Good morning, Morgantown.

At West Virginia University, professor Mike Strager uses maps to spark creative thinking among his students as they explore why location matters.

The innovative lesson teaches spatial concepts in a way that connects classroom ideas to everyday life.

WVU is accepting nominations for outstanding undergraduate and graduate student employees (from Morgantown, Potomac State, and Institute of Technology) for the 2026 Student Employee of the Year awards; entries are due by Feb.

1 and winners will be recognized during a virtual ceremony in April.

A new bill introduced Monday will let students who complete a certified driver’s ed skip both the written and road tests at the DMV + use their course certificate within six months.

Students under 18 with out-of-state licenses must still test + the measure now goes to the Committee on Education.

Morgantown-based WVU enrollment chief Fabrizio D’Alosio (a University of Tennessee veteran) reports strong growth for fall admissions as FAFSA filings increased 87% and applications rose at least 10%, with nearly 9,000 families having received financial aid packages; his office will help guide families through their options.

WVU graduates will celebrate Commencement Weekend May 15-17 at the Hope Coliseum.

Students must apply through STAR & register with their school to join the ceremonies while checking the graduation website for updates.

Lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 516 to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, adding a universal $2,000 raise + a $1,200 bonus for math and special education instructors.

The bill is under review by the Education and Finance committees.

Monongalia County Schools' finances remain strong as Superintendent Dr. Eddie Campbell (the district head) confirmed that careful oversight has kept issues at bay amid financial turmoil in nearby Hancock County Schools.

WVU women’s basketball earned its bounce-back win over Cincinnati and lost by one point to TCU, moving them to No. 22 in the AP Poll.

They face Arizona State (not ranked) today at 7 p.m. at home as they eye momentum for postseason play.

The WVU men’s basketball team will try to break its winless road record in a 9 p.m. game today at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe against Arizona State after traveling about 2,000 miles and facing weather roughly 30 degrees warmer than home (Arizona).

Baylor Bears vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Basketball

4-6 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Free trial for streaming — Catch the live action as Baylor faces West Virginia in an exciting college basketball showdown.

Ray Scott LIVE at Tipsy Teeze

8-11 p.m. — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience critically acclaimed Nashville star Ray Scott performing live with support from Clay Justice.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at West Virginia Mountaineers Basketball

1-3 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Cost info not provided — Morgantown energy activated with Texas Tech in the building.

UCF Knights vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Basketball

7-9 p.m. — Hope Coliseum — Ticket info available — It's more than a game, it's a statement as WVU takes on UCF and leaves it all on the court!

Black Violin Full Circle Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Metropolitan Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the powerful fusion of classical and hip-hop music as Black Violin redefines musical boundaries.

Bridgerton Trivia Night

5-8 p.m. — Stone Tower Brews — Supports Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center — Prove your wit at this spirited trivia night inspired by Bridgerton.