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Library Card Sign-Up Month Set for September
WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Library and Follansbee Branch will join libraries nationwide in celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month throughout September.
This year's theme, "A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes!" highlights the resources available to library cardholders, including books, e-books and other digital content, computers, music, movies and more.
The libraries offer resources and programs for students of all ages. Library officials encourage residents to sign up for a free library card to access the services and programs.
For more information or to sign up, visit the Brooke County Library or Follansbee Branch or go online to brookecountylibs.org.
Thursday Music Club Plans Annual Membership Tea
WHEELING -- The Thursday Music Club will hold its annual Traditional Membership Tea at 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Char House on the Boulevard.
Guests will enjoy tea sandwiches, fruit salad, cookies and assorted teas and coffee. Anyone interested in music is invited to attend.
The event will feature performances by three young musicians who participated in the 2026 spring recital: Avery Nicole Meester, Kami Lee Martin and Sophia Grace Baily. Each student will receive the Carol E. Austin Performance Arts Award in memory of Helen Pierce Elbin.
Throughout the year, the club offers study groups exploring musicians and their works, while its chorus performs each spring. Chorus rehearsals begin Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at Elm Grove United Methodist Church, 125 Kruger St.
The club also hosts a spring recital for area youth vocalists and pianists.
To reserve a spot at the tea, call Sandy Smith at 304-242-1628 by Sunday. Smith also can provide information about the club and its activities.
Franciscan Engineering Programs Earn ABET Accreditation
STEUBENVILLE -- Franciscan University of Steubenville's bachelor's programs in mechanical engineering and software engineering have earned accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The accreditation recognizes the programs' standards in technical education and preparation for careers in engineering, innovation and emerging technologies.
"This accreditation is an important step for engineering at Franciscan University, opening a wide range of new doors for our students in employment, graduate study, and professional licensure," said Dr. Tyler Brown, department chair for Franciscan's engineering and computing programs.
The mechanical engineering program's accreditation is effective retroactively to Oct. 1, 2024, while software engineering's is effective retroactively to Oct. 1, 2023. Franciscan launched software engineering in 2021 and mechanical engineering in 2022.
Meta Settlement Could Bring West Virginia $114.6 Million
CHARLESTON -- Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has agreed to a $17.1 billion settlement with 47 states and several U.S. territories over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children.
West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey announced the settlement Wednesday, saying the state could receive up to $114.6 million if the agreement is approved by a federal judge.
"We think this is a landmark settlement," McCuskey said.
The lawsuit followed a 2021 investigation into claims that Meta knowingly designed its platforms to be addictive to children despite documented concerns about mental health impacts. Under the proposed settlement, Meta also would implement measures including time limits, restricted overnight access, stronger parental controls, age verification and anti-bullying protections.
Lottery Commission Approves New Greenbrier Ownership
CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Lottery Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the financing transaction between the Justice family and Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, formally clearing the way for KLIM to take majority control of the Greenbrier Resort and casino.
KLIM holds a 51% controlling interest in the new Greenbrier Holco LLC, while the Justice family retains 49%.
Acting Lottery Director David Bradley said the transaction should provide greater financial stability for the historic resort.
"The main thing is that I think that they bring stability in ensuring the positive growth to the financial integrity of the Greenbrier," Bradley said.
The agreement includes a proposed $500 million financing package to pay major creditors and fund capital improvements. The deal also resolves about $380 million in previous debt and includes payment of more than $10 million in outstanding tax liens, according to an attorney for the Justice family.
KLIM appointed Lloyd Nathan, a former MGM Resorts International executive, as chairman of the Greenbrier’s board. The five-member board will include three KLIM appointees and two representatives of the Justice family.
The Greenbrier remains on the Lottery Commission’s quarterly financial watch list, but commission financial staff said they were comfortable with the new ownership arrangement.