Pat Foley’s final season in the Blackhawks’ TV booth hasn’t gone as fans expected.

The Hawks announced in June that the season would include a “yearlong celebration” and that Foley would work “a portion” of the schedule while grooming his successor. But all fans have seen to celebrate him are some clips of famous calls on the pregame show, and his portion of games has been smaller than they hoped.

The celebration has been muted by the sexual assault case that rocked the organization at the start of the season. Celebrating anything during the investigation and fallout wouldn’t have been appropriate. The surge of COVID-19 cases this winter added more complications.

But Foley’s diminished visibility in his farewell season has led to fans expressing their frustration on social media. Foley will call just his 20th game tonight, when the Hawks host the Avalanche. It’s NBC Sports Chicago’s 37th broadcast; ESPN or TNT aired seven others.

Foley figures to have a similar schedule in the second half of the season, but that’s partly by his choice. He and the Hawks have mapped out a schedule with his preferences, some of which have been affected by travel restrictions. You can’t blame Foley for not wanting to be confined to a hotel room when he isn’t at the arena.

Fans also haven’t been happy with the revolving door of announcers. The lack of consistency can make it hard for viewers to enjoy the broadcasts. The situation was exacerbated around the holidays when a rash of positive COVID tests among the fill-ins wreaked havoc with the schedule.

Foley was supposed to have had three more games in the booth, but they were among the six that the NHL postponed. It points to the Hawks not being in complete control of their plans. They don’t want to confuse fans, but this has been a tricky season to navigate.

You could argue that’s partly their doing. The Hawks have auditioned seven broadcasters. (If you’re keeping score at home, Chris Vosters has the most appearances with five.) And there are other ways to audition. The announcers and analysts on NFL broadcasts generally auditioned by calling a recorded game in a studio. By industry standards, the Hawks’ process is unique.

As far as where all this is leading, the Hawks are still unsure. Everything remains on the table, including having two play-by-play voices, maybe even two announcing teams. There’s no timetable for a decision on personnel or structure, but expect the matter to be addressed when the Hawks host a townhall-style meeting next week.

Rest assured, the Hawks will celebrate Foley. Pat Foley Night is in the works for April 14. And hopefully, fans will be able to relive more of his famous calls during NBCSCH broadcasts.

The kid in me who learned hockey from Foley can’t comprehend there’s three months left in his career. You can’t tell me he couldn’t call games for another five to 10 years. But here we are.

The Hawks don’t figure to make a playoff push. Down the stretch, Foley likely will be the primary reason to watch them. And because of that, he belongs behind the mic as often as possible.

Remote patrol

Analyst Eddie Olczyk is expected to rejoin Pat Foley in the Hawks’ booth Friday. Olczyk left the broadcast Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the second intermission and went to a hospital after becoming ill. His son Nick moved over from radio for the third period and called the game Monday in Denver.
Former Blackhawk Patrick Sharp will join Colby Cohen and host Pay Boyle for NBCSCH’s studio shows Friday. For the game Monday against the Canucks, Sharp will analyze the action from between the benches as part of the broadcast with Foley and Olczyk.
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Need a break from the everyday hustle and bustle? A winter road trip may be in your forecast and we’re here to help! Sneak away for a weekend — or heck, a whole week — in a cozy cabin surrounded by peace and nature. A little R&R never hurt anybody, so take a peek at our picks below for the 10 best cabins for a Chicago getaway.

If the city’s more your vibe, check out our lists for the best Airbnbs and hotels for a staycation in Chicago.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Goreville, IL

Nestled beneath an oak tree and two tall pines, the Jaybird Treehouse is a unique stay for up to six guests. There are two bedrooms, four beds, and one luxury bathroom with a rock path set in the floor. The queen bedroom is on the main floor and a trap door leads to downstairs with three twin beds. There’s also a sofa bed in the living area, a full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer. 

Outside, you’ll find a bucket pulley in the back deck that goes 20+ feet up, a large deck with a firepit, and even a hammock underneath the cabin — perfect for naps! For the adventurers, there’s a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, a pair of mountain bikes, and fishing poles available to use.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Marion, IL

Cabins don’t all have one look. On the outside, this Airbnb may look like your typical cabin, but inside, it has a sleek and contemporary design. With 600 square feet of living space, this may be a micro cabin, but it’s plenty spacious to house five guests. There’s one queen bed, one twin sofa bed, and one floor mattress. 

