daily304 – Episode 09.19.2026
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From METRO NEWS – More than 500 miles of fiber are coming to rural West Virginia
More than $100 million in public and private investment will support broadband expansion across 10 West Virginia counties. The Armstrong company says it is constructing more than 500 miles of fiber to reach 5,000 homes and small businesses that currently lack high-speed internet access.
The work is supported through a combination of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, West Virginia’s Line Extension Advancement and Development program and the FCC’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model program.
Armstrong says its LEAD projects are substantially complete, FCC-supported projects are underway and work through the BEAD program is getting ready to break ground.
Elsewhere, Appalachian Power’s expansion in Logan and Mingo counties is nearing completion, with nearly 5,000 potential customers in Logan County and another 1,500 in Mingo County ready for activation. Across the state’s ARPA-funded broadband program, more than 22,000 of roughly 42,500 targeted locations have been served.
Read more:
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/10/broadband-expansion-gets-b/
#2 – From WV GOVERNOR – Almost Heaven looks pretty good from here
A study highlighted by Travel + Leisure ranked West Virginia the second most naturally beautiful state in America, giving the Mountain State an overall score of 78.23 out of 100. The ranking considered natural features across the country, and West Virginia was the only state in the top 10 to perform consistently well across every category measured.
It’s easy to see why. West Virginia has extensive forests, more than 6,600 miles of rivers, nearly 200 waterfalls and six National Park Service sites. And this isn’t the state’s only recent national recognition.
Architectural Digest named the New River Gorge one of America’s most beautiful places. Southern Living highlighted Davis among the best Southern mountain towns for fall. And U.S. News & World Report named New River Gorge the nation’s best underrated travel destination.
#3 – From SOUTHERN LIVING – See West Virginia fall color from a steam-powered train
Southern Living magazine recently highlighted a journey from Cass Scenic Railroad State Park to Bald Knob as one of the most beautiful ways to experience West Virginia’s fall foliage.
The excursion begins in Cass before climbing into the Allegheny Mountains along steep grades and switchbacks once traveled by logging trains more than a century ago.
The destination is Bald Knob, one of West Virginia’s highest points, where passengers can take in sweeping views of the mountains and fall color.
And part of the experience is what you leave behind: Cell service is limited. The pace slows down. And the historic locomotives and rail lines offer a connection to the region’s timber history while carrying visitors into some spectacular mountain scenery.
Read more:
https://www.southernliving.com/west-virginia-trains-fall-foliage-tour-12111739
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
