 90, en route to Pearl Harbor event booted from flight
A World War II veteran, 90, en route from Los Angeles to a Pearl Harbor ceremony in Hawaii, was booted from his flight so the airline could add some more fuel without violating weight limits. Published December 9, 2013
SWAT team at Phoenix hospital as armed man clears emergency room
Police officers and a SWAT team surrounded a Phoenix hospital on Monday morning and are trying to coax an armed man who is holed up inside the emergency room into giving up peacefully. Published December 9, 2013
Kim Jong-un’s uncle dragged from political meeting, booted from party
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's uncle — once considered the second-in-charge in the closed country and a key figure in his nephew's rise to power — was dragged by police from a political meeting, the state-run media reported Monday. Published December 9, 2013
Wendy’s worker mistakenly serves burger with marijuana joint
A Wendy's fast-food worker in Lovejoy, Ga., accidentally dropped her half-smoked marijuana blunt in a cheeseburger she served to an unwitting customer. Published December 6, 2013
Patriot Act author on James Clapper: Fire, prosecute him
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., the brains behind the Patriot Act who in recent months has called for a scale-back on part of its surveillance powers, now says that one of the nation’s leading surveillance operatives, National Intelligence Director James Clapper, should be fired and prosecuted. Published December 6, 2013
John Kerry: Israel-Palestinian peace deal ‘closer’ than ever
Secretary of State John Kerry announced Friday that a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians is closer than ever, a somewhat surprising claim given the opposite reactions of other key players involved in the talks. Published December 6, 2013
Michigan GOP Senate hopeful reminds government is the ‘servant’
A Michigan Republican running for a U.S. Senate seat is likely striking a chord with tea party types who favor limited government, with a mantra that reminds government is a servant. Published December 6, 2013
Obamas host Hollywood for Hanukkah: Larry David says, ‘I’m going to party’
President Obama earned another notch in his hail-to-Hollywood belt Thursday evening, with a Hanukkah celebration at the White House that included the co-creator of the successful "Seinfeld" television series, Larry David. Published December 6, 2013
Christmas, by Congress: Members mull a 15-cent tax on trees
It’s that time of year again – the Christmas tree tax has reared. Congressional members are mulling a 15-cent tax on fresh Christmas trees, a small but significant line-item mention in the current farm bill weaving through the House. Published December 6, 2013
Bill O’Reilly reminds: Nelson Mandela ‘was a communist’
Amid the wave of grief over Nelson Mandela’s passing, and outpouring of fond memories about his inspiring deeds of greatness, came a harsh reminder from Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly: Let’s not forget he was a communist. Published December 6, 2013
