Who will be the MVPs of both conferences? What about Rookie of the Year? Plus, predictions on both the East and West standings.

Arturas Karnisovas conducted the autopsy on the staff offices in Year 1 of his reign.

What the Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations found was a lack of leadership, so the swamp was drained.

This past offseason, he turned the scalpel on the roster.

What he found was a lack of cohesiveness, so parts were removed and replaced.

In his no-nonsense style of operation, Karnisovas not only wants a team that can end a four-year playoff drought this season, but a foundation that will last for years. He wants the Bulls to be a destination for free agents and a consistent contender.

In Karnisovas’ opinion, the momentum began at the trade deadline, when the Bulls showed how serious they were about adding big-name players by acquiring Nikola Vucevic from the Magic.

“I think that showed that winning is important,” Karnisovas said. “And I think the pitch this summer to free agents was we’re building something and we want to win. So I think that helped. Together with having Zach [LaVine] and having Vooch as two All-Stars already on the roster, I think that helped. And we were pleasantly surprised that a lot of guys wanted to play in Chicago.

“It obviously says a lot about building a new staff. It says a lot about the players like Zach and Vooch, and players wanting to play with them.”

But how much will it say come late April and May?

That’s what really matters. And anything short of that will be dealt with by Karnisovas. The scalpel is always ready.

NBA BOTTOM

PREDICTED FINISH

5. Raptors

4. Thunder

3. Rockets

2. Pistons

1. Magic

EASTERN CONFERENCE

PREDICTED FINISH

1. Nets

2. Bucks

3. 76ers

4. Heat

5. BULLS

6. Hawks

7. Knicks

8. Celtics

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Nets over Heat in six

ALL-EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

G James Harden, Nets

G Jimmy Butler, Heat

F Kevin Durant, Nets

F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

C Joel Embiid, 76ers

ALL-EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM

Ben Simmons, 76ers

Zach LaVine, BULLS

Jayson Tatum, Celtics

Bam Adebayo, Heat

Nikola Vucevic, BULLS

EASTERN CONFERENCE HONORS

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

Most improved player of the year: Lonzo Ball, BULLS

Rookie of the year: Jalen Suggs, Magic

Coach of the year: Erik Spoelstra, Heat

Coach on the hot seat: James Borrego, Hornets

Most underrated player: Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks

Most overrated player: Kyrie Irving, Nets

Big-name trade candidate: Ben Simmons, 76ers

WESTERN CONFERENCE

PREDICTED FINISH

1. Jazz

2. Lakers

3. Clippers

4. Warriors

5. Suns

6. Mavericks

7. Nuggets

8. Grizzlies

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Lakers over Warriors in seven

NBA FINALS

Lakers over Nets in six

ALL-WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

G Luka Doncic, Mavericks

G Steph Curry, Warriors

F LeBron James, Lakers

F Kawhi Leonard, Clippers

C Anthony Davis, Lakers

ALL-WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM

G Damian Lillard – Trail Blazers

G Klay Thompson – Warriors

F Zion Williamson – Pelicans

F Paul George – Clippers

C Nikola Jokic – Nuggets

WESTERN CONFERENCE HONORS

MVP: Luka Doncic, Mavericks

Most improved player of the year: Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets

Rookie of the year: Jalen Green, Rockets

Coach of the year: Frank Vogel, Lakers

Coach on the hot seat: Luke Walton, Kings

Most underrated player: Kyle Anderson, Grizzlies

Most overrated player: Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

Big-name trade candidate: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

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The tag of “best player currently never to reach the playoffs” is one that LaVine will finally put to rest this season, with talent around him and a better understanding of how to win.

If the only cross Zach LaVine had to bear was “best player,” he’d wear that proudly, doing all he could to work at living up to such praise.

After all, LaVine has always been a worker, both during the season and the offseason.

But when the title he actually currently holds is “best player … currently to never reach the playoffs,” that takes on an entirely different meaning.

What’s nice about the Bulls guard as he enters season No. 8 on Wednesday, he has tons of logical excuses on why he’s never led a team to postseason play, but rarely falls back on them.

Yes, he’s been on bad teams or rebuilding teams, both in Minnesota and with the Bulls. Yes, he’s gone through coaches and systems like clothing. And yes, he’s also had some bad luck, whether it was an injury, a failed coronavirus test, or the ball simply bouncing the wrong way.

Instead of dwelling on that, however, LaVine has always remained positive, focusing on tomorrow rather than the ugly record that stares him in the face today.

That’s why throughout this camp, he’s sounded very repetitive when asked about any sort of goals this season, whether it has to do with his pending free agency or his own individual ones.

