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Supreme Court Lets Stand $240m vs. Massey
2008-05-23 16:56:00
The state Supreme Court has unanimously refused Massey Energy Co.'s petition seeking to appeal a $240 million judgment won against it by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. in a contract dispute, The Associated Press reports."Richmond, Va.-based Massey said Friday it plans to continue challenging the verdict won by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in a contract dispute," the AP article said. Massey's statement is here."Retired Circuit Court Judge Frank Jolliffe participated in place of Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard, who disqualified himself after photos surfaced showing him vacationing with Massey chief Don Blankenship," writes AP Business Writer Tim Huber.
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Home Rule
2008-05-23 14:51:00
West Virginia has one of the most centralized governments in the country. That's why Bridgeport, Charleston, Huntington and Wheeling jumped at the chance to join a five-year "home rule" pilot project.As The Associated Press reports, "Bridgeport can now participate in public school projects, increase some licensing fees and issue its own tax increment financing. Huntington can impose an occupational tax and Charleston, a health-care provider tax, among other things. Those two cities and Wheeling also were given greater flexibility to address dilapidated property."Public Broadcasting also highlights (with audio) the experiment granting these cities modest additional powers.Further details about their communities' approach to home rule come from the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, The Intelligencer of Wheeling and The Charleston Gazette.
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Gov's Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing
2008-05-23 14:43:00
A warning light on his console prompted Gov. Joe Manchin's pilot to cut short a scheduled Thursday flight to Raleigh County, The Associated Press reports."Manchin spokeswoman Lara Ramsburg says the helicopter landed safely at 10:30 a.m. at Sharon Dawes Elementary School in eastern Kanawha County," AP's article said. "Manchin then was taken by car to his speaking engagements."WCHS-TV was the first with the story, and has video.
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Obesity in W.Va.
2008-05-23 14:39:00
While the number of overweight West Virginia 5th graders has grown this year, it's partly because the ranks in the heavier and more serious category of obese declined in that age group, The Associated Press reports.?It?s at least a move in the right direction,? Dr. William Neal, director of the CARDIAC Project, told AP health writer Tom Breen."The numbers are a rare glimmer of hope in the third-fattest state in the country, but isolating which factors are contributing to the drop in obesity may not be easy," Breen writes.
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Election 2008: President
2008-05-22 14:38:00
The Associated Press finds that "Hillary Clinton recaptured the month-to-month fundraising lead and Barack Obama's contributions slumped sharply among West Virginians before she trounced him in the state's presidential primary."The Charleston Daily Mail, meanwhile, reports on last week's appearance by capital city Mayor Danny Jones on a Los Angeles-based radio show "to defend West Virginia from negative depictions that came out of Hillary Clinton's defeat of Barack Obama."
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DaughterGate Update
2008-05-22 14:32:00
The Charleston Gazette picks up on lingering resentment over the role played in the West Virginia University degree scandal by two now-former faculty administrators."WVU Provost Gerald Lang and Stephen Sears, dean of the College of Business and Economics, resigned last month after an investigation found them most at fault for the award of an unearned master's degree to Heather Bresch, Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter.""There's some strong sentiment that their stepping down into these cushy teaching positions [where salaries are] considerably higher than what most people make is no punishment at all," English professor Mark Brazaitis told The Gazette. "It is a slap on the wrist."Public Broadcasting revisits the false information given to the press when questions first arose regarding Bresch's degree."The official response from WVU was that Bresch did earn the degree and the records discrepancy was related to an unpaid $50 graduation fee," the report said. "As we all know now, this sta...
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They Voted For You: Farm Bill (Updated)
2008-05-22 14:13:00
U.S. Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, all helped the House override President Bush's veto of the recent farm bill."The legislation includes election-year subsidies for farmers and food stamps for the poor, spending that lawmakers could promote when they are back in their districts over the Memorial Day weekend," The Associated Press reports.The 316-108 vote overcoming the president's objection came just hours after his veto message.Bush concluded the bill was "too expensive and gave too much money to wealthy farmers when farm incomes are high," the AP article said. "With Bush at record lows in the polls in the waning months of his term, it was fellow Republicans who joined with majority Democrat in rejecting the veto. GOP lawmakers are anxious about their own prospects less than six months from the Election Day."The Senate is expected to follow suit, AP said.Update: The House will have to pass a new bill, weather a second veto and tr...
