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The Power of Intentional Thought
You’ve heard it before—out of the mouths of some successful guru type like an Anthony Robbins—who wants to share the power of managing your thoughts to empower your existence and transform your life. Most people ignore it. Some never see or hear such things from one who has truly harnessed their power. Others brush them off as con artists filling your mind with impossible claims just to take your money. Then there are those who know the truth and may pursue the idea of managing their thoughts to catapult their lives to the next phase.
Wherever you stand on the spectrum of this thinking, I’ll go out on a limb and say that you are a thinker. If not, you wouldn’t even bother to read this article. So, there’s that. You may be curious and have thought, “Well, let me see what she’s got to say.” Here we go.
Can we agree that people do think—and do so of their own free will—unless they are mentally impaired or disabled? Good. Do you not think what you want to think? Where does thinking come from? Why do you think one way and another person a different way?
Clearly, we agree that our thoughts are powerful forces in the creation of our experience of life. You may be able to recall a time when frustration—based on a misunderstanding—completely dissipated once your understanding changed. So, here’s the next thought to ponder: we can actually manage our thinking. That is, if we can distinguish the difference between controlling our thoughts and patrolling them. For example, we may change our mind or position on a matter because our interpretation has been reimagined, redefining our experience—and that can happen in an instant. This change of thinking is information-fueled and based on facts.
Some have had their minds changed by extraordinary psychic or spiritual experiences, often referred to as miracles. I know because I’ve experienced many such moments. Before my car accident, a voice inside said,
“Put your seat belt on.” And I had the audacity to argue. The second time it spoke, I did as I was told. I was at the stop sign. I turned east and stopped at the light. A CTA bus sat perpendicular to me, facing north, waiting to turn left—eastbound—toward me. Then I saw that the bus was going to hit me, so I asked, “Is he going to hit me?”
The voice answered in the affirmative: “Yes. Shift your gear to neutral,” and I did. Only seconds later, I was hit head-on by the bus. Without shame, I asked, “Am I going to get through this?” And the voice said, “Yes. Just relax.”
Well, I’m here to tell the story.
So, my perspective on life has been totally transformed. Our only true reality is the present moment—and even that depends on one’s lucidity. Are you clear-headed and right-minded? Or are you under the influence, or mentally unstable? Any one of those factors can create your reality in that moment.
Rather than merely accepting that life is happening to us, we are players—actors in the reality of every moment. We can harness the power of our thoughts to actively create a positive reality. For example, we can choose to appreciate the beauty around us rather than focus on traffic, or look for admirable qualities in the people we deal with rather than dwelling on the negative. You can choose to stop complaining about the trash on your block and start by sweeping the street yourself—maybe even garnering the help of neighbors. The more neighbors who join your effort, the more likely the litterers will get the message. Or not—but you get the point. You have a choice in the matter. By choosing how to interpret and define each moment with your thoughts, you create your reality.
Moment by moment throughout the day, we can monitor our thoughts to catch ourselves in the middle of investing our energy elsewhere—such as embracing the ideas of limitation and helplessness. Instead, you can choose to empower yourself and refocus on the infinite possibilities of the present.
Let me tell you: taking a deep breath will help you center your thoughts and return to your body in the present moment. I did just that on the day when the bus turned into my very small BMW 3 Series, crashing into it head-on with me in it. I didn’t walk for six months. I had to learn to walk again in water. But here I am.
Regular prayer or meditation allows us to gain mastery over our minds—to still our thoughts and focus on the pureness of simply being. Here’s some insight: if we mentally dwell on the past or the future, we will definitely miss right now—the experience of living in the present moment.
Choosing to take time to visualize your goals is wonderful, but we can also bring our thoughts into our current experience by taking steps to create them now. That’s the key here. We’re talking everyday, allday-long management of your thoughts. If you’re like most people, you may not realize that your thoughts are on autopilot— thinking and responding to life as you have trained them to do. Yes, thinking the same thoughts for years has sealed those thoughts as “facts” in your mind, which now thinks independently of you.
