WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration issued a fatality alert Monday in connection with the November mining accident in Nicholas County that claimed a coal miner’s life.
Steve Lipscomb
Steve Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, died on Nov. 8 shortly after the Rolling Thunder Mine was inundated with water.
Lipscomb, whose body was recovered on Nov. 13, was the section foreman on the crew that encountered the water.
The MSHA notice issued Monday said Lipscomb’s death was the

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates chamber will sit vacant when Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, gavels in the 2026 regular legislative session.
Michael DeVault
Delegate Michael DeVault, R-Marion, released a letter announcing his resignation on Monday. DeVault represented the 74th district and was first elected in 2022, defeating Republican incumbent Guy Ward in the primary election and Democrat John Palmer in the general.
He successfully won reelection in 2024.

Today on MetroNews This Morning:
–The state GOP stick with a closed primary for this spring
–West Virginia Attorney General prepares for cases of trans athletes before SCOTUS
–ICE protests in West Virginia
–In Sports: a big home victory for the Mountaineers and a recap of NFL Wildcard Weekend
Listen to “MetroNews This Morning 1-12-26” on Spreaker.

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ELKINS, W.Va. — A Randolph County man and woman are in custody in South Carolina after allegedly abducting their seven-year-old daughter who was under state care.
State police said the girl was staying in the Elkins area when her biological parents, Darries and Megan Fauntleroy, both 40, of Montrose, took her on Friday.  Troopers said neither had legal custody and Megan Fauntleroy had been ordered not to be in her daughter’s presence.
Troopers got a tip they may be headed to South Carolina. They

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The 2026 60-day legislative session begins Wednesday with the State of the State address delivered by the governor. Despite party affiliations, a handful of lawmakers cite basically the same goals and objectives.
Larry Pack
Legislative priorities released by State Treasurer Larry Pack include defending the Hope Scholarship program, increasing control for local schools, increasing teacher pay, and eliminating the tax on tips and overtime. Pack is generally in favor of another