Don Caruth, 1950 - 2010

Senate Minority Leader Don Caruth, R-Mercer, who quickly ascended to the ranks of leadership after entering the Legislature, has died, The Associated Press reports.

The 59-year-old lawyer "had been battling a recurrence of a form of brain cancer," the article said. "Last month, state lawmakers paid tribute to Caruth, who had been absent for much of the 2010 session. Gov. Joe Manchin honored him with the Distinguished West Virginian award, singling out Caruth's dedication and attention to detail during his legislative service."

Mine Safety on Capitol Hill

A U.S. Senate committee fielded testimony about mine safety rules and industry compliance in the aftermath of the Upper Big Branch disaster, The Associated Press and others report.

The Obama administration's mine safety chief said his agency "will start going directly to federal court to shut down mines that make a habit of ignoring safety," the article said. Joe Main of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration "also called for a slew of other legal and regulatory reforms to beef up safety enforcement."

But a National Mining Association official said "there is no need for new regulations because MSHA already has the enforcement tools it needs," and instead "called for a new, cooperative emphasis on safety programs," AP reported.

And one day after a Massey Energy board member denounced such allegations as a "big lie," the article said that committee Chairman Tom Harkin described the April 5 disaster as a "tragic example" of what happens when companies "prioritize profits over safety and knowingly and repeatedly violate the law."

"The mine, owned by Massey Energy Co., was repeatedly cited for problems with its methane ventilation system and other issues in the months leading up to the accident," AP noted. "One category of serious violations was nearly 19 times higher than average."

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has posted video of the entire hearing, along with the prepared statements of 10 witnesses.

Update: Massey responded to some of MSHA's testimony and allegations.

Massey Speaks

The Associated Press was among those covering the news conference held by Massey Energy to address several issues related to the nation's worst coal mining disaster in 40 years.

Chairman and Chief Executive Don Blankenship spoke to reporters and fielded questions along with three Massey board members. Among other topics, the officials detailed conditions at Upper Big Branch before the explosion, responded to regulatory actions that preceded the blast and criticisms leveled since, outlined compensation packages to the killed miners' families and continued to relay condolences to them.

More specifically:

• Massey has yet to identify what caused the explosion, and its internal investigation continues.
• Safety checks and gas readings taken "tens of minutes" before the blast offered no signs of the impending disaster, and instead indicated "everything was OK."
• Massey disagreed with a push by federal regulators to change the mine's ventilation plan, and said it made that system more complicated and reduced air flow.
• Regulators respond that "adverse mining conditions" preceded Massey's decision to adopt the changes, replacing a system that "could not be effectively maintained by the operator to ventilate the mine," one official told AP.
  
• Director Bobby Inman labeled as a "big lie" the allegation that Massey put profits ahead of safety.
• Union officials blamed by Inman for such allegations rejected his comments as spin. "The big truth is, 52 people have been killed on Massey property since 2000. No other coal company has had even half that," a union spokesman told AP.
• The board repeated its support for Blankenship, and credit him for much of the company's success as well as safety innovations they believe make Massey a trend-setter within the industry. They attribute calls for his firing to a slight minority of company shareholders.
• The compensation includes life insurance payouts, health coverage and four years' worth of in-state college or vocational schooling for dependent children.
• A lawyer for the first family to sue Massey alleging wrongful death called the offer "grotesque," and said at least some of it is not generosity but rather proceeds from policies paid for by the killed miners. Other families told AP "they wanted more details or a chance to speak with attorneys" before commenting on that offer.
• "I feel like they owe us more than that. I really do," the adult daughter of a killed miner told AP. "I hope Don Blankenship loses everything he has."

The company has also posted video from the news conference, the speakers' prepared remarks and a statement outlining the compensation packages and other topics from the hour-long session.

Race to the Top and The Big Picture

The 28 proposed changes to West Virginia education policy sent to Gov. Joe Manchin should do more than improve the state's shot at federal Race to the Top funding, The Associated Press reports.

"State educators have also shaped their recommendations to reflect their belief that Race to the Top is setting the stage for major changes to key federal education policies," the article said.

State schools Superintendent Steve Paine told AP that ""we've been told clearly that the Race to the Top program is the forerunner to what will be contained in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act."

Election 2010: 1st U.S. House - Democrats

The Associated Press offers an overview of the primary battle between U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, and challenger Mike Oliverio, a state senator from Monongalia County.

"Mollohan hopes voters in the May 11 primary will look at what he's done for them during his 28 years in Congress and ignore a 'smear campaign' he says began four years ago with Republicans," writes AP's Vicki Smith.

Oliverio wants them to "look at lingering questions about Mollohan's ethics and personal finances," the article said, adding that Oliverio also said he decided to oppose the incumbent "after seeing Mollohan support health care reform and take too long to publicly oppose proposed cap-and-trade legislation."

