Latest news with #Latin-inspired
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lilly Pulitzer, U Sushi Club among new businesses headed to Naperville
Naperville has seen a slew of new restaurants and stores open this summer and even more are on the horizon for the second half of the year. Here's a rundown of some that have already opened and others that are coming soon. Lilly Pulitzer — 55 South Main St.; Filling the space formerly occupied by the women's casualwear store Soft Surroundings is another retail business, Lilly Pulitzer. Known for its bright colors and vivid patterns, the store specializes in women's clothes fit for a resort or a vacation to a tropical island. Lilly Pulitzer's vibrant shift dresses were also worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a childhood friend of Pulitzer's. Dresses on their website range from $98 to $798 and swimsuits range from $78 to $198. The store will open later this year. U Sushi Club Rotary Bar —175 W. Jackson Ave. A revolving sushi bar is planned for the location at 175 W. Jackson Ave. that's been vacant for years, according to Downtown Naperville Alliance Executive Director Katie Woods. The restaurant is slated to open end of July, Woods said. Pronto Italian Sandwiches — 221 S. Washington St.; Pronto Italian Sandwiches, filling most of space formerally held by BD's Mongolian Grill, is to open later this summer. The Naperville store will be the sandwich shop's third location, with two others in Hinsdale and Des Plaines. Sandwich fixings include roasted eggplant, spicy zucchini, burrata and pistachio cream. According to Pronto's website, sandwiches range between $11 to $17, with prices based on size. Lennon's — 16 W. Jefferson Ave.; Lennon's is the new occupant of the spot that had been home to AltaVida, a Latin-inspired, three-story entertainment complex that closed in November. The new restaurant brings 'a globally inspired small plate experience' to the downtown area, featuring 'bold flavors, vibrant energy and heartfelt hospitality,' according to the Downtown Naperville Alliance's website. Lennon's is set to open sometime between late July and early August. White Sheep — 22 E. Chicago Ave.; The Orland Park breakfast and brunch restaurant is opening a second location in Naperville this August. Coowner Dionisos Pappas previously described the restaurant to the Naperville Sun as a 'bougie breakfast and brunch place' where 'everything is made from scratch.' The restaurant is taking over the location held by Smokehouse BBQ, which closed in August 2023. Prices are in the $15 to $20 range. Le Macaron — 23 W. Jefferson Ave.; Le Macaron is a French pastry shop founded by mother-daughter duo Rosaie Guillem and Audrey Guillem-Saba, whose aspirations are to introduce Americans to authentic macarons. The company has stores across the country and will open their Naperville location in a space that used to be a Coldstone Creamery. The pastry shop, which also features madeleines, eclairs and other desserts, is slated to open later this year. ALO Yoga — 21 W. Jefferson Ave.; An ALO Yoga is also slated to open later this year. The brand is known for their activewear and athleisure clothing, with prices generally ranging from around $20 to $400. Birkenstock — 20 W. Jefferson Ave.; The Birkenstock store opened its doors in Naperville a little over two weeks ago. The nearly 250-year-old German shoe brand sells sandals, boots and sneakers with an emphasis on anatomically shaped footbeds designed for comfort and support. This storefront is the only one in the Midwest and one of less than 20 in the U.S., according to Downtown Naperville Alliance. The store's hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. First Watch — 456 S. Route 59; The award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant with hundreds of locations across the country opened its second Naperville location Monday at the entertainment/dining complex called Block 59. At First Watch, patrons can expect classic, healthy breakfast and lunch dishes, with all meals made to order and no heat lamps or fryers in their food preparation, according to Eduardo Rios, a new restaurant opening manager. While a seasonal menu is not currently available at the Block 59 location, patrons can expect to see it introduced this fall. Restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Prices range from $15 to $20. Gorjana — 50 S. Main St.; Gorjana, a California-based jewelry brand, opened its doors in Naperville about two weeks ago. The brand was founded in 2004 and features an array of gold jewelry with diamonds, opals, sapphires and more, according to the Downtown Naperville Alliance website. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Rowan — 50 S. Main St.; Ear piercing shop Rowan opened its doors in May. Piercings are done by licensed nurses and all of their earrings are hypoallergenic, according to Rowan's website. The company also celebrates being a woman-founded and woman-led business. Store hours in Naperville are 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Avocado Theory — 22 E. Chicago Ave.; There is no shortage of avocado dishes at this restaurant, which opened in Naperville in May. The first Avocado Theory restaurant is in Tinley Park and boasts a menu that includes such things as avocado brownies, avocado samosas and fried avocado tacos. The Naperville location, near Fat Rosie's Taco and Tequila Bar, is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
News18
03-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Zumba Row: Kerala Teacher Suspended For Criticising Govt's Move On Social Media
Last Updated: A teacher from T A M UP School, was suspended for a social media post criticising Zumba, which the Kerala Education Department introduced in schools for an anti-drug campaign. A teacher from T A M UP School in Edathanattukara, T K Ashraf, has been suspended following a social media post criticising the Zumba dance. He was suspended by the school management pending an inquiry. Following strong intervention by the Department of Education, the school took action and suspended the teacher. A meeting was held at the school on Thursday to decide on the next steps. The school manager confirmed that a copy of the suspension order has been sent to the Education Department. The controversy started when T K Ashraf shared a post on social media criticising Zumba dance. As the issue sparked public debate, the Department of General Education issued a notice to the school manager through the Deputy Director of Education, Palakkad, seeking action within 24 hours. The management requested three days to respond, but the department did not grant the extension. Subsequently, the suspension order was handed over on Thursday morning. The Kerala education department introduced Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, and some Muslim outfits have objected to the decision. The move is facing backlash as some religious groups objected to girls and boys 'intermingling" and 'dancing together wearing minimal clothes". Many schools in the state have begun offering Zumba training from this academic year. Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. However, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty defended the move and also shared a video on Facebook showing the participation of Muslim students in a Zumba session.'Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy," Sivankutty said. CPM General Secretary MA Baby called the objections based on misconceptions. He noted that Zumba is done globally and that the students were 'fully clothed". The SNDP has backed the move. Youth Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil and DYFI have also expressed support. First Published: July 03, 2025, 19:15 IST