Our minds are powerful tools that we can harness to create our reality. Through them, we move the uninformed energy of the universe into form—which gives us direction for our words and actions. Each thought is like a stone dropped into a lake, sending ripples out into our world that affect all they touch. We can choose our focus and how we invest our energy, which gives us the power to design our lives to be whatever we choose—in every moment.
Setting Intentions for Growth Is Powerful
Every great journey begins with a clear intention. I suggest that you take time to identify who you want to be and what you truly wish to achieve or experience this year. Whether it’s personal growth, career advancement, or deepened relationships, clarity of purpose will serve as your guiding compass as you navigate your future.
Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief
photo credit: Dot Ward
CNW Team Graduates from LNA Accelerator
CNW is stepping into a new era—and the Local News Accelerator at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism helped us get there. Over several months, our leadership team gained new tools, guidance, and insight to shape the future of our newsroom. From strategy to storytelling, we’ve emerged stronger,
more focused, and ready to raise the bar for local media excellence.
Pictured here: our Publisher Cheryl Mainor Norman and Managing Editor Laura Miller, along with our amazing coach Andaiye Taylor (Angle Content), program instructors Fran Scarlett and Mackenzie Warren, and fellow participants including Am-
ber Nettles (The Chicago Reader) and Charlene Rhinehart.
The Spring 2024 Local News Accelerator cohort also included representatives from: Evanston Roundtable Lansing Journal
Chicago South Sider La Voz
Austin Weekly News
Connect Puerto Rico
Chicago in Arabic Record North Shore
Reparations Media
We’re proud to have grown and graduated alongside this dynamic group of local newsrooms, all committed to strengthening journalism and community storytelling.
Photo Credit: Hannah Carroll
David Seaton CNW
THE BOOK OF DAVID
I Worked Hard for This Life— Why Should I Fund Irresponsibility?
By a Successful Black Professional and Taxpayer
I grew up in a working-class Black household where nothing was handed to us. My parents taught me the value of education, integrity, and discipline. I took those values seriously. I put myself through college, earned multiple degrees, built a business, and now enjoy a level of success that reflects decades of hard work and sacrifice. My wife and I are raising our children to understand that success is earned—not owed.
That’s why it frustrates me deeply to watch my tax dollars support people who refuse to help
National
themselves.
Let me be clear: I’m not against helping those who hit a rough patch. I’ve seen friends and family go through hard times. I’ve even helped a few of them out myself. That’s what community is about. But what I will not support—what I cannot silently accept—is a growing culture of entitlement that expects permanent handouts, not temporary assistance.
Every year, I pay more than my fair share in taxes. And what do I see in return? SNAP benefits used to buy junk food in bulk. Medicaid covering preventable health conditions caused by consistently poor lifestyle choices. CHIP sup-
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porting children whose parents aren’t making any effort to improve their circumstances. I see people use their EBT cards for processed food, all while holding smartphones that cost more than my kids’ monthly tuition. People say it’s heartless to expect accountability from those on public assistance. I say it’s common sense. If you’re asking the public to pay your grocery bill, then the public has a right to say you shouldn’t be buying energy drinks, chips, and frozen pizza every week. If you’ve got a child in school seven hours a day and you’re still not working, volunteering, or pursuing an education—that’s a problem.
Lauren Burke, NNPA Contributor
I didn’t get to where I am by blaming the system or relying on it. I made sacrifices. I skipped parties. I turned down luxury in my twenties so I could build stability in my forties. If I made a poor financial decision, I didn’t have the government—or the taxpayer—to fall back on. I adjusted, regrouped, and kept moving.
What’s most insulting is the attitude that taxpayers owe something to those who aren’t even trying. That somehow it’s oppressive to expect able-bodied adults to contribute. That it’s too much to ask that government programs
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Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Announces Run to Lead Democrats on House Oversight Committee
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Her colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus would have to vote her in over any other member who might run for the position.
Lauren Victoria Burke BlackPressUSA Newswire Contributor
The questions began before Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly died on May 21, following a battle with esophageal cancer: Did congressional Democrats make a mistake by not choosing New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez instead of Connolly during their leadership elections in late 2024?
