Don Blankenship, Dead Miners, Humility, and the Limits of Free Speech in West Virginia

Don Blankenship, former coal company executive who was convicted of federal safety violations that led to the deaths of 29 coal miners in 2010, is now running for U.S. Senate. I was sitting at home in West Virginia tonight when a call came in from the U.S. Senate campaign for Don Blankenship.

Striking West Virginia Teachers Revive a Proud Labor Heritage

In West Virginia, striking public school teachers and staff celebrated a victory this week, inspiring educators outside their state to take action for better pay and working conditions. Their nine-day wildcat strike - the longest in recent West Virginia history - put in stark relief another national debate on teachers: President Donald Trump's plan to arm teachers with concealed firearms in the aftermath of the Valentine's Day school massacre in Parkland, Florida.

West Virginia House opposes constitutional abortion rights

West Virginia lawmakers say the main goal of a constitutional amendment they are proposing is to end Medicaid funding for abortions - but opponents say the change could lead to a future ban on abortions altogether. The House on Monday voted 73-25 to pass the resolution, which was approved by the Senate a month ago and will now go before voters in a November referendum.

Twitter CEO asks for help on ‘civility’; YouTube stumbles

Democratic House Majority Leader KC... An effort by Colorado Democrats to expel one of their own over sexual misconduct allegations appeared set to fail Friday amid Republican objections to how the complaints have been handled. Republicans object to how... An effort by Colorado Democrats to expel one of their own over sexual misconduct allegations appeared set to fail Friday amid Republican objections to how the complaints have been handled.

Manchin pledges not to campaign against fellow senators

Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, left, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan. 22. Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, left, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan. 22. WASHINGTON - Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., is encouraging Senate colleagues to join him in a pledge: To "return civility" to politics by pledging not to campaign against each other.

The Latest: Trump accuses FBI, DOJ of favoring Dems

GOP Rep. Mark Meadows is calling for the release of a classified memo on the Russia election probe, claiming there were "poor decisions made at some very senior level positions within the FBI and the DOJ." President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, in Washington.

Pence touts tax cuts, slams Manchin in West Virginia

Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit Wednesday to a truck dealership in West Virginia, touting the tax cuts enacted by the Republican-controlled Congress while slamming the state's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who voted against the plan. Manchin faces re-election this year.

The Latest: Ex-coal baron Senate bid: ‘Slap’ for miner’s dad

A West Virginia man whose son was killed in the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in four decades says a former coal executive's candidacy for U.S. Senate has brought up some bitter memories for his family. Robert Atkins' 25-year-old son, Jason Atkins, died in the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine explosion that killed 29 men in southern West Virginia.

Convicted ex-coal CEO launches US Senate bid with town hall

An ex-coal company executive who went to prison for charges stemming from the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in four decades kicked off his U.S. Senate bid Thursday evening, telling an audience he backs President Donald President Trump as a real opportunity for West Virginia. Ex-Massey Energy boss Don Blankenship received several ovations from more than 100 supporters present at his town hall-styled kickoff event in Logan.

Convicted ex-coal CEO woos working class, opening Senate bid

Blankenship will face two other Republican candi... . Former Massey CEO and West Virginia Republican Senatorial candidate, Don Blankenship, greets supporters, Doug Smith, left, of Chapmanville, W.Va., and Wanda Smith, right, of prior to a town hall in Logan, W.Va., Thursday, Jan. ... .

Analyst: New tax law brings short-term benefits to individuals, impact on businesses worth watching

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act takes effect Monday, yet there are still plenty of questions regarding how the legislation will affect West Virginians. The law, which was passed by Congress on Dec. 20 and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 22, includes changes to the individual income tax brackets, increased child tax credit and standard deduction, 21 percent corporate tax rate and how companies report foreign earnings.