Bugle Newspapers 03-05-26

from the cover: ‘Nuclear’

By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois mdougherty@capitolnewsillinois. com

Article Summary

• A recent executive order by Gov. JB Pritzker set a new goal to begin development on new nuclear power plants by 2033, with the intention of bringing online enough energy to power up to two million Illinois homes.

• Illinois power and utility regulators will have 60 days to issue a notice to identify potential developers that want to build new plants and existing plant owners that want to expand existing facilities.

• The Illinois Commerce Commission will also be tasked with identifying communities interested in hosting new sites.

• Several state agencies are expected to convene a working group to review current statutory and regulatory framework and issue a report with recommendations to Pritzker within 120 days.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

CHICAGO — During his recent State of the State and budget address, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new direction for nuclear energy in Illinois, aimed at staving off predicted energy shortages as the state moves toward carbon-free power generation.

Pritzker signed an executive order the morning of the address, saying it “sets a new nuclear energy framework for Illinois — one that prioritizes affordability, safety and reliability.”

The goal, according to the governor, is to begin development on new nuclear power plants to deliver at least two gigawatts more energy capacity, enough to power up to two million Il-

linois homes. Construction for those sites would be expected to begin by 2033.

That energy would be needed to power homes and businesses as Illinois moves toward shuttering fossil fuel plants by 2045, as required under the state’s landmark energy legislation passed in 2021, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

However, it may also be too late to prevent shortfalls that three state agencies late last year predicted would hit northern Illinois by 2029 and downstate by 2031.

The challenges are not unique to Illinois, with both of the federally regulated regional transmission organizations that serve the state facing capacity shortages amid plant closures and growing demand.

Moratorium lifted

New large-scale nuclear is only just becoming an option again Illinois after four decades. Pritzker’s signature on the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, or CRGA, which goes into effect in June, lifted a state moratorium on new nuclear power that dated back to the 1980s.

The state previously lifted a moratorium on construction of small modular reactors generating less than 300 megawatts in 2023. The same year, Pritzker vetoed a bill that would have lifted the broader moratorium on large-scale construction.

Even with the moratoriums in place, Illinois has maintained its position as the top producer of nuclear energy in the U.S., generating an eighth of the nation’s nuclear power across its six nuclear power plants.

That nuclear power accounted for over half of the state’s net electric power generated in 2024, according

(Continued on page 11, see ‘DIGITAL’)

Illinois lawmakers call for governor-appointed Epstein investigatory commission

CHICAGO — Illinois lawmakers are calling for an independent commission to investigate Illinois-linked crimes connected to international sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Democratic lawmakers Monday joined advocates for women and survivors of sexual abuse to introduce House Bill 5723, called the Illinois Epstein Files Investigation Act.

The bill, if passed, would create a commission to investigate Illinois-based crimes connected to Epstein’s network. Those would focus primarily on the stories of victims in Illinois and crimes that may have occurred in Illinois.

“Survivors connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network have been telling us the same thing, that the abuse didn’t happen in a vacuum,” said bill sponsor Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview.

“There were systems behind it, there was power behind it, and in too many cases, there were institutions that looked the other way, institutions that were supposed to protect these young girls but didn’t.”

The measure has a long way to go to become law. Rashid was listed as the bill’s lone sponsor as of Monday afternoon,

the day it was filed, though he was accompanied by two other supportive Democrat legislators.

The 10-member commission would be appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate. At least three of those members must be from a different party than the governor. Members of the commission would be unpaid, but could submit for reimbursement of expenses, should the General Assembly decide to provide funding.

While Rashid said he would welcome bipartisan support, the board’s makeup and the governor’s power over it may make Republican votes difficult to find.

Bill advocates say the commission is needed to fill a gap left at the federal level as the U.S. Department of Justice faces criticism for withholding records from the Epstein files, particularly pertaining to President Donald Trump, despite a law that Trump signed mandating their release. Trump is mentioned more than 38,000 times in the documents that have been released so far.

“It’s absolutely stomach-churning and awful to see what these survivors have been through, and to let the wheels of justice fall off at the federal level is an abomination,” said Rep. Anne Stava,

D-Naperville. “It’s often said ‘the wheel of justice turns slowly.’ In this case, we need to speed that up.”

Tony McCombie, the Republican Minority Leader in the House, called Ep-

stein’s crimes “horrific,” but added, “Creating a ‘commission’ here may generate headlines, but it does not deliver justice to victims.”

“But let’s also be honest: Illinois legisla-

tors cannot subpoena federal investigators, prosecute international trafficking rings, or conduct a parallel federal criminal investigation from Springfield,” said

(Continued on page 4, see ‘ILLINOIS’)

(Continued from page 3, ‘ILLINOIS’)

McCombie, who represents the 89th Dis trict in northwestern Illinois.

‘Real teeth’

The bill would give the commission in vestigatory authority to request records from state and local agencies, issue sub poenas for documents and testimony, and provide confidentiality protections to victims and other whistleblowers. Vic tims would not be compelled to testify against their wishes, according to Rashid.

