Good morning, Morgantown.

Morgantown welcomed a new store on High Street called The Retail Lab that blends fashion, education and community as it held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday.

The store, created by WVU professor Elizabeth Shorrock and managed by alumna Daphne Carroll, will welcome shoppers on Friday and plans to host consignment sales, workshops and community events with a grand opening in September.

Coal Association President Chris Hamilton said falling prices, weak global demand, and strong foreign competition have led to layoffs, including nearly 200 workers planned by CORE Natural Resources in Wyoming County and additional cuts in Logan County.

He said he hopes the downturn is short-term as coal demand picks up in summer — though recent tariffs add more problems.

Michael Benson was named WVU’s new president in February and will take office on July 15 — he is preparing a strategic plan with a national search for a provost and a new vice president for enrollment management — and he promised to visit all 55 counties to support the university’s land-grant mission.

Information Technology Services moved WVU Login accounts to the new Okta platform so users must reset their password using the instructions in the activation email to keep access to WVU systems — those working remotely should connect to the VPN and complete activation within 90 days.

Today the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reported that hunters harvested 10,694 bearded turkeys during spring gobbler season, which is 8.2% lower than last year and includes a youth harvest of 682 birds—officials noted that overall numbers were also below the five year and 10 year averages.

The Problem Gambling Help Network, run by First Choice Services and funded by the West Virginia Lottery, is seeing a surge in calls as online betting grows, with a shift from mostly middle-aged women to more younger, male gamblers.

The free helpline offers crisis intervention, treatment, financial counseling, and self-exclusion programs — a vital service for those facing gambling addiction.

The Peak Health Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown will host an international diving event from June 12 to 15, where nearly 100 athletes from the United States, Australia, China, Japan, Canada, and other nations will compete in an Olympic qualifying meet.

The state-of-the-art facility features a 50-meter pool and an Olympic diving tower — features that may help elevate Morgantown as a future venue for major competitions.

Free Play Freedom Day

9 AM – 8 PM — Peak Health Aquatic Center at Mylan Park — Free entry — Dive into fun with free swimming, splash pad, and a movie night at dusk.

Ben Benson Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — $10 — Enjoy an electrifying performance by Ben Benson in a vibrant local venue.

2025 High Point National - Pro Motocross - Round 4

6-9 a.m. — High Point Raceway — Check website for costs — Witness the thrilling competition of top pro motocross racers and enjoy local fare in an interactive Sponsor Village.

Clay Justice Performance

8-11 p.m. — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a lively evening with Clay Justice in a vibrant Morgantown venue.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living

9 AM - 7 PM — Harmony at Morgantown — Free entry — Explore the best of senior living with tours highlighting exceptional care and dining options.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers at West Virginia Black Bears

7:59-10:59 p.m. — Monongalia County Ballpark — Ticketed event — Enjoy an exciting baseball game between the Scrappers and Black Bears.