Quote of the Day (2nd Update)

"McCain was a fighter pilot, who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit... What happened when they [the missiles] get to the ground? He doesn't know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues."

-- U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., in an interview with The Charleston Gazette on his support for Barack Obama.

(Update: McCain's campaign has issued a response. Rockefeller's office told MetroNews' Talkline on Tuesday that the senator had also praised McCain's service during the interview, and that the remark meant to address the presumptive GOP nominee's approach to domestic issues. )

(Update II: Rockefeller tells The Associated Press that he's called McCain to apologize, saying "I made an inaccurate and wrong analogy, and I have extended my sincere apology to him.")

Deal Reported in Casino Strike

The Associated Press reports that "Union negotiators and executives at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort in Chester have reached a tentative deal on a new contract for 200 striking workers."

MetroNews also has details, with a union official saying the proposed three-year contract "addresses the concerns workers have about rising healthcare costs."

Election 2008: Campaign Finance

All state candidates faced a Friday deadline for filing the initial round of campaign finance reports for the May 13 primary.

The Associated Press offers details from the reports filed in the gubernatorial race, with incumbent Joe Manchin poised to repeat the utter dominance of the money race displayed in 2004.

AP also has highlights from the Supreme Court, secretary of state and attorney general's contests.

Here's a basic rundown:

(click to enlarge)

Charlton Heston in W.Va.

The weekend passing of Charlton Heston has The Register-Herald recalling the Hollywood legend's 2000 appearance in Beckley to urge West Virginia voters to elect George Bush over Al Gore:

Then president of the National Rifle Association, the venerable actor attracted such a large crowd that he was compelled to deliver a second address outside the arena after completing his first one.

“We love you, Moses,” one man shouted.

Hunting 101

Public Broadcasting delves into legislation signed into law last week that aims to increase the state's hunting ranks by offering classes in public schools.

"The bill’s passage on the last day of the legislative session made national headlines – including the front page of the New York Times," Public Broadcasting reports. "But that story missed that hunter safety training in schools isn’t a new phenomenon at all in West Virginia, and the new law doesn’t do much to expand the practice. "

With audio.

Capito Takes a Hit on Wall Street (Updated)

USA Today offers a teaser from a Roll Call (subscriber only) article that found "the personal portfolios of 51 representatives and senators may lose as much as $13.2 million in value thanks to the credit crisis that has cleaved the value of shares in banks and other financial institutions.

"Roll Call says Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, a West Virginia Republican who serves on the Financial Services Committee, may have lost the greatest amount of money, somewhere between $859,000 and $3.44 million," the blurb said.

Update: Roll Call says Capito is not one of the two lawmakers who "held stock in Bear Stearns, the Wall Street giant whose federally backed sale is now drawing scrutiny on Capitol Hill." It instead traces her potential hit to the 57 percent slide in Citigroup's stock:

She holds $1.5 million to $6.02 million worth of the stock — a result of the fact that her husband, Charlie Capito, has worked for the firm for 30 years, spokesman John Coffin said. Her holdings have lost at least $859,000 in value, or as much as $3.44 million.

Roll Call also notes that "As the ranking member on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, Capito has been on the front lines of the debate over how to respond to the housing crisis. But Coffin said no matter the degree of her loss, the lawmaker’s personal stake in the market does not impact her legislative work. He said that given her Citigroup holdings, she sought and received clearance from the House ethics committee before joining the committee in 2001. "

W.Va. Supreme Court on ABC

ABC News has posted video of its reporter's run-in with Massey Energy's Don Blankenship. It also offers a photo slide show for its "scandal" story.

Lawmakers Paid More Than Just Salary

Besides a $15,000-a-year salary, which will increase $5,000 starting next year, legislators can expect compensation for travel and lodging plus daily extra duty payments if they're leadership.

The Charleston Gazette reports that nonsalary pay in the House of Delegates has exceeded $1 million for the budget year ending June 30. The Gazette found that "12 delegates have been paid more in expense money year-to-date than their $15,000 legislative salaries. "

The Gazette reported earlier on legal precedent that may bolster the possible legal challenge by GOP gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks of retroactive increases to some of the per diem payments.

Election 2008 Shorts

• The Associated Press looks at efforts by Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard and his supporters to get his re-election campaign out from under the shadow cast by the now-infamous Monaco photos.

• The Charleston Gazette covered a weekend debate of the Democratic Supreme Court candidates (sans Maynard), hosted by the Young Democrats at their annual convention.

• Secretary of State Betty Ireland predicts healthy voter turnout May 13, particularly for the Democratic primary. "Ireland says the motivating factor for those voters will be the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination between Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton," MetroNews reports. With audio.

Gas Price Protest Expected to Crowd Capitol

Frustration over gas prices _ and the state tax components therein _ has boiled over into a grass-roots protest that could have hundreds of truckers converging on the West Virginia Capitol in their rigs Friday.

The Associated Press, MetroNews (with audio), the Charleston Daily Mail and The Charleston Gazette offer a preview. The latter spoke to 0rganizer Gary Davis, a Sutton-based handyman.

"We want fuel prices rolled back two [dollars] to two and a quarter," Davis told the newspaper. "We know that something can be done; it's a racket."

Organizers have dubbed the rolling protest the "Hillbilly Express." Once at the Capitol, the drivers hope to speak to Gov. Joe Manchin.

Belated Update: The protest didn't yield the numbers organizers had hoped for, but AP counted more than 60 trucks and rigs pull off Interstate 64/77. Once at the Capitol, the truckers and their supporters heard from a senior aide to Manchin and other state officials. Their message, that relief could only be reached at the federal level, did little for the protesters.

"Several said they face being forced to idle or even sell their rigs. A show of hands suggested most lack health coverage, with a number indicating they shed that benefit to cut costs," AP reported. "Amid talk of returning next week in larger numbers, some protesters called for a statewide hauling shutdown. Others spoke of rallying West Virginians to spearhead a national push to tackle the problem."

Manchin was absent, on an out-of-state trip. That only worsened the protesters' mood - until, as The Charleston Gazette reported, his staffers arranged a closed-door teleconference between the governor and protest leaders.

Besides pledging to relay their plea to President Bush, "Manchin also promised to form a coalition with other governors through the Democratic Governors Association to press for fuel-price support when the group meets on Tuesday," The Gazette reported.

"I will ask President Bush to release some of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help stabilize the current cost of fuel," Manchin said in a statement released after the protest. "But we also need to understand that this would be a short-term bandage; the key is that we've got to get the federal government to understand the urgency of this issue."

