Jessica Chasmar

Jessica Chasmar is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times, covering topics on culture and politics. Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Jessica graduated from the University of Florida where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in mass communication.

During her time at University of Florida, she worked as an associate editor for The Gainesville Sun and interned at Entercom Communications. In 2011, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times' digital aggregation product, Times247. She can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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Articles by Jessica Chasmar

NAACP president: Black people worse off under Obama

NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous said Sunday, perhaps unwittingly, that black Americans "are doing a full worse" than when President Obama first took office. Published January 28, 2013

Secret Service dog falls to its death at Biden event

A Secret Service dog fell to its death Saturday night in New Orleans while doing a sweep of a multistory parking deck next a hotel where Vice President Joseph R. Biden was speaking. Published January 27, 2013

N.C. bill would ban welfare recipients from lottery

North Carolina lawmakers are drafting legislation that would make it unlawful for vendors to sell lottery tickets to customers they know are bankrupt or on welfare. Published January 27, 2013

Homeland Security seeking 7,000 assault weapons for 'personal defense'

While the Obama administration calls for a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, the Department of Homeland Security is seeking to acquire 7,000 "personal defense weapons" — also known as "assault weapons" when owned by civilians. Published January 27, 2013

Wis. sheriff says 911 not best option, urges citizens to arm themselves

Milwaukee County, Wis., Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. made waves last week after releasing a radio ad urging citizens to arm themselves, rather than relying solely on police in case of an emergency. Published January 27, 2013

EPA rules kill Texas power plant, 3,900 jobs

Environmental Protection Agency regulations are snuffing out another power plant, Chase Power announced Wednesday, killing its $3 billion Corpus Christi, Texas, coal project and 3,900 prospective jobs. Published January 27, 2013

Obama not sure he would allow a son to play football

President Obama took a swipe at football in a new interview, saying he would "have to think long and hard'' before letting his hypothetical son play the dangerous sport. Published January 27, 2013

At least 232 dead in Brazilian nightclub fire

A fire early Sunday at a crowded Brazilian nightclub set off a stampede killing at least 232 people. It appears to be the world's deadliest nightclub fire in more than a decade. Published January 27, 2013

NRA boycott of outdoors show shuts it down

America's largest sports and outdoors show was postponed Thursday after the NRA issued a boycott, following the event's ban on "modern sporting rifles," or semi-automatic rifles. Published January 24, 2013

N.Y. student with AR-15 scares off home intruder

A college student warded off an intruder with his AR-15 early Tuesday morning in central New York. Published January 24, 2013

Former POW Jessica Lynch: Women in combat 'good news'

Former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch said it's good news for the U.S. military to allow women to serve in combat roles. Published January 24, 2013

Hamas to establish military academy for Gaza children

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh announced Thursday that Gaza will establish a new military academy, the first of its kind, to prepare children for the "phase of liberating Palestine." Published January 24, 2013

Sheriff Arpaio's armed posse patrols Phoenix schools

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who calls himself "America's toughest sheriff," organized an armed posse earlier this month to patrol the Arizona county's schools. Published January 24, 2013

Jindal: GOP should change 'just about everything'

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is calling on Republicans to "recalibrate the compass of conservatism" following a crushing blow to the GOP on Election Day. Published January 24, 2013

CEO unveils bulletproof whiteboards that could shield kids

Less than a month after the Newtown shooting and a new invention was born: bulletproof dry erase boards for teachers could use as a shield. George Tunis, a CEO of Hardwire LLC, came up with the idea after the tragedy in December. Published January 24, 2013

Holy smokes! Oregon Democrat wants prescription-only cigarettes

Oregon state Rep. Mitch Greenlick, a Democrat, is sponsoring a bill that makes cigarettes a Schedule III controlled substance, equatable with ketamine, lysergic acid and anabolic steroids. The bill would force all cigarette smokers to carry a prescription from a doctor or face jail time. Published January 24, 2013