# mercer county (news sources) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover mercer county. Page: Feed: --- ## [Bluefield celebrates Beaver/Graham Week](https://woay.com/bluefield-celebrates-beaver-graham-week/) _2026-08-25 · Caleb Pearl · WOAY-TV_ The Bluefield Beavers and Graham G-Men meet Friday at Mitchell Stadium, capping a week of events uniting both Bluefields. ## [Appalachian Regional Health Care farmers’ market is back tomorrow](https://woay.com/appalachian-regional-health-care-farmers-market-is-back-tomorrow/) _2026-08-25 · Mike Teaney · WOAY-TV_ The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of 250 Stanaford Road in Beckley. ## [Agreement reached between various parties in Fayette County PSD sale, engineering firm seeks default judgment of debt](https://woay.com/agreement-reached-between-various-parties-in-fayette-county-psd-sale-engineering-firm-seeks-default-judgment-of-debt/) _2026-08-25 · Mike Teaney · WOAY-TV_ CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – Significant progress seems to have been made in the Fayette County Commission’s purchase agreement that would sell several county PSDs to American water – a deal that has been plagued by allegations of uncovered debt and legal issues since the process began well over a year ago. A Joint Stipulation and \[…\] ## [West Virginia flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton](https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-flags-to-be-lowered-to-half-staff-in-honor-of-dolly-parton/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Flags across West Virginia will be lowered to half-staff beginning Wednesday in honor of legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday. Morrisey announced the flag lowering following news of Parton’s death, saying West Virginians had a special connection with the entertainer and her legacy. “West Virginia \[…\] ## [Some Monongalia County school bus drop-offs temporarily halted amid community incident](https://www.lootpress.com/some-monongalia-county-school-bus-drop-offs-temporarily-halted-amid-community-incident/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 8/25/2026 3:13 PM: Buses have resumed normal operations. — Monongalia County school buses are temporarily holding student drop-offs in a portion of the county as law enforcement responds to an incident in the community. According to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, the precaution applies to the area stretching from \[…\] ## [Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies at 80](https://www.lootpress.com/country-music-legend-dolly-parton-dies-at-80/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Staff · Lootpress_ (LOOTPRESS) – Country music icon Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice, songwriting talent and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most beloved entertainers in the world, has died at the age of 80. Parton’s death was reported Tuesday, August 25. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Born in a one-room cabin in rural \[…\] ## [Thurmond Town Council moves to sue Interior Department over proposed historic demolitions](https://www.lootpress.com/thurmond-town-council-moves-to-sue-interior-department-over-proposed-historic-demolitions/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Thurmond Town Council has voted to pursue legal action against the U.S. Department of the Interior in an effort to stop the proposed demolition of historically significant structures in the town. The council passed a motion Aug. 11 directing the town to seek pro bono legal representation and act as \[…\] ## [One Tank Trip: Burning Rock](https://woay.com/one-tank-trip-burning-rock/) _2026-08-25 · Tanner Beam · WOAY-TV_ It is time for this week's One Tank Trip! ## [Recovery Barbecue Bash planned in Fayette County to kick off Recovery Month](https://www.lootpress.com/recovery-barbecue-bash-planned-in-fayette-county-to-kick-off-recovery-month/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ SCARBRO, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A community event celebrating recovery, fellowship and hope will be held this week in Fayette County as organizers prepare to kick off Recovery Month. The Recovery Barbecue Bash is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fayette County Day Report Center, located at 908 Scarbro \[…\] ## [Mount Hope Mayor Michael Kessinger provides update on Proposed RV Park and Stream Restoration Efforts](https://woay.com/mount-hope-mayor-michael-kessinger-provides-update-on-proposed-rv-park-and-stream-restoration-efforts/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ Kessinger says the city has faced financial challenges from the buyout for years. According to a statement from the Mayor, the properties are subject to federal deed restrictions, with Fayette County holding the restricted deeds. The buyout also reportedly eliminated about 102 water and sewer customers, while the city remained responsible for debt on the sewer system built to serve the area.