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Wood County House Race Tied
2008-05-21 14:45:00
Wood County 's canvass of the Democratic primary has resulted in a tie between Iris McCrady and Tim Fittro for the third slot in its 10th House District, The Parkersburg News reports.McCrady was head by just three votes before the canvass. "Of the 190 (ballots) added in following the canvass, 183 were overruled provisional ballots and seven were absentee, which were received by the start of the canvass and so are eligible to be counted,? Wood County Clerk Jamie Six told the newspaper.While the provisional ballots have been resolved, "the hand count is expected to continue into Wednesday," the article noted. "The board cannot declare canvass results until that hand count is completed. McCrady picked up 24 additional votes and Fittro gained 27 after the canvass count."Either candidate can request a recount once the hand count is complete. "If neither candidate asks for a recount, the board certifies the results and the tie would go to the Democratic executive committee for a decision,...
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Lawmakers Get Turnpike Update
2008-05-21 14:29:00
The Associated Press reports that "while cost-cutting and downsizing have freed up money, the agency that runs the West Virginia Turnpike still has barely more than one-third of what it needs for road improvements."The audit presented to legislators during their interim meetings also found that the agency "has streamlined costs by eliminating perks such as free health insurance and annual 'recognition award' bonuses for its employees," The Charleston Gazette reports.The Register-Herald of Beckley also details the report's findings.
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EPA Targets Mollohan Group
2008-05-21 14:15:00
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General "has questioned nearly half of the $6.7 million the Canaan Valley Institute spent from five federal grants over the last four years," The Charleston Gazette reports.The institute is one of several championed by Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, whose federal earmarks for such efforts have come under scrutiny in recent years."Inspector General auditors found that the institute reported costs for services outside the scope of one agreement, did not comply with contract terms, and improperly used EPA funds to match another federal program," the article said.Mollohan issued a statement through a spokesman to the The Gazette. "It is my understanding that this process is ongoing, and it is up to CVI and EPA to resolve their differences over these matters," it said.
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Health Care in The Mountain State
2008-05-20 14:18:00
Legislative leaders have enlisted a Emory University health policy professor to help them draft a "'road map? within a year that they hope will provide basic coverage to all West Virginians," The Associated Press reports."To design the plan, they?re creating four working groups with members ranging from doctors to labor union officials," AP's Tom Breen explains. "The groups will tackle the costs associated with treating chronic health problems like diabetes or heart disease, wellness and prevention, cost cutting and technology."As for the current terrain, "state and federal plans like Medicaid and Medicare already provide health insurance coverage for roughly half of West Virginia?s 1.8 million residents, with roughly 700,000 covered by private plans and the rest without insurance," the AP article said.Lawmakers also promised that this approach "won?t result in the creation of a new agency or major program, or require the expenditure of huge sums," Breen reported.The Charleston Ga...
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DaughterGate Update
2008-05-20 14:04:00
Several students and faculty refused to shake the hand of President Mike Garrison at West Virginia University's weekend commencement ceremonies, according to reports by The Associated Press, MetroNews, The Charleston Gazette and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.The Charleston Daily Mail reports that Walker Machinery Co. President Steve Walker has resigned from WVU's College of Business and Economics' advisory board "because of the master's degree scandal involving the governor's daughter."The Intelligencer of Wheeling interviewed Garrison, offering both a story and the complete Q-and-A.Update : AP reports that WVU's Board of Governors "is holding an emergency meeting to discuss personnel issues" Monday afternoon. An agenda, such as it is, is here.Update II: The board met for three-plus hours in executive session before deciding "they likely won?t take any action against embattled President Mike Garrison until next month,"AP reports. "Garrison is due to present a corrective action pl...

Byrd Endorses Obama
2008-05-19 20:01:00
"Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support," West Virginia's senior senator said in a Monday statement.Reports from The Associated Press, The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews, the Charleston Daily Mail and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington.

