Renewables & Power: Pivot Energy won approval for four Warren County community solar projects totaling 16.7 MW, expected to generate over $1M in local tax revenue and power about 5,000 homes. Energy & Industry: Morton Industries is expanding in East Peoria with a new factory aimed at growing demand tied to AI and data centers. Construction & Logistics: Winnebago County announced a Pecatonica Road construction project, with details expected as the timeline firms up. Food & Consumer Safety: A federal class-action targets Driscoll’s over alleged PFAS-related pesticide residues in conventional strawberries sold in Illinois and other states; the company denies the claims. Health & Public Policy: The American Lung Association launched its Clean Air School Challenge to help K-12 schools build indoor air quality management plans, citing gaps that leave many students and staff exposed. Crypto & Regulation: The Digital Chamber sued Illinois to block the state’s 0.2% digital asset transaction tax before it takes effect in 2027, arguing it unfairly targets blockchain-based activity. Agriculture Markets: Wheat prices rose again amid Black Sea shipping and harvest-risk concerns, with Chicago futures up on the latest tension-driven outlook. Business & Workforce: Northern Illinois fire departments are facing a growing firefighter shortage as emergency calls surge, increasing reliance on mutual aid.