Public Broadcasting also has a story, with audio.

Ohio County Runs Afoul of Voter ID Rule

West Virginia does not require voters to provide identification at the polls unless they are newly registered, but as The Intelligencer of Wheeling reports, "poll workers in Ohio County are instructed to ask for identification if they do not recognize the voter."

"In addition, all those taking part in early voting at the courthouse always are asked to show a photo ID," the newspaper was told by county election officials.

That's news to Secretary of State Betty Ireland, who learned of the practice while speaking at West Liberty State College on Thursday, the article said.

"She was taken aback when someone in attendance — an Ohio County resident — said she already is asked to show identification at the polls and has been for the past seven years since she moved to the state," the newspaper reported.

The student was turned away at least once after forgetting her ID, Ireland was told. "Such is the reason Ireland said she opposes requiring voter identification in the state," the article continued. "The voter often won’t return if not permitted to vote, while many others — such as senior citizens, poorer residents and the handicapped — may not have a driver’s license."

Massey Repeats Supreme Court Victory in Harman Case

West Virginia's Supreme Court has again voted 3-2 to vacate the $76 million judgment reached against Massey Energy Co. in a Boone County case.

The majority opinion is here, while the dissent is here.

Background is here, here, here, here and here.

Update: The Associated Press has a report.

Update II: Others with coverage include The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The latter focuses on the losing side's pledge to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Quote of the Day

"If you're going to start taking pictures of me, you're liable to get shot."

-- Massey chief executive Don Blankenship to an ABC News camera crew, during a less than successful Tuesday interview attempt, as reported by The Associated Press.

Hechler Documentary to Debut

Marshall University will host the Saturday premiere of "Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice," which the Herald-Dispatch describes as "a two-hour documentary focusing on the life, career and legacy of the former West Virginia congressman and secretary of state."

The Associated Press also spoke to Hechler about the film, which involved more than 50 interviews and footage from the Truman Library and other archives. Those who contributed include Bob Dole, George McGovern, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Chuck Yeager.

The Huntington newspaper also offers a gallery of photos from throughout the life of Hechler, 93.

Free and open to the public, the documentary will be shown at 7 p.m. the Memorial Student Center's Don Morris Room. "Lionel Cartwright, the country singer-songwriter who produced its soundtrack, will also perform," AP notes.

ABC News Walks on the Fightin' Side of Blankenship

"Massey Energy Co. CEO Don Blankenship threatened to shoot an ABC News producer and physically attacked him when the newsman tried to interview the coal company executive in a parking lot near Blankenship's office," The Associated Press reports, quoting a network spokesman.

The Charleston Daily Mail also has a story about the alleged tussle "in the parking lot of the Massey Energy chief's Kentucky office."

"ABC is working on a story about Blankenship's relationship with state Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott 'Spike' Maynard," AP explains. "The two were photographed vacationing in Monaco in July 2006 while Massey had cases pending before the court."

Blankenship told the Daily Mail "he grabbed the reporter's shirt Tuesday but only after the reporter aggressively shoved a camera in his face and hit him in the chest with it."

As AP relates, Blankenship then says "the producer grabbed his arm and he grabbed the producer's chest to keep his balance. Blankenship said he slowly moved the producer toward his car and repeatedly asked him to leave."

"ABC plans to air footage next week that shows Blankenship telling the producer, 'If you're going to start taking pictures of me, you're liable to get shot,'" ABC spokesman Jeffrey Schneider told AP.

Blankenship then grabbed the camera, snapped off a microphone, put his hand's to the man's throat and tore his shirt collar, Schneider said.

"Blankenship said he doesn't remember saying the producer might be shot, though he doesn't dispute that comment," the AP article said.

Update: ABC News has a story and a 12-photo slide show.

Graham Speaks

Having beaten the resulting federal criminal charges, Bob Graham fielded questions Thursday on MetroNews' Talkline about his tenure at Wyoming County's Council on Aging.

Graham lashed out at federal prosecutors, the media and state Attorney General Darrell McGraw while defending the pay and perks he received while the agency's director.

"In March 2002, Graham signed a contract for a base salary of $185,000 with the Council on Aging," MetroNews explains. "That contract included 54 days of paid vacation time a year along with 24 days of paid sick leave, 18 state holidays and overtime. Graham's contract included a number of other bonuses like a company car."

Graham cited such other nonprofits as Charleston Area Medical Center and West Virginia University Hospitals to conclude that his compensation package was not excessive.

"I can say that it was justified by salary studies and based on the number of years and the growth in the companies," Graham told Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval.

Graham also said he is seeking the return of his seized retirement account, "valued $300,000 at one point," MetroNews reported.

MetroNews also offers audio from the interview.

Manchin Sounds Off on BrickStreet Jaunt

West Virginia created the BrickStreet Insurance Co. in 2005 to replace the state-run workers' compensation program. To aid its transition from public agency to private company, BrickStreet will remain free of competitors until July 1.

As that deadline approaches, the company held its annual gathering this week at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington. As the Charleston Daily Mail has reported, BrickStreet has declined to comment on that out-of-state choice.

But the Daily Mail found Gov. Joe Manchin not nearly so reluctant:

When told that BrickStreet officials refused to comment for the story, Manchin said, "Bull," wheeled around and asked Press Secretary Matt Turner to get BrickStreet President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Burton on the phone.

After a brief talk with Burton, Manchin told the newspaper that "I think it's wrong for a company born out of West Virginia, by West Virginians and for West Virginians to do this."

The Register-Herald also has a story on Manchin's reaction. The Beckley-area Glade Springs resort had hosted BrickStreet's two previous annual meetings.

Wesleyan Hosts Debate

The Republican candidates for state attorney general and the Democrats vying for the nod in the 2nd U.S. House District squared off separately at debates hosted Wednesday by West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The Associated Press offers details from the congressional candidates' remarks, while Public Broadcasting has both that and highlights from the AG debate.

Starcher Fighting Move to Block Massey Recusal Hearing

Justice Larry Starcher is hoping to keep his unprecedented April 10 hearing on a pending recusal motion targeting him from Massey Energy Co.

"In a Wednesday letter to his fellow justices, Starcher reminded them that Massey is suing the high court over its rules governing recusal requests," The Associated Press reports. "Starcher also noted that it was Massey chief executive Don Blankenship who was photographed with Chief Justice Elliott "Spike'' Maynard in Monaco while the company had cases pending before the court."

