From suburban rinks to international runways of ice and snow, the Chicago-area pipeline shows up in a big way in winter sport. In total, eight athletes with Illinois hometown ties connect back to our coverage area across four sports: ice hockey, Paralympic sled hockey, speedskating, and ski jumping.

Here’s the local roster at a glance: Brody Roybal (Northlake) and Josh Misiewicz (La Grange) in sled hockey; Kevin Bickner (Wauconda) in ski jumping; Ethan Cepuran (Glen Ellyn) and Sarah Warren (Willowbrook) in speedskating; and Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights), Tessa Janecke (Warren), and Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park) in ice hockey.

Note: Ages are calculated as of Feb. 6, 2026 using publicly listed birthdates.

Local Athletes at a Glance

Ice Hockey: Suburban Rinks, World-Class Results

Chicago’s hockey footprint isn’t theoretical anymore, it’s measurable. Three athletes on this local list trace their roots back to Illinois communities where early mornings meant cold rinks, heavy gear, and the kind of repetition that turns into elite edgework.

Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights) stands as one of the most recognizable Illinois-linked names in the sport, with a game built on pace, control, and veteran calm. Source

Abbey Murphy (Evergreen Park) carries that same Illinois grind upward, a forward whose rise tracks directly through the Chicagoland hockey ecosystem. Source

Tessa Janecke (Warren) represents the next wave: a new-generation Illinois hockey product whose story fits the region’s growing reputation for developing top-end talent. Source

Speedskating: Illinois on the Fast Track

Two of the fastest skaters connected to our coverage area come from suburbs that don’t have mountains, but do have relentless work ethic and strong training culture.

Ethan Cepuran (Glen Ellyn) is a long-track speedskater with deep local ties, including hometown and early skating connections to the area. Source

Sarah Warren (Willowbrook) adds another Illinois hometown thread to the speedskating story, reinforcing how frequently this region shows up in high-level skating pipelines. Source

Ski Jumping: Wauconda’s Flight Path

Ski jumping looks like pure physics and bravery (and it kind of is), and Kevin Bickner (Wauconda) is the Illinois connection in the air. His hometown ties put a local stamp on one of the most visually dramatic events in winter sport. Source

Paralympic Sled Hockey: Local Grit, Elite Level

Two athletes on this list connect Illinois directly to Paralympic sled hockey, a sport defined by speed, contact, and razor-sharp teamwork.

Brody Roybal (Northlake) is one of the most recognizable names in U.S. sled hockey, with Illinois roots that keep him squarely in the local story. Source

Josh Misiewicz (La Grange) adds another hometown anchor point for the suburbs, pairing Illinois origins with a career built on resilience and high-performance competition. Source

These athletes share more than Olympic credentials. They share a foundation built in Illinois communities that supported their early development through park district rinks, suburban arenas, school programs, and regional clubs.

For local readers, these Olympians are not distant figures. They are products of familiar villages, shared facilities, and neighborhoods that helped shape their paths to the world’s biggest winter stage.

Why This Matters Locally

What ties these athletes together is not just Olympic participation, but a shared foundation in Illinois communities that supported their early development. From park district rinks and suburban ice arenas to high-school programs and regional clubs, the Chicago area continues to produce athletes capable of reaching the sport’s highest level.

For local readers, these Olympians aren’t distant names. They’re products of familiar villages, shared facilities, and neighborhoods that helped shape their careers.

At localsuburbs.com, our mission is to spotlight the stories that start right here at home. From youth sports programs and park district rinks to athletes reaching the world’s biggest stages, we strive to bring meaningful, community-centered news to our subscribers and followers. By highlighting the people, places, and achievements rooted in our local suburbs, we help connect readers to the stories that shape where they live.

On January 12, 2026, Lake County has taken another significant step in long-range sustainability planning with the approval of its Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan, a comprehensive 10-year framework designed to strengthen, expand, and connect the countywide tree canopy.

The plan establishes a shared vision for a healthier and more resilient urban forest, guiding not only Lake County government operations but also supporting collaboration among municipalities, park districts, nonprofit partners, and residents. Tree canopy coverage currently varies widely across the county—from approximately 9 percent in some communities to more than 60 percent in others—highlighting both the progress already made and the opportunity ahead.

