Good morning, Morgantown.

A HomeSnacks ranking named Bridgeport the best place to live for 2026 while Morgantown placed in the top 10 due to its growing population and affordability.

The list noted local economic strengths and quality schools — details that highlight each area’s unique appeal.

Gas prices in northern West Virginia rose 23 cents to $3.77 per gallon last week, according to AAA's report from Bridgeport.

Two North Central principals, Kimberly Greene (University High in Mon County) and Samantha Peaslee (Kingwood Elementary in Preston County), are finalists for 2027 West Virginia School Principal of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8 in Charleston.

Welcome Week starts on Aug.

13 as students move into residence halls (8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) with faculty and staff joining events through Aug. 17 and classes beginning on Aug. 18.

Faculty and graduate students are asked to serve as judges for the 19th Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium on July 23 from 1-5 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms (judges must complete the recruitment form on the ForagerOne platform).

WVU's brand messaging now appears on Wi-Fi for American Airlines flights connecting travelers to cities like Charlotte + Chicago.

The campaign started July 10 and will run until Oct. 10 to reach over 400,000 viewers and boost recruitment.

WVU engineers developed the WildFIRE-DS AI system to help satellites quickly reposition for spotting wildfires (improving detection and response time) and to give firefighters a head start.

The breakthrough, tested by WVU researchers, enhances wildfire monitoring from space.

Federal officials announced that West Virginia University Health System has agreed to pay $4,177,139 and follow a three-year compliance agreement after a DEA investigation found recordkeeping and reporting errors from 2017 to 2024.

The settlement requires new security measures + training improvements at the system’s registered facilities.

A new report from the West Virginia Hospital Association shows nursing faces high job pressures with 17.5% vacancies and over 21% turnover (data from 47 hospitals) while local hospital leaders plan workforce initiatives to improve retention and support patient care.

The Monongalia County Health Department announced on Monday that two cyclosporiasis cases have been reported, with one hospitalization, and officials are urging residents to wash produce carefully as they work to identify a possible source.

West Virginia health officials declared a statewide cyclosporiasis outbreak and advised residents to be alert for symptoms (including prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever).

The announcement comes amid a rise in cases across the country.

Coach Rich Rodriguez expects Nick Krahe to lead the offensive line under new coach Rick Trickett.

Krahe, who played all 12 games with only one sack allowed last season, is adapting to a possible move to guard and is set to mentor linemen + boost the Mountaineers’ performance this year.

John R. Miller & William Matheny Concert

8 p.m. — 123 Pleasant Street — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy a night of live music from talented artists John R. Miller and William Matheny.

Queen City Funk and Soul Concert

7-10 p.m. — Tropics — $15 — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music featuring Queen City Funk as part of the summer concert series.