Data Centers: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a 20-year “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” aiming to guide hyperscaler growth with seven principles and use data center tax revenue to fund local infrastructure and offset statewide income taxes. Power & Transmission: Residents and groups are organizing against the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, including a fairground campaign to formally oppose the project and concerns about impacts on farms, schools, and cemeteries. Water Infrastructure: Weirton’s water line replacement project faces a funding delay after a Charleston funding recommendation was tabled, while Lubeck PSD ratepayers pressed for details on a proposed water and sewer rate hike tied to aging infrastructure. Energy Efficiency: West Virginia’s HOMES home energy rebate pilot has opened, moving the state closer to federally funded whole-home upgrades, though another appliance rebate program remains in development. Coal & Safety: A Barbour County mine was evacuated after carbon monoxide was detected, with officials linking the issue to a fire underground; meanwhile, UMWA is pushing for stricter enforcement of federal silica dust protections after new findings show black lung rates at the worst levels in decades. Public Health: The FDA says the cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce now involves 17 states, adding Maine and Massachusetts, and health officials continue tracing the source. Food Recalls: Walmart updated a recall of a Marketside tomato bisque soup kit due to potential Listeria contamination. Wildlife Health: USDA-APHIS begins an oral rabies vaccine bait drop across northern and central West Virginia through early September. Business & Logistics: Petroleum Carriers LLC selected Gravitate TMS to run its fuel transport operations across the mid-Atlantic, reflecting growing needs for petroleum-specific dispatch and integrations. Local Economy: A new Leadership Randolph class of 18 was announced for 2027.