Data Centers & Power Costs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey unveiled “responsible data center principles,” but critics say the 10-page plan doesn’t add real ratepayer or environmental protections beyond a 2025 fast-track law. Energy Permitting Fight: A dispute over EPA’s Clean Water Act veto power could let the agency block energy and infrastructure projects even after permits are issued, with a West Virginia example tied to a coal mine disposal fight. Grid & Natural Gas Demand: PJM’s reformed interconnection process is moving first-ready projects forward, and natural gas is leading the queue—driven in part by data center demand. Pipeline & Legal Pressure: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey joined a multi-state amicus brief to keep the Line 5 pipeline open, arguing federal authority should prevent one state from shutting energy supply. Public Safety Tech: Bridgewater residents debated Flock license plate reader cameras, with many raising privacy concerns while supporters say they help solve crimes. Fire & Cleanup: WVDEP and the WV Department of Agriculture updated cleanup at the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire site, reporting low contaminant levels so far and ongoing monitoring. Food Industry Shock: A multistate jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella has expanded to hundreds sickened, hitting major retailers including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Health & Workforce: Monongalia County began distributing oral rabies vaccine baits around Morgantown, and Parkersburg firefighters launched esophageal cancer pre-screenings. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas in Mineral County at $3.52 (week ending Aug. 1), with other county spot checks showing continued volatility.