Valerie Richardson

GOP rivals agree states need freedom to craft policy

Three potential rivals for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination said Sunday the nation could learn from its GOP governors. Published February 23, 2014

Walker says newly released emails show nothing new or incriminating

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin dismissed Sunday as “old news” questions about whether he knew public employees were doing campaign work during his tenure as Milwaukee County executive. Published February 23, 2014

Rice: Russian involvement in Ukraine would be ‘grave mistake’

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a couple of blunt warnings from U.S. policymakers Sunday over his involvement in the protest-wracked Ukraine. Published February 23, 2014

Susan Rice: ‘Not 100 percent correct’ on Benghazi, but no regrets

National Security Adviser Susan Rice insisted Sunday she used "the best information we had at the time" when she described the deadly Benghazi attack as a spontaneous protest in 2012 — but Sen. John McCain wasn't buying it. Published February 23, 2014

Sen. Mark Udall feeling heat over ties to climate change billionaire

Not all Coloradans were impressed by Sen. Mark Udall's invitation to liberal billionaire Tom Steyer's exclusive Democratic Party fund-raiser. Published February 19, 2014

Secession movement in New York pushes for Big Apple to split from Upstate

A movement is afoot to split New York into two regions — upstate and downstate — to acknowledge the gaping philosophical differences and improve representation. Published February 17, 2014

Banks warned they risk prosecution if they follow Obama admin. guidance on marijuana

Banker, beware: Association says banks at risk for prosecution under Obama administration guidance on marijuana Published February 14, 2014

Montana’s John Walsh thrust into action on first day as senator

Montana Sen. John Walsh's first full day on the job came as a crash course on the perils of incumbency. Published February 12, 2014

Colorado Democrats stand ground on embattled state gun control laws

Colorado Democrats have shown no interest in reworking the gun control bills that led to last year's grass-roots revolt and historic recall elections, shooting down every Republican attempt so far to repeal or revise the measures. Published February 11, 2014

Colorado Democrats defeat attempt to undo limits on ammunition magazines

Colorado Democrats rejected Monday a chance for a do-over on last year's hotly debated gun-control bills, killing a Republican-sponsored measure to repeal the limit on ammunition-magazine capacity. Published February 10, 2014

Conservative court to consider doctor’s Obamacare challenge

Dr. Steven Hotze faces a grim choice as he grapples with rising insurance costs under Obamacare: Reduce the hours worked by the 97 employees at his Houston wellness center or jack up prices on his patients. Published February 10, 2014

Alaska primed to become third state to legalize retail marijuana

Alaska is poised to become the third state to legalize retail marijuana after pro-pot advocates this week cleared the signature hurdle to place an initiative on the August ballot. Published February 6, 2014

Endangered mighty mouse cripples Colorado flood-recovery efforts

As Coloradans try to rebuild after record floods devastated the state last year, some here are claiming a 9-inch, slug-eating mouse with an impressive vertical leap is standing in the way. Published February 6, 2014

10 states primed to expand Internet gambling opportunities in 2014

Lawmakers in at least 10 states are betting this year that their constituents want greater access to online gambling. Published February 5, 2014

‘Six Californias’ plan difficult but doable, assessment shows

Splitting California into six states would be complicated and time-consuming but not impossible, according to a state analysis. Published February 4, 2014

Justin Bieber’s arrest while stoned a bummer for legal marijuana smokers

If you're an advocate of legalized marijuana, this is not the kind of celebrity endorsement you're looking for. Published January 30, 2014

MSNBC fires tweeter after racially charged Cheerios gaffe

MSNBC has fired the person who posted a tweet calling conservatives racist after an uproar that included a biracial social-media blitz and a Republican National Committee ban on staff appearances on the left-wing television network. Published January 30, 2014