A full kitchen, bathroom, washer and dryer, central heating, and smart TV make your stay more comfortable. The cabin also has a charcoal grill and furniture on the spacious deck as well as a fire pit by the pond right outside. You’ll be less than 0.5 miles from the nearest boat ramp on Lake of Egypt and less than a 15-minute drive to local wineries.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Virginia, IL

This is your quintessential cabin stay––an 1800’s log cabin set on a bluff overlooking a beautiful lake. It has all the charms you’d expect in a log cabin like a fireplace, barn doors, rocking chairs, logs and wood throughout, as well as a gas grill, fire pit, and hammock outside. There are also modern luxuries like robes, a copper bathtub for two, WiFi, and a smart TV. 

The listing is for up to two guests and includes the entire cabin and private bathroom all to yourself. The property overlooks Virginia Lake and is on 80 acres of timber and water––perfect for hiking, fishing, watching wildlife, kayaking, or just relaxing. Due to the proximity to the lake and its potential dangers, children are not allowed.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Normal, IL

Stay in a rustic cabin retreat surrounded by nature and farm animals. This cabin houses two guests and includes one bedroom with a queen bed. There’s also a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Bathroom facilities can be accessed a few steps from the cabin through a private entrance to the farmhouse. 

Your stay is at a working farm that’s over a century old. You have access to all the farm surroundings, including a beautiful country view of the eastern pasture. Get all the fresh air you want and relax on the front porch, warm up by the small fire pit, and cook on the charcoal grill just outside the loft entrance.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Michigan City, IN

This modern escape was featured in Time Out magazine in 2019-2020 as a “Top 10 Airbnb Rental in the Midwest” and part of its “Perfect Midwest Getaways” list. It’s unlike any cabin in the woods you’ve ever seen. The two-story home is surrounded by more than 200 acres of woods, prairies, and meadows––it’s the perfect getaway! 

The home has two bedrooms, seven beds, and two bathrooms, housing up to six guests. The beautiful design and unique setting makes this home ideal for those who appreciate nature, design, and architecture. The home also has a full kitchen, fireplace, washer and dryer, and two parking spots out front. Upstairs, you’ll find a studio library that opens to a screened-in porch and open deck.

Your stay gives you access to the labyrinth, garden, meadows, prairies, ponds, and miles of marked trails at Tryon Farm. There’s also a beach, wineries, and restaurants not far from the area.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Oregon, IL

If you’re planning a big group trip, Goose Island Cabin has space for up to eight guests and access to 100 acres of private land for plenty of fun group activities. Built in 1907, the cabin has a lot of history and is named after the small island just offshore. There’s 200 ft of river frontage to enjoy, boating, a large yard with hammocks and games, fire pit, and a BBQ area. 

The cabin still has its “rustic charm” while updated with modern amenities like electricity, hot water, a bathroom, and kitchen. For sleeping, there’s one bedroom, three queen/full beds, a long leather coach in the living room, two day beds by the windows, and cots or tents upon request. While secluded, the cabin is only 10 minutes from the town of Oregon.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Schaumburg, IL

Have a mini getaway only a half hour-drive from Chicago! Sleep atop a tree 15 ft above a stunning Koi pond and serene waterfall. This cedar treehouse sleeps four guests and includes one bedroom, one double bed, and one single bed. 

Since this is an actual treehouse, there isn’t a full bathroom. Guests can use the composting toilet in the tent on the treehouse deck. There’s also a private outdoor shower below. The private entrance leads to a well-tended garden, cedar hot tub, and gas grill. Warm up in the four-person hot tub with the fire table blazing for true cozy vibes.

There’s also a unique amenity for kids––a real Sioux teepee in the backyard just below the treehouse. Inside, you’ll find two comfortably padded cots with faux sheep throws, lights, and a fake fire pit flame.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Nauvoo, IL

Stay in a charming green cabin off the banks of the Mississippi River and just north of the historic town of Nauvoo. The home sleeps up to eight guests and has two bedrooms, four beds, and one bathroom. There’s also a full kitchen, upper deck, and washer and dryer. Enjoy views of the Mississippi River and woods from the deck in this cozy getaway.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Cobden, IL

Eva’s Roost is a great spot to kick it and relax. The zen-style cottage was designed to be close to the earth. The cabin’s large, expansive windows give you a full experience of the nature surrounding you. Take in the forest, pond, stars, moon, sun, and wildlife around you and completely unwind and unplug.

