The Chicago Bulls fired Executive VP Artūras Karnišovas and GM Marc Eversley, abruptly ending a five-year run defined by big swings — and middling results.

The latest: Owner Michael Reinsdorf didn't wait for the offseason, moving to reset the franchise and install new leadership ahead of a pivotal summer.

What they're saying: "We have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction," Reinsdorf said in a statement.

• "I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well."

Reality check: A new front office gets a clean slate this summer — but the Bulls have been stuck in the middle through multiple "resets."

• The firing will ensure that whoever takes over front office duties will be in charge of the Bulls rebuild, which includes evaluating the roster, preparing for the NBA draft and acquiring free agents.

Flashback: Karnišovas and Eversley arrived in 2020, tasked with rebuilding a franchise stuck in neutral under Gar Forman and John Paxson.

Yes, but: They made just one playoff appearance under their leadership. The team was 224-254 under AKME's tenure.

What to watch: The future of coach Billy Donovan, who is well-regarded internally but has been linked to the University of North Carolina opening.

What's next: A pivotal offseason. Reinsdorf could look to candidates with ties to the Bulls or to established executives to lead the next phase.

The bottom line: The Bulls are moving on from a front office that couldn't escape the middle — but fans have heard promises of change before.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: Remember when April and May were reserved for Bulls playoff runs, not front office firings?

Read more about AKME

From AKME to Angel: The "Chi-Town Barbie" era is over before it ever really began.

The latest: The Chicago Sky traded WNBA megastar Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.

Why it matters: Reese is one of the league's brightest young stars and was a major draw at Wintrust Arena.

Context: Drafted by the Sky in 2024, Reese quickly became the face of a retooling franchise, setting a single-season rebounding record (446) as a rookie.

Yes, but: The Sky never made the playoffs with Reese and she struggled to score away from the basket.

• Late last season, she publicly tussled with the front office about her frustration with the roster and the team's direction. She even hinted at forcing a trade if the team didn't fix its issues.

Between the lines: Reese joins former stars like Elena Delle Donne and Kahleah Copper, who were also traded away in their prime.

• The pattern raises questions about whether the Sky is competing with some of the bigger WNBA franchises in terms of resources, facilities, and the ability to attract big-name talent.

State of play: "Another disappointing star turn (and run) for the Chicago Sky," WNBA analyst Sarah Spain tells Axios. Spain hosts the daily women's sports podcast, "Good Game with Sarah Spain."

• "Chicago sports fans deserve better," Spain adds. "If the franchise doesn't catch up to the teams at the top of this league, they're going to continue to be a revolving door."

Go deeper

NBC 5 is landing another high-profile Chicago media voice to its roster.

The latest: Columnist and media personality Richard Roeper has been hired to file entertainment and culture stories across platforms starting Friday.

• He will make regular appearances on afternoon and evening newscasts, as well as on the station's lifestyle program, "Chicago Today," while also delivering content to digital and social media sites.

What they're saying: "I'm thrilled to be joining an incredible team," Roeper said in a release. "They've put together one of the very best on-air and behind-the-scenes teams in local television today."

Zoom in: NBC 5 has been actively reshaping its staff, bringing in big names like former ABC 7 investigative reporter Chuck Goudie, former Fox 32 sports anchor Lou Canellis, and former Tribune food writer Kevin Pang.

• The hiring push coincides with studio renovations aimed at creating more space for multi-platform storytelling.

Context: Roeper, who took a buyout from the Sun-Times last year after nearly 40 years at the paper, is currently filing columns and reviews for RogerEbert.com.

More on Roeper

🥪 Springfield is chewing over a bill that aims to replace the Horseshoe with Italian beef as the state's official sandwich. (Block Club)

💰 City employees, largely at CPS and the CTA, owe $19 million in unpaid parking tickets, water bills, and other fines.(Sun-Times/WBEZ)

📈 Illinoisans covered by the Affordable Care Act are paying, on average, 26% more in premiums this year. (Tribune)

👋 Hey, it's Monica with another dispatch from an intriguing Chicago happy hour.

The spot: Taureaux Tavern, 155 W. Van Buren, an airy, handsome, brasserie-like spot around the corner from the Board of Trade.

The time: 3 to 6pm. Monday-Friday.

The vibe: A shiny bull and TVs broadcasting financial news loom over an elegant marble bar lined with chatting office workers.

The bites: Hefty crispy oyster rolls ($13) with fries, rich hot French onion soup ($7) topped with enough gruyere to feed a small city and a large but insipid Caesar salad ($7).

• Also find a quartet of oysters ($10), wings ($12), sliders ($12) and nachos served with obvious skill and care.

The drinks: Well, highballs ($8), house cocktails ($13), Miller Lite ($4), High Noon seltzers ($5), and wine ($9).

Perfect pair: Rosé and oysters on a warm day or onion soup and a beer when it's chilly.

🍺 Six-word review: Best onion soup deal in town.

More happy hours

👋 Hey, it's Justin!

This week's "History Mystery" is a fun one. Can you figure out where this photo was taken in 1904?

The intrigue: There are a few clues, but this photo is 122 years old, so hopefully my amateur sleuths can help pinpoint the spot!

📫 Reply to this email and I'll reveal the spot in tomorrow's newsletter.