During public appearances, Starcher has criticized Massey while calling Blankenship "stupid,'' a "clown'' and a "cancer'' on the court. The coal producer has invoked such statements in seeking his disqualification as it appeals a $240 million judgment won against it by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.

"Starcher recused himself in a separate Massey appeal before scheduling the April 10 public hearing in the Wheeling-Pitt case," the AP article said.

The Charleston Gazette also reports on Starcher's response.

Chelsea Clinton Coming to W.Va.

The former first daughter has added stops in Montgomery and Huntington to her previously announced visit to the state, on behalf of her mother's presidential campaign.

The appearances at West Virginia University Institute of Technology and Marshall University are scheduled to precede her address to the Charleston convention of the state's Young Democrats.

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and MetroNews are among those with details.

Election 2008 Shorts

* MetroNews' Talkline hears from Republicans Dan Greear and Hiram Lewis about their respectfully dueling campaigns that seek to take on Democratic Attorney General Darrell McGraw in the fall. With audio.

Highlights include Greear opining on the fate of Chief Deputy Attorney General Fran Hughes, were he to win, and Lewis stating that "I believe that there is a quid pro quo there and I believe that, ultimately, those attorneys that were appointed Special Attorneys General donated to Darrell McGraw and, in return, they received $3.3 million in attorney fees."

(Lewis also said that, despite the sizable uproar over the recent departure of WVU's football coach, his "Pay Up, Rich!" campaign has taken a bath.)

* GOP gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks tells Talkline that he's "considering filing a lawsuit against the Legislature and the Governor" over the retroactive increases to certain per diem payments in this session's legislative pay raise bill.

Massey Moves to Block Starcher Hearing

Massey Energy Co. has petitioned the state Supreme Court for a writ of prohibition to bar the April 10 hearing scheduled by Justice Larry Starcher for its recusal request targeting him.

As The Associated Press reports, the coal company's filings argue the hearing "would create a precedent that would justify unilateral actions by future justices who wish to conduct business outside the corporate body that is this Court."

To bolster its recusal motion, Massey also alleges that Starcher has persisted in his public comments deriding the company and its chief executive, Don Blankenship.

Also Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving Blankenship. Deborah K. May is seeking unemployment benefit from a company that hired her as a personal maid, then assigned her to Blankenship through one of Massey's subsidiaries.

"May's duties began when Blankenship lived in a three-story house in Mingo County," AP reports from the hearing. "Over time, they grew to include a two-cabin complex in Kentucky, a four-story house in West Virginia and the tour bus. The tipping point came when Blankenship announced she was soon to care for his German Shepherd police dog."

May's lawyer, Kathryn Bayless, also alleges "occasional tantrums and physical abuse by Blankenship," the article said. "Blankenship threw food and grabbed May's wrist after delivering the wrong McDonald's order, trashed a closet over an incorrectly hung jacket and demanded a written explanation regarding how she stocked food in one of his houses."

The participating justices appeared unswayed by the argument of the employer, Mate Creek, that May left voluntarily and so does not qualify for benefits. As AP reports:

"The law talks about unilateral change in job duties,'' Justice Robin Davis told (lawyer Eric) Kinder. "I can't believe you can stand there with a straight face and tell us her job duties did not change.''

MetroNews also covered the hearing, and has audio. The Charleston Gazette has articles on both the hearing and the writ targeting Starcher's hearing.

Legislature 2008: Epilogue

At last count, Gov. Joe Manchin had vetoed 12 (corrected figure) of the 246 bills passed by the House and Senate during their recent 60-day regular session:

• HB 4010 - Removing the limitation on terms for board of library directors;
• HB 4307 - Relating to bona fide residents wholly or solely owning greyhounds;
• HB 4407 - Requiring automatic tire chains as standard equipment on all new school buses;
• HB 4554 - Testing school bus operators every other year;
• SB 207 - Relating to Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act;
• SB 227 - Relating to State Teachers Retirement System (added);
• SB 242 - Allowing point deduction for certain licensees attending defensive driving class;
• SB 337 - Eliminating obsolete language concerning Supreme Court clerk;
• SB 477 - Increasing conservation officers' salaries and length of service;
• SB 606 - Requiring hiring preference for summer school program positions;
• SB 638 - Requiring information collection from catalytic converter purchasers;
• SB 696 - Providing appraisal methods for certain multifamily rental properties.

The list does not include the four bill that lawmakers re-passed after correcting errors highlighted by vetoes during the extended session for the budget.

The reasons for the vetoes vary, and include technical errors, conflicts with other legislation, constitutional concerns and deference to local control. The Associated Press notes some of final vetoes issued by the governor.

Others focus on legislation from the session signed by Manchin this week, or otherwise slated to become law:

• Public Broadcasting examines one measure that aims to ease rising property tax bills for seniors;

• The Register-Herald of Beckley touts the bill allowing hunting classes in public schools;

• The Parkersburg News gauges the local impact of legislation slashing property tax rates on corporate and commercial aircraft.

• MetroNews looks at the bill tweaking DUI laws (update).
  

Maynard, Bastress Trade Barbs

Facing a re-election battle, Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard let loose on fellow Democratic candidate Bob Bastress during a recent interview with the Charleston Daily Mail editorial board.

"Maynard's ire was prompted by Bastress' continued criticism of the much-discussed photographs of the chief justice with Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship while the two were vacationing on the French Riviera in 2006," the newspaper reported.

"(I)t's a two-way street. If I wanted to attack Professor Bastress, it would be very easy to do," Maynard told the editorial board.

Maynard alleged Bastress was campaigning at the expense of his post at West Virginia University, including "using the law school as his campaign headquarters," the article said.

Bastress sought to rebut those charges, as well as allegations from Maynard of legislation introduced to benefit Bastress' legal work by his wife, Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, the newspaper reported.

"And I won't talk about your personal life. I'll leave that alone," the chief justice was quoted as saying. "Maynard did not elaborate further."

Quote of the Day

"I will not appoint myself. I will not do that."

-- Gov. Joe Manchin, when asked by The Charleston Gazette "if he would appoint himself to the U.S. Senate in the event that ailing Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., is unable to complete his term."

DNR Looking at Cuts in Wake of Bill's Failure

With West Virginia among several states showing declining ranks of hunters and anglers, the state's Division of Natural Resources supported a plan this session that would have offered seniors permanent (instead of annual) hunting and fishing licenses.

The proposed fee was $15, but seniors can now hunt and fish for free. That likely helped kill the bill, though it proposed waiving the fee for those age 65 and older already exempt from licensing requirements.