The home is fit for up to two guests and has three beds and one bathroom in the studio space. There’s a small kitchen for all your basic cooking needs and a sitting area as well. Outside, you can grill on the small Weber grill, bring your food over to the adirondack chairs, and warm up by the fire pit with views of the pond.

Image Credit: Airbnb

Cobden, IL

You deserve some R&R at this mini-mountain chalet surrounded by nature…and wine! Enjoy the outdoors at nearby rec areas, including the Trail of Tears State Forest, Giant City State Park, and Cedar Lake. You’re also in the Wine Country of southern Illinois, where you’ll be close to wineries like Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery and Pomona Winery

The chalet houses up to two guests and has one bedroom with one bed and one bathroom. There’s also a full kitchen, free parking, and a surrounding deck to relax and unwind.

Featured Image Credit: Goose Island Cabin on Airbnb

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With many Americans working from home since the beginning of the pandemic and numerous companies abandoning the physical office altogether, coffee shops are quickly becoming a haven for remote workers. Working at a coffee shop for the day can provide the boost of energy (and caffeine) needed for a productive workflow. From bright spaces to tasty pastries to a quiet ambiance, we’ve evaluated the perfect coffee shops for remote work days around Chicago.

Also, remember to check out our favorite work lunch spots for a good recharge during lunchbreaks!

216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

This coffee shop is conveniently located in the Fulton Market area – situated amongst some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Dinner and drinks after work, anyone? The huge space offers a variety of dispersed seating, like couches and chairs and tables, which allows you to pick the set-up that works best for you. The quiet vibes and other remote workers almost guarantee a productive environment. Lastly, the abundance of baked goods (ham and cheese croissant and coffee cake, just to name a couple) ensures you won’t go hungry.

2643 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

You won’t find Chique Latte anywhere else in the United States besides this one in the Logan Square neighborhood. This Netherlands-based coffee shop has only four other locations, which are all located in Europe. Their European influence reveals itself in their specialty coffee drinks and pastries, but there are also other delicious healthy food options, such as a quinoa salad, avocado toast, and acai bowls to fuel your work day. Take a seat at one of the tables inside a house-like structure, the perfect set-up for some solo work time.

1760 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Look for the storefront with the palette sign at this Wicker Park coffee shop. Surrounded by creative art on the walls, you’ll never run out of inspiration in this expressive space. Besides taking pride in their art and house-roasted coffee beans, the Gallery Cafe crafts some amazing food options. Try the Spicy Bob Ross, a jalapeno cheddar bagel sandwich, or the Manet, a croissant sandwich with pesto and eggs.

528 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653

The warm, welcoming atmosphere at Sip & Savor can be found at any of their three locations in Bronzeville, Hyde Park, and Rosenwald. The Black-owned coffee shop features expansive seating options in a decorative space. Aside from brewing delicious coffee, Sip & Savor also stocks pastries from local bakeries.

2959 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Take a break from the work grind by browsing the bike store attached to this unique coffee shop. You’ll find several Heritage Bikes & Coffee locations throughout the city, each with this interesting mash-up of bikes and coffee. The relaxed, vintage atmosphere filled with natural sunlight provides great conditions for a focused afternoon. At the Lincoln Park location, you’ll find a long table with benches for extra seating and a standing desk-like table.

1330 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Who says that working can’t be fun? Grab a seat at one of the whimsical bar swings at Fairgrounds Cafe for a mid-day brainstorming session. Fairgrounds has four stores and counting throughout the Chicago area, but the Fulton Market and River North cafes may be the most ideal for working the day away. Their coffee on tap, eclectic interior design, and happy hour specials means that it may be difficult to leave when the workday is over.

​​3344 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Finding a seat at a coffee shop can be a hassle. At Elevate Coffee in Boystown, you can reserve a table ahead of time through their website and guarantee yourself a spot to work from. The $10 reservation fee goes towards any purchases during your reservation, such as an orange pistachio white mocha or a butter croissant.

3101 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

Located on the south side of Chicago in Bridgeport, this coffee shop of the same name has everything you’d want in a quaint neighborhood stop. Bridgeport Coffeehouse features a rustic ambiance with wood counters and a tin ceiling, a design carried over from its days as a drug store. This corner store with the dark green facade offers plenty of delicious coffees roasted in-house to sip on as you take calls in their quiet workspaces. 

