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Politics

Big Jim

West Virginia’s Conflicted Governor

When West Virginia’s richest son ascended to the governor’s mansion, the line between his business empire and the state government blurred.

15 stories published since 2019

West Virginia Governor’s Coal Empire Sued by the Federal Government — Again

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice Runs for Senate Amid Stacks of Unpaid Bills

This Billionaire Governor’s Coal Companies Owe Millions More in Environmental Fines

A Coal Company Owned by This Billionaire Governor Has Pledged to Stop Breaking Pollution Laws

Gov. Jim Justice’s Companies Have Now Reached $140 Million in Lawsuit Settlements and Judgments Over Unpaid Bills

A Wealthy Governor’s Coal Company Might Get a Big Break From His Own Regulators

Companies Owned by This Billionaire Governor Received up to $24 Million in Bailout Loans

An Employee at a Private Sports Club Owned by This Billionaire Governor Tested Positive for Coronavirus

The Governor Urged Businesses to Reopen Safely, but a Restaurant at His Luxury Resort Didn’t, Complaints Say

This Billionaire Governor’s Been Sued Over Unpaid Bills. A Judge Just Ordered Him to Pay More.

The Billionaire Governor Who’s Been Sued Dozens of Times for Millions in Unpaid Bills

See Who’s Taken Gov. Jim Justice to Court Over Unpaid Bills

This Governor Still Guides His Billion-Dollar Business Empire, Even Though He Said He Wouldn’t

Lawmakers Call for Ethics Reform to Deal With Billionaire Resort-Owning Governor

Welcome to the Greenbrier, the Governor-Owned Luxury Resort Filled With Conflicts of Interest

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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