Retail & Groceries: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana—Giant Eagle stores keep the name under the deal. State Budget & Infrastructure: West Virginia closed FY 2026 with a $370 million revenue surplus, with officials pointing to collections beating estimates and surplus funding for items like roads and the Hope Scholarship. Power & Grid Projects: Eastern Panhandle residents got a look at the Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line expansion during an open house, with protesters raising concerns about routing and impacts. Water Systems: USDA Rural Development is sending $33.3 million to Buckhannon for a new water treatment plant and replacement of aging water lines. Rare Earths & Coal Reuse: Greenbrier Smokeless and partners announced a $150 million rare earth extraction operation in Rupert, aiming to turn coal tailings into new tech-critical materials. Data Centers: In Tucker County, state officials rescinded a violation notice against Fundamental Data, saying the project remains conceptual. Local Tech & Industry Talent: Silicon Foundation held a Q&A in Wheeling on its Warwood data center plans after public questions spread. Agriculture: WVDA will conduct aerial treatment for black flies on the Greenbrier, New and Bluestone rivers next week. Workforce & Education: A WVU software engineering student built an ice cream app for Flo’s Premium Ice Cream, highlighting local tech talent.