Jessica M. Karmasek News
McGraw settles with two debt collection firms
McGraw CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw announced Friday his office has reached agreements with two out-of-state debt collection firms to halt their services in West Virginia, cancel consumers' debts and pay fines.
Bayer CEO says W.Va. needs judicial reform
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS -- Bayer Corp. CEO Greg Babe told state business leaders this week that West Virginia must reform its judicial system and overhaul its business tax structure if it wants to spur economic development and attract new investments.
If Manchin wins, Cooper still plans to sue over succession laws
CHARLESTON -- South Charleston lawyer Thornton Cooper says he still plans to sue West Virginia officials if they don't clean up the state's succession laws.
Energy Star sales tax holiday ends Nov. 30
McGraw CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw, along with Gov. Joe Manchin, announced on Wednesday the start of the state's final Energy Star sales tax holiday.
Some wonder why McGraw won't release subpoena contents
McGraw CHARLESTON -- There are those in the legal community who are questioning the refusal by West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office to release the contents of federal subpoenas recently received by two of Gov. Joe Manchin's cabinet agencies.
McGraw jumps on LCD lawsuit bandwagon
McGraw CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw has joined a growing number of state attorneys general who are suing the world's largest manufacturers of liquid crystal display, or LCD, panels.
McGraw sues eight payday lenders
McGraw CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw announced Wednesday he is suing eight more payday lenders and is demanding that the companies stop doing business in the state.
Manchin Senate campaign raking in donations
Manchin CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin has raised more than a half-million dollars in the race for the late Robert C. Byrd's U.S. Senate seat, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Feds subpoena two state agencies
Manchin CHARLESTON - West Virginia was served last week with two federal subpoenas, Gov. Joe Manchin's office has confirmed.
Hearing set in Massey coal dust suit
CHARLESTON - A Raleigh County judge will hold a hearing later this month on a lawsuit that alleges hundreds of children were exposed to toxic coal dust from a Massey Energy processing plant and silo next to Marsh Fork Elementary School.
Huntington native passes after influential legal career
Cassis LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Charles S. "Charley" Cassis, a founding partner at the law firm Frost Brown Todd and native of Huntington, died Friday following a short illness.
New Legal Aid program established
McMillan CHARLESTON - The West Virginia State Bar and Legal Aid of West Virginia announced this month the launch of a collaborative effort that will provide legal information and services to state residents.
Attorney warns Marcellus Shale landowners to be careful
Samol WHEELING -- One Wheeling lawyer is warning area landowners who hope to cash in on Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling to be careful before blowing their windfall.
Implementing new rules may take a while, Supreme Court clerk says
Perry CHARLESTON -- It could be December before revised rules to West Virginia's appellate process go into effect, says the state Supreme Court's clerk.
Lawyer says Massey handling disaster like 'PR campaign'
Bailey CHARLESTON -- A lawyer for families of two of the miners who were killed in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster called Massey Energy's handling of the investigation into the explosion a "PR campaign."
Mingo attorney pleads guilty to wire fraud
CHARLESTON -- A Mingo County attorney pleaded guilty Monday for his role in fraudulently obtaining more than $119,000 in falsified legal fees.
Trade groups say rule changes will deter business growth
CHARLESTON -- Two West Virginia trade associations say changes proposed by the state's Supreme Court to its appellate procedures will increase the court's workload and make it harder to attract new businesses.
Public defenders say rules changes could mean more costs, work
CHARLESTON -- Public defenders in West Virginia say proposed revised rules to the appellate process could result in increased costs and could mean a heavier workload.
U.S. Chamber, W.Va. trial lawyers comment on proposed rule changes
CHARLESTON -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform says changes proposed by the West Virginia Supreme Court to its appellate procedures don't go far enough.
McGraw settles with five payday loan websites
McGraw CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw has reached a settlement with FFD Companies, operators of at least five Internet payday loan websites, for more than $300,000.