Keynote: The Midwest Energy Beat: What Journalists Are Covering and Where the Region Is Headed

The Midwest is at the center of some of the most significant energy transformations in the country, from grid modernization and renewable expansion to climate resilience and shifting regulatory landscapes. But what are the key stories shaping the region’s energy future, and how are journalists covering the evolving challenges and opportunities?

This keynote panel brings together leading Midwest energy and environmental journalists to discuss the most pressing issues they’re reporting on, the trends shaping their coverage, and where the region is headed. Topics will include:

• The biggest energy stories in the Midwest today—from transmission bottlenecks to the impact of extreme weather on reliability.
• How utilities, policymakers, and communities are navigating the clean energy transition.
• The role of journalism in making complex energy issues accessible and engaging.
• Emerging trends in energy reporting, including data-driven storytelling and investigative coverage of industry shifts.

Whether you’re a utility leader, policymaker, or industry professional, this session offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how energy journalism is shaping the public discourse—and what the next big stories in the Midwest energy landscape might be.