“Win. By any means necessary and I’ll be OK with that,” LaVine said. “My mind is on tomorrow, starting this thing off right, working hard, and getting forward with helping us win and just being involved with the team this year.”

That’s because LaVine seems to finally have a better understanding of “tomorrow.” Call it the lessons he learned playing for Team USA in the Summer Olympics or just the idea of fully embracing that nothing is promised beyond today, LaVine will not only have All-Star numbers once again this season, but will end his career-long playoff drought.

Not a bold prediction by any means, considering the talent that has been assembled around LaVine, but the one that still sits atop the prediction list for this upcoming Bulls season.

2. Bulls will be a Top 10 defense – With a roster that was far from healthy and way less athletic, the Bulls were actually a solid defense in the second half of last season.

Fast forward to what they added, and what was seen in the preseason, Lonzo Ball is not only great defensively, but smart, while Alex Caruso will prove to be as disruptive as they come against opposing guards.

Then factor in that Patrick Williams has a year of experience under his belt, as well as an offseason to continue transforming his body from college kid to an NBA man, and while this won’t be the defense that the Knicks or Heat throw at teams, it will still make the opposition work.

Rebounding will be a weakness, but coach Billy Donovan will figure out how to work around that.

3. Backup guard Coby White will be shopped trade deadline time – When he is healthy to return from shoulder surgery — hopefully by late November — it will be interesting to see what role awaits him.

He seems to be a redundant player on this roster, with only his streaky three-point shooting a saving grace, but if Caruso and Ball can be threats from outside, White could be on the move.

4. A redshirt year for Ayo Dosunmu – The Chicago native had a very good camp and showed some positive things in exhibition play, but this roster is very deep in the backcourt. His most productive minutes will likely be on the Windy City Bulls of the G-League.

5. Donovan will finish in the top 5 for Coach of the Year – To go from missing the play-in game to the No. 5 seed in the East? Heck yeah, that will carry some votes.

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EPA Administrator Michael Regan, pictured here with Mayor Lori Lightfoot during a visit to Chicago in May, announced a “roadmap” to address PFAS contamination, especially in drinking water. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file

Illinois is tracking contaminated water across the state and identified more than 100 water systems with traces of PFAS.

President Joe Biden’s top environmental official announced a plan to address the widespread contamination of a class of cancer-causing toxic substances known as forever chemicals.

While the proposal is little more than a “roadmap” at this point, advocates say it puts a needed spotlight on the persistent chemicals known as PFAS that have been found in drinking water supplies across the country, including in Illinois.

Among the goals are timelines to set contamination limits for drinking water, a designation declaring PFAS a hazardous substance and increased study and monitoring. In addition to cancer, the class of chemicals has been linked to liver damage, high blood pressure, low infant birth weights and other health issues.

The plan was announced by Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan.

“For far too long, families across America — especially those in underserved communities — have suffered from PFAS in their water, their air or in the land their children play on,” Regan said in a statement.

Short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS is used in hundreds of products from nonstick pans to stain-proof clothing to firefighting foam.

Sonya Lunder, a Sierra Club toxics expert who has worked on the PFAS issue nationally, said states like Illinois may move faster on the issue than the federal government.

“It didn’t feel ambitious,” Lunder said of the Biden administration announcement. “It doesn’t feel like it’s stepping up to the urgency of the problem.”

In Illinois, state environmental officials have found more than 100 drinking water systems across the state, including some in the Chicago area, that tested positive for measurable levels of the chemicals.

There’s no agreed national standard on safe levels of PFAS. Illinois officials have been flagging any water system that shows 2 parts per trillion measurements to understand the scope of the contamination in Illinois. A trailer park in Rockford showed levels so high in a community well that residents were provided bottled water until they can be connected to another water system.

Chicago’s water department reported no measurable levels of PFAS in the state’s most recent survey.

The chemicals industry has already signaled a potential fight over regulations.

“Approximately 600 PFAS substances are manufactured or in use today, each with its own unique properties and uses, from cellphones to solar panels, for which alternatives are not always available,” the trade group American Chemistry Council said in a statement.

Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.

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Ye arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills in 2020, when the rapper was still called Kanye West. | AP

Judge grants his request to switch to the moniker he once said represents “Kanye West with no ego.”

It’s official: Kanye West is now Ye.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michelle Williams Court approved the rapper’s request to formally change his name from Kanye Omari West to just Ye, with no middle name or last name, according to Rolling Stone and Deadline. He filed the petition to change his moniker in August, citing “personal reasons.”