Election 2008: President
2008-05-19 14:48:00
The Associated Press previews Friday's slated visit by presumptive GOP nominee John McCain to a St. Albans gun and archery store. WOWK-TV also has a setup, with video.Update: AP, The Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail all offer coverage. WSAZ-TV has coverage and raw video of the visit, and The Journal of Martinsburg spoke to some of its local participants.Public Broadcasting, meanwhile, sifts through the result of the Democrats' presidential primary."Barack Obama suffered his biggest defeat yet in West Virginia?s primary election Tuesday, and the state?s image is taking a hit," the report said. "The Democratic primary shined a spotlight onto West Virginia -- and what it revealed about race and religious prejudice in West Virginia isn?t pretty."With audio. Update: Public Broadcasting also spoke to the state's Democratic and Republican Party chairmen about the role of race and religion in the primary.The piece also touches on The Daily Show's take on the West Virgini...
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Election 2008: Legislature
2008-05-19 14:44:00
The Associated Press looks at the primary election defeats of six incumbent House Democrats, including some in leadership, and sets the stage for November.MetroNews talks to Mike Ross, one of several former lawmakers seeking to rejoin the Legislature this year. The Randolph County Democrat is heading toward a rematch with Sen. Clark Barnes, the Republican who beat him in 2004. With audio.
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They Voted For You: Iraq Funding
2008-05-16 15:00:00
U.S. Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, voted for a $163 billion measure that contains the Bush Administration's Iraq war funding request and other spending provisions.But the effort failed, 141-149. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd, voted against the legislation, while "132 Republicans sat out the vote in protest," The Associated Press reports."The practical effect of the GOP protest is likely to be minimal," the article said. "While it kills the war funding component of the bill for now, the Senate is sure to revive it next week."
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They Voted For You: Strategic Petroleum Reserve
2008-05-16 14:40:00
Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller contributed to the 97-1 passage of an amendment that aims "to increase the supply and lower the cost of petroleum by temporarily suspending the acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve ."The U.S. House also passed the measure 385-25, with the help of Reps. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, did not vote.The Associated Press offers some details.

Teacher Pensions Prompt Lawsuit
2008-05-16 14:32:00
While the state await results from the potential exodus from its 401(k)-style retirement plan for educators, a lawsuit seeking class-action status targets the program's handling.As The Associated Press reports, the lawsuit alleges that members of the Teacher s' Defined Contribution plan "were steered toward an investment that performed only slightly better than some savings accounts, and that some of them had wrongly been lured away from a traditional pension."The case focuses on an investment option offered to TDC enrollees by VALIC."VALIC engaged in a systematic scheme of hiring agents, with whom the teachers, school service personnel and professional staff were familiar,'' AP quotes the plaintiffs' lawyers as saying. "We believe many of the representations made by these VALIC agents were not factually based and were clearly fraudulent in character.''The Charleston Gazette and MetroNews also report on the lawsuit, with the latter offering audio from one of the suing lawyers.
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They Voted For You: Farm Bill
2008-05-16 14:25:00
U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-W.Va., helped pass the Food and Energy Security Act on an 81-15 vote.The $290 billion farm bill "will increase food aid for the needy as well as subsidies for farmers enjoying record high incomes," The Associated Press reports."Rising food costs put political pressure on lawmakers to boost money for food stamps and other nutrition programs," the article said. "The bill's fate appeared bleak until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi intervened and forced farm-state negotiators to divert money from farm subsidies to food programs."The state's House delegation, Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, had all helped pass the measure in that chamber Wednesday, 318-106.President Bush has threatened to veto the measure, but AP notes it garnered enough support for an override in both the House and Senate.
