Philip Potempa – Page 17

A large winged monkey with flapping wings is suspended over the lobby atrium at The Sphere entertainment venue in Las Vegas, welcoming guests to the Labor Day 2025 opening weekend of “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.” (Philip Potempa/for Post-Tribune)

From the Farm: ‘Wizard of Oz’ reimagined using AI is latest Las Vegas show at the Sphere

August 29, 2025 at 4:35 p.m.

If only by default, I’ve become a “Wizard of Oz” historian during my last 30 years of journalism.

Playwright and Northwest Indiana media personality Kristyn Estes, left, stars opposite Fred Buchalter in her new play “The Swingset” with performances Aug. 28 and 29, 2025, at the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island. (Kristyn Estes/provided)

Of Notoriety: Munster native, former Lakeshore PBS-TV anchor Kristyn Estes now a playwright

August 27, 2025 at 10:52 a.m.

Kristyn Estes is recognized in Northwest Indiana for her hosting duties at WYIN-Channel 56 and Lakeshore PBS Television in Merrillville.

Fires still raged at the Standard Oil Co. refinery in Whiting on Aug. 29, 1955, two days after an explosion at the plant. (baiduhai historical photo)

Documentary maker, author will speak on 1955 Standard Oil explosion at Cal College event

August 25, 2025 at 10:31 a.m.

It was at “one minute after sunrise” on Aug. 27, 1955 when a massive explosion at the Standard Oil Refinery in Whiting shook Northwest Indiana and beyond, followed by devastation...

From the Farm: Silver Bell Club celebrating century anniversary with dinner and Zale nod

August 23, 2025 at 12:49 p.m.

The Silver Bell Club of Northwest Indiana has a special milestone anniversary celebration early next month.

Music icon Bobby Rush, pictured, is joining Kenny Wayne Shepherd on tour while promoting their new album “Young Fashioned Ways,” with the pair sharing the stage at 8 p.m. CST Friday, Aug. 22, at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan. (Four Winds Casino/provided)

Of Notoriety: Concerts, plays and a psychic on tap for weekend entertainment

August 21, 2025 at 3:33 p.m.

Entertainment news from around the region

Themed with glitter of “gems and jewels,” including the lighting mobile chandeliers, the pavilion lobby connecting Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino in East Hazel Crest, Illinois, leads into the gaming area, dining court and the “Radiant Gem Stage” where finalists will be performing for the “Sing Your Way to $100K” competition on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Philip Potempa/for Post-Tribune)

Of Notoriety: Wind Creek Casino talent competition finalists in the spotlight Saturday

August 21, 2025 at 10:04 a.m.

This summer’s hot ticket for the fast-track to stardom is hosted by Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino and Hotel in East Hazel Crest.

Columnist Phil Potempa, right, snapped a “selfie” photo on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 around the family’s Sunday dinner table, with (clockwise) mom Peggy, left, father Chester, oldest brother Tom, and oldest sister Carol, all seated before prayer. (Phil Potempa/Post-Tribune)

Potempa: Blessed with a 96-year-old father on the mend from heart surgery

August 15, 2025 at 5:51 p.m.

In an April 11, 2007 newspaper column that is included in my “Further From the Farm” cookbook published in 2010, I detailed my dad’s experience with open-heart surgery and thanked...

A small metal replica of a newspaper sales box of The Daily Planet, a promotional movie theater popcorn bucket buy incentive during summer 2025 for the release of the Warner Bros. “Superman” movie, is a focal point on the desk of columnist Philip Potempa. (Philip Potempa/for Post-Tribune)

Of Notoriety: Newspapers are an ageless gift with ‘superpowers’ to educate, entertain and inform

August 14, 2025 at 12:06 p.m.

As I write this column on Aug. 13, my 55th birthday, there is one gift I received that represents so much more than a gift of sentiment.

Advisory Human Relations Council member Mike Hendren, right, listens to Mayor Jon Costas explain his vision for the Advisory Human Relations Council to his gathered appointed members during the July 22, 2025, meeting held at Hilltop Mission Kitchen in Valparaiso. (Philip Potempa/for Post-Tribune)

Valparaiso council overrides mayor’s veto of reimagined Advisory Human Relations Council

August 12, 2025 at 5:39 p.m.

The Valparaiso City Council responded to the mayor's veto of a revised Advisory Human Relations Council with a 5-2 override Monday.

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, far left, listens to members of the Advisory Human Relations Council during the July 22, 2025, meeting of the volunteer, mayor-appointed group held at Hilltop Mission Kitchen in Valparaiso. (Philip Potempa/for Post-Tribune)

Valparaiso mayor vetoes changes to advisory human relations council

August 9, 2025 at 12:21 p.m.

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas on Thursday vetoed the city council’s vote in favor of a revamped Advisory Human Relations Council.

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