Good morning, Morgantown.

The Erickson Alumni Center will host a family event with cookies, hot cocoa and interactive activities with a free photo with Santa on Dec.

7—available from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12, with children under 4 free as registration remains open until Dec. 5.

Morgantown-based Bookworm Effects makes creative guitar pedals named after famous literary works such as Atticus Finch and Seth’s Fuzz.

Owner Brian Spragg taught himself pedal making and works with local West Virginia artists + offers musicians a fresh way to enhance their sound.

Debra Bragg’s home bakery DeeDee’s Kitchen marked its one-year anniversary by serving unique treats like the West Virginia coal cookie—showing her passion for local flavors and family recipes.

She will showcase 13 varieties of her baked goods at the Arts Walk downtown on Friday, November 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Professor Jeremy A. Dauber from Columbia University will present 'Jewish Comedy: A History in Five Jokes' at 5 p.m. on Nov.

12 in the Museum Education Center—he will explain how five key jokes shape the history of Jewish comedy—attendees can expect an engaging talk.

PJM Interconnection said it is preparing for a record winter peak of 145,700 MW by ensuring it will have 180,800 MW of capacity and conducting unannounced generator tests to handle extreme weather conditions—its new solar additions have added about 1,000 MW of capacity since last winter. Officials meet regularly with regulators and natural gas pipeline operators to coordinate plans for a reliable power supply.

Hope Gas proposed a 41% base rate increase to cover rising costs—raising an average bill from $21.10 to $33.74 for a 5.5 MCF customer.

The Public Service Commission suspended the increase until February 2026, and local customers said the hike could make monthly budgets hard to manage.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the inaugural Mountain State Cyber Summit on Nov 12 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place—where top national, state and local experts will discuss ways to outpace cyber threats and strengthen security while offering an optional networking reception afterward.

The Faculty Justice Network hosted Joseph Jones, an assistant professor at Reed School of Media and Communications, who presented 'The Truth About Race: How History Informs the Present and Why We Must Get It Right' from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov.

5) on Zoom yesterday. He examined the history of racial classification and its impact on media, education, and health during the session, which ended with a Q&A.

West Virginia University Statler College has launched an online master’s program for cybersecurity in Morgantown.

The program—designed to address a growing workforce gap noted in a World Economic Forum report—offers flexible courses for current and future professionals.

On Wednesday, WVU leaders signed the final structural beam for the new $233.5 million eye institute in Morgantown—marking a key step toward a 150,000 square foot facility that will include exam rooms, testing rooms, surgical suites and a parking garage; the beam is scheduled for installation on November 10th.

The American Lung Association reported on Wednesday that West Virginia had the nation’s highest adult smoking rate and the second highest rate of new lung cancer cases—figures that show a serious challenge for public health efforts in the state.

Health officials are exploring ways to help residents reduce smoking rates and improve overall well-being.

The American Lung Association report reveals that over 20% of West Virginia adults smoke—the highest rate in the nation—and that the state ranks 50th out of 51 for new lung cancer cases at 76.3 per 100,000.

The report shows improvements in early diagnosis and survival rates while noting low screening numbers and a lack of required biomarker testing coverage.

The Morgantown High boys and girls soccer teams advanced through the Class AAAA North Region bracket and will play in the state tournament at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex in Beckley.

The girls, seeded fourth, will face George Washington at 5:00 p.m. today while the boys will kick off at 10:00 a.m. today under coach Sam Snyder's final season.

True freshman Scotty Fox led the Mountaineers to a 45-35 upset over No.22 Houston but coach Rich Rodriguez said he must improve his field vision and game awareness + his play earned him Big 12 Freshman of the Week as he prepares for the upcoming game against Colorado.

WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley said his team is preparing for a Colorado attack that may use three quarterbacks—true freshman Julian Lewis, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, and redshirt freshman Ryan Staub—as part of a triple option scheme.

He expects his defense to adjust before the game on Saturday so they can handle whichever quarterback starts.

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.