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It’s Friday, Charleston! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Massive $4B data center plan, one EZ Pass for multiple cars, and the 8th Annual Raspberry Jam + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Charleston protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Major tech campus for WV: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $4 billion data center investment in Falling Waters, Berkeley County, expected to add 1,000-plus construction jobs, 125 permanent positions, with no state funding — get all the project details.

Multi-car convenience on tap: The West Virginia House passed a bill to let one EZ Pass be used for up to five vehicles of the same class, a change that still needs further approval — see what’s in the bill.

Fresh leadership for conservation: Gov. Patrick Morrisey named five members to the Natural Resources Commission, including James Bailey and Lauren Winans. The commission meets today for its first meeting of the year, streaming statewide — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Groan-worthy dad jokes battle for charity
• Catch Henry Cho’s Empty Nest Tour
• Celebrate women who saved baseball
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Your midweek art nudge: Craving a refresh for your walls or brain? Art Emporium blends a lively gallery with monthly shows by West Virginia artists, and smart custom framing that makes every piece look intentional. Expect inspiration, maybe even the impulse to finally frame that print you’ve been guarding in the closet.

Backyard upgrade, anyone? Picture more room for weeknight grilling, minus the tiptoe dance on shaky boards. Almost Heaven Building Company designs and builds custom decks, and handles thoughtful replacements, matched to your home, so you can savor golden hour without the wobble.

Sushi night upgrade: Craving more than the usual takeout? Ichiban Pan-Asian Restaurant delivers sashimi nachos, the Almost Heaven roll, and a cozy bar vibe that feels like downtown’s living room, with cold sips and creative plates that keep things lively.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

👩 Women’s History Month Farm to Table Dinner @ J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Celebrating Women’s History Month in Charleston, this second annual farm-to-table dinner spotlights Mandy Gum, Ilyana Owens, and Hollind Zamora. Think sorghum-glazed ham, octopus carpaccio, beef tenderloin, and a strawberry rhubarb sendoff. Each ticket kicks $10 to the Women’s Shelter, with a cash bar for morale.

🤠 Country Two Step Workshop & Social Dance @ St. Albans American Legion Post 73 | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats a monthly Two Step tune-up, then a social dance where the only thing stiffer than your boots is $12, cash only. Start with beginner, level up to beyond the basics, then dance it out. No partner needed, bottled water and finger foods included.

🎭 The Skin of Our Teeth @ Alban Arts Center (St Albans) | Friday (3/13) at 8:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign that your family drama is normal, Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth delivers. A cheeky, time-hopping romp where George and his redoubtable crew invent alphabets, dodge apocalypses, and prove survival is mostly stubbornness, timing, and luck.

🧁 Bake My Day @ Capitol Market | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from errands and swing by Capitol Market for an absurdly pretty macaron lineup from Bake My Day. Flavors rotate daily, so today’s favorite is tomorrow’s regret. Grab a box, stroll the stalls, and pretend this counts as grocery shopping.

🥧 8th Annual Raspberry Jam @ University of Charleston 2300 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304, USA Geary Student Union, 3rd Flood Ballroom | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Think you know your way around a Pi? The 8th Annual Raspberry Jam lands at UC across from the gold dome, with hands-on workshops, talks, and tinkering, plus folks who speak fluent caffeine, code, and solder. Bring curiosity, leave with something you actually built.

🎨 “Lucky Gnome” Paint Party @ Kita Modern Japanese (South Charleston) | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – At Kita Modern Japanese, we are painting a lucky gnome between bites and special cocktails, because multitasking is a talent now. Never painted before? They supply everything, walk you step by step, and your gnome can look like Uncle Larry. Grab a seat: https://creativecosm.com/events/lucky-gnome/

🏆 Annual Oscar Party @ Taylor Books | Sunday (3/15) at 6:00 PM – Polish up your acceptance speech, Charleston, we’re watching the Oscars on the big screen at Taylor Books with food, drinks, music, and games. Strut the red carpet, or rock your comfiest cardigan, and catch a 2026 festival tease. Early bird $34, regular $45.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Drum Circle @ Wandering Wind Meadery – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Country Two Step Workshop & Social Dance @ St. Albans American Legion Post 73 – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 The Skin of Our Teeth @ Alban Arts Center (St Albans) – 8:00 PM
• 3/13 Mountain State Music: Dinosaur Burps and more @ Folklore Music Exchange – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Jingle and Jazz – The Remix @ The Willow Event Center – 6:00 PM
• 3/14 The Carpenter Ants @ Taylor Books – 7:30 PM
• 3/14 Acoustic Night @ The Empty Glass – 10:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Charleston report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 63°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 7%

Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 6 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind 2 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 61°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 2 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

This house is wild

Panoramic views of the Kanawha River, Downtown Charleston, and the State Capitol steal the show. This 4-bed, 3-bath home features a two-car garage and a functioning elevator. Front-row seats to fireworks, Live at the Levee, and the Sternwheel Regatta. Minutes to Bridge Road shopping and dining, downtown, I-64, Corridor G, Kanawha City, and the airport.

Take a peek inside →

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