Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
California counties split on whether to pursue new state of Jefferson
California voters in two northern rural counties split the difference Tuesday on two ballot measures aimed at carving out a 51st state called Jefferson, but the half-loaf result hasn't discouraged the movement's organizers. Published June 4, 2014
In Idaho hometown, Bowe Bergdahl’s legacy in limbo
The initial euphoria in Idaho over Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's release is turning to alarm over reports that the long-held prisoner of war may have been a deserter. Published June 3, 2014
Labor unions mobilize as California counties weigh secession
Having once dismissed the movement, state labor unions and Democrats are scrambling to snuff the growing 51st state movement in Northern California, campaigning against two county measures that go before voters Tuesday. Published June 2, 2014
Media ‘hedging’ on climate change?
Global warming activists say that man-made climate change is "settled science" backed by almost all researchers, but a new Colorado study finds that rising doubts are creeping into the coverage of the issue in the press. Published June 2, 2014
Obama’s Energy Secretary Moniz: Oil boom boosted economy — but we’re focused on ‘global warming’
The booming oil industry has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise sluggish economy, but Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz says that the days of fossil fuel are numbered as the administration focuses on climate change. Published May 31, 2014
Unsettling: House panel hears debate on climate change science
Liberals have been piling on Rep. Lamar Smith and his fellow House Republicans for failing to hold more committee hearings on climate change, but Thursday's often-heated testimony probably wasn't what the movement had in mind. Published May 29, 2014
University appeals bias ruling for conservative prof
A North Carolina university that lost a seven-year legal battle against a conservative professor Mike Adams has decided to file an appeal, citing the “potentially excessive” cost of reimbursing him for attorneys’ fees. Published May 29, 2014
Native Hawaiians would be ‘Indians’ under Obama plan
The Obama administration is quietly moving again to bypass Congress on yet another policy issue, this time by enacting the much-disputed bill that would grant tribal sovereignty to Native Hawaiians. Published May 28, 2014
Bipartisan calls increase for Holder to investigate ‘level of criminality’ in VA scandal
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Illinois Republican, called on Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to investigate accusations that the VA submitted fake waiting list times in order to bolster its numbers while keeping secret lists of the actual wait times for patients. Published May 25, 2014
Tom Steyer’s targets fire back after green billionaire announces $100M campaign push
It didn't take long for San Francisco environmentalist-billionaire Tom Steyer to become a campaign issue after unveiling this week his hand-picked slate of seven Republican candidates he is vowing to defeat in November. Published May 22, 2014
New Mexico fence impasse deepens as county weighs sanctions against feds
New Mexico ranchers are plenty mad over the U.S. Forest Service's refusal to open a gate blocking their cattle from reaching water, but all sides say they are working hard to avoid an armed showdown reminiscent of Nevada's Bundy ranch skirmish any time soon. Published May 21, 2014
Wehby wins Ore. Republican Senate nod, blasts Democrats for ‘dirty tricks’
Dr. Monica Wehby accused Democrats of "dirty tricks" Tuesday after she captured the Oregon Republican Senate nomination, overcoming a last-minute bombshell over reports that she stalked and harassed a former boyfriend. Published May 21, 2014
Ad calls Democrat vows to fix Obamacare a new lie
Vulnerable Democratic senators in tight races are vowing to fix Obamacare, but a national ad campaign unveiled Tuesday by conservative groups calls those promises nothing more than lip service. Published May 20, 2014
Twenty states throw support behind lawsuit aimed at overturning Obamacare
Twenty states have signed onto a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act on the grounds that it violated the Origination Clause by starting in the Senate instead of the House. Published May 20, 2014
Stalking accusation shakes up Republican Senate race in Oregon
A last-minute bombshell over a stalking accusation is threatening to derail the candidacy of Monica Wehby, a Portland brain surgeon who is considered the front-runner in Oregon's Senate Republican primary Tuesday. Published May 18, 2014
‘Hump Day’ party with camel cancelled at Minnesota college over fear of offending Middle East
Students at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota cancelled a "Hump Day" party last week featuring a live camel following complaints that the event could be viewed as offensive to Middle Eastern cultures. Published May 16, 2014
Media watchdog seeks Obamacare contraception opt-out
The conservative Media Research Center has filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration seeking an exemption from Obamacare's contraception, sterilization and abortion-pill mandate. Published May 15, 2014
Colorado Dem faces flak for fracking fight
Rep. Jared Polis has become something of a persona non grata among top Colorado Democrats for funding an anti-fracking initiative, and now a Republican gay rights group has turned on him as well. Published May 13, 2014
Outrage over raise for Colorado health exchange CEO
Frustration with Colorado's shaky health care exchange erupted Monday after the program's board voted to award a five-figure bonus to the CEO even as members consider raising fees in order to keep up with costs. Published May 12, 2014
State officials slap feds: New Mexico board orders Forest Service fence opened
In what some are calling a replay of the Nevada standoff with rancher Cliven Bundy, a New Mexico county board agreed Monday to instruct the sheriff to remove the Forest Service gates blocking thirsty cattle from reaching water, setting up a clash with federal agents over state water rights and endangered species. Published May 12, 2014
