Good morning, Morgantown.

Hope Gas donated $25,000 to Simpson Elementary for a new playground — the donation supports plans to build a safe play area for students.

A ruling from the Public Service Commission approved Verizon Communications’ purchase of Frontier Communications on Friday—Verizon must set aside $60 million to improve copper telephone service for traditional subscribers.

Frontier serves about 225,000 access lines statewide, and Verizon promised to hire 25 full-time technicians to meet its broadband commitments.

West Virginia University will celebrate Appalachian heritage during its 78th Mountaineer Week from Nov.

3 to Nov. 9 — with events including a Beard Growing Contest, arts demonstrations, live music, and food samplings for students and visitors. The week-long celebration will feature craft fairs, storytelling, and cultural exhibits that honor regional traditions.

Mark Brazaitis, a professor and director of the Creative Writing Program, won the prestigious Pushcart Prize for his short story 'One Writer Against Oblivion'—his work first appeared in Prime Number Magazine.

His story will be featured in the 50th anniversary anthology in December.

Professor Jason Gross from the Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering Department showed off robotic vehicles at the West Virginia Culture Center that work in areas without GPS — the demonstration was broadcast on WOWK-TV.

Employees with eligible student dependents at WVU and WVU Research Corporation benefits must submit Spring 2026 education scholarship applications by Saturday, Nov.

1 unless the student is already receiving the Fall 2024 award plus eligible students must be enrolled full-time in a degree program and be under 26.

The Honors College is hosting Campus Read events in November centered on Percival Everett’s retelling of Huckleberry Finn featuring a performance by alumnus Doug Riley on November 2 in the Mountainlair Ballrooms & discussions on literary themes on November 10 and November 13 in the Gluck Theatre.

WVU will celebrate 50 years of its Personal Rapid Transit System with special events from November 3 to 8 that include behind-the-scenes tours of PRT Central for limited groups.

The system has provided over 100 million trips and serves about 12,000 riders daily using 67 electric vehicles which run on a dedicated track spanning 8.7 miles and connecting five stations—showing that a design from the 1970s remains a key part of campus transportation.

The fall WVU Housing Fair will be held in the Mountainlair Ballrooms on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where over a dozen landlords and campus representatives will help students with questions about apartments, meal plans, and leases while Student Legal Services offers advice + Breezeline holds giveaways. Another fair will be scheduled in the spring for students who miss this event.

A two-part workshop series on building a virtual makerspace will begin Nov.

6 with Omar Al-Shebeeb introducing digital tools from 1—2:15 p.m. at Evansdale Library, Room G01, and a follow-up session on Nov. 13 will let instructors apply the tools and share feedback to improve hybrid learning.

New U.S. Census Bureau data shows West Virginia is leading the nation in closing its digital divide although many areas—including Morgantown—still lack reliable internet access.

State officials say efforts to expand connectivity have driven strong growth and will continue to target underserved communities.

The Brand and Trademark Licensing Office updated its product request form for ordering WVU-branded products so customers now must choose a licensee from the approved list and then fill out and submit the new form—questions about design approval should be directed to the office email.

Houston Cougars at West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Volleyball

1-4 p.m. — Hope Coliseum — Check out the thrilling collegiate volleyball matchup between the Cougars and Mountaineers.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Volleyball

1-3 p.m. — Hope Coliseum — Check the teams as they clash in this thrilling volleyball matchup.

Fret Buzz Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — Check for ticket info — Enjoy a night of classic and modern rock with the local band Fret Buzz.

Dessert Tasting Evening at The Onyx Room

4-6 p.m. — The Onyx Room — Taste decadent desserts and explore the venue for your next celebration.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lyell B Clay Concert Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Experience a unique blend of rock and classical music in a candlelit atmosphere.