Cheryl K. Chumley

Mali reluctant to let in U.N. peacekeepers

Mali — engaged in a bloody fight with Islamist extremists for control of the country — is nonetheless hesitating to grant the United Nations permission to send a peacekeeping force to help establish calm.

February 12, 2013

‘Shrewd cardinals’ expected to move pope selection process quickly — but secretly

The Vatican's closed-door selection of the new pope is expected to move quickly, with a replacement for Pope Benedict XVI — who announced a Feb. 28 resignation on Monday — to come by Easter, according to Vatican officials.

February 12, 2013

Will Obama take executive action on climate change?

Political watchers expect President Obama to go heavy on the climate change talk during his Tuesday evening State of the Union address. But they also predict he might take executive action — meaning the issuance of executive orders — and push his environmental agenda over the failure of a Congress that has, so far, refused to act.

February 12, 2013

Obama to issue executive order on cybersecurity

President Obama is set to issue on Wednesday an executive order to fight off electronic attacks and hackers, according to various media.

February 12, 2013

Obama Cabinet loses another woman: SBA’s Karen Mills leaving

Karen Mills, head of the Small Business Administration since 2009, is leaving her position, according to a media report.

February 12, 2013

Former Rep. Joe Walsh says he’ll sue Chicago Sun-Times for defamation

Former Rep. Joe Walsh from Illinois is planning to sue the Chicago Sun-Times for defamation, after the newspaper printed what he said was an inaccurate portrayal of him as a "deadbeat dad."

February 12, 2013

U.N. Security Council to hold emergency meeting on North Korea’s nuclear test

The U.N. Security Council is holding an emergency meeting Tuesday morning to discuss North Korea's latest nuclear test, conducted at a remote underground site, according to various media. South Korean authorities initially reported a 5.1 magnitude "artificial earthquake" that was a suspected nuclear test from its northern neighbor.

February 12, 2013

Sen. Dick Durbin says embattled Sen. Robert Menendez shouldn’t resign yet

Embattled N.J. Sen. Robert Menendez — who faces questions and controversies over allegations he used his political influence to help his Florida friend and campaign donor obtain favorable business deals — has received some support a few states over: Sen. Dick Durbin from Illinois says he shouldn't resign yet.

February 11, 2013

Democrat Jan Schakowsky strikes back at Dr. Ben Carson for prayer breakfast speech

It sure didn't take long for Democrats to strike back at Thursday's National Prayer Breakfast remarks made by Dr. Benjamin Carson that took a conservative tack and criticized the national debt and current fiscal tax-and-spend policy.

February 11, 2013

Navy SEAL Christopher Kyle’s memorial draws thousands of mourners

Thousands are gathering at Cowboys Stadium for the Monday afternoon public memorial service for former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, killed at a Texas shooting range on Feb. 2.

February 11, 2013

Australia orders tech giants Microsoft, Apple to explain global price discrepancies

Microsoft and other technology giants have been ordered to stand before an Australian government committee and explain why prices are higher for Aussies than elsewhere in the world.

February 11, 2013

Taliban warns Pakistani shopkeepers against Viagra

Pakistani Taliban members are threatening store owners to quit selling Viagra-type potency pills or "face the consequences," according to a media report.

February 11, 2013

Three dead in Delaware courthouse shooting

A gunman opened fire at the New Castle County Courthouse in Delaware early Monday morning, killing two and wounding several, including at least two Capitol Police officers.

February 11, 2013

First black pope? Emerging contenders include cardinals from Africa

The Roman Catholic Church very well could elect its first black pope — or, at the least, its first pope of non-European descent, according to various strategists and analysts.

February 11, 2013

Israel approves 90 new homes in contested West Bank area

Israel gave the final go-ahead on Monday for construction of 90 new homes in contested and occupied areas of the West Bank — a move sure to ratchet up emotions in the White House, which has pleaded for a peaceful resolution in the settlement dispute.

February 11, 2013

Guantanamo defense attorneys accuse government of illegal eavesdropping

Lawyers for five Guantanamo Bay prisoners who face charges stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have accused the government of eavesdropping on private attorney-client conversations.

February 11, 2013

Russia bans beef and pork imports from U.S.

Russia has temporarily banned imports of all beef and pork products from the United States because of concerns over a steroid-based feed additive.

February 11, 2013

Florida Democrat Grayson returns with nasty shots at Republicans

Rep. Alan Grayson, a Florida Democrat known for his nasty and heated partisan attacks on the Republican Party, has returned for his new term with this simple threat: "I'm back," he said.

February 11, 2013

Obama’s State of the Union to highlight the plusses of progressive policy

Progressive policies are great: That's the gist of what President Obama will suggest during Tuesday's State of the Union speech, according to various leaks, analyses and outright guesses.

February 11, 2013

Egypt on high alert as protesters mark anniversary of Hosni Mubarak’s ouster

Egypt is on high alert, as protesters have begun rallying in remembrance of the second anniversary of ex-president Hosni Mubarak's ouster, according to various media.

February 11, 2013