S&P Global Market Intelligence editors' picks for the best stories for the week ended Aug. 10.

1. Southern CEO: Vogtle nuke write-off is 'short-term pain, but long-term gain'

Southern Co. management on Aug. 8 framed a $1.1 billion pretax loss as a bitter but necessary pill to swallow to keep up momentum at the over-budget, behind-schedule Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Plant nuclear plant expansion.

2. Automating US mines may prove path to improving coal's cost-competitiveness

Disruptive automation and digitization technologies could be the key for U.S. coal companies hoping to compete with other fuels and lower-cost sources of coal from the rest of the world.

3. As federal climate action stalls, Md. governor charts own course

Extreme weather along the coast highlights the need for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to take action on climate change — even when it means breaking with the Republican party.

4. Oilfield services see growth potential in international and offshore markets

After solid second-quarter performances supported higher earnings for most major oilfield services companies, analysts are cautiously optimistic about the sector amid possible headwinds in the U.S. land markets into 2019, which could be offset by growth in international and offshore markets.

5. China adds coal to list of US products subject to 25% tariffs

China fired back in its growing trade dispute with the U.S., announcing 25% tariffs on $16 billion worth of American exports, including coal, oil products and liquefied petroleum gas.