daily304 – Episode 10.28.2026
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From GKV FOUNDATION – Greater Kanawha Valley initiative helps West Virginians tell their own stories
Who gets to tell West Virginia’s story? The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation believes the people who live here should help lead that conversation.
Launched in 2024, the foundation’s Narrative Change Collaborative brings together residents, young people, journalists, artists and community organizations to share a fuller picture of life in the Mountain State.
The initiative focuses on storytelling that recognizes challenges while celebrating the creativity, resilience and opportunities found in West Virginia communities.
More than 300 participants have joined the effort across Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties.
The foundation also supports community storytelling through grants, partnerships and publications, including Our Turn, a toolkit designed to help young people tell their stories.
The goal is to build stronger connections, encourage civic participation and give residents a greater voice in shaping their communities’ futures.
Learn more: https://tgkvf.org/special-initiatives/narrative-change-collaborative/
#2 – From WV NEWS – Morgantown’s Emily Calandrelli brings science to Marvel’s superhero universe
Science really IS a superpower, and Morgantown native Emily Calandrelli is helping introduce that idea to a new generation.
The engineer, television host and science communicator is voicing Astronaut Amy in Marvel and Disney Jr.’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends.
Her character uses knowledge of science and space to help Iron Man and his friends solve problems, showing young viewers that learning can be just as powerful as a superhero’s abilities.
Calandrelli studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at West Virginia University before earning two master’s degrees from MIT. She later hosted science television programs and became the 100th woman to travel to space.
She credits her West Virginia upbringing and the encouragement of WVU professors with helping launch her career.
Now she’s using a Marvel character to encourage children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
From Morgantown to outer space to the Marvel universe, Calandrelli continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and dreamers.
#3 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – Find your outdoor escape on West Virginia’s scenic rail trails
Looking for a little fresh air, beautiful scenery and a chance to get moving? West Virginia’s rail trails offer an easy way to enjoy the outdoors.
Built along former railroad corridors, these trails provide opportunities for walking, running and bicycling through some of the Mountain State’s most scenic landscapes.
From riverside paths to wooded mountain routes, rail trails connect visitors with nature, historic communities and places they might otherwise miss.
Popular destinations include the Greenbrier River Trail, the North Bend Rail Trail and the Mon River Rail-Trail system.
Many feature relatively gentle grades, making them appealing to families, casual cyclists and anyone looking for an outdoor adventure without a strenuous mountain climb.
Whether you’re planning a weekend bicycle ride or a peaceful afternoon walk, West Virginia’s rail trails offer plenty of ways to explore Almost Heaven.
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.
