NEW PLANNED PARENTHOOD LEADER

Cecile Richards has been appointed as the new president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, reports the Associated Press. Ms. Richards, 48, most recently served as president of America Votes, a liberal coalition seeking to increase voter registration. She is the daughter of Ann Richards, the former governor of Texas, and a veteran political activist. Ms. Richards has also served as deputy chief of staff to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and founded the Texas Freedom Network to counter the influence of conservative groups in Texas. Ms. Richards replaces Karen Pearl, who was serving as interim president after Gloria Feldt resigned a year ago.