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Last abortion clinic in W.Va. files federal suit

Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, which had been the state’s last abortion clinic, has filed a federal lawsuit over the ban passed last fall. The plaintiffs are asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to issue an injunction to block the entire ban while the full case is considered by the court. The suit contends West Virginia’s law is irrational and unconstitutional. “Every person deserves to access the critical care they need, but this law pushes essential abortion care out of reach,” said Katie Quiñonez, Women’s Health Center ...

Many question governor’s plans for ARPA funds

CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice submitted a bill meant to transfer $678 million in federal American Rescue Plan dollars to state development funds. Not everybody thinks that’s a great idea. House Bill 2883 calls for $500 million to be transferred to the state Economic Development Authority, a $177 million transfer to the state Water Development Authority and another $1 million to be transferred to Marshall University. Twenty-one people spoke against the transfer during a public hearing at the state Capitol on Thursday. All said there are more urgent uses for the money, and ...

Gov. Justice hopeful for progression of proposed income tax cut

Gov. Jim Justice is hoping for an answer soon from the state Senate about his proposal to cut personal income taxes. “I’m going to be more blunt. I’m going to tell you that, basically, what’s happening is stall, procrastination. That’s what’s going on,” Justice said during an appearance in Martinsburg on Tuesday. “And at the end of the day, if we just keep messing around with this we’re going to get to a point in time and we’re worried about protecting the state, so let’s don’t do anything. I can’t imagine we’re just going to walk off and leave. It’s ...