Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Today is Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

#1 – From WV EXECUTIVE - WV manufacturers focus on production growth

West Virginia manufacturers continue embracing innovation, efficiency, and workforce development to increase production and remain competitive.

A new feature from WV Executive highlights how companies across the state are adopting new technologies and operational strategies to improve performance and meet growing demand. Industry leaders say manufacturing remains one of West Virginia's strongest economic drivers, supporting jobs and investment throughout the state.

Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/production-progress/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER - Tourism and history champions honored

The 2026 History Heroes Awards recognized individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to preserving and sharing West Virginia's rich heritage.

The annual program celebrates efforts to protect historic sites, tell local stories, and promote cultural tourism across the Mountain State. Organizers say preserving history helps strengthen community identity while creating new opportunities for tourism and economic development.

Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/wv-tourism-history-heroes-awards-2026/

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Automotive industry powers WV economy

West Virginia's automotive sector continues playing a major role in the state's manufacturing economy.

From advanced manufacturing facilities and supply-chain operations to workforce training and innovation, the industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to economic growth. State leaders say West Virginia's strategic location, skilled workforce, and manufacturing expertise continue attracting automotive investment.

Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/automotive/

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

Joseph McCarthy was a little-known Senator from Wisconsin when he came to Wheeling in February 1950 to address the Ohio County Republican Women's Club. But after giving an incendiary speech in which he claimed to have a list of communist traitors throughout the federal government, McCarthy's name was on the lips of all Americans. With the bitter seeds he planted in Wheeling, he grew the vociferous red scare that would cast a shadow over a nation mired in the angst of the Cold War.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Today is Thursday, June 11, 2026.

#1 – From WVU TODAY - WVU researcher finds surprising phenomenon in NASA data from Mars

A West Virginia University researcher has discovered the first evidence of a protective solar-wind phenomenon occurring inside the atmosphere of a planet that lacks a strong magnetic field. Analyzing NASA data from a 2023 solar storm hitting Mars, planetary scientist Christopher Fowler identified the "Zwan-Wolf effect" interacting much deeper than previously thought possible.

The findings advance scientists' understanding of how the sun interacts with unmagnetized bodies across the solar system. Researchers say studying these space weather events is crucial for future space exploration, helping to keep robotic and human missions safe while protecting technology on Earth.

Read more:
https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2026/05/28/wvu-researcher-finds-a-surprising-phenomenon-in-nasa-data-from-mars

#2 – From WVDNR - Wildlife Education Center offers a fun way to learn about nature

The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center is the ideal day trip for families and nature lovers of all ages. Located at the Forks of Coal State Natural Area in Alum Creek, the center is home to exhibits that help visitors learn about West Virginia's native wildlife and what they can do to improve the health of wildlife populations at home.

The land includes three miles of trails for exploring and learning about the flora, fauna, geologic and Coal River history of the area. Admission to the center and its grounds is free, so plan a trip today!

Read more:
https://wvdnr.gov/claudia-workman-wildlife-education-center/

#3 – From WONDERFUL WV - The Oglebay Good Zoo works to bring back the red wolf

The Oglebay Good Zoo in West Virginia is actively working to help save the red wolf, the most endangered wolf species on the planet. Through its participation in a national breeding and sanctuary network, the zoo provides essential space and specialized care to rebuild a critically low population that was declared extinct in the wild in 1980.

The expansion of the zoo's facilities with new breeding and holding habitats supports the broader goal of restoring genetic diversity to the species. Wildlife leaders say these intensive conservation and minimal-contact management efforts are vital to successfully raising wolves capable of someday being reintroduced into their natural ecosystems.

Read more:
https://wonderfulwv.com/on-the-edge/

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.