Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
Infanticide bills put Democratic governors on hot seat
After Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam described what would happen to a baby born alive after a botched abortion, Republican legislatures began sending infanticide bills to Democratic governors daring them to use their veto pens. And so far, the Democrats are taking that dare. Published May 21, 2019
Phil Scott, Vermont governor, to allow H. 57 no-limits abortion bill to become law
A spokeswoman for Vermont Gov. Phil Scott says he will allow a sweeping no-limits abortion bill to become law, although it may do so without his signature. Published May 21, 2019
Climate change election defeats bode ill for Democrats in 2020
The Australian Labor Party's stunning defeat may offer a cold, hard warning for Democrats counting on climate change to sweep them to victory in 2020. Published May 20, 2019
Joe Biden claims he ‘started this whole thing’ on climate change
Joe Biden says he was the guy who "started this whole thing" on climate change, which may come as a surprise to Al Gore. Published May 20, 2019
Alyssa Milano abortion boycotts fail to gain traction
Calls by stars and activists to boycott red states such as Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky over their tough new abortion restrictions so far have failed to catch fire, with only a handful of businesses and state officials heeding the cry. Published May 19, 2019
Missouri legislature sends bill to governor banning abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy
The GOP-led Missouri House passed Friday legislation banning abortion at eight weeks of pregnancy, sending to the Republican governor a bill that would give the state one of the toughest pro-life laws in the nation. Published May 17, 2019
College Board adopts ‘adversity index’ as universities make SAT optional
Instead of paying thousands to boost their children's SAT scores, wealthy parents may instead consider moving to a high-crime neighborhood and getting a divorce. Published May 16, 2019
House votes to clear way for Mashpee tribal casino amid Trump-Warren feuding
The House passed Wednesday legislation to pave the way for a Massachusetts tribal casino, an issue that landed on the national stage thanks to support from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and opposition from President Trump. Published May 16, 2019
Abortion bans invite Roe v. Wade Supreme Court challenge
When and if the Supreme Court does agree to hear a challenge to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, Republican state Rep. Terri Collins wants to see it come from Alabama. Published May 15, 2019
Four Rhode Island Democrats break ranks to defeat late-term abortion bill in state legislature
A Rhode Island Senate committee defeated Tuesday a no-limits abortion bill after four Democratic legislators crossed party lines to vote against it, with one pro-choice Democrat saying that the measure "simply goes too far." Published May 15, 2019
Mark Cuban: ‘Nobody right now’ in Democratic primary field would beat Donald Trump
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban said Tuesday that "nobody right now" in the Democratic primary field would beat President Trump in 2020 while leaving open the possibility of running as an independent. Published May 14, 2019
Hammond renewed grazing permits spark lawsuit by Environmentalists
Environmentalists filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the Interior Department's decision to reissue grazing permits to the father-son Oregon ranchers who inspired the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Published May 13, 2019
Oberlin College faces Gibson’s Food Mart and Bakery lawsuit over student protests
Oberlin College's student social-justice activism came at a high cost to Gibson's Food Mart and Bakery, and now the business wants Oberlin to pay. Published May 13, 2019
Rochelle Galindo resigns amid sexual-misconduct allegations
A Democratic state legislator in Colorado facing a recall effort over her anti-fracking vote announced Sunday that she has resigned following allegations reportedly stemming from a sexual-misconduct complaint. Published May 12, 2019
Vermont to make abortion a ‘fundamental right’
On its way to Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's desk is an abortion rights bill that makes late-term legislation in New York and Virginia look conservative by comparison. Published May 12, 2019
NBC accused of smearing Covington Catholic teen in ‘Law & Order’ episode
If you watched "Law & Order: SVU" this week, you may have noticed that the teenage boy in the red cap locked in a faceoff in the middle of a rowdy crowd bears a strong resemblance to Nicholas Sandmann. Published May 10, 2019
Kendrick Castillo, Riley Howell, Lori Gilbert-Kaye shift media focus from mass shooters to heroes
The shooters may have thought they were destined for fame when they attacked the STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, but instead the world is talking about the brave, bespectacled 18-year-old who gave his life to protect his classmates. Published May 9, 2019
Students walk out on vigil after speakers turn event political with gun control activism
Hundreds of students walked out of an interfaith vigil Wednesday night for the victims of the Highlands Ranch STEM School shooting after speakers put the focus to gun control and politics. Published May 9, 2019
Amy Klobuchar claims Planned Parenthood offers mammograms
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat, stood up Wednesday for Planned Parenthood by declaring that its affiliates provide mammograms, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked. Published May 8, 2019
Trump tax return release to Congress OKed in New York Senate
The New York Senate passed Wednesday a bill to allow the state Department of Taxation and Finance to release the tax returns of any state resident--such as Mr. Trump--to certain congressional committees, sending the measure to the Assembly. Published May 8, 2019
