Education Funding & Classroom Strain: West Virginia teachers say the state’s school funding formula and the Hope Scholarship are driving instability, closures, and shortages—some educators report paying thousands out of pocket for basic supplies. Food Safety & Retail Recalls: Major grocers including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods are recalling jalapeño-linked Salmonella products after hundreds of illnesses tied to Taylor Fresh Foods; separate alerts cover ready-to-eat meat and poultry items. Public Safety Tech Backlash: West Virginia lawmakers held a deep dive on Flock-style automated license plate readers as communities debate whether the tools create warrantless, broad surveillance. School Funding Formula Overhaul: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s team pitched simplifying West Virginia’s seven-step school funding formula, aiming more money toward classrooms while arguing it doesn’t have to mean a big new spending push. Energy & Mining Policy: State Sen. Chris Rose praised a Trump push for roughly $3 billion in critical mineral projects, framing it as a boost for West Virginia’s mining economy. Data Centers & Power Costs: Residents in the region are increasingly worried that new data centers will raise electricity bills, with local utility and commission discussions turning into cost-and-impact debates. WVU & Local Economy: WVU is expanding student internships at the Nemacolin luxury resort, giving a behind-the-scenes workforce pipeline for hospitality careers. Health & Travel Demand: “Coolcations” are boosting West Virginia’s tourism appeal as heat drives travelers toward cooler mountain destinations.