Delegates to examine changes to foster care system

January 19, 2019

Delegates started examining changes to how West Virginia’s foster care system is run, potentially opening the door to managed care contracts. “Do you think this is going to be a better effect for the foster children, managed care?” asked Delegate Linda Longstreth, D-Marion. She was among delegates who asked questions about the bill during a meeting of the Senior, Children and Family Issues committee. The committee passed the bill out on a voice vote, but it still has two more committees before being considered by the full House of Delegates. Up next is the Health and Human ...

Hansell to discuss life after coal at WVU’s College of Law

January 19, 2019

The Energy Information Agency, an office of the federal Department of Energy, indicates West Virginia coal production is up 20 percent over the same period last year. Though the state could be on target to produce 100 million tons in a year, it’s not close to the 170 million tons produced ...

Supreme Court hasn’t budgeted for intermediate court but doesn’t object

January 19, 2019

CHARLESTON — The state Supreme Court hasn’t budgeted to account for a new intermediate court of appeals, but its justices aren’t necessarily against it. The intermediate court of appeals is likely to come up — again — during Senate committee meetings next week at the Capitol. A ...

Bill proposed would divert pop tax revenue from WVU to PEIA

January 19, 2019

CHARLESTON — A House bill introduced last week proposes to divert the $15 million “pop tax” devoted annually to WVU Health Sciences for medical education from WVU to the Public Employees Insurance Agency. Before we explain the bill and the local concerns about it, it’s important to note several things. First, of the nearly 2,000 bills introduced each year, only about 10 percent pass. And many of those are rules bills. Second, bills have to pass, generally, through two committees before reaching their chamber floor, then travel to the other end of the Capitol to undergo ...

Mon County grand jury indicts 132 in January

January 19, 2019

The Monongalia County grand jury issued 132 indictments Monday. All those indicted will appear before a Monongalia County Circuit Court judge later this month for an arraignment hearing. They are: Barb, Norman — Child neglect. Phillips, Keanna — Possession with intent to deliver a ...

Jermaine Haley’s game-winning basket lifts West Virginia past Kansas

January 19, 2019

  MORGANTOWN — Jermaine Haley began the second half Saturday on his backside. By the end of the game, he had dumped Kansas on its own behind. The 6-foot-7 point guard entered his own name into West Virginia lore with his drive down the right side of the lane against Kansas ...