The New York Times, meanwhile, is the latest national media outlet to cast the race for Mollohan's seat as a toss-up. It included the district in a graphic of several seats deemed vulnerable, though slighting half the GOP field in the process.

Remembering the Miners of Upper Big Branch

President Barack Obama delivered a eulogy and Vice President Joe Biden spoke as well during Sunday afternoon's memorial for the 29 miners killed at Upper Big Branch, The Associated Press and others report.

C-SPAN offers video of the ceremony, while the White House has posted Obama's remarks and photos.

AP reported separately on remarks by Gov. Joe Manchin and others at the memorial, and also spoke to a miner's family member, a survivor, a rescue team member and others who attended.

After Upper Big Branch (Updated)

The West Virginia Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety is expected to propose several regulatory changes in the wake of the nation's worst coal mining disaster in 40 years, The Associated Press reports.

"Panel members say they hope to release proposed changes for mine rescue and ventilation of coal conveyer belts for public comment Wednesday," the article said. "They're also considering requiring mines to do more to control explosive levels of coal dust and to maintain methane detectors more often."

Update: The board sent out several proposed rules for public comment, including one that would require barometers at mine sites and another calling for regular checks of methane gas monitors. AP has details.

Racing to the Top

The state Board of Education has responded to Gov. Joe Manchin's challenge to improve West Virginia's shot at federal Race to the Top funding.

But Manchin is seeking more details about the board's proposals before he decides what to include in the upcoming special session on the topic, The Associated Press reports.

"He's pleased with what he's hearing," spokesman Matt Turner told AP. "But he wants more on what they're prepared to move forward with. What came out this morning didn't offer enough in the way of details."

Superintendent Steve Paine noted that four of the board's five high-priority proposals were considered in some form by lawmakers during the recent regular session, but did not pass.

"Paine said the board's overall goal is to bolster the state's second bid at the federal funding, while also advancing its recently launched Global 21 learning plan," the article said. "Paine also noted that the proposals came after focus groups, online surveys and interviews with every group involved in West Virginia schools: from students, teachers and principals to parents, legislators and the business community."

The Charleston Gazette reported earlier on the proposals, as did the Charleston Daily Mail.

Obama, Biden Coming to West Virginia

The Associated Press reports that President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden plan to attend Sunday's memorial for the coal miners killed in April 5's explosion at Upper Big Branch.

Gov. Joe Manchin had earlier announced the Beckley event, and said both he and first lady Gayle Manchin would be at the afternoon public ceremony.

"President Obama will deliver a eulogy honoring the lives of those who perished and offering his deepest condolences to the loved ones they left behind," the White House said in a release.

Election 2010: U.S. House 01 - Democrats

U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, ended April with $280,800 while his Democratic challenger, state Sen. Mike Oliverio, had $138,000 as their May 11 showdown approaches, The Associated Press reports.

Oliverio, D-Monongalia, had raised nearly as much from individual contributors as Mollohan, attracting about half his amount from Morgantown, the article said. But the incumbent, seeking a 15th term, gathered another $150,000 from political action committees, AP reported.

The Rothenberg Political Report, meanwhile, has elevated its rating of the race for Mollohan's seat from "Lean Democratic" to "Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic."

And ABC News is among those reporting that the Tea Party Express PAC has included Mollohan among nine House members it is targeting for defeat this year.

Tax Day Tea Parties in West Virginia

Tea Party activists marked April 15 by gathering in several West Virginia communities to denounce "taxes, the lack of term limits on congressmen and government programs they consider socialism," The Associated Press reports.

AP offers an overview, while also focusing on the event in Morgantown.

The Intelligencer reports that the rally in Wheeling appeared to exceed last year's turnout of 1,200 people. "Among those attending were Republican candidates for West Virginia's 1st District congressional seat, who worked the crowd," that article said. "We The People-Ohio Valley organizers have stressed the organization is non-partisan, containing members of all political parties."

The Journal covered events both in Martinsburg and nearby Jefferson County.

The News and Sentinel reported on rallies in Parkersburg and Marietta, Ohio.

MetroNews has an item from one of the final events of the day, held outside the state Capitol.

AP also reports separately on the rally held in Washington, D.C., as well as on a reaction from President Barack Obama.

Manchin Orders Mine Inspection Blitz

Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered the immediate inspection of all underground coal mines, with those sporting a history of "combustion risk" issues getting priority within the next two weeks, The Associated Press reports.

Manchin has also ordered a day of mourning for those killed in the Upper Big Branch disaster for Friday. He's asked the state's underground industry and its miners not to produce coal that day, but instead focus on the safety of their workplaces.

Quote of the Day

"Right now, we need to make sure that the rules are being complied with. I can't sit back and assume anymore."

-- Gov. Joe Manchin to The Associated Press as he ponders responses to last week's coal mine disaster that killed 29 West Virginians and injured another two.