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Minister Saji Cherian alleges spike in 'divisive politics' in Kerala
Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday flagged concerns about significant surge in divisive politics in the state. He cited recent protests against Zumba dance, demands to rename the Suresh Gopi-starrer Janaki vs The State of Kerala and a communal campaign run by a newly formed Christian outfit which is spreading "anti-Islam" sentiments, with RSS backing, to create "political divisions among minorities", as reasons for his claim. Speaking at an event, Cherian alleged that certain vested interests were deliberately spreading "contempt and animosity in society". "Divisive politics is rising on a large scale in Kerala," he asserted. The state government led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had introduced the Zumba, a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance, to help reduce stress among school children and discourage drug abuse. However, Muslim outfits and clerics argued that Zumba was against the Islamic precepts while a right-wing cultural outfit accused the government of promoting Zumba at the cost of Yoga and other traditional art forms. Cherian pointed out while one group opposes Zumba in schools, another is targeting the film 'Janaki', claiming its title disrespects a goddess. Sources said the film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, was denied screening clearance because 'Janaki' another name for Goddess Sita cannot be used for such a character. Cherian criticised the Congress-led UDF for supporting demands to review the government's decision to introduce Zumba in schools.
News18
30-06-2025
- Health
- News18
‘What's The Evidence': Muslim Leader Joins Zumba Row, Questions Drug Prevention Claims
Last Updated: Muslim leaders in Kerala, including Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram, object to Zumba in schools, questioning its drug prevention efficacy and suggesting it may promote drug use. After some Muslim outfits objected to the decision of the Kerala education department to introduce Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, another Muslim Leader, Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram, raised concerns over the promotion of Zumba in schools. While questioning the drug prevention claims, Rahmathullah said, 'What evidence is there that dancing reduces drug use?" One of the primary concerns revolving around the row is whether Zumba is sufficient to prevent drug use. Studies have shown that people who engage in energetic activities like dancing are more likely to use drugs for energy. This raises questions about the efficacy of Zumba as a solution to the drug problem. Another point of contention is whether everyone should be forced to participate in sports and exercise without considering their physical and mental condition. Sometimes this approach can lead to exhaustion and even death. It has also been pointed out that schools already offer a range of physical activities, including running, jumping, and karate, making Zumba unnecessary. Since the critics are some religious and community leaders, many are trying to divert the discussion to the 19th century and Talibanism, and to communalise the issue. This comes after the Kerala education department introduced Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, and some Muslim outfits have objected to the decision. The move is facing backlash as some religious groups objected to girls and boys 'intermingling" and 'dancing together wearing minimal clothes". Many schools in the state have begun offering Zumba training from this academic year. Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. A report in India Today said that the general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, TK Ashraf, has expressed his disapproval of the program in a Facebook post, saying, 'Cannot accept this, and my son will not participate in this" However, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty defended the move and also shared a video on Facebook showing the participation of Muslim students in a Zumba session.'Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy," Sivankutty said. First Published: June 30, 2025, 11:14 IST
News18
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Row Over Introduction Of Zumba In Kerala Schools, Muslim Body Says 'Don't Force Vulgarity'
Last Updated: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty defended the move, saying "Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy." After Kerala education department introduced Zumba in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, some Muslim outfits have objected the decision. The move is facing backlash as some religious groups objected to girls and boys 'intermingling" and 'dancing together wearing minimal clothes". From this academic year, many schools in the state have begun offering training in Zumba – a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. According to a report in India Today, the general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, TK Ashraf, expressed his disapproval of the program in a Facebook post, saying, 'Cannot accept this, and my son will not participate in this" The India Today reported that Nasar Faizy Koodathai, a leader of the prominent Muslim organisation in Kerala 'Samastha', described the move as a violation of personal liberty and an imposition of vulgarity in the name of physical fitness. 'The Kerala government has implemented Zumba dance in schools. Zumba is a method of dancing together while wearing minimal clothes. If the government has instructed even older children to do this, it is objectionable," India Today quoted Koodathai as saying. 'Instead of improving the existing physical training, do not force vulgarity. This is also a violation of the personal freedom and fundamental rights of students whose moral sense does not allow them to express their anger and dance together," the Muslim outfit leader further said. 'Let the children play, laugh, have fun, and grow up healthy," Sivankutty said. The visuals were from Thanbeehul Islam Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod district. Earlier, the state education department said the Zumba classes were voluntary, adding that they were introduced with a goal to assist students cope with academic pressure and discourage drug abuse. First Published:
