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News Wire

Goodman Theater announces cast for Shakuntala by Lavina Jadhwani
Goodman Theater announces cast for Shakuntala by Lavina Jadhwani Goodman Theatre announces the cast for the FREE live reading of its newest Future Labs play, SHAKUNTALA by Lavina Jadhwani and directed by Sophiyaa Nayar (see below). The FREE virtual reading of SHAKUNTALA premieres June 26 at 7pm. Registration for this FREE event is required. For more information, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Shakuntala. The Goodman is grateful for the generosity of its New Work sponsors, including: Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation and the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Major Support of New Work; Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee New Works Fund, Major Support of New Play Development; The Glasser and Rosenthal Family, Mayer Brown LLP, and Shaw Family Supporting Organization, Support of New Work. Shakuntala is celebrating her new marriage to the king when a sage places a spell on her beloved so that he forgets his wife’s face. Inspired by Kalidasa’s 4th-century drama, Lavina Jadhwani’sBollywood-infused SHAKUNTALA, directed by Sophiyaa Nayar, is a playful, irreverent and totally contemporary take on loosing and finding love, and where we come from. Full Company of SHAKUNTALA By Lavina Jadhwani Directed by Sophiyaa Nayar Jesse Bhamrah…………………..……….King Anand Bhatt………………………….……Pandu/Durvasas Vikram Konkimalla………..…….….….…Boy Shishir Kurup……………….….…….……Kanva Miriam A. Laube…………………..…….…Mother Guatami/Queen Mother Tina Muñoz Pandya…………………….…Priya Aila Peck…………………….…….……..…Shakuntala Jasmine Sharma……………………….…..Anushka Levin Valayil……………………..…………Madhavya Nina Jayashankar…………..….…..…..…Stage Directions Reader ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR Lavina Jadhwani (Playwright) is a theater director, adaptor and activist. Recent directing credits include As You Like It (Guthrie Theatre); Peter and the Starcatcher (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Roe and The Cake (Asolo Repertory Theatre). Adaptations include Shakuntala, A Christmas Carol (upcoming production, Guthrie Theater), The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya and The Sitayana (upcoming production, East West Players). Jadhwani lives in Chicago, where she was recently named “One of the Top Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago” by Newcity. She received her BFA/MA from Carnegie Mellon University and MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. LavinaJadhwani.com Sophiyaa Nayar (Director) is from New Delhi, India. She creates interdisciplinary and genre-bending work that places immigrants, migrants and BIPOC at the center of the narrative. She is a member of the Women’s Project Lab 2020-22, an ensemble member with Definition Theatre, a member of Director’s Lab Chicago 2017 and was a resident of Milwaukee Rep’s 2017/18 season. She is part of the SDC Foundation’s Observership Class, through which she worked on Soft Power by Jeanine Tesori and David Henry Hwang at The Public. Recent directing work includes Good Years (Definition Theatre); Being Julia Roberts (Jackalope Theatre); MLK Project (Writers Theatre); EthiopianAmerica (Definition Theatre, BTA Awards for Best Play, Featured Actor and Actress; Jeff Award for Fight Choreography); and Big Little Eyes (Steppenwolf Theatre LookOut Series). She served as Assistant Director for Nollywood Dreams by Jocelyn Bioh (MCC theatre) and A Doll’s House, Part 2 (Steppenwolf Theatre). Her credits also include work with companies such as The New Colony, Steep Theatre, The Story Theatre and American Players Theatre. She is currently workshopping a screenplay with Sundance Collab under Jessica Sharzer. SophiyaaNayar.net ABOUT FUTURE LABS Up to nine workshops and presentations of new plays will appear this season as part of Future Labs—the latest effort among Goodman Theatre’s programs that support living writers and develop new plays (including New Stages, Playwrights Unit and more than two dozen individual artist commissions). Designed primarily for Chicago-based writers who have not had a play produced at the Goodman, Future Labs develops works authored and directed by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), SWANA (South West Asian/North African) and other artists of color. Selected projects receive rehearsal time, artistic, dramaturgical and casting support and an optional free public reading. The new series is curated by Quenna L. Barrett (Associate Director of Education and Engagement), Jonathan L. Green (Literary and New Works Manager) and Alberto Mendoza (Videographer), as well as a Goodman Staff Evaluation Team composed of individuals of intersectional identities and in areas across the theater. ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fourth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters. Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners. As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society. Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000. Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Megan McCarthy Hayes is […]
Weekend lane closures on Veterans Memorial Tollway I-355
Weekend lane closures on Veterans Memorial Tollway I-355 Construction on Bridge Joint work between 22nd Street and Illinois Route 53, and between Army Trail Road and Butterfield Road, will continue on weekends throughout the summer Lane closures are scheduled this weekend on the southbound Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) between 22nd Street in Lombard and Illinois Route 53 in Glen Ellyn for bridge joint repair work. Delays are expected. Weather permitting, beginning on Friday, June 25, at 8 p.m. lane closures on southbound I-355 between 22ndStreet and Illinois Route 53 are scheduled to begin and continue as needed into Monday, June 28. Traffic will be reduced to one lane by 9 p.m. on Friday, and by noon on Saturday, June 26, two lanes are scheduled to be open to traffic for the rest of the weekend. