Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
North Dakota counters plunging oil prices with $1.1 billion infrastructure ‘surge’
No state among the lower 48 has been hit harder by the drop in oil prices than North Dakota, which is why Gov. Jack Dalrymple, a Republican, has taken a page from U.S. military tactics in Iraq and signed off last week on a $1.1 billion "surge" designed to buck up the state's infrastructure needs as it adjusts to changing times. Published March 1, 2015
Black pastors to Congressional Black Caucus: Skipping Netanyahu a ‘slap in the face’ to Israel
The message from a dozen prominent black pastors this week to the Congressional Black Caucus was loud and clear: Don't skip out on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyuhu's speech. Published February 27, 2015
Most Americans agree bakers, florists should be able to opt out of gay weddings: poll
An overwhelming majority of Americans support the right of business owners to "follow their beliefs about marriage," even as courts increasingly rule against bakers, florists and others who resist providing services for same-sex weddings. Published February 25, 2015
Benjamin Netanyahu backers hint at consequences for Democrats who boycott speech
Team Barack started strong, but Team Bibi is showing it knows how to finish, as supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pick up steam against those urging a boycott of his speech next week before Congress. Published February 23, 2015
Washington florist rejects state’s deal requiring her to cater to gay weddings or none at all
Washington Attorney General Bib Ferguson has offered florist Barronelle Stutzman a deal: She can cater to same-sex weddings or she can stop doing weddings altogether. Published February 22, 2015
Authorities: Explosion near NAACP office targeted accountant
The man arrested for planting a small bomb outside a Colorado Springs building said he was targeting a tax preparer, not the NAACP. Published February 20, 2015
Climate change activists dismiss fossil fuel divestment movement as waste of time, resources
Paul Hamill isn't what you'd call a climate denier. Far from it. But he's also not a fan of pressuring academic institutions to sell off their fossil fuel stocks. Published February 19, 2015
Colorado marijuana law faces RICO lawsuit
A Colorado hotel franchise and two property owners filed lawsuits Thursday to bring a halt to the state's legalization of recreational marijuana, citing violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Published February 19, 2015
Voters less likely to blame global warming for ‘extreme weather’ events: poll
The number of likely voters who blame global warming for extreme weather events such as blizzards and hurricanes is dropping as disagreement in the scientific community continues. Published February 19, 2015
Barronelle Stutzman, Christian florist who refused gay wedding, violated law, judge rules
A judge ruled Wednesday that a Washington state florist who refused to provide flowers for a same-sex marriage ceremony based on her Christian beliefs violated state consumer protection laws. Published February 18, 2015
Colorado Republicans blast Obama’s latest national monument as land grab
Not everyone was thrilled by President Obama's plan to designate another national monument in Colorado, this time a 21,000-acre area around the Arkansas River called Browns Canyon. Published February 18, 2015
Condoleezza Rice for Senate, California voters say
She's been out of public life for years, she's never run for office and she's a Republican, but Condoleezza Rice is now the first choice of California voters to replace Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2016. Published February 18, 2015
Michael Hancock, Denver mayor, supports police chief’s decision regarding memorial vandalism
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock put himself at odds with rank-and-file officers Monday by standing behind Police Chief Robert White, even as the drumbeat for his resignation intensified after protesters were allowed to throw red paint on a police memorial. Published February 17, 2015
Fossil fuel divestment movement struggles to build momentum on college campuses
Climate change activists spent Valentine's Day weekend wooing supporters for fossil fuel divestiture with their first-ever Global Divestment Day, but not everyone was feeling the love. Published February 16, 2015
Global Divestment Day’s push against fossil fuels meets with cold shoulder
Climate-change activists spent Valentine's Day weekend wooing support for fossil-fuel divestiture with their first-ever Global Divestment Day, but not everyone was feeling the love. Published February 16, 2015
Colo., N.M. lawmakers try to slam brakes on driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants
Lawmakers in Colorado and New Mexico are attempting to execute a U-turn on driver's licenses for illegal immigrants with bills to defund or revoke the programs. Published February 13, 2015
James Comey, FBI director: Don’t scapegoat all police when wider race problems exist
It's easy to blame police racism for the deaths of young black men at the hands of law enforcement, but that narrative is increasingly facing pushback from those who say it's not so simple. Published February 12, 2015
Sam Brownback cancels protected status for Kansas gay, transgender employees
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback rescinded Tuesday a 2007 executive order signed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius extending protected-class anti-discrimination status to gay and transgender state employees. Published February 10, 2015
Majority of Americans support lifting 40-year-old ban on oil exports: poll
Most Americans support lifting restrictions on oil exports to countries that are trade partners, saying that the change would have a positive effect on the U.S. economy. Published February 10, 2015
Vaccine exemption bills introduced amid measles outbreak, underscoring anti-vaxxers’ strength
State legislatures are dealing with a rash of legislation to tighten vaccination rules in reaction to the Disneyland measles outbreak, but not every bill is aimed at making sure children get their shots. Published February 9, 2015