The Register-Herald of Beckley reports on the reason why DNR wants seniors to hold a license, even a free or discounted one: the number of licenses a state issues determines its share of revenue from federal taxes on fishing gear, hunting firearms and ammunition.

"West Virginia could lose upward of $350,000 by one informal estimate under the Pittman-Robinson Act." the article said.

“It’s as if they don’t exist," DNR chief Frank Jezioro told the newspaper. "So that matching money for their hunting and fishing equipment goes to other states that have a seniors license.”

W.Va. Dems Reaching Out to Independents

For the first time, West Virginia's unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either major party's primary on May 13.

Following the GOP's lead, the state's majority party has opened their primary, and as The Associated Press' Tom Breen reports, "Democrats expect to draw a large share of those votes because of the close contest for the party's presidential nomination between U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama."

As previously noted, "While Democrats still make up the largest share of voters in West Virginia, independents are steadily growing, with their numbers increasing at a higher rate than voters in either of the major parties," the article said.

Teacher Pension Transfer Plan Begins

Would-be transfers from the state Teachers' Defined Contribution Plan can start mailing in the necessary paperwork Tuesday _ though as The Associated Press learned, about 200 have already done so.

These folks aren't waiting on the benefit projections that state retirement officials have promised to send each of TDC's 18,989 eligible members, meant to help them make educated decisions.

The projections are slated for delivery April 17. The Consolidated Public Retirement Board "also expects to launch a Web site by then that will offer an online benefits calculator and password-protected specifics for each eligible enrollee," AP reports.

The Web site will also feature a tally, updated weekly, of those who have requested to transfer. Their ranks have to reach 65 percent _ 12,343 enrollees _ for the transfers to occur. If they hit 75 percent _ 14,242 enrollees _ they face lowered payments for ensuring full benefits under the Teachers' Retirement System.

"The timetable focuses on May 5 as 'transfer day,'' when TDC members can hand in their forms at their schools or other workplaces," the article said. "Forms must by postmarked or handed in to supervisors by May 12, with final results certified to the board by May 31."

W.Va.: McCain vs. Obama/Clinton

Some of the nation's leading political analysts talked to The Associated Press about the presidential race in West Virginia.

Charlie Cook, of The Cook Political Report, predicts the Mountain State will remain red.

"I don't think either of them would be competitive in West Virginia," Cook told AP. "To be honest, I doubt that between Labor Day and Election Day, you'll see much action there."

But Stuart Rothenberg, of The Rothenberg Political Report, sees presumptive GOP nominee John McCain as vulnerable in West Virginia, particularly on pocketbook issues.

"If the economy is bad enough, if there's enough concern about jobs, it will be about whether McCain is aggressive enough in dealing with issues like the mortgage mess and unemployment," Rothenberg told AP. "I think the Democrats will and can compete."

AP also looked at voting records, the state's demographics and funds raised in-state by the respective campaigns.

The Charleston Daily Mail parallels the upcoming Democratic Primary with its historic 1960 counterpart. In a separate article, the Daily Mail notes the increase of unaffiliated voters _ who are now able to vote in either party's primary.

W.Va. Casino Workers on Strike

About 200 cashiers, money counters and video lottery remain on the picket line outside Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.

Health benefits are the sticking point, according to one union official who spoke to the Weirton Daily Times. ""Our union members are paying for 37.7 percent of their health care coverage," Tony Helfer, secretary-treasurer of Local 23, told the newspaper. "The management employees at Mountaineer, who make a much higher salary, only pay 18 percent of their health care."

Local 23 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union represents about 9% of staff, and began its strike Saturday.

"Mountaineer Spokesperson Tamara Pettit says the track is open and operating with managers stepping in to fill the roles of those workers who are now off the job," MetroNews reports. " She says the company wants to keep talking."

MetroNews also has audio.

State Agency Buys TV Coverage

The Charleston Gazette reports that "the state Division of Natural Resources pays a local TV station for control over the content of a news segment about outdoor life in West Virginia."

The $90,000-a-year contract with the owners of WCHS-TV and WVAH-TV calls on them to "produce and air 52 90-second 'West Virginia Wildlife' segments, as well as 30-second ads that lead into the segment," The Gazette reports.

DNR's Wildlife Resources Section provides the topics, sets up any necessary interviews, and has final approval over all segment scripts as well as promos and commercials, the newspaper found.

"While the station does acknowledge the sponsorship, there is no indication during the news broadcast that 'West Virginia Wildlife' is any different from other news segments," the article said. "But unlike other advertisers, who might sponsor the station's weather coverage every night, DNR dictates its own coverage."

DaughterGate Probe Report Delayed

It will be at least mid-April before a team picked by West Virginia University will have results from its review into "whether the university manufactured an executive MBA degree for Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter," The Charleston Gazette reports.

The panel had earlier estimated it would complete its probe into the Heather Bresch situation by late March or early April, the newspaper said.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which broke the story, continues its coverage as well.

Manchin Moves Ahead with Private-Public Drug Plan

Gov. Joe Manchin is proceeding with an earlier-announced partnership with drug companies to increase the amount of free prescription drugs available to uninsured West Virginians, The Associated Press reports.

"Drug companies have long donated medications to free clinics, but the West Virginia Rx program is being touted as a major streamlining of the process, which hopes to get more medications to more patients quicker," AP's Tom Breen explains.

But gaps in the system persist, says Perry Bryant, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care.

Bryant told Breen "that the number of West Virginians without prescription drug coverage is about twice the number of uninsured, meaning that as many as 250,000 residents are insured by plans that don't include medication."

MetroNews also has details from the plan.

Report Touts Technology in West Virginia Schools

For all their shortcomings and challenges, West Virginia schools have more classrooms with computers, a lower ratio of students per computer and even more widespread online course offerings than the national average, according to a new report highlighted by The Register-Herald of Beckley.

"The state received an overall score of 95.3 on the report, which ranks West Virginia at the top of the class for its use of technology," the article said.

The report, Technology Counts 2008: STEM, The Push to Improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, was issued by Education Week and features a separate section on the Mountain State's scores.

The Byrd Factor in WV-2nd

(campaign photo)

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd's status as a living political legend could prove a potent boost for his former longtime aide, Anne Barth, as she runs for Congress in West Virginia's 2nd U.S. House District.

The longest-serving senator in U.S. history has joined others in the state's Democratic congressional delegation in endorsing Barth in advance of their party's May 13 state primary (to the chagrin of the race's two other Democrats, as the Charleston Daily Mail reports).

