Education & State Politics: West Virginia House Democrats and candidates are pushing Gov. Patrick Morrisey to call a special session on public education, warning more school closures could happen before the regular session. Local Housing & Cooling: Wood County commissioners discussed the Parkersburg-Wood County HOME Consortium’s housing programs and local cooling-station planning ahead of the holiday weekend. Community Health & Food Access: Highmark Health Options West Virginia and Foodsmart launched a nutrition care and food support program for members with chronic conditions, aiming to close gaps between diet advice and access to healthy meals. Local Government & Senior Services: Hancock County commissioners approved a lease tied to meal delivery operations for the Brooke County Committee on Aging, plus other policy updates. Business & Banking: REV Federal Credit Union finalized its acquisition of First Neighborhood Bank, starting an 11-month transition of branches in Parkersburg, Ripley and Spencer. Sports & Local Talent: Cameron Fallon placed 4th at the West Virginia Junior Amateur Championship at Canaan Valley. Weather & Safety: Extreme heat and isolated thunderstorms are in the forecast for the holiday period, with officials urging hydration and caution on the roads. Public Safety & Fireworks: Coverage highlights the popularity of high-powered fireworks ahead of America’s 250th, alongside ongoing concerns about safe use. National Policy Watch: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including West Virginia’s, sued California over its single-use plastics law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Health Threat: A CDC-linked study warns that drug-resistant Candida auris continues to spread in U.S. healthcare settings, including WVU Hospitals. Retail Deal: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, expanding grocery and pharmacy reach across the region that includes West Virginia.