2000 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

This industrial Roscoe Village coffee shop is known for its high-quality coffee, tasty pastries, and breakfast/lunch sandwiches. In warmer weather, their spacious outdoor patio is the perfect place to get work done while soaking up the sunshine.

1211 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60622

This Milwaukee-based chain offers one of the best remote work environments at their Wicker Park location. Cozy up by the fireplace in a comfy chair or grab a seat in the upper level which is a bit more removed from the hustle and bustle of the main coffee shop. One of their long work tables has outlets at every seat to keep your laptop powered all day long. 

Featured Image Credit: Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

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After a three week search, the Chicago Bears have their man at head coach. On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are set to hire Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as their next head coach. Eberflus is set to be the 17th head coach in franchise history, and will replace Matt Nagy who coached four years from 2018-21 with the franchise.

Former Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is being hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 27, 2022

The 51-year-old Eberflus has a background in both the college and pro ranks, getting his start at Toledo before going to Missouri and then joining the NFL. He’s spent time with Cleveland and Dallas before joining the Colts in 2018 as defensive coordinator.

Right away, Eberflus improved that Colts unit to one of the better ones in the league in terms of points per game allowed, yards per game allowed and turnovers forced. He’s likely bringing a 4-3 defense with a Tampa 2 base back to Chicago, so expect some changes moving forward.

Make sure to check out our Chicago Bears forum for the latest on the Monsters of the Midway.

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The Chicago Fire, thwarted in its plan to build a training and practice center on the Northwest Side, said Thursday it has begun discussions with the city about putting it on the Near West Side instead.

The soccer club, owned by business leader Joe Mansueto, is looking at about 30 acres of vacant land within the Roosevelt Square area. The Chicago Housing Authority property is generally bounded by Roosevelt Road, Ashland Avenue, 14th Street and Loomis Street.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised the project but didn’t answer questions about funding or city subsidies. A joint release from the team and the city said they are discussing a long-term lease under which the Fire would build a multimillion-dollar facility that would yield community benefits.

“We’re, first of all, very grateful to Joe Mansueto and the entire Chicago Fire team, who’ve worked really diligently with the CHA and our team to make sure that this facility stayed in the city of Chicago. It’s a great testament to the fact that the Chicago Fire is very committed to the city of Chicago,” Lightfoot said at an unrelated news conference.

“It’s gonna have a lot of incredible benefits to the residents in the immediate area near the former ABLA homes and also rebound to the benefit of the city. We are working with them on a number of different aspects. But first things first. … We need to engage with the community to make sure … we understand from them what their needs are.”

Tracey Scott, CEO of the housing authority, said it views the deal “as an opportunity to invest in our families and in this community. By repurposing this unused land, we can secure substantial funds to rehabilitate CHA housing and develop new affordable housing while also creating employment opportunities for our residents and community members.”

Officials said community meetings to discuss the project’s design will begin in March. The development has the support of the neighborhood’s alderperson, Jason Ervin (28th).

“I am excited to join Mayor Lightfoot, CHA, and the Chicago Fire Football Club to explore using this open space to support affordable housing, employment and recreation on the Near West Side,” Ervin said.

The Fire had tried to get the facility at Hanson Park at Fullerton and Central avenues. The property is owned by the Chicago Public Schools, which did not agree to a lease for the 32 acres that include Hanson Stadium. CPS officials have been unavailable for comment on the matter.

The Fire had talked about a $90 million investment at Hanson Park.

For the Near West Side, the Fire said it plans world-class practice fields and a performance center where team members prepare for matches. It also promises a home for the Fire’s Youth Academy, offering programs for children, teens, and young adults in CHA housing and the broader community.

The property was part of the CHA’s ABLA Homes, which is being replaced by the mixed-income Roosevelt Square development.

“We look forward to presenting the project to the local community, hearing their feedback, and creating new opportunities for residents of the Near West Side to enjoy the game,” said Fire President Ishwara Glassman Chrein.

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Well, this is going to be hell on headline writers. What is this newspaper supposed to do with new Bears coach Matt Eberflus? You know, the newspaper that recently gave you “Robbin’ Some Caruso” after the Bucks’ Grayson Allen knocked the Bulls’ Alex Caruso out for six to eight weeks with a flagrant foul?

