Don Blankenship trial continues. Good coverage at the Coal Tattoo Blog.

"In a court order filed today, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger dealt a blow to former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship’s defense team.

Berger’s order essentially sides with the government which previously filed a motion to exclude evidence related to Massey’s disagreement with federal regulations prohibiting the use of belt air.

In her new filing, Berger cites her October 6 ruling on the government’s motion in limine to exclude “claims that federal mine safety standards were incorrect, misguided or imprudent.”

In the government’s latest motion, which was filed October 8, they called attention to defense lawyer Bill Taylor’s opening statement and subsequent cross-examinations in which the defense has attempted to introduce evidence that suggests the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration forced the Upper Big Branch mine to adopt a ventilation plan that did not use “belt air.” "

http://blogs.wvgazettemail.com/coaltattoo/

If Blankenship goes to jail, this would be a seachange for business in the USA. The trial is getting next to no attention in the national media.