But WSAZ-TV offers video from a recent Barth event headlined by Byrd, where it interviewed the senior senator. The video prompted a discussion today on MetroNews' Talkline.

DaughterGate Coverage Turns to Phone Calls

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that "a top aide to West Virginia University President Michael Garrison had multiple phone conversations with Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch over five days in October - a period when university officials were deciding to award her an M.B.A. degree even though official university records showed she did not earn it."

The newspaper also offers a chronology of relevant events.

In Wake of Table Games, Racetrack Workers Talk Strike

After helping to persuade legislators _ and Hancock County voters _ to allow casino table games at their track, The Associated Press reports that "Some 200 cashiers, slot technicians and money room employees are set to strike at midnight Saturday at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, in protest of 'poverty wages' that make health care and other basic needs unaffordable."

Track officials are defending their offer to Local 23 of the United Food & Commercial Workers, as the two sides negotiate to replace a contract that expired March 1.

One union official told AP's Vicki Smith that "When West Virginia legislators approved both slot machines and table games, 'the intent was to put money into the coffers of the state of West Virginia.' But many Mountaineer workers are turning to the state for help, relying on the Children's Health Insurance Program, food stamps and other public assistance."

The article also said that "if a strike takes place, the track's attorney says supervisors, managers and other employees will cover for the missing employees."

Lawmakers Cash in Early from Pay Raise Bill (Updated)

The Legislature has already caught flak for voting itself a $5,000 salary hike this year. But while that pay raise won't take effect until 2009, at least one other part of that bill has been deemed retroactive to Jan. 1, The Associated Press reports.

The provision is a $16 increase to the daily payment received by "lawmakers who live too far from the Capitol to commute from home during the session."

By increasing that per diem to $131, "23 of the state Senate's 34 members have received additional payments totaling $25,136, that body's payroll figures show," AP reports. "Figures from the 100-member House of Delegate were not immediately available."

Update: Public Broadcasting also has a story, and talks to one of the bill's architects.

Update II: AP follows up on its initial report, tracing the confusion over the trigger date to a typo in the final bill.

Capito, Women in Congress and the 2008 Elections

The American Enterprise Institute includes U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, among "Republican incumbents facing tough races" in an analysis of the prospects for women in Congress this year.

"The bottom line is that the seats House women will gain and lose are likely to be fewer than 10 in each category, and the net gain is likely to be close to zero," the think tank opined.

Doing nothing for the self-esteem of certain Democratic challengers, the piece also includes Capito among GOP incumbents who "will square off against female challengers, so there will be no net change."

Food Stamps in W.Va. at 30-year High

Putting recent good economic news in context, "about one in every six West Virginians gets food stamps," the Charleston Daily Mail reports, adding that "amid rising food and fuel costs, the assistance is becoming worth less and less."

Bill Clinton in W.Va. - Updated

Those with coverage of the former president's three-stop sweep through West Virginia include The Associated Press (with photos hosted by the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington), MetroNews (with audio and a slide show), multimedia from The Charleston Gazette, The Parkersburg News (also with photos), WSAZ-TV (with several video clips), WCHS-TV (w/video), WOWK-TV (ditto), and WTAP-TV (with video of the entire Parkersburg appearance).

The Parkersburg News, The Gazette and The Register-Herald of Beckley all previewed his scheduled campaign appearances.

Public Broadcasting, meanwhile, examines whether Clinton's policies regarding steel during his presidency "could affect the Democratic primary in the Northern Panhandle."

And WTAP-TV hears from local Republicans that presumptive GOP nominee John McCain " has been invited to campaign in West Virginia, possibly even in Wood County."

W.Va. Electioneering Law Challenged

The Beltway-based Center for Individual Freedom has filed a federal lawsuit targeting West Virginia's rules regulating corporate political spending and independent campaign advertising.

As The Associated Press reports, the group "wants to run television and radio ads targeting West Virginia's upcoming Supreme Court elections, but doesn't want to disclose how much it spends or who is footing the bill."

"The Center's values compel it to avoid speech that is conditioned on reporting and disclosure," the group's lawyers wrote, adding that "As a matter of policy, and because its supporters are not willing to be identified, the Center must either refrain from speaking or accept the risk of punishment if its speech is determined to be subject to regulation."

The center also seeks a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the relevant statutes, so it can air ads in time for the May 13 primary.

"To be clear, but for those laws and the injury they threaten, the Center would be proceeding with its ads right now," its lawyers also wrote.

Election 2008 Shorts

The Charleston Daily Mail interviews two of the Democrats running for Kanawha County's two state Senate seats on the ballot this year (Update: So did The Charleston Gazette).

MetroNews interviews former South Charleston mayor Richie Robb, one of three Democrats running for the U.S. House in the 2nd Congressional District. With audio.

Coalfield Living: a Health Hazard?

A West Virginia University study that combined study coal production data and mortality rates in eight coal-producing states with a telephone survey of 16,400 state residents "concludes that people who live in Appalachia's coalfields are far more likely to have chronic heart, lung and kidney problems," The Associated Press reports.

Public Broadcasting and The Charleston Gazette also report on the new study, which will appear in the American Journal of Public Health next month.

"Residents in major coal counties had a 70 percent increased risk of kidney disease and a 64 percent increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema," The Gazette article said of the findings. "Coal county residents were also 30 percent more likely to report high blood pressure."

The Flip Side of the Gas Tax

Rising gas prices have revived resentment toward West Virginia's 32.2 cents-per-gallon tax. But as The Charleston Gazette reports, "for the 2008-09 budget, the gas tax is projected to bring in $380 million - by far the largest source of state funding for highway construction and repair. All other state vehicle taxes, registration and fees will account for less than $258 million."

Manchin Draws Ire with Line-Item Veto

One of the 35 line-item vetoes that whittled down the 2008-2009 budget bill may land the Manchin administration in court, Public Broadcasting reports.

"Disability advocates are angry with Governor Manchin for vetoing language in the state budget regarding in-home care for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled people," the report said.

Update: The Associated Press also has a story, focusing on Wednesday's court filing seeking enforcement of a 2000 federal compliance order.

Hillbilly-esque

A recent casting call prompted The Associated Press to explore the ins and outs of the famed Appalachian moniker.

"When it’s self-described, it’s a term of endearment. When someone else uses it, particularly an outsider, you better watch out,” John Lilly, editor of Goldenseal, told AP's Tom Breen and Shaya Tayefe Mohajer.

