United Mine Workers issues Upper Big Branch report

As the state celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year, the winners of the 2013 West Virginia State History Bowl have found victory particularly sweet.

In a surprise announcement, Gov. Tomblin named his next appointee for the cabinet Secretary of Veteran’s Assistance, but that appointment will cause some shake-up in the state House of Delegates. The chamber will not only be looking for new leadership now, but the Democratic majority will be looking for someone who can keep the seat for the party.

The Marshall University softball program will take its next step into uncharted waters tonight when they square off in Lexington, Kentucky, with the Kentucky Wildcats. It’s the Herd’s first ever Conference USA Tournament Title and trip to regionals.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the appointment of Speaker Rick Thompson as Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Veterans Assistance. The appointment will be effective following the retirement of Secretary Keith Gwinn.

Last week we brought you a story that highlighted some of the work the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority is doing to use reclaimed mine land to diversify the county’s economy. During that story, Executive Director Steve Kominar accused the US Environmental Protection Agency of doing everything it can to prevent Consol Energy from getting a permit for a mining site in the county.