Good morning, Morgantown.

Nearly 30 local volunteers gathered at Ascend WV headquarters on Wednesday evening to wrap books for incarcerated individuals across Appalachia as part of the Appalachian Prison Book Project—this third event of the season saw a busy turnout that allowed the team to finish early while a holiday wrap session is planned at First Presbyterian Church.

WVU economist Heather Stephens was named a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings Institution and will work on a yearlong project to study US rural prosperity.

She will build on her role at the WVU Regional Research Institute to examine how policies affect rural economic growth as noted by David Satterfield.

Jenna Edwards was selected for the November Non-Classified Staff Salute as a student success coordinator at Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources—she guides students from acceptance to graduation with personalized academic plans.

She also won the 2025 Accessibility Advocate Award and the New Adviser Award—highlighting her efforts to support student success.

WVU secured reaccreditation through 2035 after a spring 2025 campus visit by the Higher Learning Commission—confirming the university met all evaluation criteria and federal requirements.

The next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for academic year 2028-29.

WVU Cyber launched on November 12th to bring together different campus departments and programs in tackling cyber security, workforce, and economic challenges—its new approach will boost research and help train students while a $1.5 million grant supports local cyber defenses.

The initiative builds on strong federal partnerships and a range of cyber programs that promise to enhance WVU’s role in preparing future professionals.

WVU will launch the 2025 Focused Salary Adjustment Program this fall to give a raise chance for eligible employees who have not seen a salary update recently; about half of the workforce meets requirements like being hired before July 1 and having strong performance reviews.

College and unit leaders will review potential adjustments in November, notify selected employees the week of Dec. 8, and apply changes effective Dec. 14—$5.97M will come from the FY26 budget plus an extra $1M from higher student enrollment.

Local mechanics advise drivers to check their car battery, coolant, oil, and tire pressure before winter sets in.

They recommend verifying antifreeze levels, tire tread, and undercarriage cleaning to prevent rust—experts urge careful driving in slick conditions.

West Virginia women’s basketball won 89-61 over Temple Tuesday night at Hope Coliseum and kept their record 3-0.

The team will play No. 15 Duke Friday in White Sulphur Springs—Sydney Shaw had a double-double as the Mountaineers made a season-high 10 three-pointers.

The Morgantown High School volleyball team advanced to its fourth state championship game after defeating Cabell Midland 3-0 in the semifinals in Charleston on Tuesday night — now setting up a title rematch with Hedgesville today.

Coach Abigail Wolfe said the team showed higher energy and praised Kelly Ryan for her strong performance on both offense and defense.

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.

West Virginia Mountaineers Women's Basketball vs. Texas Southern Lady Tigers

7-9 p.m. — Hope Coliseum — Check for ticket prices — Witness a thrilling matchup as the Mountaineers take on the Lady Tigers in a competitive basketball showdown.

Women's Basketball: West Virginia vs. Georgia Tech

7-9 p.m. — Hope Coliseum — Check out an exciting clash between the Mountaineers and the Yellow Jackets in women's basketball action.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Almost Heaven Bar & Grill — Tickets required — Celebrate the holidays in your ugliest sweater while enjoying festive activities and prizes.