Good morning, Charleston! In today’s edition: State awards breakdown revealed, shifting migration trends, Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure exhibit, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

State awards breakdown revealed: West Virginia was awarded $199.5 million in year one of the federal Rural Health Transformation program, which provides annual funding through 2030, topping Virginia and Maryland while trailing Kentucky — see how funds are allocated.

Shifting migration trends revealed: United Van Lines reported West Virginia was a top destination for inbound moves in 2025, second to Oregon, as people sought affordability, outdoor living, and smaller towns — see what’s driving moves.

Guard your online identity: The State of West Virginia is warning residents about a phishing campaign impersonating agencies, using lookalike sites to steal passwords and Social Security numbers. Watch for addresses and unsolicited messages — see how to stay safe.

Burn off kid energy: When cabin fever hits, All About Fun turns rainy days into bounce-filled sanity savers with a 12,000-square-foot indoor inflatable playground, obstacle courses, and party spaces. Family-run since 2007, it’s perfect for quick drop-in play when the walls start closing in.

Big gains for local economy: Charleston celebrated a record year in tourism, with major athletic events drawing visitors and attention. The city embraced Bike City USA branding after a standout year of cycling competitions — see the impact and figures.

Health-focused benefit changes: West Virginia DoHS has implemented the SNAP Healthy Choices waiver, effective January 1, 2026, removing soda as a SNAP entitlement. All SNAP-authorized retailers must comply by April 1, 2026 — get all the details.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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

🌲 Sea Glass Tree @ The Bucket | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve been hoarding beach glass since ’98 or just need an excuse to wield a glue gun, The Bucket is hosting a craft session to build your sea glass tree. Come for the company, stay for the zen, leave with coastal bragging rights.

🍳 Issues & Eggs Legislative Breakfast 2026 @ Charleston Marriott Town Center | Tuesday (1/13) at 8:00 AM – Coffee, eggs, and candid policy talk, hold the grandstanding. The Charleston Chamber’s half-century Issues & Eggs breakfast gathers business folks and lawmakers at Marriott Town Center to swap updates, ask real questions, and set the tone for the year, all before your second cup cools.

📚 Show and Tell Book Club @ St. Albans Branch Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Finally, a book club that does not make you fake enthusiasm for someone else’s pick. Each month has a theme, you bring a book you actually chose, then show, tell, and swap opinions. Low pressure, high conversation, and zero homework shame.

💉 Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elk River Nazarene Church | Thursday (1/15) at 1:00 PM – Do something heroic between errands and donate at the Red Cross blood drive in the Fellowship Hall. All types are needed, your O-positive finally has a party trick. Sign up in the foyer, enjoy the cookies, and leave with bragging rights.

❄ Story time: Snow @ Glasgow Branch Library | Thursday (1/15) at 4:30 PM – Bring the kids, or borrow a grandkid, for a cozy story time where Bear & Hare frolic in the snow, no boots required. Craft, snack, and a few blessed minutes of quiet for the adults, while the littles glue, giggle, and listen.

🩺 Health Screenings, Testing, and Narcan Training @ Orchard Manor | Friday (1/16) at 11:00 AM – WV Health Right’s Mobile Medical Clinic is rolling into Orchard Manor with free health screenings, disease testing, Narcan training, and treatment referrals. It’s your no-fuss checkup, neighborly and judgment-free, with a $5 gift card for good measure. Bring a friend, or send the info.

🐠 Member Preview – Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure Exhibit @ Clay Center | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Clay Center members get a free sneak peek of the new Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure, with after-hours access before the crowds. Kids crawl through anemones, miniaturize in a tide pool, and chase bioluminescence while you call it science, teamwork, and an early bedtime.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Charleston report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 61°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 98%

Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 61. South wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain before 1am, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 38°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 51%

A chance of rain before 8am, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. West wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of snow before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind 3 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Most popular house this week

On desirable Ravinia Road in Charleston, this updated home puts shopping, dining, and schools within easy reach. The kitchen shows off custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, a polished hub for daily cooking and weekend spreads. Bathrooms are tastefully refreshed. Immaculate hardwoods line the upper level. Downstairs, stained concrete flooring runs wall to wall for a modern, cohesive look that pairs durability with style.

Function comes easy with a huge utility room, an additional storage room, and an oversized one-car garage. Ample off-street parking via both garage and driveway access adds everyday ease, while the location blends comfort, convenience, and low-fuss living.

Take a peek inside →