Good morning, Morgantown.

United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties is celebrating 211 day to promote the hotline that connects residents with vital services such as food, rent, and utilities.

Officials noted the hotline made 126,728 connections in 2025 to support local families.

The Hardesty Festival of Ideas will bring together newsmakers, public figures, thought leaders and WVU experts to explore world-shaping conversations from (Monday, Feb.

16 to Wednesday, Feb. 18) on campus.

Patrick Brooks, a WVU College of Law graduate and Wyoming County native, was named director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and is set to be honored at the Non-Classified Staff Salute today.

He leads reviews of student conduct and Title IX cases while working to build safe, respectful campus collaboration.

WVU Art and Design presents the 13th Annual Juried Student Exhibition at the Laura Mesaros Gallery until Feb.

26. An awards reception is set for Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. in the Douglas O. Blaney Lobby, where selected students vie for cash prizes (ranging from $200 to $700) and certificates.

Gov. Morrisey today named James Paul to the state school board seat (replacing Debra Sullivan) and criticized the board's oversight, saying stronger accountability is needed for efficient education management; Paul, formerly executive director of the charter schools board, will serve a nine-year term.

Faculty and staff attended the Frontline Professionals meeting yesterday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mountainlair (Shenandoah Room) as WVU leaders updated on enrollment, recruitment, and housing changes.

WVU Medicine UHC will expand its outpatient surgery center with a $48 million investment that begins with orthopedic procedures in Q1 2027 (Bridgeport) to ease surgical backlogs and improve the patient experience.

Local boys basketball teams posted a 46-10 record this season, and teams from Morgantown, University, Clay-Battelle and Trinity Christian are set to compete in Charleston in March as they build on recent success on the gridiron.

A photo gallery from Day 3 of the Country Roads Shootout was shared from West Virginia State University on Wednesday, Feb.

11 (provided by Shawn Healy Photography) and shows West Virginia No. 19 beating UCF 106-56 with six Mountaineers scoring in double figures.

WVU coach Steve Sabins said the Mountaineers will adjust their starting lineup for the season opener on Friday at Georgia Southern, testing versatile players at catcher, shortstop, center and first base - a strategy to find the best fit for each position.

High school basketball season is back as warm weather melts the ice and teams resume play.

Preston High girls host Fairmont Senior tonight at The Castle, while University readies to play Robert C. Byrd on Friday at Baker’s Ridge.

University High won the Division I championship at the state duals at the Fairgrounds on Saturday by beating Parkersburg 40-31, and the team will complete its season with a final dual against Huntington this week before the Region I Tournament on Feb.

20 and 21.

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.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. UCF Knights

8-10 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Ticket prices vary — Charge or defend? It's Mountaineers vs UCF tonight!