We can’t write “Eberflush” after a bad coaching decision costs the Bears a game or “Ebernezer Scrooge” following a Bears’ loss on Christmas. Why not? Because his name is pronounced “EE-ber-floos.”

“Blue ‘floos” after the Bears’ look sickly in another loss to the Packers? “Two Thumbs Down on Eber?” I see a headline wall being hit very, very soon.

This is what I worry about. That and can he coach?

Does Eberflus, the Colts defensive coordinator, have any familiarity with the part of the sport called “offense?” Is he offended by the mere idea of Justin Fields, or any quarterback?

It’s not good to be underwhelmed and perplexed at the same time, but that’s where I am today. The Bears hired a defensive coordinator when all of nature cried out for someone with a background in offense after watching how bad the Bears were under former coach Matt Nagy. If the whole idea is to find out how good Fields can be, hiring a defensive coordinator to be head coach would seem to suggest that we’ve had it wrong all along. The idea apparently is to find out how good a strong safety Fields can be.

I said in Thursday’s column that I’d give new general Ryan Poles the benefit of the doubt. And I’ll give Eberflus the benefit of the doubt as well. But he had better find a genius for an offensive coordinator.

You get the coach you deserve, and the Bears got an Eberflus. That’s not necessarily a shot at the 51-year-old coach — though it might end up being one. This is not one of the top franchises in the NFL, and many of the people trying to knock down the door to get the Bears’ general manager and head coaching jobs were not exactly household names. Team chairman George McCaskey will tell you otherwise when he meets the media to introduce his new hires, including GM Ryan Poles. He’ll wax poetic about the Bears’ head coaching position being a primo destination job. He’ll be wrong again.

Eberflus was the mind behind the Colts’ excellent defenses of the past few years, so there’s that. And people do speak highly of him, possibly because they think he’s a great coach and possibly because that’s what people do when reporters call looking for anecdotes about a new coach. People also had a lot of nice things to say about Nagy until he forgot what running backs did and how to get the most out of a young quarterback.

Only the Bears would fire two guys named Ryan and Matt and replace them with two guys named Ryan and Matt. Ryan Poles replaces former general manager Ryan Pace, and Matt Eberflus replaces Matt Nagy. It means nothing, of course, has no deeper significance, but really? So strange, and so Bears.

We’ll give Eberflus a chance because we’re kind people, but we’ll hold back on the enthusiasm because we’re been around the McCaskeys much, much too long.

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A Forest Park man has been charged with opening fire in a Rolling Meadows bar on Monday and wounding two men.

Daniel Gerger, 38, has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, a class X felony, from the shooting that happened during an argument at the Stadium Sports Club around 11:30 p.m. Monday.

Gerger is accused of shooting a 38-year-old Des Plaines man in the abdomen. The man was taken in critical condition at Lutheran General Hospital.

A 26-year-old man from Elgin was hit in the leg. He has since been released from Lutheran General.

Gerger suffered an injury to his hand and was taken into custody. He was due in bond court Thursday.

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The Bears are hiring Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as their head coach, a source said.

It will be the first head-coaching job for Eberflus, 51, at any level. After 17 years as an assistant at Toledo and Missouri, he began coaching in the NFL as the Browns’ linebackers coach in 2009. He spent two seasons in that role, then seven as linebackers coach for the Cowboys.

Ironically, the Colts hired him as defensive coordinator in 2018 and intended to pair him with Josh McDaniels, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator whom they’d agreed to name their next head coach. McDaniels backed out of the job after the Super Bowl, though, and the Colts eventually hired Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich as head coach. Eberflus stayed on as defensive coordinator.

Over Eberflus’ four seasons, the Colts allowed the 10th-fewest points, had the second-most takeaways and yielded the third-fewest yards per carry.

The Colts allowed 21 or fewer points in 31 of his 65 games.

The Bears appeared to be down to three finalists when they hired general manager Ryan Poles on Tuesday. Poles interviewed former Lions and Colts head coach Jim Caldwell his first day, then former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and Eberflus on Wednesday.

Quinn interviewed with six of the nine teams that had openings, but NFL Network reported Thursday he informed teams he intends to return to the Cowboys as defensive coordinator for the upcoming season.

The job has been open since the Bears fired Matt Nagy on Jan. 10. Nagy opened with a 12-4 record and NFC North title in 2018, but went 22-27 over the next three seasons and never got his offense rolling.

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