Critical Minerals & Mining Finance: The Trump administration is backing a new wave of critical-mineral deals, including a $58M financing package tied to Global Advanced Metals in southeastern Pennsylvania and other projects, as the push to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains heats up. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report highlights how AI’s biggest bottlenecks are energy and grid capacity, with data-center buildouts straining local power systems—an issue that’s landing in Pennsylvania as communities weigh growth against infrastructure limits. Outdoor Recreation Funding: Pennsylvania DCNR opened a fall grant round for motorized recreation (ATV, snowmobile, motorized trails and facilities), with applications due Sept. 30—aimed at boosting rural economies and trail access. Workforce Pipeline: Pennsylvania joined the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to make it easier for licensed teachers to move across state lines, targeting shortages in hard-to-staff areas. Telecom Disruption: Verizon acknowledged a widespread voice-service outage affecting customers in multiple states including Pennsylvania, with engineers working to restore service. Local Elections: Luzerne County Council is set to discuss adding mail ballot drop box locations ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.