Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WVNSTV – West Virginia secures $9 million to expand college and career opportunities
Thousands of West Virginia students will receive additional support preparing for life after high school through a new $9 million federal investment.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has secured funding over five years through the U.S. Department of Education’s Talent Search Program.
The investment will establish Advancing College Education in West Virginia, or ACE WV, serving approximately 3,600 students annually across 20 counties.
Beginning in sixth grade, participating students will have access to tutoring, academic advising, college preparation and financial aid assistance.
The program will also introduce students to apprenticeships, workforce training and other pathways to rewarding careers.
Students will be able to use digital ACE Wallets to track academic achievements, skills and credentials as they prepare for college or employment.
Six partner universities will work with the Higher Education Policy Commission to deliver services, including in previously underserved communities.
The goal is to help more West Virginia students graduate, pursue additional education or training and build successful careers close to home.
Read more:
#2 – From Gazette-Mail – The Purple Fiddle brings world-class music to a small West Virginia town
In the Tucker County town of Thomas, an old general store has become one of West Virginia’s most distinctive live music venues.
The Purple Fiddle, founded by John Bright in 2002, welcomes musicians from Appalachia and around the world to perform in an intimate setting where audiences come to listen.
Bright, a former newspaper photographer, envisioned a community gathering place with good food, live music and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
More than two decades later, that vision has helped make Thomas a destination for music lovers.
Artists who have performed at The Purple Fiddle include The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell, Greensky Bluegrass and West Virginia’s Charles Wesley Godwin.
The venue is known for treating musicians with care, welcoming audiences of all ages and creating a connection between performers and listeners.
Bright believes authentic music and personal connections will become even more valuable in an increasingly digital world.
For visitors exploring Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley and the surrounding mountains, The Purple Fiddle offers another reason to spend time in Thomas.
Read more:
#3 – From WV Explorer – Local hikers reveal their favorite trails in New River Gorge National Park
Which hiking trail offers the best experience in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?
West Virginia Explorer asked 21 experienced hikers to name their favorites, and the results offer plenty of inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.
The Endless Wall Trail earned the most mentions, with seven hikers praising its dramatic cliffside views and overlooks, including Diamond Point.
The Glade Creek Trail followed with five mentions, offering waterfalls, wooded scenery and peaceful stretches alongside the creek.
The historic Kaymoor Trail and scenic Long Point Trail each received three mentions.
Kaymoor takes visitors into the region’s coal-mining past, while Long Point offers one of the park’s most recognizable views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Other favorites included Grandview Rim, Big Branch and Southside trails, where hikers can explore river scenery, wildlife and historic communities.
With more than 40 trails throughout the park, there’s something for nearly every interest and ability.
Just remember to check trail conditions, choose a route that matches your experience and prepare for changing weather.
Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/new-river-gorge-hikers-favorite-trails/
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
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That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