Election 2008 Shorts

• Former President Bill Clinton has added a Kanawha County stop to his Wednesday campaign schedule in West Virginia. The Charleston Gazette has details, while The Register-Herald focuses on his Beckey visit and The Parkersburg News highlights his appearance there. MetroNews also has an item.

• The Associated Press explains that while voters in the May 13 Democratic primary will be picking a presidential candidate, that party's pledged national convention delegates won't be decided until June.

• The Gazette interviews the two Republican candidates for state attorney general. Dan Greear and Hiram Lewis say they're not so much running against each other as they're running against Democratic incumbent Darrell McGraw.

Bill Clinton Coming to W.Va.

Former President Bill Clinton plans to stump for his wife in Parkersburg and Beckley on Wednesday, her campaign told The Associated Press.

On the heels of Hillary Clinton's visits to Charleston and Huntington last week, the former president is following up on his October speech at a state Democratic Party dinner (before which he headlined a fundraiser for the New York senator's White House run.)

Raymond Chafin, 1917-2008

Another "West Virginia Tough Boy," credited (or accused) in the alleged vote-buying that marked the state's 1960 Democratic presidential primary, has died.

The Logan Banner has a report on the death of Raymond Chafin, "most famous for his support of John F. Kennedy in the 1960 primary race. Chafin was one of the key figures in Kennedy winning West Virginia in the May 1960 primary and was invited to the White House by Pres. Kennedy himself."

The article also cites Chafin's presence in the book West Virginia Tough Boys: Vote Buying, Fist Fighting, And A President Named JFK.

Wielding Line-Item Veto, Manchin Signs Budget Bill

Gov. Joe Manchin trimmed about $8 million from the general revenue and lottery sections of the recently passed budget bill before approving the spending measure for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

As The Associated Press reports, "casualties include nearly $1 million for 4-H camp improvements, $50,000 for a new authority to oversee State Route 2, and $250,000 for the Senior Corps volunteer program."

Manchin also reduced or zeroed out funding for 51 of the 414 fairs and festivals earmarked by lawmakers in the legislation. Deleted events include "Fourth of July events in Chester, Hurricane and Hampshire County, the Nicholas County Fair, four events in Greenbrier County and the Taste of Parkersburg," AP reports.

As both AP and The Charleston Gazette report, Manchin vetoed $24.5 million out of a separate bill meant for the pending transfer proposal involving the Teachers' Retirement System.

"Manchin, in his veto message, said the actual expense won't be known until the Teachers Defined Contribution to TRS transfer election is completed this spring," The Gazette article said.

The budget line-item vetoes also reflect Manchin's earlier veto of a pay raise for conservation officers. AP has those details.

MetroNews also reports on the line item vetoes.

Starcher to Hold Public Hearing for Recusal Bid

Massey Energy Co. will get a change to argue in open court for Justice Larry Starcher's recusal from a pending appeal.

"Richmond, Va.-based Massey unsuccessfully sought to disqualify Starcher before appealing a $240 million judgment awarded to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and Mountain State Carbon," The Associated Press explains. "Massey is trying again and Starcher said Thursday he’ll hear arguments on the request April 10."

The article also notes that "West Virginia’s Supreme Court has been buffeted by disqualification requests involving Massey Energy cases since photos surfaced of Chief Justice Elliott ‘‘Spike’’ Maynard with Massey Chief Executive Don Blankenship vacationing in Monaco while the company had appeals pending. Maynard has since stepped aside from at least three Massey cases, including the Harman appeal."

The MonacoGate scandal helped fuel a Saturday op-ed in The Wall Street Journal.

On a related note, John Grisham's The Appeal has fallen to #2 on The New York Times' bestseller list for hardcover fiction.

Lottery May Up the Ante on Its Video Machines

Gamblers who play the machines at West Virginia's racetracks can win up to 95 percent of the machine's "contents." The Lottery Commission has been asked to consider more generous winnings, The Charleston Gazette reports.

"IGT Corp., the leading manufacturer of video lottery machines, wants the Lottery to increase that limit to 99.9 percent, which is the standard in most gaming jurisdictions, including Nevada, New Jersey, and - most recently - Pennsylvania," the article said.

Supporting the proposal, Lottery director John Musgrave "said the change would not hurt track or state video lottery revenues, since the tracks would still have a mixture of higher- and lower-payout machines," the Gazette reported. "Overall, the tracks operate at about a 92 percent overall payout, averaged over all machines."

W.Va: Clinton 55%, Obama 27% (Rasmussen)

So says the latest Rasmussen Reports.

"Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure."

Update: The March 13 survey of 702 likely Democratic primary voters precedes the respective visits by the candidates. The margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points. Details and questions here.

Other highlights:

* "By a 48% to 31% margin, the West Virginia voters believe Clinton will be the stronger general election candidate against John McCain;"

* More of those surveyed expect Obama to win the nomination;

* Obama voters are far more likely to back Clinton as the nominee than visa versa: "Eighteen percent (18%) of Clinton voters say that they are Not Very Likely to vote for Obama and 35% say they are Not at All Likely to vote for Obama."

* "Nationally, Obama holds a very narrow lead over Clinton in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll."

* 72% rated President's Bush's performance as "poor;"

* 57% rated Gov. Joe Manchin's performance as "excellent" or "good."

* 54% believe Geraldine Ferrero's comments were not racist, but those surveyed appeared split as to whether she was correct in saying "that Obama has had it easy because of a 'very sexist media.'"

Obama in W.Va. (Updated further)

Update: The Associated Press' Tom Breen remains on the presidential campaign trail, filing this report from Barack Obama's Charleston speech.

Update II: AP also has photos, hosted by the Charleston Daily Mail. MetroNews has a report, audio and a slide show.

Update III: The Charleston Gazette has posted video. WSAZ-TV "caught up with Barack Obama and found out who he expects to win the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament." The Daily Mails has an article, which observes that Obama was "speaking articulately throughout his speech."

Update IV: Public Broadcasting has a report and video of the Charleston speech. The Register-Herald offers coverage of his Beckley appearance here and here.

The Register-Herald of Beckley and The Gazette were among those with items setting the stage for Barack Obama's Thursday campaign stops. Other include WSAZ-TV and WOWK-TV.

MetroNews also spoke with Beckley's mayor on the eve of the Democratic presidential contender's stop there, and offers audio.

MetroNews Talkline, meanwhile, focused on Obama's recent speech on race both here (with audio) and here.

