Utility Rates: West Virginia regulators approved a scaled-back, two-step rate plan for Mon Power and Potomac Edison, cutting a proposed $188.4M increase to smaller August 2026 and June 2027 adjustments that add about $3.65 and $4.01 per month to average residential bills. Steel & Manufacturing: Nucor’s CEO says the Apple Grove sheet mill near Point Pleasant is on track for a long, profitable run, with commissioning continuing through 2026 and a ramp-up year expected in 2027. Industrial Metals: Kibar Americas marked a milestone at its Fairmont facility, producing the first aluminum coil from its production line. Energy Markets: Baker Hughes reported U.S. rig counts rose for the sixth time in seven weeks, while the Utica/Marcellus region saw a small drop. Environmental Permitting: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and homes until more project details are provided. Food Safety: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalled spaghetti and chicken cobbler shipped to WV after a consumer complaint about metal slivers. Consumer Protection: WV AG McCuskey warned residents about a “free” gas and grocery card mailer scam that charges processing fees and additional money. Infrastructure & Water: Follansbee secured funding to close a $500,000 gap for water treatment upgrades, including valve replacements, backup controls, and building roof work. Tourism Access: New River Gorge’s Rend Trail will close Aug. 3 for an $11.8M rehabilitation to create the park’s first fully accessible earthen-surface trail. Local Economy & Community: Elkins City Council reallocated over $500,000 after carrying forward more than $1M in surplus funds into its FY2027 budget.