daily304 – Episode 05.20.2026

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, May 20, 2026. #1 – From WV EXPLORER - Historic preservation grants support WV communities Historic preservation projects across West Virginia are receiving new support through grant funding aimed at protecting the state's cultural heritage. The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund will provide grants for rehabilitation projects involving historic structures dating to 1871 or earlier. Preservation leaders say the investment helps communities restore important landmarks while supporting tourism, downtown revitalization, and local economic development. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/historic-preservation-grants-250-wv/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARu1pdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe-hCxpK58OqZBb4nX6rX-oXzn7BP98-SfqQ-eO3SCVTdtsaJTgV1H1fOYxEc_aem_kmOlDFadqXapOrzaVHWOsA #2 – From METRO NEWS - Toyota academy prepares next generation workforce Toyota West Virginia is celebrating the newest graduates of its 4T Academy workforce training program. The academy gives high school students hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing, technical education, and workplace readiness while creating direct pathways into manufacturing careers. Toyota leaders say programs like the 4T Academy are helping strengthen West Virginia's workforce pipeline for the future. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/05/11/toyota-west-virginia-pleased-with-latest-class-of-4t-academy/?fbclid=IwdGRleARwfO1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeQbK5390eD0UrOq90ZPv6Sl81u2e6ttSix2Il7PvqmFpiU_8RrUdnLwTzJWQ_aem_NTMhCdR8CJL71rmw189PIQ #3 – From GENERATION WV - Clay County turns trails into opportunity A growing outdoor recreation initiative in Clay County is helping create new economic opportunities while encouraging residents to stay and build careers locally. Generation West Virginia highlights how trail development, tourism, and community partnerships are helping transform outdoor assets into long-term growth strategies. Leaders say the effort demonstrates how recreation and quality-of-life investments can support workforce retention and rural development. Read more: https://generationwv.org/our-impact/clay-county-leading-the-way-home-how-madison-is-turning-trails-into-opportunity/ 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.