West Virginia

August 12, 2008 -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw filed suit today against Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP, Full Spectrum Lending, Inc. and Angelo R. Mozilo, individually and as CEO of Countrywide Financial Corporation.

Countrywide made loans to West Virginia consumers on terms that were unaffordable and unconscionable. These loans exposed consumers to foreclosure and loss of their homes. Countrywide also used unfair and deceptive acts or practices to make loans and service loans.

For example, Countrywide induced consumers to take out adjustable rate mortgages that offered a teaser rate for the first 2-5 years, but then reset at a much higher, unaffordable rate.    » read more »

August 06, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Garrett T. Lawton, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia, died Aug. 4 while supporting combat operations in Herat province, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Source: DOD

August 5, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the West Virginia Statewide Leadership Team. This team of West Virginia leaders and grassroots activists will help organize and coordinate the campaign's grassroots efforts across the state and will communicate John McCain's message of greater national security, a stronger economy and meaningful government reform.

Each of West Virginia's 55 counties will have designated chairmen at the local level to serve as the points of contact for volunteers and supporters in each region and organize turnout efforts for Election Day.    » read more »

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va., July 3, 2008 -- Like moths to a candle, disasters seem to attract slippery predators skilled at preying on the pain and misfortune of others.

That is a warning by officials of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to residents affected by the storms, tornadoes, flooding and other severe weather of June 3-7.

"In disaster situations, there are often those who are ready to take advantage of such situations," said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. "Be especially alert for phone or door-to-door solicitors who hand out flyers and promise to speed up the insurance or building permit process, and those who ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full."    » read more »

June 16, 2008 -- A South Carolina tax-relief company that claims to be able to settle your debt with the Internal Revenue Service for "pennies on the dollar" has agreed to stop misleading consumers about its services and pay $1.5 million in refunds, announced West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw today.

"For an exorbitant fee, JK Harris promised to help consumers with their tax problems. Instead of getting tax help, consumers only got deeper in debt," said McGraw.    » read more »

Anticipates spending in excess of $15 Million for recent disasters

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 — The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.    » read more »

Employees at Miller’s West Virginia Distributor Fight for Health Care and Livable Wages

June 13, 2008 -- (Charleston, WV) – Workers at the West Virginia distributor of Miller and Coors beers will kick off a summer handbilling series at local bars and restaurants today. The workers say they want to bring attention to contract demands by SABMiller’s West Virginia distributor, Capitol Beverage Company, that would hike workers’ cost for family health care.    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- Attempts by West Virginia to enter into a concealed handgun reciprocity agreement with South Carolina have been unsuccessful. Inconsistencies between the two states’ laws precluded and agreement. As a consequence, West Virginia concealed handgun licenses are not honored in South Carolina. This would appear to have changed with the passage by the South Carolina General Assembly of H.B. 3212.    » read more »

Relief efforts underway throughout Midwest, but also in West Virginia

WASHINGTON -- June 09, 2008 -- Storms and heavy rainfall have caused serious flash flooding in already saturated areas of the central United States. In response, the American Red Cross has mobilized relief workers to six states in the devastated areas.

Flooded midwestern home: Photo by cabakus (CC)

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss.    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Following a federal proclamation issued by President George W. Bush on May 22, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today issued a proclamation ordering all state flags, along with all United States flags, be displayed at half staff from dawn through noon Monday, May 26, 2008, in recognition of Memorial Day.

The governor also asked all West Virginians to display their U.S. and state flags on their homes at half staff from dawn until noon on Monday. Also in conjunction with the President’s Memorial Day Proclamation, citizens are also being asked to join in the nationwide observance for permanent peace at 11 a.m. and the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Source: West Virginia Governor

"At a time when we're facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War, the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they've served us," Obama says.

May 12, 2008 -- Charleston, WV - Delivering a speech in Charleston today, Senator Barack Obama urged America to do better in keeping faith with our returning veterans and outlined his plans to improve care from enlistment through retirement and beyond.

Barack Obama discusses veterans' issues in West Virginia: Photo courtesy Barack Obama campaign    » read more »

5/11/2008 -- On Mother’s Day, we thank and honor those who have devoted countless hours to taking care of their families. Mothers work constantly to help their children start and lead healthy, enriched lives. They are among our children’s most important teachers, guiding our youth to reach their full potential and realize their dreams.

Hillary Clinton: Photo by Kevin Makice (CC)

Today, this job is harder than ever before because parents are faced with the challenges of caring for their children as well as their aging parents, while meeting the demands of their work responsibilities.    » read more »

5/7/2008 -- Charleston, WV) - All eyes are on West Virginia as the Mountain State takes center stage in the Democratic presidential primary. West Virginia leaders and Clinton campaign volunteers will be out in full force tomorrow, urging West Virginians to make their voice heard by Early Voting.

Hillary Clinton signs "I love you" at PA rally: Photo by sweejak (CC)    » read more »

May 6, 2008 -- The Internal Revenue Service has begun giving qualifying taxpayers rebate checks. And some retailers are competing to get your rebate check by offering to sell you gift cards. What is the incentive to buy a gift card? Stores are offering gift cards worth 10%-17% more than your rebate check.

However, West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw warns consumers about purchasing one of these gift cards. Many of the retailers require you to use the entire rebate check to purchase the gift card.

"If you put all the money towards a gift card, you won’t have any money left to spend at another store, pay off debt or save," said Attorney General McGraw.    » read more »

5/5/2008 -- (Charleston, WV) - The Hillary Clinton campaign today announced its West Virginia for Hillary Leadership Council, a group of leaders from across the state who are working to make Hillary successful in the primary.

"I am honored and grateful to have the support of so many leaders from across West Virginia," said Clinton.

Hillary Clinton campaigns at a North Carolina rally: Photo by Keith Kissel (CC)

"I look forward to coming back to the Mountain State in the coming days and meeting face to face with West Virginians to discuss how we can find real solutions to the challenges facing working families."    » read more »