Happy Friday!

Illinois is doubling down on nuclear power. Gov. JB Pritzker just signed an executive order to fast-track development of at least 2 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity (enough to power up to 2 million homes). With fossil fuel plants set to close by 2045 and potential shortages looming later this decade, the state is making a major bet on keeping the lights on. ⚡

☀️ Today’s weather:
Partly sunny with a high of 62°F. Just a 10% chance of precipitation, 48% humidity, and winds at 14 mph. A solid Friday to get outside and enjoy it.

📺 Chicago Suburbs That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About: In today’s video, I break down a few underrated suburbs that fly under the radar — and why some residents might prefer it that way.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

In case you missed…

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend’s Events…

The 2025 Naperville Ale Fest - Winter Edition

Enjoy an afternoon of craft beer sampling at this outdoor winter festival.
📍 Location: Frontier Park, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Feb 28 | 12 PM – 4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $70
🔗 More Info

Paula Poundstone

Catch an evening of stand-up comedy with NPR favorite Paula Poundstone.
📍 Location: Belushi Performance Hall, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: Feb 28 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $40
🔗 More Info

It’s (Almost) Spring Wine Walk!

Stroll through downtown Naperville while sampling wines and exploring local shops.
📍 Location: Downtown Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: March 1 | 12 PM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $60
🔗 More Info

NOT ENOUGH? SEE MORE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE MONTH!→

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

Watch This

🎥 Chicago Suburbs That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/

News

⚡ Illinois Bets Big on New Nuclear Power Plan

Driving the news: Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order launching a new framework to develop additional nuclear power in Illinois, aiming to add at least 2 gigawatts of capacity, enough to power up to 2 million homes.

Details:

• The order directs state agencies to identify potential sites for new nuclear plants, with construction targeted to begin by 2033.

• The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) have 60 days to seek interest from developers and operators.

• A broader regulatory and policy review is due within 120 days, including safety, environmental and grid interconnection recommendations.

• The move follows the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which lifts a decades-old moratorium on new large-scale nuclear construction starting in June.

Why it matters: Illinois is phasing out fossil fuel plants by 2045 under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. But state agencies have warned of potential energy shortfalls as early as 2029 in northern Illinois.

Expanding nuclear capacity could help stabilize the grid, protect reliability, and support thousands of jobs, while keeping the state a net energy exporter.

By the numbers:

• Nuclear generated over 50% of Illinois’ electricity in 2024.

• Illinois produces about one-eighth of all U.S. nuclear power.

• Renewables account for roughly 18% of the state’s energy mix.

Between the lines: Illinois already leads the nation in nuclear generation, but demand is rising as coal and gas plants retire.

Environmental groups argue the state should focus more heavily on wind, solar and storage, while some bipartisan lawmakers are backing nuclear as the only scalable, carbon-free baseload option.

What’s next: Developers and communities will submit proposals outlining site locations, costs, timelines and workforce needs.

A formal roadmap for regulatory updates will follow later this year.

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🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Free Home Buying Seminar in March

Join us for The House Pour — Home Buying Seminar Edition at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst!

Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on March 7 at Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on us. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.

Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.