Like the Illinois Accountability Com mission, which is investigating potential abuses by federal immigration agents operating in Illinois, the Epstein com mission would hold public meetings and issue public reports, redacted as needed for privacy.

It would be required to submit an initial report within its first year of operation and another before it ceases operations after five years. Any investigative files open at the time the commission closes its doors would be transferred to the at torney general’s office.

“This commission will have real teeth, subpoena power, the ability to refer criminal evidence to the Attorney Gen eral and the independence to follow the facts wherever they lead,” Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, said. “The bill also

“If justice remains a locked door in Washington, then let our state be the battering ram,” she added. “Let Illinois

partisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by

Outdoor structures offer aesthetic appeal and protection

Life on Earth wouldn’t exist without the sun. The sun is essential for plant growth and keeps temperatures warm enough to sustain life. Although people covet spending time in the sun, particularly after a dark, cold winter, it’s important to realize that the sun needs to be enjoyed in moderation.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, and more than 90 percent of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure.

The National Cancer Institute says more than 33,000 sunburns require emergency room visits, and these affect people from all racial and ethnic groups.

Sun exposure damages skin and also can prematurely age outdoor fabrics and furniture. Spending time in direct sunlight also can make outdoor activities hot and uncomfortable for guests. Each of these variables make some sort of shelter an asset to a backyard living design. Shelters come in different

SENIORS

types, and these are some of the more popular.

Screened-in porches

Turning a deck or a patio into a protected room may be accomplished by converting the space into a screenedin porch. By installing vertical screens and a roof or overhang, everyone is protected from the sun and insects. Retailers also sell freestanding screened-in structures that can be left up for the season and then dismantled and stored for the winter.

Pergola

A pergola has vertical columns upon which sits a slatted roof. A pergola can be designed to cover an entire deck or small enough to create a slightly sheltered spot in a nook of the yard. While a pergola doesn’t keep out rain, the slatted roof is enough to filter out sunlight to make the area underneath more comfortable.

Arbor

While they seem similar, an arbor is not the same thing as a pergola. An

arbor is designed with sides formed from lattice and often has an arched top, says Penn Dutch Structures. Arbors add shade and a decorative element typically to designate the entry point into a backyard or garden.

Gazebo

A gazebo is a roofed, freestanding structure that is typically round, hexagonal or octagonal in shape. It is used for shade, relaxation, and often serves as a deco-

How to determine your financial needs in retirement

No one knows what the future holds. Despite the mystery shrouding the future, it’s still vital that people plan for the years ahead, particularly in regard to saving for retirement.

Advice abounds regarding how much money retirees will need to live comfortably in retirement. One common approach suggests retirees should aspire to replace 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income, while another strategy urges retirees to save twelve times their final pre-retirement income, meaning someone making $100,000 in the year they retire will need at least $1.2 million in retirement savings to maintain their lifestyle.

Each of these approaches are just strategies, and how much a person actually needs in retirement will depend on a host of variables unique to each individual, including the age a person retires, his or her health status at the time of retirement and personal goals for their golden years.

For example, those who hope to retire at 65 and travel extensively in retirement will likely need more savings than someone who hopes to retire at 70 and travel less frequently.

Though variables unique to each person will help to determine how much to save for retirement, there are some additional ways to identify how much you might need to live comfortably after calling it a career.

• Identify your ideal retirement age. Arguably the most significant variable related to saving for retirement is the age at which a person hopes to retire.

Some may have the luxury of choosing their own retirement date, while others’ personal health or employers

may make that choice for them.

But it’s good to remember that the longer a person continues to work, the less retirement savings that person will need. When trying to determine how much to save for retirement, first identify your ideal retirement age and then go from there, recognizing that this important variable can change over time.

• Identify the lifestyle you hope to live. If the romanticized ideal of a

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rative element in an outdoor space. Gazebos often become the centerpiece in a yard.

Pavillion

A pavillion is like a gazebo, only it doesn’t have enclosed walls, nor a built-in floor. Pavillions commonly are attached to decks, paver patios and concrete bases. Most pavillions are styled as long and rectangular, serving mainly to provide a covered area for a patio or seating area.

Pagoda

A pagoda is like a pavillion with a dedicated roof and open sides. However, the pagoda will feature a tiered, upward-curved roof to make it even more regal and decorative.

Homeowners have many different options to dress up their outdoor living spaces and create spots that are shaded and protected from the elements, including the sun.

5th

PUBLISHED MARCH 5, 2026

GITSIT Solutions, LLC, not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as Separate Trustee of GV Trust 2025-1

333 S. Anita Drive, Suite 400 Orange, CA 92868

Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Gloria F. Hudek, Deceased 2560 W North Mercer Lake Circle Mercer, WI 54547

Jason C. Hudek

2013 Poyntz Ave Apt 1411 Charlotte, NC 28215-5806

Christopher M. Hudek

24823 W Gates Ct Plainfield, IL 60585-2232

Jane Doe Hudek 2013 Poyntz Ave Apt 1411 Charlotte, NC 28215-5806

Jane Moe Dudek

24823 W Gates Ct Plainfield, IL 60585-2232

Defendants.

