Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV Commerce – Charlotte Lane reflects on 50 years of leadership and public service in West Virginia
After more than five decades practicing law and serving the public, Charlotte Lane continues to help shape West Virginia’s future.
The chair of the West Virginia Public Service Commission graduated from law school in 1972, when just three women were in her graduating class. Throughout her career, Lane has worked in private practice, served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and spent eight years on the United States International Trade Commission.
Energy policy has been a constant focus.
Today, Lane says the state’s energy resources, growing electricity demand, data center development and transmission infrastructure make the commission’s work especially important. She also points to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s 50 by 50 energy strategy as a significant part of the state’s energy conversation. Beyond public policy, Lane takes pride in mentoring others, particularly women pursuing leadership positions.
Her message reflects a career dedicated to public service, navigating difficult decisions and helping make West Virginia a better place to live.
Watch the video:
#2 – From WV University – WVU awarded $1 million to prepare students for mining and critical minerals careers
West Virginia University is receiving a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to prepare students for careers in mining engineering and critical minerals.
The funding comes through the PROSPECT Planning Prize, an initiative focused on expanding education and strengthening America’s domestic mineral supply chains. WVU will use the award to support student scholarships, improve classrooms and laboratories, and expand hands-on learning opportunities.
Students will develop skills in producing, processing, recovering and recycling critical minerals used in technologies ranging from energy systems to automobiles. The university also plans to strengthen partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, industry employers and national laboratories.
WVU’s mining engineering program is one of just 14 ABET-accredited programs of its kind in the United States. University leaders say the investment will help prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists while supporting energy security and economic growth.
#3 – From WV SBDC – WV SBDC helps childcare entrepreneurs build businesses that support working families
Starting or expanding a childcare business can be challenging, but the West Virginia Small Business Development Center is helping entrepreneurs navigate the process.
Through its Childcare Industry Resources initiative, the WV SBDC offers startup guides covering childcare centers, family childcare facilities and home-based childcare businesses. The guides are organized by geographic region and help entrepreneurs understand licensing requirements, business planning and other important steps.
Business owners can also connect with WV SBDC coaches for one-on-one assistance.
The resources complement the Childcare West Virginia: Building the Business that Supports Business initiative, developed with the West Virginia Workforce Resiliency Office and Wonderschool. The initiative focuses on helping new childcare businesses open, supporting existing providers and exploring ways employers can help workers afford childcare.
Its initial pilot focuses on eight counties, including Kanawha, Putnam, Jackson and Mason. The goal is to strengthen childcare businesses while helping more West Virginians participate in the workforce.
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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.
