AI Data Centers & Power Costs: Nscale, building an AI data-center campus in West Virginia, is reportedly targeting up to a $3B IPO as AI demand surges, with the company saying it has $51B in contracted revenue and plans to scale capacity from hundreds of megawatts toward multi-gigawatt levels. Energy Infrastructure Fight: Randolph County officials voted to oppose the Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, arguing it would harm local property owners and primarily serve out-of-state interests. Utility Oversight: The West Virginia PSC granted intervener status to WVA Manufacturing (Alloy) and the Smithers Sanitary Board in a Fayette County case tied to the sale of county water systems to American Water, with concerns focused on resale-rate changes. Rare Earths From Coal Waste: A new report highlights rare earths being extracted from coal mine wastewater in Appalachia, pointing to a potential domestic feedstock for magnets used in EVs and wind. Public Health & Work Safety: Black lung rates are reported at their highest since the 1970s, renewing pressure on mine-safety regulators to act. Community & Food Security: West Virginia groups warn that Farm Bill and SNAP changes could hit summer meals hard, as hunger remains a major issue for kids. Local Events: The West Virginia State Sporting Clays Championship drew 160+ shooters to Weirton’s Coal Ridge Sporting Clays. Opioid Settlement Funding: West Virginia First Foundation says it will adjust operations after state-ordered changes to future opioid settlement fund routing, while claiming current mission and existing funds remain intact. Legal News Beyond WV: Fauci’s lawyers launched a legal defense fund amid multiple state and federal investigations.