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, June 28, dependent on concrete curing. Additional closures, including ramp detours, are scheduled in July at other locations along I-355. Electronic message signs and construction signage will be put in place to alert drivers in advance of lane closures. Up-to-date closure information will be posted on the Tollway website in the Daily Construction Alert. All work is weather dependent. Weekend work is expected to continue through the summer at various locations in both directions on I-355 between Army Trail Road and Butterfield Road. In 2021, the Illinois Tollway is completing mainline bridge joint repair work, as well as median barrier removal and replacement, pavement repairs, roadway lighting and electrical work, as well as other minor miscellaneous work along I-355. The lane closures are necessary to safely accommodate a work zone and maintain access for traffic. In addition, the work will necessitate overnight closures of several ramps at the Roosevelt Road and Army Trail Road interchanges later this summer. Detours will be posted. Work Zone Safety The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355) remains safe for both drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety. Work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. The Illinois Tollway reminds motorists that the “Move Over Law” requires motorists to change lanes or to slow down and proceed with caution when passing any vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. If you see flashing lights ahead, please move over or slow down. Illinois State Police have zero tolerance for drivers speeding in work zones or failure to comply with the Move Over Law. The minimum penalty for speeding in a work zone is $250 and can include up to a $25,000 fine and a 14-year jail sentence for hitting a roadway worker. Penalties for failure to slow down or move over for a vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights includes up to a $10,000 fine, 2-year suspension of driving privileges and jail time, in extreme cases. About Move Illinois The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 120,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first nine years of Move Illinois is on schedule and within budget, delivering the rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) as a state-of-the-art 21st century corridor and opening a new interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project and reconstructing the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). About the Illinois Tollway The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 294 miles of roadways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80) and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway.
Bi-Partisan legislation introduced in Michigan to penalize and reduce drive-by shootings
Bi-Partisan legislation introduced in Michigan to penalize and reduce drive-by shootings Citing the number of drive-by shootings in Flint in the past few months State Representatives Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Graham Filler (R-DeWitt), Mike Mueller (R-Linden) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) introduced legislation to increase penalties on drive-by shootings. “These cowardly, heinous actions must end,” state Representative Cynthia Neeley said. “Drive-by shooters are intentionally targeting family members and numerous children have been shot and murdered in my community and throughout Michigan.” The idea for the legislation came from a Flint family who had a child shot in a drive-by. Representative Neeley met with the family and worked with them to create legislation that would toughen penalties for drive-by shootings. “While there has been bi-partisan support to move towards reducing numerous criminal penalties, drive-by shootings are violent actions that destroy families and harm neighborhoods,” said State Representative Filler. “Anyone who willingly puts an entire family in danger should face the consequences.” Most drive-by shootings are retaliation against an individual and the shooter is targeting the family. The four-bill package would simply increase penalties for anyone shooting into a building or vehicle. Already this year, numerous children in Flint have been shot and three have been killed by drive by shootings. “Shooting up a house endangers an entire family—these are conscience acts by people who must be stopped,” said Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden). “These are not spur-of-the-moment actions, these are planned acts of violence that intentionally target innocent people, and that is why I’m sponsoring this bill.” The legislation has the support of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The bills were introduced Wednesday, June 16 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee. They are: HB 5027; introduced by Rep. Neeley; HB 5028; introduced by Rep. Filler; HB 5029; introduced by Rep. Mueller; and HB 5030; introduced by Rep. Young. “My goal with this legislation is to have it serve as a deterrent and warning to any would-be shooters,” said Representative Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit). “The recent death of a two-year old possibly could have been prevented if this package of bills were law already. It’s time to put an end to drive-by shootings and get the violent perpetrators off our streets to make our communities safer.”
Paddlers Reminded to be Safe on the Water This Summer
Paddlers Reminded to be Safe on the Water This Summer Safety on the water should be a priority for all boaters this summer – from motor boat operators and passengers to those boaters who prefer non-motorized watercraft. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police and Safety Education experts remind paddlers to stay alert to their surroundings, weather and water conditions, and other factors that can put them at risk on Illinois lakes, rivers, and streams. “Paddling is becoming more and more popular, from canoes, to kayaks, to paddleboards, and we’re reminding all paddlers to practice safety and wear a life jacket (PFD) while enjoying time on the water,” said Jeff Hopkins, administrator of the IDNR Safety Education Section. During 2020 in Illinois, two fatalities were reported involving paddlers in non-motorized watercraft. Some simple safety reminders for paddlers on Illinois waterways: • Always wear a life jacket (PFD) and never overload a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft. • Never paddle alone; enjoy canoeing, kayaking or paddleboard riding with friends and family. • Know the area before putting your watercraft on the water and leave a float plan with others so they’ll know how long you plan to be out and where you’re going. • Be very conscious of weather and water conditions; dress appropriately for the weather and be alert to changing conditions once on the water. • Limit your movements while in small watercraft to prevent capsizing/falling overboard; do not stand up in a canoe or kayak. • Warm or hot weather days and cold water can mean a shock to the system if paddlers end up in the water, causing disorientation and impairing the ability to swim and/or safely return to their watercraft. • High winds and strong currents can make it difficult to keep a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard within reach if the watercraft overturns and the paddler ends up in the water. • Stay hydrated, but do not bring along or consume alcohol or drugs before getting on the water or while on the water. • Stay alert to and pay attention to other boats, or the wake from other boats on the water; and, never approach a low-head dam, fallen tree, or other potential obstacles. For more information on paddling safety, check online resources including the Boat U.S. Foundation website: https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/activities/paddle/

