Good morning, Morgantown.

The Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab is unveiling a new pre-accelerator program for students to gain personalized guidance to develop business ideas (Discover starts Sept.

22 and Test begins Oct. 19, with applications due by Sept. 10).

West Virginia University President Michael Benson is discussing closing University Avenue in front of the Mountainlair to create a pedestrian mall and improve student safety.

He noted that traffic studies and re-routing plans (including a proposed roundabout near Eighth St.) must occur, and most upperclassmen may not see the change before they graduate.

Retired Maj. Gen. James A.

Hoyer will present “Retired from the Position, Not the Purpose” on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. at Mountaineer Mall (Classroom B) and on Zoom. He will explain how retired professionals can use their experience to support local education and community projects.

The West Virginia Consumer Advocate Division filed a motion on Aug.

25 asking to pause or dismiss NextEra’s MARL project because extended operations at two Maryland plants eliminate the near-term grid issues, and the PSC Board will rule on the request in the coming weeks.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2.3 million is available through the Rural Health Link initiative (a part of the Rural Health Transformation Program) to help transportation providers enhance rides to healthcare for rural residents.

Eligible organizations may apply online.

West Virginia has opened a $7.1 million funding opportunity aimed at building regional hubs and coordinating mobility services to improve rural health care access — applications are now encouraged from rural communities.

Chams Diagne, a 6-foot-3 cornerback with a varied path through Georgia State and junior college, will begin his senior season at WVU on Sept.

5 against Coastal Carolina. Coaches praise his unique size + adaptability as assets for strengthening the Mountaineers' new-look secondary.

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez held open tryouts on Aug.

20 to fill final roster spots before the Sept. 5 season opener against Coastal Carolina, as about 12-15 athletes attended while debates over NFL players returning continue. Rodriguez remains flexible about adding players, even considering a call to NFL coach Mike McCarthy.

WVU football is set to prove experts wrong this season as coaches and players, including underdog John Neider, build on a 5.5 win projection.

Key tests will come against Virginia, Oklahoma State, and the Cavaliers in Charlotte on Sept. 19.