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Energy

Lawmakers seek measure to make small-scale, plug-in solar panels available to renters

By Nikoel Hytrek
Mar 28, 2026 3:57 pm - A bill to allow for small, plug-in solar panel systems is moving through the Senate, which would open access to solar power for renters and others who can’t install rooftop solar panels. The plug-in solar legislation applies primarily to low-wattage systems that could be set up on a balcony, porch or backyard. It prohibits landlords and homeowners’ associations from banning or regulating systems that output less than 392 watts.
Energy fallout from Iran war signals a global wake-up call for renewable energy

By Aniruddha Ghosal, Anton L. Delgado and Allan Olingo
Mar 28, 2026 1:57 pm - The Iran war is exposing how much the global economy still depends on fragile fossil fuel supplies. The conflict has virtually choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Analysts say the crisis is a stark reminder that energy security is not just about stockpiles and shipping, but also about the lagging transition to renewable energy.
MidAmerican Energy proposes rate hike for 85K customers in northwest Illinois

By Nikoel Hytrek
Mar 27, 2026 1:14 pm - Iowa-based utility company MidAmerican Energy asked the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a rate hike for Illinois customers. The company serves about 85,000 Illinoisans in the Quad Cities area. The rate increase, if approved, would take place over a two-year schedule, leading to a $24.42 monthly increase, or $293 annually, by 2028.
Why a yearslong policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump again

By George Alexandrakis
Mar 26, 2026 1:55 pm - Midwestern governors, including Illinois’ JB Pritzker, are seeking a permanent solution to being able to use the ethanol blend E15 gasoline that’s cheaper but some say more polluting at a time when gasoline prices are rising. For three years, routine federal waivers temporarily lifted EPA restrictions that would otherwise bar retailers from selling E15 fuel during the summer months. But in 2025, that relief was delayed and gasoline retailers lost millions. The federal government announced this year’s waiver will take effect on May 1.
Iran and the US harden their positions over talks to end the nearly month-old war

By JON GAMBRELL and DAVID RISING
Mar 26, 2026 7:56 am - Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, hardening their positions over ceasefire talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war as thousands more U.S. troops neared the region.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, and Tehran tightened its grip on the crucial strait.
Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, issues its own demands as strikes land across the Mideast

By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING, MUNIR AHMED and AAMER MADHANI
Mar 25, 2026 8:00 am - Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport.
Chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade as inflation worsens

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER
Mar 24, 2026 3:02 pm - The jump in gas prices stemming from the war in Iran has had another impact that may also affect many Americans' finances: Higher interest rates.
Stocks rally and oil sinks after Trump hints at a possible end to war, even as Iran denies talks

By STAN CHOE
Mar 23, 2026 3:25 pm - A cautious relief swept through financial markets Monday after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Oil prices eased, and stock prices rose on Wall Street following severe losses taken elsewhere in the world before Trump’s announcement.
Trump says US is talking with an Iranian leader as he extends deadline for striking power plants

By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY
Mar 23, 2026 7:59 am - U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. was talking with a “respected” Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days.
McHenry County denies solar farms — then gets sued for turning them down

By Claire O'Brien
Mar 20, 2026 10:59 am - McHenry County is facing a lawsuit over the County Board’s denial of a pair of solar farms, according to court records. The board turned down four solar farms in ...

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