… ## [Ask the crowd: AI or not (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/QqIH8nyNlyeo) _2026-08-25 · **Sponsored**_ Get a transparent verdict from verified humans via web, RSS, or API. ## [Applications for financial assistance available for Fayette County residents impacted by severe flooding](https://woay.com/applications-for-financial-assistance-available-for-fayette-county-residents-impacted-by-severe-flooding/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ Applications are due by noon on September 15. The commission says it is only accepting applications at this time. After applications are received, the commission will determine at a public meeting whether assistance will be provided and how much eligible applicants may receive. #FayetteCounty #WOAY ## [Governor Morrisey appoints William J. Vest to 50th District House of Delegates seat](https://woay.com/governor-morrisey-appoints-william-j-vest-to-50th-district-house-of-delegates-seat/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ Vest brings more than 40 years of public safety and administrative experience to the legislature, including more than three decades with the West Virginia corrections system. He retired in 2022 as Acting Administrator and Superintendent of the Beckley Correctional Center. Vest also served as Deputy Warden and Associate Warden of Security at Mount Olive Correctional Complex, where he oversaw… ## [West Virginia Housing Market Demonstrates Steady Growth and Resilience in August 2026](https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-housing-market-demonstrates-steady-growth-and-resilience-in-august-2026/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Staff · Lootpress_ WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – As we move through the late summer season, the West Virginia real estate market continues to exhibit remarkable resilience and steady appreciation, solidifying the state’s reputation as one of the most stable and attractive regions for homeownership in the United States. According to recent industry data for the 2026 cycle, West \[…\] ## [Morrisey appoints Bill Vest to 50th District House of Delegates seat](https://www.lootpress.com/morrisey-appoints-bill-vest-to-50th-district-house-of-delegates-seat/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed Oak Hill resident William J. “Bill” Vest to represent the 50th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Morrisey announced the appointment Tuesday, citing Vest’s decades of experience in law enforcement, corrections and community leadership. “With his extensive background in law enforcement, state corrections administration,… ## [Lewisburg chosen as a contender for Hallmark Channel’s search for Merriest Christmas Town](https://woay.com/lewisburg-chosen-as-a-contender-for-hallmark-channels-search-for-merriest-christmas-town/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ A win would put Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley in the national spotlight while highlighting the community's businesses, residents and Christmas traditions. Supporters can vote daily through September 4 on the Hallmark Channel's Merriest Christmas Towns contest website. #GreenbrierCounty #WOAY ## [WV Collective hosting auditions for male lead role in Batboy: The Musical on August 26](https://woay.com/wv-collective-hosting-auditions-for-male-lead-role-in-batboy-the-musical-on-august-26/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ The role is open to males ages 15 to 26, and strong vocals are a must. Auditions will be held Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Kid in the Background on Prince Street in Beckley. If you can't make Wednesday's audition but are interested, organizers say to reach out to make other arrangements. #RaleighCounty #WOAY ## [Workforce WV hosting monthly virtual job fair on September 2](https://woay.com/workforce-wv-hosting-monthly-virtual-job-fair-on-september-2/) _2026-08-25 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ WorkForce West Virginia says its virtual job fairs have connected more than 41,000 registered job seekers with more than 5,000 employers and nearly 18,000 available job openings over the past three years. The agency says the August event alone included 750 available job openings. #WOAY ## [Trump Considers Renaming Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’ as U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute Escalates](https://www.lootpress.com/trump-considers-renaming-lake-ontario-lake-america-as-u-s-canada-trade-dispute-escalates/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Staff · Lootpress_ WASHINGTON (LOOTPRESS) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States is considering changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to escalate. Trump announced the idea in an August 25 post on Truth Social, saying the U.S. was giving “serious consideration” to the \[…\] ## [Balloon release planned at Epling Stadium to honor four boys killed in Charleston crash](https://www.lootpress.com/balloon-release-planned-at-epling-stadium-to-honor-four-boys-killed-in-charleston-crash/) _2026-08-25 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A balloon release will be held Wednesday evening at Epling Stadium in memory of the four boys who died in a crash Friday night in Charleston. The gathering will honor Kaiden, Colten, Kaden and James, according to an event announcement. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. \[…\] ## [West Virginia high school student dies following ATV accident](https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-high-school-student-dies-following-atv-accident/) _2026-08-24 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ HANCOCK COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An Oak Glen High School student died Friday from injuries suffered in an ATV accident, according to Hancock County Schools. The school district announced the student’s death but did not release the student’s name or provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the accident. Counselors and social workers will be \[…\] ## [Chovy's Blog: Agentic Coding (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/JqASxnAM1A7b) _2026-08-24 · **Sponsored**_ Personal posts on agentic coding, moshcode CLI, and security findings. ## [33rd Kids’ Classic Festival starts on Labor Day.](https://woay.com/33rd-kids-classic-festival-starts-on-labor-day/) _2026-08-23 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ The festival will kick off at 6 on Labor Day evening with the home run derby at Beckley Little League. ## [Don’t miss the last Fridays in the Park performance on the 28th!](https://woay.com/dont-miss-the-last-fridays-in-the-park-performance-on-the-28th/) _2026-08-23 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ The final Friday of the season will feature Strings of Green and Mike Kincaid from 11:30 am to 1 pm on August 28th. ...it's a show that shouldn't be missed, and there are many other new and exciting things to do close by. ## [Mon Power reschedules planned outage in Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties](https://woay.com/mon-power-reschedules-planned-outage-in-greenbrier-and-pocahontas-counties/) _2026-08-23 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ Wednesday, August 26th, from 8 am until 2 pm, the outage will affect areas including Lewisburg, Maxwelton, Anthony, Frankford, Renick, Trout, Droop, Hillsboro, Watoga, Mill Point, Raintown, and Buckeye. ## [State Fair wraps up](https://woay.com/state-fair-wraps-up/) _2026-08-23 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ "...overall it's been a great fair for our 101st anniversary." ## [WVU Tech professor earns prestigious CFI designation](https://woay.com/wvu-tech-professor-earns-prestigious-cfi-designation/) _2026-08-23 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ Wheeler says that gathering reliable information through ethical, evidence-based practices is essential to the pursuit of justice, and the designation reflects his commitment to bringing best practices to the classroom and the field. ## [Shoney’s in Oak Hill to close Sunday, just over a year after reopening](https://www.lootpress.com/shoneys-in-oak-hill-to-close-sunday-just-over-a-year-after-reopening/) _2026-08-23 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Shoney’s in Oak Hill will officially close its doors Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, according to restaurant staff. The closure comes just over a year after the restaurant reopened following a lengthy shutdown. The Oak Hill Shoney’s, located at 242 Mall Road, reopened on July 24, 2025, after being closed for \[…\] ## [Local jiu-jitsu practitioners competing in Las Vegas UFC BJJ Open](https://woay.com/local-jiu-jitsu-practitioners-competing-in-las-vegas-ufc-bjj-open/) _2026-08-22 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ "Arte Suave" is Portuguese for "the gentle art" of Brazilian jiu-jitsu—and the name of US army veteran and black belt Chris McKinney's Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Beckley. ## [West Virginia delegate calls for immediate review of highway barriers after three incidents in five days](https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-delegate-calls-for-immediate-review-of-highway-barriers-after-three-incidents-in-five-days/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Kanawha County Delegate Dana Ferrell is calling for an immediate review of highway safety measures following what he described as three incidents in five days involving vehicles going over or nearly going over barriers. Ferrell issued the statement after a deadly crash Friday night near the Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 \[…\] ## [Florida murder suspect arrested at West Virginia motel following multistate manhunt](https://www.lootpress.com/florida-murder-suspect-arrested-at-west-virginia-motel-following-multistate-manhunt/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ DUNBAR, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Florida woman was arrested at a West Virginia motel following a four-day multistate manhunt. Matthew Allen Waggle, 33, was taken into custody without incident at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Super 8 Motel in Dunbar. The arrest was carried \[…\] ## [Raleigh County community in mourning following deadly vehicle