A Strategic Investment in Health and Sustainability

The Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan advances two priorities within Lake County’s broader Strategic Plan: Healthy and Inclusive Communities and A Sustainable Environment. Today, the county’s urban forest includes more than 8 million trees, delivering measurable environmental and quality-of-life benefits.

Countywide, Lake County’s urban forest:

• Removes more than 5.7 million pounds of air pollutants annually
• Absorbs over 130,000 metric tons of carbon
• Reduces stormwater runoff by more than 1 billion gallons each year

The plan identifies over 85,000 acres where increased tree canopy coverage could further:

• Reduce flooding through enhanced stormwater capture
• Improve air quality and support physical and mental health
• Lower urban heat impacts
• Provide wildlife habitat
• Reduce household energy use and utility costs
• Decrease greenhouse gas emissions

Building Resilience for the Future

In addition to canopy expansion, the plan emphasizes resilience. More than half of Lake County’s trees and shrubs are non-native or invasive species, creating vulnerabilities to pests, disease, and climate stress. The strategy prioritizes evaluation, diversification, and long-term stewardship to ensure the urban forest can withstand both existing and emerging challenges.

By aligning policy, education, and on-the-ground action, the county aims to cultivate shared knowledge and sustained care—ensuring the benefits of a thriving urban forest extend to future generations.

Local Municipal Forestry Policies and Programs in Lake County

Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan is designed to support municipalities with established tree preservation ordinances while also encouraging best practices in communities without formal regulations. This countywide framework creates consistency, elevates environmental outcomes, and helps close policy gaps through education, incentives, and shared standards.

Some communities rely on ordinances to protect existing canopy, while others emphasize voluntary tree planting and cost-share programs to grow their urban forest. Both approaches align with the county’s long-term forestry goals.

Lake County Municipal Tree Programs (Alphabetical)

What Is Tree City USA?

Tree City USA is an annual national recognition program administered by the Arbor Day Foundation. The program is designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees, establish foundational forestry standards for communities of all sizes, and celebrate long-term community improvement.

Since 1976, Tree City USA has recognized communities ranging from small towns to major metropolitan areas. National recognition helps municipalities demonstrate and promote their commitment to maintaining a greener, healthier place to live.

Learn more about the Tree City USA program here: https://www.arborday.org/our-work/tree-city-usa

A Coordinated Path Forward

Together, Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan, municipal ordinances, voluntary planting programs, and national frameworks like Tree City USA form a layered approach to environmental stewardship. This coordinated model ensures that whether a community protects trees through regulation or promotes planting through incentives, every municipality has a role in building a healthier, more resilient Lake County canopy.

LocalSuburbs.com will continue tracking how Lake County’s Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan is implemented, including how individual municipalities align existing ordinances, expand tree planting programs, and develop new policies to strengthen and preserve local tree canopies.

The Lake County Board has approved two major transportation improvement projects scheduled for construction in 2026, targeting enhanced roadway safety and expanded bike and pedestrian connectivity in Antioch and Gurnee.

The projects—one focused on non-motorized travel and the other on intersection safety—are part of Lake County’s broader effort to modernize its transportation network and improve mobility for residents, commuters, and visitors.

New Roundabout Planned for Deep Lake Road in Antioch

A second approved project will bring a single-lane roundabout to the intersection of Deep Lake Road and Depot Street in Antioch. The roundabout follows recent resurfacing work along Deep Lake Road from Illinois Route 132 to Illinois Route 173 and represents the next phase of a multi-year corridor modernization.

Construction will require a full closure of the intersection for approximately 100 days to safely complete the work. A second roundabout along Deep Lake Road at North Avenue is already planned for construction in 2027.

According to national safety data cited by Lake County, roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes by an average of 82 percent while improving traffic flow by keeping vehicles moving at slower, more consistent speeds. Lake County currently maintains 11 roundabouts throughout its transportation system.

Washington Street Bike Paths and Sidewalks in Gurnee

In the Gurnee area, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will construct new bike paths and sidewalks along Washington Street, closing long-standing gaps in the county’s path network. Planned improvements include:

• Bike path on the south side of Washington Street from Mainsail Drive to US 45
• Bike path on the north side from US 45 to Almond Road
• Sidewalk on the north side from Sextant Drive to Mainsail Drive
• Sidewalk on the south side from Tangueray Drive to Almond Road

When combined with the Hunt Club Road and Washington Street intersection project currently under construction, the upgrades will complete a continuous 9.5-mile multi-use path connecting the Des Plaines River Trail to downtown Round Lake at Cedar Lake Road.

