The February 2026 issue of the West Virginia Highlands Voice is here. Check it out HERE.
The Mountain State Sierran’s spring issue was also released. You’ve got lots of weekend reading at your fingertips! Read that HERE.
Charleston Gazette-Mail
WV mass layoffs, energy prices up under Trump, undermining his claims on the economy
A slew of layoffs at mines and other facilities across the state, a reduction in coal exports, increases in gas prices, and more have hurt the local and national economy under President Trump’s second term in office. Mike Tony reports more details following the State of the Union. Read more HERE.
NextEra changes tune on MARL project rate impacts for APCo, WPCo customers
The negative feedback on MARL has continued, as NextEra revised an early filing last week. NextEra, which previously projected a rate increase of 12 cents to one dollar for customers of Mon Power Potomac Edison, stated that some of the cost increase will now impact customers within the PJM Transmission grid under the control of American Power Company. American Power Company is the parent of Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power. Read more from Mike Tony HERE.
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Trump announces $33B power plant project for SW Ohio, surprising local commissioner
Portsmouth, Ohio, will be getting a large natural-gas-fired power plant, roughly 100 miles from Charleston. The plant will have the capacity to produce 9.2 gigawatts of power, three times the power of the John Amos Power Plant near Winfield. Read more from Jim Ross HERE.
WV legislative session set to fund only ‘drop in the bucket’ for clean drinking water
Many of our neighbors in the southern coalfields haven’t had regular access to clean drinking water for decades. Yet, state lawmakers still aren’t committed to funding the massive infrastructure overhaul necessary to make this a reality. Rev. Caitlin Ware spoke about the stark reality during her time at the Capitol last week. Mike Tony has more details HERE.
Turgeon, Blakeman: WV residents deserve say in energy future (Opinion)
The IRP process allows consumers to voice support for more reliable, lower-cost energy. Leah Turgeon and Robin Blakeman wrote a commentary on why consumers should make the most of this opportunity. Read it HERE.
West Virginia Watch
Samantha Nygaard visits with E-Day participants on February 23, 2026.
College environmentalists imagine their futures in WV as data center fights unfold across the state
The 36th annual E-Day was this Monday, February 23. Dozens of people gathered at the Capitol to uplift the power and importance of environmental protection and preservation. West Virginia Watch reporter, Caity Coyne, covers all the details HERE.
Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states
Data center developers are eligible for tax breaks in at least 37 states, but that could change. Bills in Arizona and Georgia could repeal tax break incentives as state leaders come to terms with the true cost of hyperscale data centers. Madyson Fitzgerald has more details on this development HERE.
Moneywise
The rising cost of utilities is a burden to Americans balancing a myriad of bills. Rebecca Holland covers new information from JD Power and the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), highlighting the growing energy cost crisis, as well as available resources for those who need help covering costs.
Solar United Neighbors
From toxic slag to solar: How community solar could transform a Pittsburgh neighborhood
A slag waste dump close to Pittsburgh could become a beacon for a greener future. The toxic dump in the Swisshelm Park neighborhood will be transformed into a solar array and park. Learn more about the project HERE.