STATEWIDE NEWS

State Senator Michael E. Hastings announces suspension of bid for Secretary of State
State Senator Michael E. Hastings announces suspension of bid for Secretary of State State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) today issued the following statement on his decision to suspend his bid for Secretary of State: …
Illinoisans who received at least one COVID vaccination automatically entered in $10 million state giveaway
Illinoisans who received at least one COVID vaccination automatically entered in $10 million state giveaway As Illinois Vaccinates 70% of Adults, Gov. Pritzker Launches $10 Million ‘All In for the Win’ Promotion to Reward Vaccinated …

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Geja’s Café Debuts Giro d’Italia – A Tour of Italy Wine Festival

A three-month wine festival that features 18 carefully selected wines from 17 wine regions of Italy for a full-bodied experience all can enjoy

Chicago’s oldest wine bar, Geja’s Café, perfectly nestled at 340 W. Armitage Ave, is welcoming the upcoming fall season with the debut of its three-month wine festival Giro d’Italia, beginning Sunday, September 1st through Saturday, November 30^th. Throughout these three months, wine enthusiasts of all calibers will have the opportunity to enjoy selections from the largest boot on Earth, perfectly complemented with Geja’s 3 course Premier Fondue Dinners.

“Italy is one of the most exciting wine regions today, offering more appellations and local grape varietals and styles than any other country,” said Darla Lawler, Wine Director at Geja’s Café. “With almost 600 documented varietals and over 400 denominations, you can try a different Italian wine every day of the year and still find wines to explore.”

Geja’s Cafe, Fondue specialities

During the months of September, October, and November, Geja’s wine list will feature an extended selection of wines from the regions of Italy, available by the glass and the bottle at low promotional prices.

Among the featured wines will be:

Sparkling Wine	Vintage	Glass	Bottle
Lambrusco Rosato, Lini 910, Emilia Romagna	N/V	9.00	38.00
White Wines
Pinot Grigio, Forchir, Friulli-Venezia	2018	10.00	34.00
Aglianico, Neroameta Bianca, Mastroberadino, Campania	2017	15.00	54.00
Verdicchio, Marotti Campi, Marche	2017	11.00	38.00
Red Wines
Schiava, Hofstatter Koldenhof, Alto Adige	2017	13.00	46.00
Susumaniello, Masseria Li Veli, Puglia	2017	14.00	50.00
Barbera d’ Alba, Castello di Neive, Piedmonte	2018	13.00	46.00

Known for romantic fondue dining – food one prepares and shares – and an extensive list of fine, moderately priced wines, Geja’s Café features over 20 different types of fondue entrees including Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue and Belgian chocolate dessert fondue. An enchanting wine cellar atmosphere, private booths, and subdued lighting contribute to its intimate surroundings. Geja’s Café was recently voted the Most Romantic Restaurant in America by USA Today’s 2015 Reader Poll. The Chicago institution has been the site of 146,674 first dates and 16,749 engagements and diners have enjoyed over 335 tons of cheese fondue and over 1,074,325 bottles of wine.

Hours for Geja’s Café are Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Valet parking is available. For more information, please call 773-281-9101, or visit Geja’s Café at www.gejascafe.com.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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Hanania's columns are archived on his personal website at RayHanania.com. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

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Geja’s Café Debuts Giro d’Italia – A Tour of Italy Wine Festival

Geja’s Café Debuts Giro d’Italia – A Tour of Italy Wine Festival

A three-month wine festival that features 18 carefully selected wines from 17 wine regions of Italy for a full-bodied experience all can enjoy

The Political Pundit