crash at I-77/I-64 split in Charleston](https://www.lootpress.com/raleigh-county-community-in-mourning-following-deadly-vehicle-crash-at-i-77-i-64-split-in-charleston/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County community is in mourning as four people were killed Friday night after a vehicle went off the highway near the Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 interchange in Charleston. The crash was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. near Pennsylvania Avenue. The four people killed had ties to the Raleigh \[…\] ## [Never miss a game (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/S7B6GoasEPyC) _2026-08-22 · **Sponsored**_ Follow any team; get an hour and one-minute web and email reminders. ## [Ewart Avenue to close for paving work near Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine](https://www.lootpress.com/ewart-avenue-to-close-for-paving-work-near-beckley-exhibition-coal-mine/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A portion of Ewart Avenue in Beckley will temporarily close Tuesday, Aug. 25, as crews complete road improvements near the Exhibition Coal Mine. The Beckley Sanitary Board said the closure will be near 513 Ewart Avenue, where a paving contractor is scheduled to complete grading, milling and paving along the curve \[…\] ## [Severe storms could bring 58 MPH or greater wind gusts to West Virginia Saturday](https://www.lootpress.com/severe-storms-could-bring-58-mph-or-greater-wind-gusts-to-west-virginia-saturday/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across parts of West Virginia Saturday afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches the region, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston. Forecasters said scattered clusters of thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of the front and move through the area later in \[…\] ## [The Weekend Ahead: Storms on Saturday, sun on Sunday](https://woay.com/the-weekend-ahead-storms-on-saturday-sun-on-sunday/) _2026-08-22 · Jay Polk · WOAY-TV_ The first half of the weekend will feature more summer-like weather, appropriate for the last day of the West Virginia State Fair in Lewisburg. The second half of the weekend will start off with the aforementioned showers and storms, but as the day goes on the sun will break out and the day will end with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid-70s. ## [Multiple people killed in crash at I-64/I-77 interchange](https://www.lootpress.com/multiple-people-killed-in-crash-at-i-64-i-77-interchange/) _2026-08-22 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 8/21/2026 11:31 PM: Three people are now reported dead following the crash. — ORIGINAL STORY: Multiple people were killed Friday night after a vehicle went off the highway near the Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 interchange in Charleston, according to police. The crash was reported shortly before 10:30 p.m. near \[…\] ## [Fabulous Football Friday: Week 0 photos](https://woay.com/fabulous-football-friday-week-0-photos/) _2026-08-22 · Tygra de Mello · WOAY-TV_ Welcome to Week 0! ## [Operation Lifesaver teaches train safety at State Fair](https://woay.com/operation-lifesaver-teaches-train-safety-at-state-fair/) _2026-08-21 · Caleb Pearl · WOAY-TV_ The national rail safety nonprofit set up a model train display in the West Virginia Building to teach children the dangers of railroad tracks. ## [New WV Tourism Secretary Kessinger visits State Fair](https://woay.com/new-wv-tourism-secretary-kessinger-visits-state-fair/) _2026-08-21 · Caleb Pearl · WOAY-TV_ Kayla Kessinger joined Gov. Patrick Morrisey at the State Fair in Greenbrier County days after being named the state's new tourism secretary. ## [Soul’d Up restaurant celebrates grand opening in Beckley](https://woay.com/sould-up-restaurant-celebrates-grand-opening-in-beckley/) _2026-08-21 · Jonathan Schwitzerlette · WOAY-TV_ "I've been shocked every day. Like, more people come just from word of mouth..." ## [West Virginia PSC granted both WVA Manufacturing and the Sanitary Board of Smithers intervener status](https://woay.com/west-virginia-psc-granted-both-wva-manufacturing-and-the-sanitary-board-of-smithers-intervener-status/) _2026-08-21 · Mike Teaney · WOAY-TV_ On Thursday, the West Virginia Public Service Commission granted both WVA Manufacturing, also known as Alloy, and the Sanitary Board of Smithers intervener status in the Fayette County Commission's attempt to sell four county PSD systems to American Water. ## [Bike features on Beckley Rail Trail – ribbon cutting this weekend](https://woay.com/bike-features-on-beckley-rail-trail-ribbon-cutting-this-weekend/) _2026-08-21 · Mike Teaney · WOAY-TV_ Creating new life along Beckley's rail trail was part of the city's outdoor initiative, and they will cut the ribbon on 4 brand-new mountain bike features on Saturday, August 22 at noon. ## [State Horseshoe Tournament](https://woay.com/state-horseshoe-tournament/) _2026-08-21 · Mike Teaney · WOAY-TV_ The Mountaineer Horseshoe League, based in Ronceverte, will be hosting the 88th annual state horseshoe tournament Saturday, August 29 ## [West