Good morning, Morgantown.

Visitors can explore a dozen Underground Railroad sites within a 4-hour drive from Morgantown (including the F.

Julius LeMoyne House and Mount Pleasant Historic District) on the growing Network to Freedom list celebrating Black History Month. The markers honor historic escapes and offer engaging day trips.

Delegate Joe Statler was named chairman on Tuesday and said he will focus on revamping public school funding and support for special education as state officials and local districts assess rising overspending amid recent school consolidations.

The committee will examine funding gaps to help address these challenges.

Lawmakers introduced House Bill 4855 on Wednesday which would eliminate the state Department of Education by July 1, 2027 & shift its duties to county boards and the State Treasurer.

The bill would also create direct classroom expense accounts and require public posting of county purchase transactions.

WVU faculty now invite community voices to share their views on AI in classrooms and research.

Led by Aldo Romero — the exercise gathers anonymous input to guide internal discussions, with a summary set to be shared in March.

Information Technology Services offered advice during Data Privacy Week to help residents secure their personal devices.

The guidance urged locking devices & using strong, unique passwords while noting that WVU's free Sophos antivirus is available for up to three devices, with recommendations issued on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

WVU will test its Safety Notification System for emergencies Tuesday, Feb.

3 at 11 a.m. on Morgantown, Beckley & Keyser campuses by sending email, text, and push notifications, so faculty, staff, and students should update their contact details.

Monongalia County Commission approved a resolution to serve as a conduit for Trinity Christian School, letting the nonprofit use tax-exempt funds to purchase nine HVAC rooftop units for up to $245,000.

The county will provide only its FEIN and will not be responsible for repayment.

West Virginia Senate Bill 551 was introduced on Jan.

21 to restore voting rights for student, faculty, and staff representatives on Boards of Governors at state institutions, and Sen. Mike Woelfel said the bill could allow institutions to opt out (if desired) through an amendment.

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital opened its outpatient clinic on Jan.

9 in Morgantown to centralize specialized pediatric care; it offers 27 exam rooms, child-friendly design and interactive sensory features to ease visits for families.

WVU researchers led by Valeriya Gritsenko and Sergiy Yakovenko are testing AI digital twin models to help astronauts counter muscle loss and balance issues during space missions— their work, supported by a $750,000 NASA grant, also involves WVU student research and aims to improve telemedicine and surgical training.

The American Lung Association gave West Virginia failing grades in tobacco prevention with funding at 5.6% of CDC recommendations & low tobacco taxes while state officials plan new legislation to raise taxes and regulate vape products.

WVU has updated its online roster for the 2026 football season, listing key transfers like Cam Cook in No. 4 and Michael Hawkins in No. 3, with more signings expected before their Sept.

5 game against Coastal Carolina + several freshmen join the mix.

West Virginia beat Kansas State 59-54 at Hope Coliseum on Jan.

27. The Mountaineers used disciplined defense to limit free throws (a key factor) and coach Ross Hodge said it helped keep their home record unbeaten.

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.