Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
2020 Democrats’ proposed Electoral College, voting age changes follow state actions
Democratic presidential hopefuls led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren have touched off a national debate by taking aim at ending the Electoral College, but state legislators are way ahead of them. Published March 27, 2019
Jussie Smollett ‘indefensible’ deal lands Kim Foxx, Soros-backed prosecutor, on hot seat
She may have recused herself from the Jussie Smollett case, but Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has come under fire after her office made the stunning decision to drop all charges against the celebrity actor accused of orchestrating an elaborate hate crimes hoax. Published March 27, 2019
Joseph Magats, prosecutor who dropped Jussie Smollett hoax charges, thinks he’s guilty
The Cook County prosecutor who dropped the charges against Jussie Smollett said Tuesday he believes the actor is guilty, but decided not to prosecute him anyway. Published March 26, 2019
Rahm Emanuel slams decision to drop Jussie Smollett hoax case: ‘Whitewash of justice’
An outraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasted the prosecution's decision Tuesday to drop all charges against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, calling it a "whitewash of justice" resulting from the celebrity's "influence and power." Published March 26, 2019
John Barrasso: Democrats trying to duck Green New Deal vote
Senate Republicans accused Democrats on Monday of trying to "duck" a vote on the Green New Deal, the hotly contested climate change measure expected to hit the Senate floor this week. Published March 25, 2019
Ilhan Omar at CAIR speech tells Muslims to ‘raise hell’
Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota Democrat dogged by allegations of anti-Semitism, told Muslims in a speech Saturday to "raise hell" and "make people uncomfortable" in defense of their rights. Published March 24, 2019
CNN defends Covington Catholic coverage after Nick Sandmann lawsuit
CNN is defending its reporting after being sued by the Covington Catholic High School teen at the center of January's viral incident, insisting that the network "reported on a newsworthy event" and was careful to "report on additional facts as they developed." Published March 24, 2019
Turmoil roils Southern Poverty Law Center as president Richard Cohen resigns
Southern Poverty Law Center president Richard Cohen announced his resignation Friday, a stunning departure that eradicates the top leadership of a civil-rights behemoth amid allegations of workplace discrimination and harassment. Published March 23, 2019
Democratic Socialists of America endorses Bernie Sanders for president
The Democratic Socialists of America announced Friday its decision to endorse Sen. Bernard Sanders for president, calling him "the only socialist in American history with a serious chance of winning the presidency." Published March 22, 2019
President’s Commission on Climate Security needed to combat ‘propaganda,’ backers say
For those wondering why the White House needs an independent climate panel, supporters recommend starting with the Fourth National Climate Assessment. Published March 20, 2019
Second Amendment sanctuary movement counters Democrats’ gun control bills
States where rural communities are embracing Second Amendment protection measures include New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, raising the hackles of Democrats who champion sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants but draw the line when it comes to firearms owners. Published March 19, 2019
AP debunks Beto O’Rourke’s claim that world has only 12 years to fight climate change
The Associated Press has thrown cold water on an increasingly popular Democratic talking point: That the earth has just 12 years to stave off climate doomsday. Published March 19, 2019
Amy Klobuchar: ‘We have to move on’ from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam blackface scandal
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's blackface scandal has largely dropped from public view, and one Democratic presidential hopeful says it's time to move on. Published March 18, 2019
Colorado Democrats hit oil, gas drilling industry
For eight years, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper shielded the oil and gas industry from the salvos of the environmental left, but now there's a new political regime in town with no love for fossil fuels. Published March 17, 2019
New Mexico Democrats sink ‘extreme’ abortion bill after New York, Virginia backlash
Pro-choice advocates reeling over their unexpected defeat in the New Mexico legislature may have the uproar over late-term abortion bills in New York and Virginia to blame. Published March 16, 2019
Pitzer College president rejects ‘prejudiced’ vote to drop study-abroad program in Israel
Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver refused Thursday to drop the school's study-abroad program in Israel, rejecting a recommendation by the college council within hours of its vote. Published March 15, 2019
Youth Climate Strike sparks debate on use of students as props
Kids are fast becoming the face of the climate change movement as teenagers, 'tweens and even younger children file lawsuits, stage walkouts and lobby lawmakers. But newly released documents have raised questions about whether the students are being motivated or manipulated. Published March 13, 2019
Al Gore-led group encourages students to ditch school for climate change
More than a dozen progressive advocacy groups, including one headed by former Vice President Al Gore, are encouraging students to skip school Friday in the name of climate change. Published March 13, 2019
Covington Catholic teen Nicholas Sandmann sues CNN over ‘false, vicious attacks’
CNN was hit Tuesday with a $275 million lawsuit for allegedly "bullying" Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann, the second defamation complaint brought against major media outlets for their coverage of the January incident at the Lincoln Memorial. Published March 12, 2019
California teachers sue union over forced deduction of dues
Special-needs instructor Bethany Mendez has been fighting for months to escape the teachers union in Fremont, California, but the school district continues to funnel a portion of her paycheck directly to the labor bank account. Published March 11, 2019
