LEAH WILLINGHAM

A miner gathers his thought before taking part in a rescue mission, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, in Tallmansville, W.Va. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, Pool, File)
Things to know about the US Mine Safety and Health Administration and the coal industry
The federal government wants the number of offices that oversee U.S. mine safety laws to align more with a shrinking coal industry. Nearly three dozen offices in the U.S.
 
Retired coal miner Stanley "Goose" Stewart holds a helmet he wore inside the Upper Big Branch mine when it blew up on April 5, 2010, killing 29 men, as he stands for a portrait at his home in Orgas, W.Va., on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (AP Photo/John Raby)
Voices from coal country say closures of MSHA offices will endanger mine safety
Stanley “Goose” Stewart, who survived the Upper Big Branch coal mine disaster that killed 29 workers 15 years ago Saturday, calls a recommendation by the Trump administration to close three dozen offices of the Mine Safety and Health Administration across the country “idiotic.”
 
In this photo from July 29, 2015, a GNT employee deposits carrot extract on to a spoon at their offices in Tarrytown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
States move to ban or restrict use of synthetic dyes used in candies and cereal
Synthetic dyes used to make brightly colored cereals, drinks and candies are coming under scrutiny in states across the country. Lawmakers say the federal government has stalled in taking action despite evidence of harmful effects.
 
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey speaks during a news conference at the State Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, file)
One state jumps into the fray over vaccine exemptions
One of Republican Patrick Morrisey’s first moves as West Virginia governor was to issue an executive order allowing families to apply for religious exemptions to mandated childhood vaccinations. The next step was to codify that exemption into law.
 
A sign outside the U.S. Social Security Administration advertises its online services in downtown Welch, W.Va., Thursday, March 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
New Social Security requirements pose barriers to rural communities without internet, transportation
New requirements that Social Security recipients go online or in person to a field office to access key benefits, instead of just making a phone call, will pose challenges for many people.
 
This U.S. Army image provided by the U.S. Dept. of Defense shows Medal of Honor winner US Army Major General Charles Calvin Rogers. (U.S. Army via AP)
Pentagon restores a few webpages honoring servicemembers but still defends DEI purge
The Pentagon says internet pages honoring a Black Medal of Honor winner and Japanese American service members were mistakenly taken down.
 
Tommy McCarthy and his wife Louise Costello, owners of the Burren Pub, play an Irish tune, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Somerville, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day may be known for a boozy good time, but more are opting to forgo the buzz
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day has long been known for a boozy good time. But a growing number of people have found ways to participate in the parades, festivals and banquets without a buzz.
 
Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Maryclaire Akers questions West Virginia Department of Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer ( during a hearing, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Charleston, W.Va. (Chris Dorst/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP)
A West Virginia judge orders monitor for foster kids in hotels as another dismisses a federal suit
A West Virginia judge ordered that a monitor be put in place to oversee state child protective services placements in hotels and camps after a 12-year-old boy in state care attempted suicide in a hotel room.
 
This photo provided by the West Virginia Legislature shows Republican Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, chair of the West Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, holding a map of the U.S. on the Senate floor depicting the states, including West Virginia, that do not allow religious or philosophical exemptions for required school vaccinations, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 in Charleston, West Virginia. (Will Price/West Virginia Legislature via AP)
West Virginia Senate OKs bill allowing for religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions
West Virginia senators have voted to dismantle one of the nation’s strictest school vaccination policies.
 
Ireland Daugherty stands in front of future housing for Libera in Morgantown, W.Va., Thursday, Feb., 6 2025. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)
Federal funding freeze disrupts rural organizations supporting foster youth, job growth
Nonprofit organizations across the country were plunged into uncertainty after the White House froze spending on federal loans and grants two weeks ago.
 
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, center, greets guests entering the House of Delegates chamber for his State of the State address at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
Jim Justice says he turned West Virginia’s budget from cow dung to gold. Gov. Morrisey disagrees
When he ended his term as governor to head to the U.S. Senate, Jim Justice assured West Virginians he was leaving the state in glowing financial condition. New Gov.
 
West Virginia's Capitol dome is shown Friday, Oct.1 4, 2005, in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner, File)
Head of West Virginia gun lobby appointed to replace lawmaker-elect arrested for making threats
The president of West Virginia’s largest gun-lobbying group has been appointed to fill the seat of a lawmaker-elect who was ousted while confined to his house on charges related to terroristic threats against his colleagues. Republican Gov.
 
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey speaks about executive orders he issued on his first day as governor at a news conference at the State Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, January 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
West Virginia governor axes DEI and enacts vaccine exemptions on first full day in office
Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey has issued a slew of aggressive executive orders on his first day as West Virginia’s chief executive. One order creates a process for families to apply for religious exemptions to required school vaccinations.
 
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and his wife, Denise, greet people following his swearing-in at the state capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson)
West Virginia’s conservative shift could sharpen under its new governor
Former West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a number of socially conservative laws during his two terms in office. But he rarely pushed for them. The Democrat-turned-Republican, now heading to the U.S.
 
West Virginia's Capitol dome is shown on Oct. 14, 2005, in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner, File)
West Virginia lawmakers oust delegate-elect on house arrest who made terroristic threats
A West Virginia lawmaker who was charged with making terroristic threats wasn’t permitted to take the oath of office required to serve in the Legislature. He couldn’t — he’s serving home confinement.
 
