Critical Minerals & Jobs: GreenMet and partners (AmForge, Flash Metals USA, Greenbrier Smokeless Coal) announced a $150M rare-earth processing hub in Rupert, aiming to turn coal tailings into critical materials for U.S. defense and tech supply chains. Energy Storage: Used EV batteries are getting a “second job” as grid storage to balance solar and wind, with new U.S. projects planned as utility-scale battery additions ramp up. Housing Planning: Advantage Valley is updating its housing study for a ten-county southern West Virginia footprint, with a mid-July timeline to guide builders and lenders. Trans Athletes & Courts: The Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, with local impacts highlighted by a UConn fencing rebuild story. Black Lung Benefits: A new federal bill would raise black lung disability stipends and index them to inflation, spotlighting ongoing gaps for coal miners’ families. STEM Youth: The Ohio Academy of Science named delegates for the National Youth Science Camp, held in West Virginia this summer. Community History: Berkeley Springs leaders are working to restore Mount Pisgah Church, a key post–Civil War African American landmark. Broadcast Industry: Ted Nahil returned to Nautel to manage eastern U.S. broadcast sales, with West Virginia in his territory. Education Spotlight: A new report flags West Virginia’s low K-12 math proficiency, renewing calls for better funding and follow-through.