Cheryl K. Chumley

Big Sur wildfire destroys home of firefighting chief

At least 100 homeowners in the Big Sur, Calif., region were sent packing on Tuesday, as wildfires swept the area and destroyed 15 or so homes — including that of the firefighting chief of the local force.

December 17, 2013

‘ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas’ set for mock trial to argue authorship

Nearly 200 years later, and the author of the traditional Christmas poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," remains a mystery. But on Wednesday, in a mock court hearing, that matter could be settled once and for all.

December 17, 2013

Angela Merkel’s third term as Germany’s chancellor to be marked by move to left

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's third term — set in stone by parliamentary election on Tuesday — is expected to be marked by a decided move to the political left, with looming legislation that introduces a countrywide minimum wage.

December 17, 2013

Mega Millions entices with record-setting jackpot: Half a billion so far

Half a billion dollars so far: That's the record-setting jackpot level that Mega Millions is promising for one lucky winner in Tuesday's draw.

December 17, 2013

Regulate sugar has ‘negative impact on society,’ doctor says

A cardiologist in London said sugar is so addictive, and has such an adverse effect on consumers, that it’s actually a danger to society at large and should be regulated like alcohol.

December 17, 2013

Scientists hope ‘panda porn’ helps grow endangered species

A breeding expert in China says that he’s found considerable success in enticing captive pandas to move the process along – but showing them, bluntly, “panda porn.”

December 17, 2013

Dennis Rodman heads to North Korea — despite execution, political purge

Former NBA great Dennis Rodman isn't abandoning plans to travel to North Korea to help train the country's basketball team — regardless of the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle and the purge of several from top-ranking political spots.

December 17, 2013

U.S. says Russia missile deployment at Poland border upsets region

Russia's confirmed launch of a high-tech missile system near the border with Poland and Lithuania is an aggressive act that will destabilize the region, U.S. authorities said.

December 17, 2013

San Antonio zoo fire kills Komodo dragon and snakes

Several reptiles, including a 15-year-old Komodo dragon, were killed by smoke inhalation after a fire filled an enclosed area at the San Antonio Zoo.

December 17, 2013

Princess Diana’s death case to remain closed

Police in London said Tuesday they won’t reopen an investigation into the death of Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed, claiming there is no additional evidence that demands scrutiny.

December 17, 2013

George Zimmerman painting fetching almost $100K on eBay

Bids on eBay for a painting by George Zimmerman of a blue American flag have hit the six-figure range — a dramatic upswing from the opening amount at 99 cents.

December 17, 2013

North Korea elite rush to pledge allegiance to Kim Jong-un

In the wake of the execution of Kim Jong-un’s uncle, political and military elite in North Korea have rushed to defend and re-pledge allegiance to the young dictator.

December 17, 2013

Trayvon Martin’s parents shop book deal on son’s death: report

Trayvon Martin's mother and father are reportedly shopping a book about their 17-year-old son whose death by gunfire sparked a national discussion about stand-your-ground defense laws and racism.

December 16, 2013

Horsemeat scandal leads to 20 arrests in France

At least 20 people were arrested in France on Monday in a wide-sweeping police operation that found traders were taking raw horsemeat used in animal experiments and selling it to butchers — who would then sell it to humans to eat.

December 16, 2013

George Soros-affiliated Media Matters calls off Fox News attack: ‘We won’

A group affiliated with leftist billionaire George Soros that had declared a war on Fox News now has called off the dogs, saying the network is no longer a threat.

December 16, 2013

Rodeo clown at heart of Obama mask flap winning ‘Person of the Year’

The rodeo clown who sparked a national discussion about racism and respect for authority when he wore a mask of President Obama at the Missouri State Fair — in line with the fair's 25-year, traditional nod at the White House — is leading the local vote in an annual Sedalia contest for "Person of the Year."

December 16, 2013

Harvard hoax? Students see bomb threat as intentional test interruption

Police aren’t yet confirming, but members of the student body seem clear: A Monday morning bomb threat that sent four facilities at Harvard University into emergency evacuation mode was due to a prankster who wanted to avoid final exams.

December 16, 2013

Rep. Darrell Issa vows tenacious fight for Operation Fast and Furious truths

Rep. Darrell E. Issa is vowing to keep up the heat in the investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, which led to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, until accountability is affixed and the family can get closure.

December 16, 2013

Harvard evacuated as exposives or bombs sited on campus: report

Harvard University officials have ordered an evacuation at four of its Cambridge campus sites Monday morning after explosives were sited on campus.

December 16, 2013

New Year’s goodbyes: 40- and 60-watt bulbs to disappear from shelves

Stock up now because come Jan. 1, the popular 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs no longer will be welcome on U.S. store shelves.

December 16, 2013