Good morning, Morgantown.

The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation will host the seventh annual Focus Forward conference on Tuesday, April 22 in Morgantown—this event will explore West Virginia’s future.

WELLWVU will host a cannabis education event for the University community on Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. April 14, where a panel of experts will discuss the risks and benefits of cannabis use and legalization—attendees can ask questions anonymously.

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2026 began on April 2 for University benefits-eligible faculty and staff and will run until May 15—changes must be made by then, with new selections taking effect on July 1 and some plans facing premium increases averaging 14%.

Harold Thomas Rogers and Miranda Lacy, two blind graduate students in WVU's online master's of social work program, filed a 36-page lawsuit on March 20 in the U.S.-District Court for Southern West Virginia alleging the university failed to provide accessible course materials, technology and proper accommodations for coursework and field placements. The complaint names university officials including President E.-Gordon Gee and seeks compensatory damages and an injunction to enforce federal disability laws.

The Morgantown Police Department remains challenged by a staffing shortage with 21 open positions out of 76, and the department has shifted to 12-hour shifts to address the gap.

Chief Eric Powell said he is exploring changes to the civil service testing process — reviewing programs like ride-along initiatives to boost recruitment.

UMWA President Cecil Roberts said local MSHA offices may close and more than 200 experienced NIOSH workers in Morgantown could lose their jobs, leaving miners without clear protection.

He urged federal leaders to give answers soon—warning that a lack of clear communication is causing worry among miners and families as 23,000 federal employees rally today in front of the House of Delegates Chamber.

The West Virginia University baseball team defeated Ohio State, 9—6, Tuesday at Bill Davis Stadium and improved to a 23—4 record while Ohio State fell to 8—17.

WVU will face Pitt in the Backyard Brawl at Kendrick Family Ballpark Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The West Virginia University gymnastics team competed against Maryland on April 2 at the NCAA Pennsylvania Regional Championships in University Park and now awaits play-in results.

A win will have the Mountaineers face LSU, Arkansas and Michigan in a quad meet at 7 p.m. today while a loss will lead Anna Leigh and freshmen Karleigh DiCello and Sophia Rice to compete as specialists.

WVU Football will host its Gold-Blue Spring Showcase presented by Go Mart on Saturday, April 5 at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium with a kickoff at 1 p.m. Almost Heaven Village will feature a kickoff concert with The Powell Brothers from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—fans must claim a free ticket and can donate to WVU Medicine Children's.

Walker Taylor Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — $15 — Enjoy the soulful melodies of Walker Taylor, inspired by country music's finest.

9 to 5 - The Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Lyell B Clay Concert Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the spirited music of Dolly Parton in this delightful adaptation of a classic tale.

Henry Clay 30K

12 PM — Coopers Rock State Forest — Registration required — Experience the thrill of mountain biking at this exciting event hosted by the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association.

Three Rivers English Springer Spaniel Club Event

April 24-27 — Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center — Entry fee required — Experience a weekend of dog shows with specialties and sweepstakes showcasing the best in English Springer Spaniels.

Brian Regan: Live Stand-Up Comedy

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Metropolitan Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the humorous observations of Brian Regan, renowned for his animated performance and relatable material.

2025 Spring Electronics Recycle Collection Event

8 AM – 12 PM — Sam's Club — Free entry — Safely dispose of your old electronics while supporting recycling efforts in the community.

Mylan Park Spring Craft Show

5 AM – 12 PM — Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center — Admission details not specified — Brighten your spring with unique hand-crafted items and great finds at the Mylan Park Spring Show.