The comedian called women who wear revealing workout gear “whores” on “Saturday Night Live.” The women defending him are just as harmful, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
News & Commentary
Stay informed with thoughtful news, commentary and analysis covering the issues that matter most to women. Read our reporting on women in business, leadership, government, workplace trends and current events from the trusted journalists at The Story Exchange.
UN Officials Decry Racist Backlash Against Tennis Star Coco Gauff
Following a controversial call in her favor at the China Open, Gauff was subjected to days of online attacks. She spoke out – and human rights advocates took up her cause.
South African Human Rights Fighter Awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay was given the honor in light of her decades of work battling apartheid and advocating for others’ rights the world over.
The Goal: Cut the U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate in Half – to Start
The United States has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world. Investor and philanthropist Olivia Walton is putting millions of dollars toward turning the tide.
An Allegation of Gang Rape, And Men’s Chilling Silence Surrounding It
As the investigation into a 2024 rape case involving several male Cornell University students is reopened, men’s silence becomes a factor once more, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Survey Says: At the Doctor’s Office, Women Still Don’t Feel Heard
A new Gallup Poll also revealed that when health problems go unaddressed because of doctors’ dismissals of symptoms – pain, especially – it impacts women’s lives.
Violence Against Women, Trans People Worse Than Previously Thought, Research Finds
Nearly two-thirds of women have experienced abuse from a spouse or romantic partner. The numbers are even higher for trans people.
Remembering September 11, 25 Years Later
We’re thinking about 9/11 and all those who died, as well as those whose lives were forever impacted by this day.
Mistrial Declared in Lindsay Clancy Case; Jury Unable to Reach a Verdict
Clancy had been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children. The defense argued that she was not guilty due to insanity. The case garnered national attention.
RIP Gloria Steinem, Who Inspired Generations of Women to Claim Their Power
A crusader for women’s equality and a tireless advocate for reproductive freedom, Steinem passed away this week at age 92.
Michelle Obama Celebrated Her Empty-Nest Life. Cue the Meltdowns
Conservatives engaged in much hand-wringing when the former FLOTUS said she didn’t miss having kids at home. But plenty of moms can understand, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Backed by Trump, Darline Graham Wins Late Brother’s U.S. Senate Seat in Runoff Election
The 62-year-old advocate for people with disabilities was buoyed to victory in South Carolina by the president.
Here’s to Dolly Parton, Who ‘Lived In the Light’
The country singer has died. She leaves behind a shining legacy through her bubbly persona and prolific music career – which are only dwarfed in size by her heart, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
New Survey Names A Growing Concern Among Working Women: Men
Research has shown that women with jobs still do most of the housework – when they’re married to men. Some are now wondering if single life isn’t better for their careers.
Trump Tries to Curb Vaccines for Kids — Again. Women Experts Decry It
Women at the tops of science, technology and philanthropy are pushing back as the White House levies its latest attack against immunizations for children.
People Are Struggling to Afford, Well, Everything. Nikki Porcher is Running to Help
Porcher, who has worked for years on behalf of Black business owners, now hopes to assist all of Georgia’s workers as the state’s next Commissioner of Labor.
Erin Brockovich is Speaking Out Against AI Data Centers
The facilities that power AI are straining and harming communities worldwide. The renowned consumer advocate wants tech companies to be more careful – and more transparent.
How the ‘Poop Parasite’ is Causing Headaches (And More) for Women
Thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed throughout the U.S. – placing another undue burden upon the shoulders of American women.
The Power of a Woman Who’s Not Sorry
During a podcast appearance, actress Geena Davis recalled learning something crucial from an unapologetic Susan Sarandon. We all need that energy, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
This Governor Just Became the First Statewide Politician to Regulate AI Data Centers
A new executive order will force AI companies to pause construction of data centers while officials evaluate their environmental impact.
Who is Dr. Annie Andrews? The Senate Candidate in the Spotlight After Lindsey Graham’s Death
The pediatrician and Democratic nominee is drawing national attention after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death reshaped South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
Graham Platner, and the Enduring Hubris of Men and Their Protectors
The Maine Democrat was accused of sexual assault. Stephen King and others took up his cause, as men often do – all while women work to set it right, Candice Helfand-Rogers writes.
Planned Parenthood Can Once Again Bill Medicaid, Offering Some Relief
The policy shift, which comes as a 2025 Trump mandate expires, won’t re-open the facilities that had to close due to the added financial burden – but it’s a start, experts say.
Women’s Barbershop Quartet Makes Harmony History
Singing group GQ became the first women’s ensemble ever to win the Barbershop Harmony Society’s contest in its almost-100-year existence.
There’s Now a Way to Celebrate Women’s Financial Independence for America’s 250th
Despite scrapped plans to build a museum site under Trump, the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum went ahead with an oral history project.