County officials say the project strengthens non-motorized travel by linking neighborhoods with schools, shopping centers, businesses, transit stations, and major regional trails. Once the Cedar Lake Road Realignment is completed, the path will also connect directly to the Lake County Forest Preserve’s Millennium Trail.

Busy 2026 Construction Season Ahead

Both the Gurnee path improvements and the Antioch roundabout will be included in LCDOT’s 2026 annual construction program, which will feature additional roadway and trail projects across the county. More details are expected when the full program is released later this spring.

Residents can follow current and future transportation improvements through LCDOT’s Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

SOURCE

Lake County Website

SPRINGFIELD / CHICAGO SUBURBS — A slate of new Illinois laws takes effect on January 1, 2026, with changes that touch everyday life—from what you pay at the grocery store to how employers use artificial intelligence, plus new requirements tied to roadway safety, firearm storage, and school mental-health resources.

Below is a practical breakdown of some of the most notable changes, with verification links to official guidance and primary-source bill materials where available.

1) Illinois Ends the Statewide 1% Grocery Tax (But Local Taxes May Replace It)

Starting January 1, Illinois will eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax on qualifying food purchases. The change is confirmed in Illinois Department of Revenue guidance, including reporting instructions for retailers.

• What this means for shoppers: many receipts should reflect a lower state tax on groceries starting January 1, but your total bill may not drop if your city or county has enacted a replacement local grocery tax.
• What this means for municipalities: Illinois law also authorizes local governments to adopt a local grocery tax by ordinance (a key reason impacts will vary suburb-to-suburb).

Sources:
Illinois Department of Revenue: Grocery Tax Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2026 |
Illinois Department of Revenue: Municipal/County Grocery Tax Bulletin (local option) |
Public Act 103-0781 (PDF)

2) New AI Rules in Employment: Disclosure + Anti-Discrimination Guardrails

Illinois is tightening requirements around artificial intelligence in employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination—aimed at preventing discrimination and increasing transparency. Beginning January 1, 2026, employers are expected to provide notice when AI is used to influence employment decisions, and AI tools may not be used in ways that result in unlawful discrimination.

• What job seekers should know: you may start seeing notices that an employer uses AI to screen or evaluate candidates.
• What employers should know: Illinois has been developing implementation details via rules and guidance connected to these changes.

Sources:
Foley & Lardner overview of HB 3773 (effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
Ogletree: Draft notice rules and compliance direction

Is the AI employment law “first of its kind” in Illinois?

No. It’s a major milestone for employment practices, but Illinois already has other AI-related laws in effect or taking effect that regulate AI use in sensitive settings:

• AI “therapy” restrictions: Illinois enacted the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources framework (often discussed as limits on AI providing therapy/psychotherapy services without licensed professionals).
  IDFPR announcement |
  ILGA bill status (HB 1806)
• AI in the classroom (community colleges): community colleges will be barred from using AI bots to teach classes in place of human faculty, with statewide guidance work continuing for K–12 settings.
  Capitol News Illinois summary of the education/AI changes

3) Public Safety: “Move Over” (Scott’s Law) Expansion

Illinois is expanding roadway protections tied to the state’s “Move Over” requirements (often discussed under Scott’s Law). Drivers should expect broader scenarios where moving over and/or slowing down is required when approaching emergency or service activity on roadways.

• What drivers should do: continue treating flashing lights and roadside responders as a cue to move over and slow down whenever it’s safe—this is the core safety expectation emphasized by state authorities.

Sources:
Illinois State Police: Move Over law overview |
WQAD reporting on the 2026 expansion

4) Firearm Storage: “Safe Gun Storage Act” Requirements

Beginning January 1, Illinois law strengthens safe storage requirements. In general terms, firearms must be secured—such as in a locked container—under circumstances where minors, at-risk persons, or prohibited persons could gain access. Violations can carry significant penalties.

