Major Deal: Kroger is set to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding about 200 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across several states including West Virginia, with deal completion expected in 2027 and likely divestitures in Columbus to address antitrust overlap. Energy Costs & Regulation: Upcoming West Virginia Public Service Commission meetings could shape the state’s energy future, with Mon Power and Potomac Edison construction proposals drawing public comment as regulators weigh long-term plans that may affect consumer bills. Courts & Big Tech: A federal judge ruled West Virginia’s lawsuit against Apple stays in state court, rejecting Apple’s bid to move it to federal court; Apple says it will appeal. Rare Earth Push: West Virginia’s rare earth partnership tied to coal tailings targets a Greenbrier County facility expected to employ nearly 250 people, aiming to turn legacy material into a new supply chain. Local Business & Jobs: Arnold Ventures is awarding about $2.6 million in grants to universities, including WVU, to study sports betting’s consumer, financial, and public health impacts. Public Safety: Crews continue work at the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg, with officials saying the blaze is about 95% extinguished while hot spots are dug out. Food & Consumer Alerts: Aldi recalled a kimchi and tofu kimbap product due to an undeclared fish allergen, including distribution in West Virginia. Health Watch: Federal officials are tracking increased cyclosporiasis clusters across multiple states, including West Virginia, as traceback investigations continue.