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN

To each person named above as a defendant:

PUBLICATION SUMMONS

Case No. 26-CV-000001

The Honorable Anthony J. Stella Jr. Case Code 30404 (Foreclosure of Mortgage)

The amount claimed exceeds $10,000.00

You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within 40 days after February 20, 2026 you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is 300 Taconite Street #207, Hurley, WI 54534-1546 and to Gray & Associates, L.L.P., plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 16345 West Glendale Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151-2841. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 9th day of February, 2026.

Gray & Associates, L.L.P. Attorneys for Plaintiff

By: ______________________________

Robert M. Piette

State Bar No. 1018058 Case No. 26-CV-000001 16345 West Glendale Drive New Berlin, WI 53151-2841 (414) 224-1987

Gray & Associates, L.L.P. is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you have previously received a discharge in a chapter 7 bankruptcy case, this communication should not be construed as an attempt to hold you personally liable for the debt.

Published 2/26/26, 3/5/26 & 3/12/26

vide information such as land and water availability, economic development factors, stakeholder support and existing interconnection infrastructure that would make locations favorable for hosting a nuclear plant.

At the same time, both agencies are expected to form a working group with state departments for economic development and labor, environmental protection, natural resources and emergency management, plus the University of Illinois, to issue a report to the governor’s office.

That report, due 120 days from the order’s signing, is expected to review existing statutes and issue recommendations for safety, environmental and interconnection regulations needed for development of new sites.

Environmental priorities

The Illinois Environmental Council praised Pritzker’s success in addressing capacity and climate change in the power sector but said the state should be prioritizing other energy sources.

“The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we prioritize the deployment of true clean, renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and battery storage, which can be done reliably, quickly, and cost-effectively,” an IEC statement read. “In a rapidly warming world, and while the Trump administration is actively slashing safety regulations for nuclear reactors, solar, wind and battery storage are the solutions that require our focus.”

The order received applause from some lawmakers who are not always aligned with the governor’s policy positions.

(Continued from page 6, ‘SENIORS’)

jetsetting retirement lifestyle appeals to you, then you’re likely going to need to save more for retirement than someone whose vision of life after working is less glamorous. It’s possible for many retirees to live their ideal lifestyle in retirement, but those whose ideal is marked by expensive pursuits like regular international travel will need to start earlier and save more than someone who envisions occasional trips but more time at home.

• Don’t overlook health care costs. Health care costs for retirees are heavily dependent on individual health. But even the healthiest retiree might experience a sudden and potentially costly medical issue, so it’s best for everyone to plan for sizable health care expenses in retirement.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that couples will need to have saved at least $188,000 to have a 90 percent chance of covering their health care expenditures in retirement. That figure is subject to variables unique to each individual, but it can serve as a useful measuring stick as adults try to determine how much they need to save for retirement.

Financial needs in retirement depend on the individual. However, some key planning strategies can help individuals determine how much they might need to save to live comfortably in retirement.

(Continued from page 2, ‘NUCLEAR’)

to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

By expediting the identification of new nuclear sites, Pritzker said he’s hopeful the order will help ensure Illinois can keep up with increasing demand and keep energy affordable while creating thousands of jobs and maintaining its position as a net energy exporter.

Identifying sites, regulatory review

The new order sets deadlines for identifying potential sites for nuclear plants as well as for reviewing existing nuclear regulations and issuing recommendations for any

changes to those rules.

The Illinois Power Agency, a state agency responsible for creating annual electricity procurement plans, and the state’s utility regulator, the Illinois Commerce Commission, have 60 days from the day the order was signed to seek notice of interest from potential developers or current nuclear operators that want to expand their operations.

All of Illinois’ nuclear plants are owned by Constellation Energy, a company spun off by Exelon Corporation, the parent company of utility giant Commonwealth Edison. CEJA, the 2021 law, created hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies for the state’s nuclear industry to pre -

vent plant closures.

Developers will be asked to outline potential locations for new sites, expected cost and timeline to connect facilities to the grid, economic development impacts, workforce training needs and other factors for consideration.

The IPA is also tasked with assessing its own staffing and consultancy needs to support the initiative with appropriate expertise over the next one to three years.

The ICC is separately tasked with seeking notice from local communities around the state about interest in hosting a new nuclear site. Those communities will be asked to pro -

“I don’t often agree with the Governor, but recognizing the benefits of advancements in nuclear energy production and expanding the dominance Illinois holds in nuclear energy generation is an area in which I’m happy we do agree,” Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, said in a statement.

“Amazing developments are happening in nuclear energy, and each year, more and more innovation is on the horizon. The only way we can possibly expect to have plenty of affordable, reliable baseload power without a carbon footprint is through nuclear power,” Keicher added.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.