The 44-year-old’s Instagram and Twitter account currently show his name as Ye, although his handle remains @kanyewest on both platforms.

His ex Kim Kardashian West and their four children — North West, 8, Saint West, 5, Chicago West, 3, and Psalm West, 2 — all bear his former surname. Kardashian West didn’t change her last name back to Kardashian when she filed for divorce in February.

Ye’s reps could not be reached for comment.

Ye, an abbreviation of his first name, is the rapper’s longstanding nickname that he used as early as 2012 in his hit single “Clique” featuring Jay-Z and Big Sean (“Yeah, I’m talking Ye”).

In 2018, the rapper, music producer and clothing entrepreneur announced on Twitter that he’s no longer “the being formally known as Kanye West … I am YE.” Some may refer to Ye as an alter ego, but West explained in another tweet: “Who or what is Kanye West with no ego? Just Ye.”

Ye also has a religious significance to him. West titled his eighth studio album “Ye,” which was released in 2018.

“I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible, and in the Bible it means ‘you,’ ” West said during an interview with Big Boy in June 2018.

He continued: “So I’m you, I’m us, it’s us. It went from Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye — just being a reflection of our good, our bad, our confused, everything. The album is more of a reflection of who we are.”

Ye’s name change is the latest shakeup for the former Chicagoan. He also recently put his ranch and business properties in northwestern Wyoming up for sale for $11 million. Ye moved from California to Wyoming in 2019.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Read more at usatoday.com

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Los Angeles County is seeking to compel psychiatric evaluations for Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa and others to determine if they truly suffered emotional distress after first responders took and shared graphic photos from the site of the helicopter crash that killed the basketball star, his teenage daughter Gianna and seven others in 2020, | Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

Vanessa Bryant, whose federal lawsuit against the county alleges invasion of privacy, has claimed in court papers that she has experienced “severe emotional distress” that has compounded the trauma of losing her husband Kobe and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County is seeking to compel psychiatric evaluations for Kobe Bryant’s widow and others to determine if they truly suffered emotional distress after first responders took and shared graphic photos from the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed the basketball star, his teenage daughter and seven others, court documents say.

Vanessa Bryant, whose federal lawsuit against the county alleges invasion of privacy, has claimed in court papers that she has experienced “severe emotional distress” that has compounded the trauma of losing her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Kobe Bryant and the others were killed Jan. 26, 2020, when the helicopter they were aboard, on their way to a girls basketball tournament, crashed in the hills west of Los Angeles amid foggy weather. Federal safety officials blamed pilot error for the wreck.

Vanessa Bryant’s lawsuit contends first responders, including firefighters and sheriff’s deputies, shared photographs of Kobe Bryant’s body with a bartender and passed around “gratuitous photos of the dead children, parents and coaches.” The Los Angeles Times first reported that a sheriff’s department internal investigation found deputies shared photos of victims’ remains.

None of the first responders were directly involved in the investigation of the crash or had any legitimate purpose in taking or passing around the grisly photos, the suit contends. Gov. Gavin Newsom last year approved legislation prompted by the helicopter crash that makes it a crime for first responders to take unauthorized photos of deceased people at the scene of an accident or crime.

“Ms. Bryant feels ill at the thought of strangers gawking at images of her deceased husband and child, and she lives in fear that she or her children will one day confront horrific images of their loved ones online,” court documents say.

Attorneys for Los Angeles County want the court to order Bryant and other family members of the people who were killed in the crash, including children, to undergo psychiatric evaluations as independent medical examinations. The lawyers propose that the evaluations be audio- and video-recorded and last eight hours for adults and four to six hours for children.

The county contends that while the families “have undoubtedly suffered severe distress and trauma from the crash and resulting loss of their loved ones, their distress was not caused by (the first responders) or any accident site photos that were never publicly disseminated.”

LA County attorneys wrote in court papers that such psychiatric examinations are “necessary to evaluate the nature and extent” of the families’ alleged injuries.

Vanessa Bryant’s attorneys, in filings submitted Friday, said the county is resorting to “scorched-earth discovery tactics” designed to bully her and the family members of other victims into “abandoning their pursuit of accountability.”

Attorneys for Bryant and Los Angeles did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.

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Sky GM/head coach James Wade, center, celebrates with Candice Parker, right, and Kahleah Copper after winning the WNBA championship at Wintrust Arena. | Paul Beaty/AP

The celebration will start with a parade along Michigan Avenue.

The stage is set for a celebration worthy of the first-time WNBA champion Chicago Sky, who clinched the title Sunday afternoon beating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Chicago will celebrate the 2021 WNBA champions beginning with a parade and ending with a rally at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

It’s the city’s first championship celebration since the Cubs won the World Series in 2016 and the first basketball championship celebration since the Bulls celebrated their sixth NBA title in 1998.