Virginia’s first snowflakes typically arrive earlier than many realize](https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginias-first-snowflakes-typically-arrive-earlier-than-many-realize/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – With fall approaching, West Virginians still have some time before snow becomes a regular possibility, but history shows the state’s higher elevations can see their first flakes well before winter officially begins. There is no single average first-snow date that applies to all of West Virginia. Elevation and location create significant \[…\] ## [Beckley Rail Trail Bike Park to celebrate grand opening Saturday](https://www.lootpress.com/beckley-rail-trail-bike-park-to-celebrate-grand-opening-saturday/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new outdoor recreation attraction in Beckley is set to officially open to the public this weekend. Beckley Outdoors will hold the grand opening of the Beckley Rail Trail Bike Park at noon Saturday, Aug. 22. The new bike park is located along the Beckley Rail Trail behind 3100 Robert C. \[…\] ## [Walmart to add tap-to-pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay at U.S. stores](https://www.lootpress.com/walmart-to-add-tap-to-pay-apple-pay-and-google-pay-at-u-s-stores/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ (LOOTPRESS) – Walmart is preparing to roll out tap-to-pay technology at its stores across the United States, allowing customers to use contactless cards and mobile payment services including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The retailer announced Friday, Aug. 21, that the new payment option will begin rolling out at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations \[…\] ## [28 charged in major multi-state drug trafficking operation in West Virginia](https://www.lootpress.com/28-charged-in-major-multi-state-drug-trafficking-operation-in-west-virginia/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ CLARKSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Twenty-eight people have been charged in a 114-count federal indictment following an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering network operating between Detroit, Michigan, and West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced Thursday that the multi-state investigation dismantled an organization accused of transporting and distributing… ## [Fayetteville Police seize 1.2 Pounds of Meth in Hotel Bust](https://woay.com/fayetteville-police-seize-1-2-pounds-of-meth-in-hotel-bust/) _2026-08-21 · Caleb Pearl · WOAY-TV_ Fayetteville police say two people face drug charges after officers found meth and fentanyl in a Quality Inn room. ## [PSC staff seeks pause or dismissal of proposed MARL transmission line application](https://www.lootpress.com/psc-staff-seeks-pause-or-dismissal-of-proposed-marl-transmission-line-application/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – A proposed transmission line through West Virginia is facing a potential delay after staff with the state Public Service Commission raised concerns about changes to the project and the completeness of its application. PSC Staff Attorneys Victoria L. Wilson and Lucas R. Head filed a motion Aug. 19 asking the commission \[…\] ## [Record-Shattering Pumpkinseed Sunfish Caught in West Virginia](https://www.lootpress.com/record-shattering-pumpkinseed-sunfish-caught-in-west-virginia/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Staff · Lootpress_ CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today announced the state record for pumpkinseed sunfish was set on Aug. 6, by Robert Glover of Morgantown, W.Va. “The pumpkinseed state record category was established in 2024 along with redbreast, redear, black crappie and redhorse,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of Wildlife Resources. “Until \[…\] ## [15-year-old West Virginia girl reported missing, considered endangered](https://www.lootpress.com/15-year-old-west-virginia-girl-reported-missing-considered-endangered/) _2026-08-21 · Lootpress News Writer · Lootpress_ BARBOUR COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help locating a 15-year-old girl who has been reported missing and is considered endangered. Kasia Lynn Hess, 15, of Philippi, was reported missing at approximately 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21. According to the sheriff’s department, Hess was last seen around \[…\] ## [Beckley attorney Stephen P. New and Associates secure $9.25 million federal jury verdict against New York Times in defamation lawsuit](https://woay.com/beckley-attorney-stephen-p-new-and-associates-secure-9-25-million-federal-jury-verdict-against-new-york-times-in-defamation-lawsuit/) _2026-08-21 · Brandy Lawrence · WOAY-TV_ The case centered on a 2023 New York Times article that reported Spears, then an 18-year-old freshman basketball player at the University of Alabama, was present at the scene of a deadly shooting. Spears maintained he was not there. His father, then Marshall University athletic director Christian Spears, contacted Beckley attorney Stephen P. New within an hour of the article's publication. #WOAY