Explore West Virginia history from Aug. 23–29, including Blair Mountain, Katherine Johnson’s NASA legacy, the Green Bank Telescope, Fiestaware and the start of turnpike construction.

Robert Glover of Morgantown landed a 9.76-inch, 0.75-pound pumpkinseed sunfish at Cheat Lake on August 6, setting West Virginia’s third state record for the species this summer.

Three Vandalia Health hospitals earned SRC’s Network of Excellence in Robotic Surgery designation, a first for West Virginia. The honor recognizes rigorous quality and safety standards, advanced technology and 14 distinguished surgeons.

Glenville State’s 2026 Curtis Elam Athletic Hall of Fame class features Jerald Brown, Larry Loughner, Paris McLeod and Tony Gibson. The Pioneer greats will be inducted Oct. 10 at the Mollohan Campus Community Center.

West Virginia will invest $3.2 million to launch construction of Wheeling’s $25 million Gateway Center. The downtown tourism hub is expected to draw 175,000 annual visitors, support 87 permanent jobs and generate $9.3 million in direct spending.

WVU graduate Jason Gibson turned a materials science internship in Greece into an interdisciplinary research career and a startup. He founded Quantum Formatics and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024.

WVU researchers found ChatGPT-5 Pro can create realistic, useful psychiatry training cases about patients’ chatbot use. However, human supervision remains essential to ensure patient safety, accuracy and ethical medical education.

Fairmont State’s Folklife Center brings back its annual awards August 23, honoring hammered dulcimer players Lynette Swiger and Patricia Harper along with two posthumous honorees. A free open house follows with live music, square dancing, clogging and crafts.

Dr. Sheena Van Meter will become Harrison County Schools superintendent Oct. 1, 2026, succeeding retiring Superintendent Dora Stutler. The veteran educator has led Hardy County Schools since 2017 and brings more than 20 years of experience.

West Virginia’s free Tourism Works program has awarded 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since launching last year. More than 4,000 residents have enrolled to build skills for the state’s growing tourism industry.