As students head back to school, a five-year effort to replace diesel school buses with electric ones has hit two big speed bumps: a federal funding freeze, plus the collapse of a leading bus manufacturer.
Why it matters: There's still lots of enthusiasm for cleaner buses, advocates say, but some school districts are turning back to diesel because they didn't get the electric buses they were promised or can't get service on the ones they own.
Home utility bills are poised for a high profile in the battle to control Congress — but turning energy costs into political gain is easier said than done.
Why it matters: Democrats see an opening to transform power prices into political baggage for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
Electricity prices are surging across the country as a perfect storm of aging equipment and AI demand slams the nation's grid.
Why it matters: Paying more to keep air conditioners, laptops and other electronics running is straining household budgets as Americans deal with other rising costs.