(Manchin also told AP, "If there's any comfort at all with this horrific explosion, it was that the rescuers told me that not one miner suffered. It was so instantaneous... If that's the only comfort you can get out of something, that's pretty pathetic.")

Manchin Picks McAteer to Investigate Mine Explosion

Gov. Joe Manchin tells The Associated Press that he has enlisted J. Davitt McAteer to conduct an independent investigation into last week's explosion that killed 29 men at the Upper Big Branch mine.

McAteer's review would parallel probes by federal and state mine safety officials, and he would also serve as a special adviser to the governor, Manchin told AP.

(Update) McAteer "headed the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration during the Clinton administration," AP explains. Now an official at Wheeling Jesuit University, he "also conducted similar independent probes of the Sago Mine disaster that left 12 dead as well as the Aracoma Alma No. 1 Mine fire that killed two miners," AP reports.

The governor "also called for more scrutiny of mines with a history of safety violations," the article said. "Manchin said he wanted state regulators to target problems involving methane gas and coal dust levels, poor ventilation and electrical issues," and " wanted to review state law to make sure West Virginia officials are able to shut down unsafe mines and order immediate fixes without any delays."

Bill Clinton Coming to West Virginia

Former President Bill Clinton will address one of the commencements that West Virginia University plans to hold May 16, The Associated Press reports.

Clinton will speak to graduates of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and will also receive an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters, the article said.

"Clinton will be the first sitting or former president to speak at a WVU commencement," AP reports. "WVU is holding 14 this year."

Remembering the Fallen

One week has passed since the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine, but not without a brief ceremony marking the hour of the blast that killed 29 miners and injured two more, The Associated Press and others report.

AP also described the memorial while reporting on the arrival of federal investigators "to begin piecing together what caused the worst U.S. coal mining disaster since 1970." Several hundred people held hands, prayed and offered a moment of silence as they thronged around a statue honoring West Virginia's coal miners outside the state Capitol.

"Four black-ribboned wreaths were placed at the memorial, as more than a dozen family members of those killed looked on," that article said. "A bell rang 29 times for each of the fallen miners. During a moment of silence that followed, sobs could be heard both from the family and the crowd."

Joining the family in mourning were Gov. Joe Manchin; U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis; U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.; U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd; and a number of state legislators and Manchin administration officials.

Earlier in the day, Manchin told AP that "West Virginia can respond to last week's deadly mine explosion by targeting other mines that may harbor similar dangers." Manchin singled out violations involving methane, coal dust, ventilation and rock dusting as deserving greater scrutiny.

"But Manchin said he also wants the state to target the most serious violations without hitting delays caused by legal proceedings," that article said. "The governor said his administration is reviewing what additional measures may be needed to ensure that."

AP also reports that New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, "trustee of a retirement fund holding more than 300,000 shares of Massey stock worth $14 million, on Monday called for CEO Don Blankenship to resign immediately." That call was echoed by "William Patterson, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based CtW Investment Group, which works with union pension funds," AP reported. "Blankenship didn't immediately return a call seeking comment."

Worst Fears Realized

Rescue workers have found the bodies of the four miners missing since Monday's underground blast after days of hoping to find them alive, The Associated Press reports.

With 29 killed, "it is the worst coal mine disaster in the U.S. since 1970 when 38 were killed at Finley Coal Co. in Hyden, Ky.," the article said.

Once More Unto the Breach

Officials estimate that rescue crew have re-entered the Upper Big Branch mine after pumping in five truckloads of nitrogen to flush out toxic gas and starve any fire of oxygen in the section where they hope to find four missing miners, The Associated Press reports.

(Headline corrected. Sorry, Shakespeare fans.)

Quote of the Day

"I just knew that Josh in his heart knew that something was going to happen."

-- Pam Napper, the mother of one of at least 25 miners killed in Monday's explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine. She told The Associated Press that he left a conditional farewell note with family over the weekend, and expressed concerns about the mine's ventilation.

A Long, Difficult Night (2nd Update)

Rescuers are down to one refuge chamber in their search for the missing miners, but signs of fire have forced them yet again to withdraw to the surface, The Associated Press reports.

Gov. Joe Manchin said crews continue to drill a hole near that final chamber, with plans to lower in a camera to check it out. Rescuers have also poured nitrogen into the mine to combat the toxic gas levels there.

Update: AP is covering the ongoing story on several additional fronts:

• Manchin tells AP that six of the dead were found on a second mantrip vehicle, deeper inside the mine from where rescuers recovered six dead and three injured in another mantrip. One of those injured died soon afterward.

• Funeral services have begun for those miners whose bodies have been recovered.

• The disaster crosses paths with the politics of coal in southern West Virginia.

• Mine owner Massey Energy Co. will conduct extensive reviews of the disaster.

Update: One family tells AP that miner killed left farewell note, fears about mine's ventilation.