“The city of Chicago could not be prouder of our winning Chicago Sky,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “We are thrilled to throw a celebration worthy of this historic moment in Chicago sports and congratulate the Sky for bringing our city its first WNBA title.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. when the Sky leave Wintrust Arena and head north on Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street. The entourage will go east on Randolph to Pritzker Pavilion.

Street closures will begin after 10 a.m. on Indiana Avenue from 21st Street to Cermak Road and Michigan Avenue will reopen as soon as the championship motorcade passes.

The rally will begin at noon and is free and open to the public. There will be a security screening at entrances to the Pavilion on Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street.

COVID-19 vaccination is not required for fans to attend but the city highly encourages it. The Pritzker Pavilion will be open to fans beginning at 10 a.m.

Throughout the Sky’s championship run, coach/general manager James Wade repeatedly shared his desire to give Chicago another winner.

Tuesday, fans will be able to share their appreciation for the Sky giving them another champion to celebrate.

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Chicago has so many amazing suburbs that are unique in their culinary scenes. Just about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find the residential suburb of Palatine. Known for its parks and nature, Palatine is a great place to visit with family and friends. The next time you’re in town, check out these popular restaurants in Palatine:

18 W Station St. Palatine, IL 60067

This family-owned and operated restaurant aims to bring authentic Italian cuisine from all parts of Italy, from Bari to Siena, right to our bellies. It has been serving fresh seafood, pasta, and other Italian entrees in the Chicagoland area for over the past decade.

Enjoy house specialty favorites like Stuffed Peppers, Gnocchi, and Country Rigatoni. If you’re a seafood fan, Gianni’s has a great selection in their seafood bar. The restaurant also offers a weekend brunch with a pasta station, omelette station, chicken marsala, calamari, and more, including $10 unlimited mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys.

51 W Wilson St. Palatine, IL 60067

You can never go wrong with a sandwich—there are so many possibilities! Dario’s menu shows just that with signature sandwiches like the Cubano and BBQ Roasted Pork as well as classic paninis, wraps, and flatbreads. The Cubano is a crowd favorite with ciabatta, roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and habanero aioli. Additionally, the BYO sandwich or flatbread is worth a try. Also, don’t forget to pair your sandwich with a cup or bowl of homemade soup for the ultimate combo!

220 N Northwest Hwy. Palatine, IL 60067

When you’re in the mood for fried food, check out Mother Cluckers Kitchen. More than just a clever name, the restaurant has all your fried favorites like the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich, Fried Catfish, and of course, fried chicken. Mother Cluckers has a chill ambiance with blues playing as you enjoy your meal. The menu is fresh and made with family recipes—just good ol’ American home cooking.

16 S Bothwell St. Palatine, IL 60067

Artistic Cuisine is headed by Chef Ezequiel “Zee” Otero and serves French, Spanish, and Italian dishes with a Latin twist. For lunch, try the specials, like the Parrillada de Carnes, a traditional Argentinean meal with a fresh assortment of juicy grilled meats served on a tabletop grill with a salad.

The lunch and dinner menus also have gourmet pizzas, seasonal specials, entrees, and pasta. The Beef Bourguignon, a beef stew braised in red wine, is perfect for when the temperatures drop. Also, it’s served in a ceramic pot with a homemade flaky puff pastry on the side.

809 N Quentin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067

True to its name, Taco Shop has delicious tacos that are made fresh as well as burritos, vegetarian and vegan options, and more. The quick-service Mexican restaurant is no frills, but doesn’t sacrifice in quality. The U.S. prime meats are purchased from a local butcher. Find your classic favorites like carne asada, chicken, al pastor, carnitas, and chorizo. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy soy chorizo, Impossible “beef,” and more.

1939 S Plum Grove Rd. Palatine, IL 60067

Cooler temperatures call for ramen! Ramen House Shinchan’s menu is inspired by the city of Nagoya in Japan. The restaurant serves authentic and unique flavors from katsu curries and gyoza to ramen and udon. On the other hand, classic Nagoya dishes on the menu include Taiwan Ramen, Tebasaki, and Misotatsu.

2391 N Hicks Rd. Palatine, IL 60074

If you’re jonesing for BBQ, Palatine is home to Money Magazine’s #1-rated BBQ in the state. Chicago Culinary Kitchen serves Texas-style BBQ, which means no sauce on the meats. The restaurant wants the meat to be “the star of the plate” and focuses on seasonings that enhance the specific meat’s natural flavors.

