Ex-coal CEO charged in West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 wants trial moved, delayed

The former head of a coal company that ran the West Virginia mine where 29 men were killed in a 2010 explosion wants his criminal case moved and his trial delayed for a year.

Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship is charged with conspiring to violate safety and health standards at the Upper Big Branch Mine.

Blankenship's attorney said at a hearing Wednesday that his client couldn't get a fair trial in southern West Virginia because of bad publicity.

Also, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger heard news organizations, including The Associated Press, argue against a gag order, which they want dropped or modified.

The order restricts parties or victims from discussing the case with reporters or releasing court documents.