Since then, the party—and many political pundits—have engaged in ongoing discussion about the direction of Democratic messaging. Today, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett will attempt to lead the House Oversight Committee. To do so, she’ll need the support of her colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus, who must vote her in
over any other contenders for the position.
With Democrats out of power in both the U.S. House and Senate, most of their messaging now comes in the form of opposition communications. “I know that we’re behind—the first thing that you have to do is accept it. I get it. I get it,” Crockett said on the Black Virginia News podcast, recorded during a Congressional Black Caucus pen-and-pad session on May 15 at the U.S. Capitol. The discussion centered on the party’s messaging strategy and its broader failure to break through.
Town halls have also made it clear that constituents want their elected representatives to act with urgency. Many are frustrated by a presidential administration they say has mandated unprecedented job cuts, created economic instability, and reduced the size of the federal workforce. Crockett appears to have taken that message to heart. In a letter to her
Democratic colleagues announcing her run for Oversight ranking member, she laid out her vision. The Oversight Committee has jurisdiction to investigate federal agencies and scrutinize wasteful government spending.
“Our country is in an existential crisis driven by an out-of-control Executive with a flagrant disregard for our Constitution, our way of governance, and our very way of life as citizens of a democratic republic,” Crockett wrote in the letter. “The Administration has refused to respect congressional authority, abide by lawful judicial orders, or respond to public outrage. The magnitude of these unprecedented times warrants resistance and tactics never before seen. We must pull back the curtain on the unmitigated chaos under Trump 2.0 and translate our findings to the American people in a way they can digest.”
Though President Donald Trump’s approval ratings offer little for the White House to
celebrate, Democrats are polling at a historic low. A recent NBC News poll revealed that the party has just a 27 percent favorability rating among registered voters— the lowest recorded since the poll began in 1990.
Crockett has only served in Congress since January 2023. But in that short time, she’s adapted the party’s messaging to better suit the dynamics of contemporary media and communication. Many political observers see her as the future of the Democratic Party, especially as it faces criticism for being too quiet during a time of sweeping executive action.
Crockett won the long-held seat of Congressional Black Caucus veteran Eddie Bernice Johnson, who passed away in December 2023. The 44-year-old lawmaker and civil rights attorney previously served in the Texas Legislature before coming to Washington.
Commentary,
Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Columnist
Ending the Work, Not Your Worth
What happens when the work you’ve poured your life into—through sleepless nights, countless sacrifices, and unwavering faith— begins to come to an end? For founders, leaders, and visionaries, this isn’t just a matter of logistics. It’s deeply personal. Especially when the work has been rooted in mission, justice, and people—when the work is sacred.
Let’s sit with that for a moment.
As I walk through this challenging season, I’ve come to a powerful realization: in moments like this, Imposter Syndrome doesn’t whisper—it roars. I found myself saying WOW, because in God’s divine timing, I had just released my new book on this very topic.
When the familiar begins to fade, that roar can shake your confidence. The reality is and if you will be real and own
your truth. Yes, it makes you question your worth, your impact, and whether it all really mattered. It sounds like:
“If it’s closing, does that mean I failed?”
“Did I mishear God’s voice?”
“Will people still see me as a leader?”
“What legacy am I truly leaving behind?”
But here’s what I’m learning: that roar is not the truth—it’s a test. And the fact that you’re still standing, still believing, still pressing forward? That’s the real testimony.
These questions linger in the silence— after the meetings end, the lights go out, and the world moves on. But let me speak this truth into your spirit: Closure is not a sign of inadequacy. It may, in fact, be evidence of your obedience. This could be the sacred beginning of your next chapter. You still carry purpose. You still have life, wisdom, and legacy in you. And while you may be stepping into your lat-
ter years, this is not the end. God is not finished—there’s more for you to build, bless, and become.
Imposter Syndrome Feeds Off Transition: Imposter syndrome doesn’t always show up at the start—it can blindside you at the end. Especially when that ending isn’t how you imagined it would look. When something like the nonprofit you’re founded for over three faces closure, the emotions are real and raw.