• What gun owners should do now: review storage expectations and ensure your storage method meets “locked/inaccessible” standards as described in the statute.
• Also noted in 2026 reporting: Illinois is tightening timelines around reporting lost or stolen firearms (as covered by multiple Illinois news outlets).

Sources:
Illinois General Assembly: Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 8) bill status |
Capitol News Illinois: 2026 gun storage changes and related updates |
CBS Chicago: overview of key 2026 Illinois law changes

5) Schools: Suicide Prevention Resources Printed on Staff IDs

Illinois is also requiring schools to include key crisis and suicide-prevention resources on employee identification cards, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other support options referenced by state leaders. The aim is to ensure faster access to help resources for students and staff.

Sources:
Sen. Doris Turner press release on staff ID mental-health resources |
Sen. Christopher Belt press release on the same measure

6) Workforce: Unemployment Pilot for Certain Mental-Health-Related Job Separations

Illinois is launching a pilot-style change connected to unemployment benefits that, as reported, may allow certain workers who leave a job due to a psychiatrist-certified mental health disability to qualify for unemployment benefits under defined conditions.

• What to watch: eligibility details will matter (certification requirements, documentation, timelines, and program parameters). Residents considering this option should follow official program guidance as it becomes available.

Sources:
25 News Now reporting on the mental-health unemployment pilot |
Illinois General Assembly: HB 3200 bill status

What This Means for the Chicago Suburbs

For many suburban households, the most immediate change will likely be the grocery tax shift—especially because local governments may adopt replacement grocery taxes that preserve revenue but reduce (or eliminate) savings at the checkout line. Meanwhile, AI rules in employment and new public safety requirements will likely show up more gradually through employer notices, school ID updates, and public awareness campaigns.

Localsuburbs.com will continue tracking how individual municipalities implement the grocery tax change and how state agencies roll out guidance for the new AI and workforce-related provisions.

Have you seen your suburb pass (or discuss) a local grocery tax ordinance? Send us a tip and we’ll add it to our community coverage.

When we talk about Black Friday, it’s not just about one type of store. It’s about supporting the local brick-and-mortar retailers that keep our suburban shopping areas vibrant. The term “brick-and-mortar” literally refers to physical storefronts, and by choosing to shop locally—whether it’s a beloved boutique or a well-known chain store in your town—you help keep our communities strong.

Over the past few years, from the pandemic era to now, we’ve seen Black Friday in-store sales recover while Cyber Monday online spending continues to grow. According to the National Retail Federation and Adobe Analytics, Black Friday foot traffic rose about 12% compared to peak pandemic years, while Cyber Monday online spending has grown roughly 8% year over year.

Now, let’s highlight some local spots. Here are a few Chicago-area malls you’ll want to check out this holiday season:

This holiday season, whether you’re visiting local malls or big-box stores, remember that LocalSuburbs.com is here to connect you with everything happening across Chicago’s suburbs. By shopping local, you’re not just finding great deals—you’re supporting the businesses that make our communities strong.

As the holiday season arrives, communities throughout the Chicago suburbs are lighting up their parks, plazas, and downtowns with festive ceremonies, parades, cocoa crawls, and winter celebrations. These local traditions bring together families, neighbors, and visitors to kick off the season with music, lights, and community spirit. Below is a full municipal roll call of upcoming and recent tree-lighting events gathered from official community calendars. For additional listings, updates, and ongoing celebrations, visit our complete events directory at LocalSuburbs.com/local-events.

Holiday & Tree Lighting Events (Full Municipal Table)

Conclusion

This holiday season, the Chicago suburbs are glowing with festive celebrations that bring neighbors together and highlight the spirit of each community. From intimate neighborhood tree lightings to large-scale winter festivals, these events showcase the charm and unity that define suburban life. For even more events, updates, and newly added celebrations throughout the season, visit our full regional events hub at LocalSuburbs.com/local-events.

LocalSuburbs.com is your source for local business listings, classifieds, community news, and Chicago suburban happenings. As a printed magazine, online directory, and digital community platform, our mission is to keep residents informed, connected, and engaged.

Chicago is facing a growing shift among major corporations as they relocate their headquarters or major workforce operations out of the city and into suburban communities. This trend has accelerated in recent years, driven by rising operational costs, growing concerns about public safety, and new policy proposals—including Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax on large employers. This article examines the companies that have officially announced relocations, the suburbs benefiting from the movement, and the broader economic impacts—including what the departure of the Chicago Bears means for Soldier Field and city tax revenue.

