Food Safety & Retail: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has triggered recalls and public health alerts, with at least 18 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products flagged after jalapeños were recalled; major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, and others are affected, and officials say more downstream products may be added. Public Safety Tech: West Virginia lawmakers kicked off August interim session with the Flock camera debate, hearing from the company and the Institute for Justice as cities expand license-plate reader use and privacy guardrails are questioned. Energy & Mining: West Virginia Sen. Chris Rose praised a new federal critical-minerals push as a “gold rush” for domestic mining and training, framing it as key to competing with China. Infrastructure & Power: Berkeley County leaders and regional delegates are opposing the Valley North transmission line, arguing it would sacrifice farmland and property rights while mainly serving power from West Virginia’s Amos coal plant. Workforce & Economic Development: Google says it’s ramping investment in Putnam County tied to a planned data center, including funding for schools, seniors, and emergency services. Business Climate: A study ranks Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan among the best states for new business survival—useful context for West Virginia’s own growth and retention efforts. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show select low prices across West Virginia counties for E15, diesel, and midgrade—helpful for drivers watching week-to-week swings. Agriculture & Travel: West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley is leaning into “coolcations” as heat drives travelers toward cooler mountain and cave destinations.