Election 2008: Supreme Court

The West Virginia Bar Association hosted all five Supreme Court candidates at a Thursday forum in Charleston, The Associated Press reports.

Clinton in W.Va. - Updated (further)

Update: Hillary Clinton bought her Democratic presidential campaign to Charleston for a Town Hall-style meeting, and then to Huntington for an event with veterans.

The Associated Press' Tom Breen covered both stops. MetroNews has highlights from Charleston (with audio and a photo gallery to boot), while the Herald-Dispatch does the same for Huntington.

Update II: Public Broadcasting has complete audio of the Capitol High event, plus audio of its report from there and from Huntington.

It also interviewed Clinton beforehand and offers audio, including a lengthy response to a question about mountaintop removal mining.

"I think it's a difficult questions because of the conflict between the economic and environmental trade-offs," Clinton says at one point.

Update III: The Charleston Gazette has video from Capitol High in addition to reports here and here. Others with video include WSAZ-TV and WCHS-TV.

WOWK-TV offers both a video report and a one-on-one interview with Clinton.

MetroNews Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval also interviewed the New York senator in advance of her trip (audio here).

The Herald-Dispatch set the stage for Clinton's appearance in Huntington, and for the slated West Virginia visit by rival Barack Obama the following day.

As for the Illinois senator, The Register-Herald has an advance piece for his Thursday scheduled stop in Beckley.

(And as the talk over Democratic delegates and superdelegates continues, The New York Times interviewed Gov. Joe Manchin for an article earlier in the week on the topic.

“Every day that this continues, people can surmise that this is going to the convention in Colorado and it could be decided by the superdelegates,” said Manchin, also quoted as head of the Democratic Governors Association. “There is not a superdelegate that I have spoken to who wants that to happen.”)

Death and the Uninsured in W.Va.

Adding to the debate over health care, an advocacy group estimates that "210 West Virginians between the ages of 25 and 64 died in 2006 because they didn’t have health insurance."

The Associated Press is among those who picked up on the report from Families USA, which "bases its estimates on data collected and analyzed by the Institute of Medicine and the Urban Institute."

The Charleston Gazette also has coverage, while MetroNews has a story and an interview with group founder Ron Pollack and local health care advocate Pat White.

"According to U.S. Census data, 245,000 West Virginians were uninsured in 2006, a drop from 304,000 in 2005," AP reports. "Nationally, the number of uninsured increased from 44.8 million in 2005 to 47 million in 2006."

W.Va. Investments Take a Hit on Wall Street

The Associated Press reports that "while urging a long-term view, state officials predicted Monday that West Virginia's investments will fail to reap their projected 7.5 percent return when the budget year ends June 30."

"The state posted $454.9 million in net losses from its holdings in stocks and bonds during the first half of the fiscal year, " reducing the value of its portfolio 4.1 percent, the article said.

State officials say the multi-year picture for returns remains healthy, noting that last year's return of 17.6 percent helped cap a five-year period at 11.5 percent.

"Over the last five years, IMB has exceeded the median return for all three kinds of investments it handles: domestic stocks, international stocks, and fixed-income securities," officials told AP.

Graham Still A Target

After escaping federal criminal charges stemming from his reign at Wyoming County's Council on Aging, Robert Graham still faces state attempts to recoup alleged monetary losses, The Associated Press reports.

With a state lawsuit pending against him, the $41,229 that Graham had paid in fines, forfeitures and court costs in the federal case "should be transferred to the circuit court," the article said, citing a Monday filing by Senior Deputy Attorney General Silas Taylor.

Obama Coming to W.Va.

Barack Obama has announced Thursday campaign visits to Charleston and Beckley, The Associated Press reports.

The events are slated one day after Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has scheduled stops both at the capital and Huntington, as AP has reported.

Others following up on the presidential campaign appearances include MetroNews, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, The Register-Herald of Beckley and The Charleston Gazette.

Update: In advance of this week's visits, The Intelligencer of Wheeling examines the state's Democratic delegates and superdelegates, as well that party's county and state convention plans. The Gazette also polls superdelegates.

Lawmakers Heading Home

Sunday saw 11th-hour passage of teacher pension merger legislation, and several other measures placed by Gov. Joe Manchin on a special session agenda, following approval of a new state budget.

Both The Associated Press and The Charleston Gazette were on hand for the duration.

The budget bill includes $3.9 billion in general revenue and $10.4 billion in overall spending.

The Gazette also reports separately on the teacher pension transfer bill, while AP examines some of the surrounding issues.

Drug Deaths in the Mountain State

The Charleston Gazette updates its groundbreaking coverage of overdose drug deaths in West Virginia, by mining a new federal-state study to find that "nine out of 10 West Virginians who died of overdoses in 2006 were killed by prescription drugs."

"Researchers studied 332 accidental drug overdoses in which a complete autopsy was performed, excluding suicides and the very few poisonings that weren't drug-related," The Gazette explains.

Public Broadcasting, which contributed to the previous coverage, follows up by examining the state's residential treatment programs and finding them in short supply. With audio.

Legislature 2008: Post-Mortem

• DHHR: MetroNews reports on an apparently failed bid to require an interim study review of the Department of Health and Human Resources. With audio.

• LOCAL AUDITS: A possible topic of interim study, The Register-Herald of Beckley reports on municipalities chafing beneath state audit requirements.

• STREAMS: The Charleston Gazette reports that environmentalists and industry groups alike are having second thoughts about the legislation that scrapped the Tier 2.5 category for stream protections.

• VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS: The monthly interim studies will include one exploring "the possibilities of offering volunteer firefighters workers compensation insurance," MetroNews reports. With audio.

Clinton Coming to W.Va.

Hillary Clinton has slated a Wednesday visit to Charleston, her campaign told The Associated Press.

Details have yet to be announced. She headlined a fundraiser and hosted a Town Hall-style meeting in West Virginia last July.

Newspaper Suing WVU over DaughterGate Records

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that it has given West Virginia University the required 30-day advance notice that it will sue the school "for failing to comply with the state's open records law."

"The newspaper alleges the university committed numerous violations in its response to requests for documents related to the school's decision last fall to retroactively award a master's of business administration degree to Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch, daughter of West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin," the article said.

The newspaper reports that its lawsuit alleges "the university has engaged in a constant and consistent practice of delay, evasion and concealment."

No Deal Yet on Teacher Pension Merger

Gov. Joe Manchin tells The Associated Press that while he "may still ask lawmakers to merge state teacher pension funds before they leave town this weekend," he "remained reluctant Thursday to commit state money to the deal."