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Election 2008: Supreme Court
2008-05-16 13:55:00
The Associated Press examines the role Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship played in Tuesday's defeat of his longtime friend, Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard."I don't think that helped Justice Maynard a bit, to be associated with Don Blankenship, even if Don Blankenship was not actively involved in his campaign," state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey told AP.In Maynard's (and Blankenship's) native Mingo County, the Williamson Daily News reports that Maynard captured the top spot in that county -- but no other.The State Journal also focuses on the MonacoGate factor, while questioning as well whether "a bigger reason for Maynard's defeat is that West Virginia does not have a solid pro-business voting block within the Democratic Party."MetroNews, meanwhile, talked to primary winner Menis Ketchum, who "believes outside groups will attack him in the months leading up to the November General Election .""If attacked, I'll do just like this time," he told MetroNe...
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Primay Turnout
2008-05-15 14:53:00
The Associated Press reports that about 40 percent of West Virginia's registered voters turned out for the May 13 primary, citing unofficial figures from the secretary of state.Those focusing on local turnout include the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and The Journal of Martinsburg.Others looking to the upcoming canvassing of votes include The Times West Virginian of Fairmont and The Parkersburg News.

Election 2008: Governor
2008-05-15 14:33:00
The Charleston Gazette attempts to analyze Gov. Joe Manchin's primary win over freshman lawmaker Mel Kessler with 75 percent of the vote.The Register-Herald of Beckley reports that former local state senator Russ Weeks, the GOP nominee, "is insisting on a series of seven regional debates."The Beckley paper also reports that the Democrat Kessler, like Weeks a Raleigh Countian, has endorsed the Republican, "even offering to let him have his car to meet voters"
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DaughterGate Update
2008-05-15 14:26:00
The resolution may be nonbinding, but 565 members of West Virginia University's faculty voted Wednesday to demand that "embattled President Mike Garrison quit over a master's degree scandal involving the governor's daughter," The Associated Press reports.Just 39 faculty members opposed the measure while 11 abstained in "the second call for his resignation in 10 days," the article said."Professors hope the latest no-confidence vote on Garrison's leadership will be harder to ignore because more faculty members were involved," AP's Vicki Smith reported. " Garrison acknowledged the vote in a prepared statement, but reiterated he plans to stay in the job."The Charleston Gazette also has a story. So does the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which also offers video.MetroNews has a report and audio, while Talkline Host Hoppy Kercheval opines that the vote has effectively ended Garrison's presidency.The Daily Athenaeum has coverage as well. Public Broadcasting has an audio report.
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Election 2008: President
2008-05-15 14:18:00
Those crunching the numbers to add West Virginia delegates to Clinton and Obama's tallies include The Charleston Gazette."Clinton's landslide victory Tuesday in West Virginia gave her 20 committed delegates to the Democratic National Convention, but did not prompt any more of the state's superdelegates to declare they'll vote for her," the Gazette reported.The remaining eight would go to Obama.The Register-Herald of Beckley focuses on the state's remaining uncommitted superdelegates, finding that "neither Gov. Joe Manchin nor Sen. Robert C. Byrd...would say how they intend to vote once Democrats gather to choose a presidential nominee."MetroNews spoke to superdelegates Nick Casey (audio) and Alice Germond (audio)As for the presumptive GOP nominee, The Gazette reports that "Sen. John McCain plans a visit to the Charleston area Friday, but it is apparently a private event and McCain officials said Wednesday they could not release the senator's itinerary.""However, an employee of...
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How W.Va. Voted
2008-05-14 17:25:00
The Associated Press offers an overview of the statewide and legislative races.AP also weighs the Obama factor in the primary win for U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.Those reporting on Clinton's win over Obama include AP, CNN, Politico, MetroNews, Public Broadcasting and The Charleston Gazette.Update: The Lehrer News Hour analyzes Clinton's romp, while also hearing from West Virginia's Robert Rupp othat "Obama didn?t necessarily need to give his pre-emptive Mountain State concession speech. The New York Times also has a story.Congressional race coverage comes from CQ Politics, Public Broadcasting, MetroNews, The Gazette and The Charleston Daily Mail.Those focusing on the state Supreme Court race and the primary defeat of Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard include Public Broadcasting, the Daily Mail, The Gazette, MetroNews and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington (updated).Update: In other election news, the Herald-Dispatch reports on Huntington Mayor Dave Felinton's tight w...

