Good morning, Morgantown.

Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins will host a Fish Fry benefit on Friday, Jan.

30 at 4:30 p.m. at the Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park featuring Merril Hoge & Clark Kellogg; funds are raised for the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment.

Senators Joey Garcia and Mike Woelfel introduced Senate Bill 600 on Tuesday to add a $100k income cap for the Hope Scholarship, limiting eligibility to families with incomes below that threshold and ensuring funds are used for in-state education.

The bill was referred to the School Choice and Finance committees.

During Tuesday's session, Senate Education Chairwoman Amy Nichole Grady said the committee halted action on the emergency school funding bill for Hancock County to study it further.

Lawmakers may later consider a broader plan to reform school funding across the state.

WVU Tax Services has posted the 2025 W-2 forms online under the MyHR tab at portal.wvu.edu for current employees, and paper copies will be mailed on or before Monday, Feb.

2 (duplicate copies can be requested after Feb. 9 via email).

Late insurance agent Margaret Frances Verbonic Hodges—who maintained close ties to Morgantown—left a $1.8M estate gift that established the Michael Verbonic, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at WVU to help ease financial burdens for students.

The donation was made through the WVU Foundation before her death on Oct. 21.

The West Virginia Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2026 Governor's Schools program, a summer residential learning experience + interested students should review the eligibility details to prepare for this opportunity.

The Department of Communication Studies is recruiting participants for a 30-day TikTok study.

Eligible adults must complete a pre-survey + daily surveys emailed at 8 p.m. + a final 15-minute session to earn up to $50 in Amazon gift cards.

Morgantown Campus faculty must submit nominations for the Presidential Student Ambassadors program by noon Feb.

2; eligible students must be freshmen or sophomores with a 3.7 GPA and an anticipated graduation date (spring 2028 or later).

Senator Brian Helton introduced Senate Bill 623 Tuesday to provide tax breaks for large data centers that invest at least $50 million, create 50 jobs and use 80% West Virginia coal-generated power.

The bill now awaits review by the Economic Development and Finance committees + further action follows.

WVU SGA is lobbying for legislation to restore student voting rights on the Board of Governors + expand campus food support with a new health and aid grant.

The student-led effort continues during the legislative session, which runs until March 14.

Sen. Tom Takubo plans to introduce legislation to boost funding for smoking cessation programs by redirecting Rainy Day B Fund interest—this comes as the state spends only $300,000 against a $27 million need.

The American Lung Association will release its State of Tobacco Control report today.

Doctors at United Hospital Center remind residents to bundle up amid dangerous frigid weather following the winter storm.

They warn that a body temperature below 95°F can lead to hypothermia and advise seeking help immediately if shivering stops (a key warning sign).

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.

Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Basketball

2-4 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Tickets available — The grind never stops! Bring the energy, Mountaineers!

Gardner Winter Music Festival

5 p.m. – 10 p.m. — South Middle School — $5 for adults, free for musicians and kids under 7 — Celebrate winter with Appalachian music, dance, and workshops.