Valerie Richardson
Articles by Valerie Richardson
Dakota Access protesters set 20 fires during evacuation, two children burned
Two children were burned, one of them severely, at the Dakota Access camp evacuation Wednesday after remaining activists set fire to about 20 shelters and a vehicle in what was described as a departure ceremony. Published February 22, 2017
Town halls of Republicans interrupted by ambush attacks by left
Ornery and outspoken, Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert isn't the type to shy away from a political scuffle. But like many Republicans, he's decided to stop holding in-person town halls for now -- thanks to the left-wing protest machine. Published February 22, 2017
Dakota Access: North Dakota offers protesters free rides home, food as evacuation deadline looms
Short of packing the protesters' bags, North Dakota is doing everything it can to convince the remaining Dakota Access oil pipeline activists to meet Wednesday's evacuation deadline with free bus tickets, food, hotel rooms and taxi rides. Published February 22, 2017
Standing Rock casino hopes to win back gamblers scared off by protests
At this point, the Standing Rock Sioux could use fewer Dakota Access pipeline protesters in the camps and more high-rollers at the reservation casino. Published February 21, 2017
Californians jeer state’s decision to extend drought restrictions
California's decision to extend drought restrictions despite historic rain and snow has met with splashback from some waterlogged residents. Published February 19, 2017
Veterans from post-9/11 seek new purpose by joining left-wing protest movements
The ground troops populating the latest left-wing protest movements? Some of them are actually former ground troops. Published February 16, 2017
Joe Salazar-Dave Williams: Colorado Dem lawmaker calls Republican ‘half-Latino’
A Colorado Democratic legislator has ignited a debate over identity politics by referring to a Republican lawmaker as "half-Latino." Published February 16, 2017
Doug Burgum, North Dakota governor, orders emergency evacuation of pipeline protest camp
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued late Wednesday an emergency evacuation order for Dakota Access protesters still located in the floodplain, citing the threat of "injury or death" and "ecological disaster" from the rapidly melting snowpack. Published February 15, 2017
Dakota Access pipeline executive compares lawless protesters to terrorists
A Dakota Access pipeline executive lashed out Wednesday at protesters who have wreaked havoc for months in their campaign to halt the project, comparing those who shut down pipeline operations to terrorists. Published February 15, 2017
Oroville Dam disaster declaration approved by Donald Trump
President Trump approved Tuesday disaster relief for California, putting an end to speculation that the bad blood between the White House and Gov. Jerry Brown would jeopardize the state's plea for emergency aid. Published February 14, 2017
Feds join Dakota Access protest camp cleanup in race to avoid ‘environmental disaster’
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced Tuesday the federal government is moving in to accelerate the cleanup at the Dakota Access protest camp before the snowmelt turns the area into an "environmental disaster." Published February 14, 2017
Dakota Access ‘water protectors’ endanger rivers by leaving behind 200 vehicles in floodplain
There's an imminent environmental threat to water quality in southern North Dakota from oil leaks, but not from the Dakota Access pipeline. Published February 14, 2017
Oroville Dam flood danger recedes; state criticized for spending on rail, illegals
The flood danger from the Oroville Dam receded Monday, but California was hit by a wave of criticism for failing to heed warnings about risks to the spillway at a time when the state spent generously on illegal immigrants and high-speed rail. Published February 13, 2017
Tribes lose bid to block Dakota Access pipeline as project nears finish line
A federal judge denied Monday a request by American Indian tribes to block construction of the Dakota Access pipeline's final leg, dealing a major setback to opponents as the project nears completion after months of delays. Published February 13, 2017
Paris Jackson, Katy Perry uses Grammys to blast Trump, Dakota Access pipeline
Paris Jackson mixed politics with music Sunday at the 59th Grammy Awards when she gave a shout-out to the Dakota Access pipeline protesters. Published February 12, 2017
Bill de Blasio: New York City interested in cutting ties to Dakota Access banks
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says he would consider divesting from banks that lend to the Dakota Access pipeline, following in the footsteps of last week's decision by the Seattle City Council to cut its financial ties to Wells Fargo. Published February 12, 2017
Proposed coffee tax delivers rude awakening to highly caffeinated Oregonians
A Democrat-sponsored bill in Oregon that would tax coffee has jolted caffeine lovers in the famously java-friendly Pacific Northwest. Published February 10, 2017
Five Dakota Access pipeline activists indicted on federal charges in torching of bridge
Five Dakota Access pipeline activists have been indicted on federal charges, accused of setting fire to a bridge in order to stop authorities from reaching a protest camp illegally built on private property. Published February 9, 2017
Dakota Access pipeline company to finish, start moving oil by July
Energy Transfer Partners announced Wednesday that it has received an easement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing the Dallas-based company to finish the Dakota Access pipeline after months of protest-driven delay and begin moving crude oil by July. Published February 8, 2017
Anti-Trump business boycotts create confusion for consumers, hurt chance of success
At this rate, you may need to churn your own butter, brew your own beer and cobble your own shoes to avoid violating the boycotts organized by opponents of President Trump. Published February 8, 2017