Supreme Court Rejects Trump Appeal of E. Jean Carroll Case
The president tried to appeal a lower court’s verdict, which found he assaulted Carroll in 1996. But the Supreme Court upheld the decision – and the $5 million fine.
Olivia Rodrigo Announces an All-New, All-Women Music Festival
Proceeds from the event, called Daisy Chain Fields, will be donated to progressive charities that lift up girls and women, the singer added.
What Does It Really Cost to Plan Summer Care for Kids? These Moms Show Us the Receipts
Moms take us behind the real cost of summer break, from finding caregiving to staggering time off work and even traveling out of the country.
Serena Williams Is Going to Make Wimbledon A Must-Watch Event
The tennis pro made up her mind to compete in the tournament after Wimbledon held open its final singles wild card spot.
Iranian Women Continue to Defy Hijab Laws — Despite Significant Risks
Throughout 2026, women living in the Middle Eastern nation have been pushing back against the oppressive Islamic Republic currently holding power, reports find.
Study: Representation for Women, Minorities on Streaming Services Going ‘In Reverse’
New UCLA research shows that platforms like Netflix, once a solid home for stories made by and featuring marginalized people, are moving to a white, male standard.
Sheryl Crow Decries Trump’s Birthday Spectacle as ‘Disgraceful’
The White House lawn was transformed into a UFC cage-fighting arena to celebrate the president’s 80th birthday, to the tune of over $60 million. The singer had words.
Trump Oversees Historic Exodus of Women Cabinet Officials — And Replaces Them with Men
After a string of firings and exits, there aren’t many women left in Trump’s Cabinet.
The Real Tradwives of America
As evidenced by the popularity of “Yesteryear,” a subculture of “traditional wives” is making big waves in the culture wars.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell Set to Become Billionaire
The hyper-focused executive has been described by former colleagues as “the glue” holding Elon Musk’s aerospace company together.
Qween Jean Becomes the First Openly Trans Person to Win a Tony Award
The history-making costume designer used her acceptance speech to advocate for LGBTQ acceptance, and the need to “shift the paradigm” toward equity and openness.
Joan Baez on the Silence of Celebrity Women Amid Attacks on Democracy
The musician and activist reminds the rich and prominent – and everyone else – that privilege is a platform, and should be used for more than seeking personal glory.
DOJ Reportedly Opens Criminal Investigation Into Trump Accuser E. Jean Carroll
The Justice Department’s pursuit of Carroll, who successfully sued Trump for sexual assault in civil court, is the latest in a string of investigations into Trump’s opponents.
Talking Dogs, Dudes Named ‘Chris’ Get More Lead Roles Than Women Over 60, Study Finds
The new research is bleak when it comes to who (or what) is far more likely to star in films than older women. Actresses like Emma Thompson are speaking up.
Financial Stress Takes a Toll on Women’s Health. A New Report Shows How Dire It Is
“Women are in crisis,” says Cleveland Clinic women’s center co-founder Maria Shriver.
She’s the First Woman to Win This Grueling Ultramarathon — Even Beating the Guys
Rachel Entrekin eliminated the competition in her historic win in one of the world’s most punishing races, the Cocodona 250 through Arizona.
Online Violence Against Women is Getting More Sophisticated — And More Frequent
A new report from UN Women says female public figures are being subjected to more sexualized “deepfakes” and other forms of digital harassment than ever.
Supreme Court Temporarily Restores Access to Abortion Pill As Patients Scramble for Options
The order comes after patients and providers sought alternatives, such as misoprostol-only abortions, after the FDA restricted access to mifepristone.
Abortion Isn’t *The* Issue in 2026. But It’s Still Definitely *An* Issue.
Affordability is leading voters’ concerns heading into the midterms. But Democrats are still embracing abortion as a top issue in some state Supreme Court and downballot races.
Washington Will Finally Have a Women’s Monument. But What Should It Look Like?
The committee behind an historic new monument honoring women’s suffrage is seeking ideas from the general public for its design.
Dedicated Teachers in NYC Spark Love of Reading In Bronx Bodegas
The familiar convenience stores in New York City are carrying free books along with their chips and candy.
The Klamath River Dam Removal: How the Yurok Tribe Won a Historic Environmental Victory
After decades of advocacy, the Yurok Tribe secured the largest dam removal project in U.S. history — restoring salmon to the Klamath River and reshaping a devastated ecosystem.
These 6 Women Just Won the ‘Green Nobel Prize’
This year’s winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize are all women, and they’re tackling climate change through research efforts, activism, policy proposals and more.
What It’s Like to Go Through Perimenopause and Menopause in Prison
Limited information and a lack of informed health care providers make this life transition even more difficult for incarcerated people.
Women’s Sports Are About to Hit $3 Billion — Here’s What’s Driving It
Global revenues in women’s elite sports (think basketball and soccer) are expected to hit a milestone this year after raking in $2.4 billion in 2025, a new report says.