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Clyde CraigClyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a staff writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
The 230-foot America250 Wheel, billed as the world's tallest portable Ferris wheel, towers above the West Virginia State Capitol during preparations for the state's America250 Capital City Celebration in Charleston. (Photo: W.Va. Tourism)
Festivals / Events

The biggest ride ever to visit West Virginia towers above the capitol

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Drivers approaching West Virginia’s State Capitol this week may find themselves looking twice. Rising 230 feet above the Capitol grounds, the America250 Wheel has transformed Charleston’s skyline ahead of the state’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Billed as the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel, the massive attraction is the centerpiece of the … Read more

A West Virginia Division of Natural Resources police officer talks with a recreational boater during a routine safety check. Officers across the state increase boating safety patrols during the busy Fourth of July holiday, reminding visitors that alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, balance and reaction time on the water.
Travel / Transportation

Drinking is dangerous even if you’re not driving the boat this Fourth of July

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As thousands of boaters head to West Virginia’s lakes and rivers for the Independence Day holiday, state natural resources police are reminding visitors that alcohol can be dangerous long before anyone takes the helm. Read more: Best swimming holes in West Virginia While many people associate boating under the influence with an … Read more

Seeking shade and drinking plenty of water are among the simplest ways to stay safe during West Virginia's hot, humid summer weather. Outdoor experts recommend limiting strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day and paying attention to the heat index rather than the temperature alone.
Health and Medicine

Why West Virginia’s humidity can be more dangerous than the temperature

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Visitors often come to West Virginia expecting mountain breezes and cooler temperatures, but the state’s humid summers can make outdoor adventures far more demanding than the thermometer suggests. Whether exploring a state park, attending a county fair, paddling one of the state’s rivers, or hiking in the New River Gorge National Park … Read more

Fireworks burst over Snowshoe Mountain during the resort's annual Independence Day celebration. From mountaintop resorts to historic river towns, communities across West Virginia host some of Appalachia's most memorable Fourth of July celebrations. (Courtesy Kurtis Schachner / Snowshoe Mountain)
Festivals / Events

Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in West Virginia in 2026

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From mountaintop resorts and lakeside parks to historic river towns and courthouse squares, West Virginia offers some of Appalachia’s most memorable Independence Day celebrations. This year carries added significance as communities across the Mountain State join the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Many destinations are expanding their holiday weekends with concerts, … Read more

A judge's bench stands ready for the next case. New research from West Virginia University found that while judges are increasingly using artificial intelligence to help organize information and improve efficiency, they remain committed to keeping judicial decisions in human hands. (Photo: Saúl Bucio)
Higher Education

West Virginia University study finds judges welcome AI, but say justice must stay human

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As artificial intelligence rapidly enters schools, businesses, and government offices, many Americans are asking the same question: Will AI someday help decide court cases? New research from West Virginia University suggests the answer, at least for now, is “no.” AI in courts is growing, but judges draw a line A white paper … Read more

Streams like this one may appear insignificant, but researchers say small mountain headwaters collectively play a major role in supplying and protecting Charleston's drinking water. (WVExplorer Photo)
Health and Medicine

Charleston’s drinking water depends on thousands of small mountain streams

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Perhaps most people think of Charleston‘s drinking water as beginning in the Elk River, though researchers point out that it actually starts much farther upstream. According to a new analysis by scientists at Yale University and the University of Massachusetts, thousands of small mountain streams flowing into the Elk River watershed contribute … Read more

A researcher adjusts laser-based equipment used to study plasma behavior in a laboratory setting. Scientists at West Virginia University are developing new methods that could advance technologies ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to spacecraft propulsion and fusion energy.
Higher Education

WVU researchers developing plasma tech that could improve computer chips, spacecraft and fusion energy

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University researchers have secured a $633,833 National Science Foundation grant to develop technology that could improve computer chip manufacturing, spacecraft propulsion systems and future fusion-energy devices. The project places WVU scientists among a relatively small group of researchers working to solve one of plasma physics’ most challenging problems—understanding what happens … Read more