Ashley Portero

Articles by Ashley Portero

Ashley covers U.S. politics for the International Business Times, with a focus on civil liberties, women's issues and campaign finance. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Globe and the Boston Business Journal.

The Legal Implications Of Prison Guard Abuse

By Ashley Portero on 03/29/13 AT 6:45 AM

The high court unanimously ruled the U.S. government can be sued for federal prison guard actions. Does that include sexual assault?

Supreme Court: Full Audio, Transcript of DOMA Hearing

By Ashley Portero on 03/28/13 AT 10:59 AM

Spectators believe the Supreme Court is far more likely to strike down DOMA than Proposition 8. Listen to the arguments here.

What Could You Do With The Earnings of the Top 1%?

By Ashley Portero on 03/27/13 AT 4:04 PM

For starters, it could pay off student loan debts (at $26,000 each) for at least 631 people.

Supreme Court DOMA activists 27March2013

Are All Married Couples Equal? [UPDATES]

By Ashley Portero on 03/27/13 AT 10:13 AM

Initial reports suggest the high court is leaning toward striking down the DOMA. Transcript available here.

Gay Marriage In The United States - Told In Infographics

By Ashley Portero on 03/27/13 AT 5:50 AM

Why do most people say they oppose gay and lesbian marriages? Religion.

Supreme Court gay marriage 26March2013 police

Prop 8 Arguments Hint Court May Duck Same-Sex Marriage Issue

By Ashley Portero on 03/26/13 AT 10:47 AM

It appears the Supreme Court will not have a majority to either uphold or strike down the California ban. Listen to the arguments here.

Can Collective Action Combat US' Mounting Student Debt Crisis?

By Ashley Portero on 03/26/13 AT 6:01 AM

Congress is not acting to fix the trillion-dollar student loan debt problem. A private startup has an idea, which hasn't convinced everybody.

Supreme Court Gay Marriage 26March2013 banner

US Supreme Court Gay Marriage Case: 5 Things To Watch

By Ashley Portero on 03/26/13 AT 5:55 AM

The nation's high court will take on the constitutionality of both California's Proposition 8, and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Michele Bachmann Literally Runs Away From CNN Reporter [VIDEO]

By Ashley Portero on 03/21/13 AT 11:13 AM

The former GOP presidential hopeful clearly wasn't ready to back up her allegations about the president's "lavish living" with facts.

Despite Officer Cutbacks, NYPD Spent 1M Hours On Pot Arrests

By Ashley Portero on 03/20/13 AT 4:43 PM

Most of those arrested for low-level possession are either minorities or young adults.

Rand Paul Makes Libertarian Case For Abortion Rights

By Ashley Portero on 03/20/13 AT 11:38 AM

The Kentucky senator implied banning abortion could undermine not only women's health, but doctor-patient confidentiality.

Gay Marriage Isn't Legal In New Mexico - Or Is It?

By Ashley Portero on 03/19/13 AT 4:24 PM

Sante Fe officials argue the gender-neutral language in the state's marriage statute never outlawed gay marriage.

How Sequestration Is Hitting US Student Loan Borrowers

By Ashley Portero on 03/19/13 AT 3:48 PM

While not huge, new fees will be hard to swallow for people who already devote about a quarter of their income to student loan repayments.

Rand Paul: Illegal Immigrants Should Have A Path To Legal Status

By Ashley Portero on 03/19/13 AT 11:52 AM

However, Paul emphasized that Congress must take steps to strengthen security at the nation’s borders before opening citizenship.

Twitter Doesn't Have Positive Words About An Anthony Weiner Comeback

By Ashley Portero on 03/19/13 AT 11:03 AM

It appears that the former congressman's Twitter sex scandal, and not his legislative accomplishments, have lived on in the public memory.

Electronic voting machines have come under scrutiny for inaccuracy and lack of security.

Florida's First-Known Victim Of Election Cyberattack: Report

By Ashley Portero on 03/18/13 AT 3:10 PM

The more than 2,500 "phantom requests" for absentee ballots may have been intended to sway the 2012 primary election.

How The GOP Is Already Shooting Itself In The Foot

By Ashley Portero on 03/18/13 AT 1:15 PM

The RNC report on why Republicans lost the election proposes a number of remedies, but Republicans on the ground are doing the opposite.

Pelosi Questions Value Of Keystone XL Pipeline

By Ashley Portero on 03/15/13 AT 4:54 PM

House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi said the controversial project would not reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil or create a substantial number of jobs.