Cheryl K. Chumley

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

February 6, 2013

Too naked: Japanese town put off by Michelangelo copycat

Put some pants on. That's the message of Japanese town officials to — a Michelangelo sculpture? According to Raw Story, a replica sculpture of Michelangelo's David is causing angst among Okuizumo residents.

February 6, 2013

Lance Armstrong under federal investigation for doping-related charges

Back-and-forth comments have clouded the issue, but according to the latest, disgraced U.S. bicyclist Lance Armstrong is facing a federal investigation for various charges related to his doping scandal.

February 6, 2013

France claims kills of ‘hundreds’ of Islamists

France's defense minister said the military has killed "hundreds" of Islamist militants in Mali in the past month.

February 6, 2013

Monopoly players have spoken: It’s the cat token

Out with the iron. In with the cat. That's the decision of Monopoly voters who weighed in from 120 different countries with their choices for the new game piece.

February 6, 2013

Plagiarism finding rips Germany’s education minister

Germany's education minister has fallen from political grace, as officials with her former Duesseldorf University have found her guilty of plagiarism and stripped away her doctorate degree.

February 6, 2013

Shoe thrown at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, similar to incident with George W. Bush, during visit to Egypt

An irate Egyptian threw a shoe at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday as the Iranian President was touring Egypt, an act viewed as a high insult in the Muslim world.

February 6, 2013

Dick Morris out at Fox, in at CNN

Dick Morris, one of Fox News' go-to guys for predictions and poll talk during the presidential election, is moving on. Fox News cut the commentator and refused to renew his contract, according to an Associated Press report.

February 6, 2013