W.Va. Primary Election
2008-05-13 15:04:00
As West Virginians head to the polls, The Associated Press reports that 76,519 voters have already cast early or absentee ballots - the second-highest number after the 2004 general election.AP also offers overviews of the federal and state races.Those expected to post statewide returns include:Secretary of State Betty IrelandMetroNewsThose posting local results include:Kanawha CountyMarion CountyMonongalia County
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Clinton, Obama Wind Down W.Va. Push
2008-05-12 19:50:00
The Associated Press talked to Obama supporters attending his Monday rally at the Charleston Civic Center.Others with coverage of Obama include MetroNews.MetroNews' Talkline snagged an interview with Hillary Clinton (audio here), with Obama slated to speak to host Hoppy Kercheval later in the day.The Charleston Daily Mail reports that "Polls have shown Sen. Hillary Clinton stomping rival Barack Obama by 40-plus points in West Virginia, yet the former first lady isn't taking Tuesday's primary here lightly."AP also reports that a string of VIPs have chimed in for Obama: Charleston native Jennifer Garner "was featured in automated calls urging voters across the state to support the Illinois senator for president; film star Kal Penn was stumping for him in Fairmont and Morgantown; and his supporters also include "former Mountaineer quarterback Major Harris and current quarterback Pat White."
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Election 2008: Legislature
2008-05-12 19:37:00
The Associated Press finds that "general election isn't for nearly six months, but dozens of West Virginia legislative candidates can relax after Tuesday.""That's because nearly half the races for the House of Delegates won't have major party opposition, along with about a third of Senate races," the article continues, citing records from the secretary of state's office.AP also reports on legislative candidate spending in advance of the primary: about $1.6 million spent after $3.2 million was contributed or loaned to House and Senate campaigns.The top Senate spender: Mike Ross, who "had plowed more than $97,654 into his effort... Unopposed in his party's primary, the Randolph County Democrat seeks a rematch with Republican Sen. Clark Barnes, who unseated him in 2004."As for the House races, "Sally Susman tops the list...at $72,563 as she and nine other Democrats compete for five seats in the 27th District. The veteran Raleigh County politico had left the House in 2006 for an un...
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Suffolk: Clinton 60%, Obama 24% in W.Va.
2008-05-12 18:56:00
Suffolk University polled 600 likely Democratic Primary voters over the weekend.Asking voters to predict the next president, the survey found:31% Clinton 27% Obama 26% McCainMore than two-thirds, or 67%, said that Clinton should not get out of the race "regardless of what happens on Tuesday," while 24% said she should exit.An even larger margin, 72%, said that Clinton is not hurting the Democratic Party by running in the remaining parties, versus 20 percent who said she was.Just over half, 51%, believed that Obama could beat McCain in November. Another 29% thought he could not. The remaining 20% were undecided.Also, 23% said they would vote for McCain if their candidate did not win the nomination. Another 6% said they would vote for Ralph Nader.Other highlights: 4% said they would vote for John EdwardsObama favorable/unfavorable - 44%/41%Clinton favorable/unfavorable - 70%/21%Top isse - the economy, at 56%, followed by Iraq war (21%) and health care (9%)41% favored making President Bu...

Primary Election Eve in W.Va.
2008-05-12 14:05:00
The Associated Press' Tom Breen previews the Obama-Clinton matchup in West Virginia, and the role former President Bill Clinton has played, heading into Tuesday.AP also covered Hillary Clinton's Mother's Day stops in West Virginia, as did the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and Public Broadcasting (with audio).Obama is set to return to the Mountain State with a Monday appearance in Charleston, while Clinton hits southern counties. Those with reports include AP, MetroNews and The Gazette. Charleston's morning paper also sets the state separately for Obama's stop.AP also profiles the three Democrats seeking their party's nod to challenge U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd.The Register-Herald focuses on Delegate Mel Kessler, D-Raleigh, Gov. Joe Manchin's opponent in that party's gubernatorial primary.The Beckley newspaper also offers a rundown of where top Democrats fall along the Obama-Clinton divide.MetroNews highlights the two Republicans ...
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