"The governor believes that requiring the state to pay implies fault for the insufficient investment returns suffered within the 401(k)-style Teachers Defined Contribution program," AP reports.

The Charleston Gazette, meanwhile picks up on a focus by some lawmakers of some of the pensions generated by state-run programs. They include the Teachers Retirement System, which enrollees in TDC would be given a chance to join with the proposal under debate within the administration.

Election Shorts

• In the shadow of MonacoGate, The Charleston Gazette quizzes the four Democratic Supreme Court candidates about conflicts of interest. On hand for the interview, Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard is also asked about allegations of a federal inquiry into his Riviera Rendezvous with longtime pal and Massey Energy chief executive Don Blankenship.

• The Gazette also trumpets the move by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to add Anne Barth to its list of candidates that can expect aid from its "Red to Blue" program. This, to the chagrin of Barth's two Democratic primary opponents.

Timmermeyer Leaving DEP

Perhaps starting the exodus of appointees that often accompanies a transition between terms, Secretary Stephanie Timmermeyer plans to leave the Department of Environmental Protection on July 1.

"I've been secretary for five years now, and that's a long time in a position like this," she told The Associated Press.

Timmermeyer garners praise both from environmentalists and industry types in the article.

Others with coverage include The Charleston Gazette and MetroNews.

Byrd Back on The Hill

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd has emerged from the hospital and returned to work at the Capitol, his office tells The Associated Press.

MetroNews also has an item.

Graham Beats the Rap in Wyoming Aging Case

A federal appeals court has overturned the criminal conviction of Robert Graham, the amply compensated former director of the Wyoming County Council on Aging.

"In reversing Graham's conviction, the 4th Circuit Appeals Court in Richmond, Va., ruled Thursday that the trial judge and prosecutors reached the wrong conclusion regarding Graham's actions," The Associated Press reports.

Quote of the Day

“The very sad fact, however, is that most people who receive this hoax will believe I said these things and there is virtually nothing I can do about it.”

-- Author Homer Hickam, to The Register-Herald of Beckley, about a story circulating on the Web alleging he said "some very vicious, cruel things" about the Democratic presidential candidates during a recent Fox News interview.

Massey Case Returns to Supreme Court - Updated

Shy two of its justices, the West Virginia Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments Wednesday afternoon as it reconsiders the Boone County coal contract dispute pitting Massey Energy Co. against Harman Mining Co. and its president.

As The Associated Press reports, circuit judges will sit in for those justices in a case made infamous by European vacation photos showing Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard in Monaco with Massey's chief executive.

(Inspiring the latest best-selling legal thriller by John Grisham also contributes to its dubious distinction. The Appeal remains #1 on The New York Times' hardcover fiction list.)

Update: AP covered the rehearing, as did MetroNews (with audio).

Update II: The Charleston Gazette also covered the hearing...as did The Wall Street Journal. The latter included this:

Meanwhile, federal investigators have interviewed court employees to learn more about the Monaco vacation, according to two court employees and a lawyer briefed on the case. Representatives of the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District of West Virginia and the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment on whether their offices have opened investigations.

Update III: Public Broadcasting also has a story, as well as audio of its report and of arguments from plaintiffs' and defense counsel. It even offers a transcript.

Climate Change & W.Va. Public Policy

The Pew Center on Global Climate Change offered a briefing Tuesday to lawmakers still in Charleston for the budget session.

As The Associated Press reports, the center's congressional affairs director told his House Chamber audience that ""I don't think there's a state in the country that has more at stake when it comes to getting this right."

The Charleston Gazette and Public Broadcasting also covered the public hearing, while MetroNews interviewed the center's Nikki Roy beforehand (audio here).

Living Large in The Mountain State

With the nation's highest percentage of overweight children, West Virginia earned a visit this week from Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson.

"Galson chose the state to launch the new national 'Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future' campaign," and because various state groups "have been trying innovative new strategies to fix the problem, which is what he wants the new national initiative to highlight," reports Tom Breen, health care writer for The Associated Press.

Sifting Through The 2008 Session

The Associated Press' Tom Breen looks at several of the notable failures from the regular session.

The Charleston Gazette offers a similar view, while focusing separately on a successful measure addressing school bus ride times.

MetroNews echoes AP and The Gazette by starting off with the "Almost Heaven...Wild and Wonderful" highway sign measure.

MetroNews also delves into the alleged Day 60 run-in between a Senate committee chairman and a lobbyist. With audio.

AP also focuses on the outcome for Gov. Joe Manchin's 29-item agenda.

Byrd Still Ailing, Hospitalized

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., remains in the hospital under treatment for a urinary tract infection,

The 90-year-old "was admitted to the undisclosed hospital last Wednesday after having an adverse reaction to his original medication," The Associated Press reports. "Byrd was temporarily hospitalized the previous week at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after falling at his Virginia home."

Others with the update include MetroNews, whose Charleston affiliate has been asking listeners to weigh in on whether Byrd should retire. MetroNews owner John Raese sought to retire Byrd in the 2006 election, and that unsuccessful effort has resulted in a $74,500 fine from the Federal Election Commission, The Charleston Gazette reports.

Legislature 2008: By The Numbers

The House and Senate passed 245 (updated from 243) bills this session, according to the Legislature's computer tracking system. Just over 46% of those were passed on the final night; 95.5% of the total passed during the final week.

Last year's session yielded 273 bills, with nearly 47 percent passing the final nights and nearly 85 percent passing the final week.

Those with roundups from Saturday's finale include The Associated Press, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and The Charleston Gazette.

AP also looks at the week's extended session for the budget, and the special session mentioned by Gov. Joe Manchin.

The Gazette, meanwhile offers tidbits from the final hours here, and from the final days here.

Others take a look at some of the session's individual successes and failures:

COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: Public Broadcasting, the Herald-Dispatch, MetroNews.

FALSE CHILD ABUSE REPORTING: The Journal of Martinsburg.

PROBLEM GAMBLING PROGRAM: MetroNews.

PROPERTY TAXES: The Journal, The Register-Herald of Beckley.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE ROAD BUILDING: Public Broadcasting, The Register-Herald, the Herald-Mail of Hagerstown.

SAFE SCHOOLS: The Register-Herald.

TEACHER PENSIONS: The Intelligencer of Wheeling, MetroNews, The Register-Herald.

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ENDOWMENT: the Herald-Dispatch.