Major Corporate Relocations Confirmed Through Official Press Releases

Below is a list of large employers that have publicly announced via official corporate press releases that they are leaving Chicago or reducing their Chicago footprint.

Walgreens Boots Alliance – Moving Downtown Workforce to Deerfield

Walgreens announced in an official filing and corporate update that it will exit its downtown Chicago office space and move operations back to its suburban headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, beginning in 2026. The company cited consolidation and operational efficiency.

Official press release: Walgreens Corporate Newsroom

SC Johnson – Shifting 170 Chicago-Based Roles to Racine, WI

SC Johnson announced that it will relocate approximately 170 employees from its Chicago office to its main campus in Racine, Wisconsin, by the end of 2026.

Official press release: SC Johnson Press Releases

Moen Incorporated – Relocating HQ Functions to Deerfield

Moen announced plans for a new headquarters facility in Deerfield, IL, opening mid-2026. The move includes administrative, marketing, and operational divisions.

Official press release: Moen Corporate Press Room

Ryerson – Moving Major Chicago Operations to Downers Grove

Ryerson announced a major long-term lease for its new headquarters in Downers Grove, shifting its professional workforce out of Chicago in early 2025.

Official press release: Ryerson Investor & Press Releases

TTX Company – Leaving Chicago for Charlotte, NC

TTX confirmed in its official statement that the company is relocating its corporate headquarters from the Chicago West Loop to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2025.

Official press release: TTX Corporate News

Why Companies Are Leaving Chicago

Corporations consistently cite the following reasons in their official statements:

• High commercial leasing costs in Chicago
• Proposed re-introduction of a head tax on large employers
• Concerns about public safety for employees
• Remote-first shifts reducing the need for Chicago office space
• More competitive business incentives in suburban municipalities

Suburbs such as Deerfield, Downers Grove, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and Naperville continue to attract major companies due to lower taxes, modernized corporate campuses, and proximity to workforce talent.

Economic Impact: What Chicago Stands to Lose (Including the Chicago Bears)

Chicago Bears: Annual Rent & Soldier Field Revenue

Based on the Chicago Bears’ official releases and Park District reports, the Bears generate:

• $6.4–$7 million per year in rent paid to the Chicago Park District
• Over $50 million per year in total Soldier Field gross event revenue

If the Bears relocate to Arlington Heights, these recurring revenue streams disappear from the city budget.

Food & Beverage Tax Revenue from Bears Games

Chicago collects a combination of:

• 9% city food & beverage tax
• 1% Cook County F&B tax
• Illinois sales tax on concessions

Soldier Field’s 2023–2024 concessions were operated by Levy (previously Aramark). Industry estimates and Park District disclosures indicate:

• $35–$45 million in annual concessions revenue attributable to Bears games alone
• $3.5–$5.5 million per year in combined Chicago food & beverage tax revenue directly tied to Bears events

This means that if the Bears leave Chicago:

The city loses at least $10–$12 million per year when combining rent + food/beverage tax + event-activity tax streams.

Jobs Impact

Approximately 1,500–2,000 event-day jobs at Soldier Field (Levy, security, operations, vendors) are partially dependent on Bears games. Many of these jobs would shift toward the Northwest Suburbs.

The Suburban Benefit

Municipalities such as Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and Schaumburg are receiving:

• New commercial leasing demand
• Increased daytime workforce populations
• Higher local food/beverage sales activity
• Expanded hotel activity due to corporate visitors

Arlington Heights alone anticipates billions in long-term economic development from the proposed Bears stadium district, as documented on the official Arlington Park Redevelopment page.

Conclusion

The corporate landscape in Chicago is undergoing a profound shift, with major companies departing the city for the suburbs or out of state—supported by official corporate announcements. At the same time, the Chicago Bears’ likely relocation to Arlington Heights represents one of the largest economic shifts in regional history, carrying tens of millions in local tax and job displacement effects.

LocalSuburbs.com will continue tracking official corporate statements, municipal economic development reports, and suburban growth data to provide residents with accurate, fact-driven updates on how Chicagoland is changing.