All meats are locally sourced and delivered fresh to CCK weekly and meats are smoked overnight and sold that day for ultimate freshness. Try the Back Alley Sticky Ribs for a unique flavor blend of honey, ground pistachios, and seeds.

807 W Nw Hwy. Palatine, IL 60067

Dig into classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wraps at Brandt’s. Order a homemade starter of potato skins, fresh-cut chips, or Wisconsin cheese curds and complete the meal with a cold beer. Meanwhile, don’t skip on trying The Brandt’s Burger, the restaurant’s famous preservative-free fresh ground combination of short loin and deep chuck ½ lb burger.

1278 E Dundee Rd. Palatine, IL 60074

Pita Pita has all the Mediterranean classics we know and love. Start with falafel or stuffed grape leaves. Order salads, a variety of meat entrees, like chicken tawook and shawarma, sauteed meals, and sandwiches. Lunch specials let you taste a little bit of everything.

Additionally, if you’re a meat-lover, try the Meat Combo, a combination of five types of meat served with rice, Arabic salad, grilled onion, and tomato. More into veggies? The Veggie Plate has falafel, hummus, Baba Ghanouj, stuffed grape leaves, and Arabic salad.

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Do you know what the hottest name in Chicago’s fish and seafood dining scene is right now? It’s Andros Taverna. Their unique culinary concept, pristine fish, locally sourced ingredients altogether have made them a dominating force that has quickly seized many fish lovers’ hearts.

Whole Fish Served to the Table

Not many restaurants in Chicago use the whole-fish concept. But here at Andros Taverna, they cook the most pristine fish whole on the bone. When asked why, Chef Doug Psaltis proudly told us that “the pristine fish that we source from around the world really deserve that treatment.”

Not only that. The Taverna takes the idea of utilizing everything of the fish to its perfection. If the fish is not served in whole, what remains of the fish to create the most flavorful stocks or sauces you can find on the Chicago culinary scene. As for the ways of preparation, some are cooked over charcoal, and some in the hearth. Naturally, it all comes down to providing a better product for the guests. 

As the weather cools, Chef Doug said he looked forward to roasting in their wood oven. One of the dishes the team at Andros Taverna is most excited about is the royal red prawn & octopus orzotto. You can make your reservation today at https://resy.com/cities/chi/andros-taverna.

The Freshest Catch

And when Andros Taverna says they serve the freshest fish in the Chicago dining scene, they’re not joking. Because they genuinely bring you the freshest catch of the day in his menu. “We really feel [the pristine fish] produces the best product,” said Chef Doug Psaltis.

And as we all know, today’s diners care more about the taste alone. Rather, real foodies also pay attention to where the ingredients come from, how they were prepared, and the impact they have. That’s exactly why Andros Taverna is quickly gaining the favor of seafood lovers across Chicago. Known as sustainable fishing, their fresh catch came directly from the small boat and independent fishermen, which is advantageous for both small businesses and nature herself.

Sustainable Fishing

So, what’s so special about Andros Taverna and its commitment to sustainable fishing?

For one, sustainable fishing supports individual fishermen and smaller crews. With the seafood industry being dominated by large fleets, how smaller boats that often have fresher catches could be seen has always been a subject in discussion. “The hope is that we are able to support and buy directly from small boats to allow them the opportunity to compete against large fishing fleets,” said Chef Doug.

Furthermore, sustainable fishing itself is a great way to preserve the ocean’s ecological balance. Instead of exploiting existing fishing resources, sustainable fishing responsibly and seasonably ensures that the fishing population doesn’t decline due to the fishing behaviors.

Additionally, Andros Taverna also works with local farmers as well as leading purveyors and artisans.

Image Credit: Andros Taverna

Save Room For Dessert

And let’s not forget the delightful sweets Andros Taverna is bringing us. Their weekend Bakery Box service lead by pastry chef Hsing Chen has been secretly becoming many sweet tooth’s favorites. Hsing’s Bakery Boxes change each weekend featuring seasonal items, from Apple Pie Galaktoboureko to Baklava Bear Claws. Each box serves four people.

You can order the bakery box for pickup or delivery vis Tock. We don’t know about you, but this is going to be our holiday seasonal gift we are buying for ourselves.

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The Chicago Bears lost to the Packers by the score of 24-14 on Sunday, and while many of us fans were excited and hopeful going into the game, it appeared (on paper at least) that it was the same old story. The Bears come out roaring, striking quickly off the momentum given to them by […] Chicago Bears: Week 6 takeaways and more following loss to Packers – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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