Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlights offshore drilling rig on congressional website
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's newly unveiled Green New Deal takes aim at fossil-fuel emissions, but her congressional website features a photo of an offshore drilling rig. Published February 7, 2019
Gucci apologizes, removes $890 ‘blackface sweater’ decried as racist
The high-end designer Gucci has apologized for selling a sweater that looks like blackface in the wake of the scandal involving Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and state Attorney General Mark Herring. Published February 7, 2019
Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal resolution calls for broad economic, social-justice overhaul
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, released Thursday the much-anticipated Green New Deal resolution, outlining a sweeping overhaul of the economy and energy sector laden with ambitious social-justice goals. Published February 7, 2019
Ralph Northam-Mark Herring blackface scandal shines spotlight on Hollywood
When Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam donned blackface to impersonate Michael Jackson in 1984, it could be that he was acting out of deep-seated racism, but it's also possible that he was taking a cue from Hollywood. Published February 6, 2019
Justice Department files appeal to reverse stinging defeat against Bundy clan in Nevada standoff
The Justice Department filed an appeal Tuesday of its devastating defeat against Cliven Bundy in the Nevada standoff, disputing the federal judge's decision last year to throw out the case based on prosecutorial wrongdoing. Published February 6, 2019
Al Gore faults Trump for failing to plug green energy in State of the Union
President Trump's State of the Union address was hailed on the right as a tour de force, but there was plenty of grumbling on the left over the lack of attention to climate change. Published February 6, 2019
Nick Sandmann, Covington Catholic teen, begins legal battle against media, celebrities
The incident involving the Covington Catholic High School boys last month at the Lincoln Memorial may be long over, but the legal battle has just begun. Published February 5, 2019
David Malpass, Trump’s expected pick to head World Bank, draws resistance
President Trump looks to have a fight on his hands if, as expected, he taps Treasury Department official David Malpass to be the next president of the World Bank. Published February 5, 2019
Anti-infanticide bill blocked by Senate Democrats
An effort by Senate Republicans to enhance protections for newborns who survive abortions, spurred by New York and Virginia bills making it easier to perform late-term procedures, was blocked Monday by Democrats. Published February 4, 2019
Scientists: ‘No evidence’ climate change causing cold from polar vortex dips
Numerous media outlets cited last week's polar vortex as an example of extreme weather caused by climate change, but it turns out such cold snaps are actually on the decline. Published February 3, 2019
Anti-ICE, anti-cop group wins NFL-funded grant
The Super Bowl isn't until Sunday, but already several winners have emerged from the 2018 NFL regular season, including a George Soros-funded activist group that takes a dim view of the border patrol and police. Published January 31, 2019
Rand Paul strategist offers to run free campaign against Virginia Del. Kathy Tran
A top Republican Party strategist offered Thursday to run a campaign free of charge to unseat Virginia state Delegate Kathy Tran after an uproar over her legislation to clear the path for abortion until birth. Published January 31, 2019
Kathy Tran ‘really surprised’ by backlash to late-term abortion bill
Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran on Thursday defended her bill that would have loosened abortion restrictions, saying the proposal was nothing unusual and she was "really surprised" by the reaction. Published January 31, 2019
Polar vortex freezing Midwest ignites climate change fight
Midwesterners seeking a warmer locale Wednesday could have gone almost anywhere else: Antarctica, Siberia, Everest Base Camp. Even Mars. Published January 30, 2019
Michael Bloomberg blames Midwest polar vortex on global warming
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg blamed Wednesday the frigid cold temperatures sweeping the Midwest on global warming, arguing that climate change makes weather events more extreme. Published January 30, 2019
Virginia Republicans defeat Democratic bill allowing abortions up until birth
Virginia Republicans on Tuesday killed legislation that would have loosened abortion restrictions after the bill's sponsor admitted it would allow the procedure even after a mother went into labor. Published January 30, 2019
Democrats codify Roe v. Wade abortion decision, face backlash
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has reawakened the abortion debate with the sweeping Reproductive Health Act, lending momentum to similar bills in other states -- and igniting a backlash from the pro-life movement. Published January 29, 2019
Pardoned ranchers who inspired Oregon occupation win back grazing permits
Dwight and Steven Hammond's journey from ranchers to convicted domestic terrorists back to ranchers concluded this week when the federal government reissued permits allowing the father and son to graze cattle again on public land. Published January 29, 2019
Miracle Hill Ministries foster care targeted in religious-freedom fight
The American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Campaign, erupted last week after Miracle Hill Ministries received a federal waiver to continue offering services despite only working with foster couples that adhere to traditional Christian beliefs. Published January 28, 2019
March for Life apologizes to Covington Catholic teens for ‘rush to judgment’
The March for Life apologized Monday for rushing to judgment on the Covington Catholic students, saying they experienced "real and inexcusable intimidation, insults and harassment" after attending the Jan. 18 pro-life rally. Published January 28, 2019
