STEM & Workforce Development: WVU’s online Master of Science in Software Engineering student Jeremy Bliner is building an ice-cream app for Flo’s Premium Ice Cream, turning classroom skills into a real product. Disability Tech: Hope in Action Alliance and the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities are rolling out “TheLink,” a regional community resource app for finding services, saving supports, and setting reminders across WV Prevention Region 4. Coal Health Policy: A new federal bill would raise black lung benefit stipends and index them to inflation, a big deal for miners and families in West Virginia. Rare Earths & Clean Tech Jobs: Greenbrier County is set to see a $150M rare earth extraction push using coal tailings, aiming for 200+ jobs and more domestic supply for high-tech manufacturing. AI Infrastructure in Appalachia: Range Impact and C2 Ventures are launching an AI infrastructure platform on a 9,000-acre WV energy corridor site, pairing land, power, water, and transport assets. Local Data Center Governance: Washington County commissioners approved a 12-month data center application moratorium after residents raised concerns about water use, noise, and zoning fit. Retail Tech & Regional Economy: Kroger announced a $1.65B deal to buy Giant Eagle, spanning WV and nearby states, with integration expected to reshape grocery and pharmacy competition. Wildlife Tech & Safety: Ohio officials report rising black bear sightings and use tracking collars to study movement—useful guidance for residents near the WV border.