Patient Lory Osborn (right) speaks with Dr. Laura Davisson, director of the Medical Weight Management at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)
West Virginia patients are left in limbo over changing insurance coverage of obesity medications
While West Virginia’s employee health insurance program covers drugs like Ozempic for people with type 2 diabetes, officials decided to indefinitely pause covering their use for weight loss patients because of the cost.
 
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, left, speaks about the inaugural meeting of the West Virginia First Foundation alongside foundation board chair Matt Harvey and vice chair Matt Christiansen, right, at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Nov. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File)
Diversion and youth prevention are a focus of West Virginia’s initial opioid settlement awards
Child advocacy centers, recovery housing and diversion programs in West Virginia will receive grants as part of the initial round of $10.4 million distributed by the nonprofit allocating opioid settlement funds.
 
Ben Phillips, left, and his wife Becca Phillips scrape mud out of their living room in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Marshall, N.C., Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Farmers, business owners, fire survivors face uncertainty after $100B in disaster relief flounders
American farmers, small business owners and wildfire survivors are among those who will suffer if Congress cannot agree on a new spending bill after President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan that included more than $100 billion in disaster aid.
 
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, left, speaks about the inaugural meeting of the West Virginia First Foundation alongside foundation board chair Matt Harvey and vice chair Matt Christiansen, right, at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Nov. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File)
West Virginia’s state health officer resigns but will continue opioid nonprofit work
West Virginia’s state health officer has resigned. The state health department said in a news release Monday that Dr. Matt Christiansen’s final day was Friday. It did not say who would be taking over his state position.
 
FILE West Virginia's Capitol dome is shown Friday, Oct.1 4, 2005, in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner, File)
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
A newly elected state lawmaker in West Virginia is facing at least one felony and is accused of making terroristic threats.
 
FILE - The West Virginia Capitol with its dome framed by turning sugar maples leaves is seen, Nov. 3, 2014, in Charleston, W.Va. (Tom Hindman/The Daily Mail via AP, File)
West Virginia expands education savings account program for military families
Moore, a Republican who was elected to the U.S. House representing West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District this month, said he is “thrilled” to offer greater “access and flexibility” for military families. The change takes effect immediately, he said.
 
FILE - West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey presents opening arguments during a trial on April 4, 2022, in Charleston, W.Va. (Kenny Kemp/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP, File)
West Virginia governor-elect Morrisey to be sworn in mid-January
West Virginia governor-elect Republican Patrick Morrisey will be sworn in Jan. 13. Morrisey, who has served as West Virginia’s attorney general since 2013, addressed the media on Tuesday for the first time since his Nov. 5 victory speech.
 
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice speaks, as his dog named "Babydog" and wife Kathy Justice listen at an election night watch party at the governor's mansion in Charleston, W.Va., on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice appoints wife Cathy to state education board after U.S. Senate win
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice appointed his wife to the state school board this week. First Lady Cathy Justice’s appointment to the state board of education came about a day after the Republican governor declared victory in the U.S.
 
FILE - The West Virginia Capitol with its dome framed by turning sugar maples leaves is seen, Nov. 3, 2014, in Charleston, W.Va. (Tom Hindman/The Daily Mail via AP, File)
GOP tightens its strong grip on the West Virginia Legislature, where women also lost seats
Republicans have tightened their hold on the West Virginia Legislature, notching election wins that will relegate Democrats to an even smaller fraction of the chamber’s 134 seats and giving themselves one of the country’s largest legislative supermajorities.
 
West Virginia voter, ACLU file lawsuit after Democrat state senate candidate left off ballot
A voter filed a lawsuit against a county in ruby-red West Virginia calling for a special election after just under 700 people cast erroneous ballots that omitted the name of a Democratic state senate candidate.
 
FILE - West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey speaks during a news conference at the state Capitol, Thursday, May 4, 2023 in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
Republican Morrisey wins West Virginia governor’s race
Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has won the West Virginia governor’s race. Morrisey beat Democratic Huntington Mayor Steve Williams to become just the third Republican elected to a first gubernatorial term in West Virginia since 1928.
 
FILE - Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams speak about an agreement between West Virginia counties and cities that dictates how settlement and judgment money from opioid litigation will be spent during a press conference held at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Leah M. Willingham, File)
One candidate for West Va. governor defends abortion bans. The other wanted abortion on the ballot
The closest West Virginia voters could come to having their say at the ballot box on whether abortion should be legal in the post-Roe v. Wade era might be in this year’s governor’s race.
 
FILE - The Greenbrier resort, established in 1778, is seen here in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Sept. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Debt paid on historic hotel owned by family of West Virginia governor, a US Senate candidate
The family of West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, says it has paid off debts to avoid the foreclosure of their iconic hotel, The Greenbrier.
 
FILE - A general view of the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston on May 4, 2023 in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, file)
West Virginia lawmakers OK bills on income tax cut and child care tax credit
Bills aimed to reduce West Virginians’ income tax burden are headed to the desk of Gov. Jim Justice. One would reduce the state personal income tax by 2%. Another would provide a tax credit to help families pay for child care.
 
FILE - A general view of the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston on May 4, 2023 in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, file)
West Virginia lawmakers delay taking up income tax cut and approve brain research funds
West Virginia lawmakers have speedily approved funding for the state veterans home during a special session called by Gov. Jim Justice.
 
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