Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
Transparent Health Group aids uninsured under Obamacare
Even under the best-case scenarios, Obamacare still leaves tens of millions of people uninsured. That's where Betty Heiman comes in. Published November 16, 2014
Anti-religion group gripes about lack of atheists buried at Normandy
There's just one problem with the revered Normandy military cemetery in France: Too many Christian and Jewish soldiers are buried there, and not enough atheists and agnostics. Published November 14, 2014
Fracking fluid ingredient also found in toothpaste and ice cream, study shows
A major class of fracking fluid is no more toxic than chemicals found in a typical household, according to a newly released University of Colorado study. Published November 13, 2014
TRAVEL CRUISE: ‘Love Boat’ crew launches new Princess Cruises ship
Before "The Love Boat" set sail on its 10-year TV voyage, taking a cruise vacation was a luxury reserved for the wealthy few. Even actor Gavin MacLeod admits he had never stayed aboard a cruise ship until he was cast as the captain in the hit ABC series. Published November 12, 2014
Gunnison sage grouse listed as threatened species by wildlife officials
Based on the furor that resulted when the news came down, there was little doubt why the Obama administration waited until after the midterm election to grant endangered species protection to the Gunnison sage grouse. Published November 12, 2014
Colorado Springs student sues high school for banning prayer group
A Colorado Springs student is suing his school district after he was ordered to stop gathering with friends informally during free time between classes to pray, sing and discuss religious topics. Published November 11, 2014
Colorado Republicans claim biggest legislative win
The Colorado state Senate was one of 11 state legislative houses captured last week by Republicans, padding the GOP's advantage at the statehouse level and giving the party its largest number of legislative seats since 1920. Published November 11, 2014
Go-to Democratic game plan failed badly in Colorado
The so-called "Bannock Street Project," the Democratic political blueprint for attracting young- single women and turning purple states blue, faces new questions after last week's stunning loss by incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in Colorado. Published November 11, 2014
Republican Buck wins Colo. House seat after losing Senate race
Colorado Republican Ken Buck is going to Washington, D.C., after all, just not as a member of the Senate. Published November 5, 2014
Ballot propositions score big as voters approve 70 percent of a smaller pool
It turns out 2014 was a good year to run a ballot proposition: More than two-thirds of the 146 state measures that went before voters Tuesday were approved, the best winning percentage of the 21st century. Published November 5, 2014
John Hickenlooper wins re-election in Colorado over Bob Beauprez
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper was declared the winner early Wednesday in his bid for reelection, one of the few bright spots for Democrats in a political year marked by a powerful Republican wave. Published November 5, 2014
Mia Love makes history by winning House seat in Utah
Utah's Mia Love made history Tuesday by becoming the first black Republican woman to win a seat in Congress, eking out a close victory over Democrat Doug Owens. Published November 5, 2014
Cory Gardner defeats Mark Udall in Colorado as GOP moves closer to Senate control
Republican Rep. Cory Gardner won a decisive victory in the hard-fought Colorado Senate contest Tuesday, defeating Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in a stunning turnaround in the blue-trending state. Published November 4, 2014
Judge tosses Colorado GOP lawsuit alleging sloppy, secretive vote-counting in Boulder
A Boulder County judge dismissed a complaint late Monday over vote-counting brought by Colorado Republicans, but they're still alarmed over what they see as the clerk's efforts to undermine election integrity in the Democratic stronghold. Published November 4, 2014
Ballot initiatives run gamut from marijuana to minimum wage
This may come as a surprise if you live in a state with the minimum wage, marijuana, genetically modified food labeling or election-rules measures on the ballot, but 2014 is actually a down year for state-ballot initiatives. Published November 3, 2014
Colorado Republicans hang on to 100,000-vote lead as Democrats make final push
Republicans maintained their 100,000-vote lead in Colorado over the weekend even as Democrats mobilize their ground troops for a strong last-minute surge. Published November 3, 2014
Americans believe politicos play ‘race card’ to snag votes
Voters of all races say most politicians play the "race card" to win elections rather than address actual race-related issues, according to a poll released Monday. Published November 3, 2014
Thousands rally on behalf of Houston pastors hit with subpoenas
Thousands showed their support Sunday the five Houston pastors who drew national attention for challenging the city's now-withdrawn effort to subpoena their sermons. Published November 3, 2014
Republican Ernst jumps out to 7-point lead in critical Iowa Senate race
Republican Joni Ernst surged to a 7-point lead in the Iowa Poll released Sunday, moving her outside the margin of error in the high-stakes Senate race against Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley. Published November 2, 2014
Campaign flier tells blacks in Alabama to vote or face the honoring of ‘klansmen’
Campaign materials aimed at getting out the black vote are featuring references to lynchings, Jim Crow-era signs, racial unrest — and, as of last weekend, the Ku Klux Klan. Published November 2, 2014