Shame. Silence. Second-guessing. You may ask, “How could I be a leader and still face loss?” But let’s flip that: How could you not be a leader and still have the courage to carry this work for over 30 years? Imposter syndrome makes you forget your own receipts. Your faith walks. Your sweat equity. The legacy written in the lives of thousands.
And let this settle in your spirit: Closure does not cancel your legacy. When God shifts the assignment, He does not revoke the anointing. For those of us who live at the crossroads of faith and service, it’s easy to measure success by visible outcomes—open doors, thriving programs, and growing numbers. But in God’s economy, success looks different. Sometimes, God allows a door to close not as punishment, but as protection. So, you can exhale. So, you can heal. So you can reset—or be propelled into the next chapter of your calling.
And yet, imposter syndrome will tell you that the closure is your fault. That the funding loss, the fatigue, the change in times—it somehow equates to personal failure. But let’s call that what it is: a lie. This isn’t failure. This is faith-forward transformation. The scripture reminds us that: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...” Philippians 1:6. The work wasn’t in vain. The chapter may be ending, but the book is still being written.
Silence and Shame: Imposter Syndrome’s Closest Companions
One of the most damaging effects of imposter syndrome—especially during seasons of transition—is isolation. We retreat. We go silent. We fear that saying, “This chapter is ending,” will cause others to question our calling, our competence, or our worth. But here’s the truth: Silence breeds shame. And shame suffocates legacy. What if, instead of going quiet, we chose honesty? What if the boldest act of leadership isn’t clinging to the work—but telling the truth about its closure, and
showing others how to find grace in the grief? Don’t let silence and shame become your closest companions. Let truth, courage, and legacy take their place.
Your Legacy Lives in People, Not the Logo
What I’ve come to know is this: the nonprofit I poured my heart into—like so many mission-driven organizations— is far more than a building or a brand. It’s more than a name or a program. It’s the people! The single mother who finally found someone who listened or the elder who rediscovered dignity and warmth after nights on the street and even the child whose laughter filled the family center for the first time in weeks. That is legacy. Not the logo on the door—but the lives forever changed because you said yes to the call. Know this that your legacy, is not the tax forms, nor the building and yes, not even the final chapter. It’s the people, the stories, the seed that were planted and the watered, and bloomed.
Rewriting the Narrative: A Leader, Still
Let this be a moment of radical reframing. In my book Disrupt Imposter Syndrome & Boldly Shape Your Success Chapter 17, speaks about the value of reframing. It’s points to the fact that you are not less of a leader because a season in your life is coming to an end. In fact, you are more than a leader because your stayed faithful through the fire, the fatigue and yes even the fight.
So when facing Imposter Syndrome while in transition it will attempt to tell you Now, “who do you think you are?”. And you will simply say: “I am the one who answered the call. Yes, I am the one God trusted with the vison, even when others didn’t see it. You continue to say to yourself. You are still a great and resilience leader, you still carry that anointing, and you sill matter, even without the title or the building.
So, visionaries, entrepreneurs, nonprofit founder and leaders, let me close with your new commissioning. You have been given the grace to release, the courage to rest, and the freedom to pivot.
And if and when imposter syndrome rises, speak this truth: That the work may be closing, but the impact continues. Be reminded, that you are not just the work, but the vessels that still has oil and so much live ahead.
Army Recruitment Surges What It Reveals About the Country
The U.S. Army has announced that it has already met its active-duty recruiting goal for fiscal year 2025—61,000 soldiers—four months ahead of schedule. This milestone follows years of missed targets and a growing national conversation about who serves in today’s military and why.
New Tactics, New Results
In past years, Army officials have cited structural challenges: a shrinking pool of physically and academically eligible young Americans, increased competition from the private sector, and waning interest in public service roles. According to the Army’s own reporting, the service fell short of its 2022 goal by 15,000 soldiers. In response, the Army expanded its recruiting strategies. One of the most impactful has been the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, launched in August 2022. The program allows otherwise ineligible recruits to meet enlistment standards through additional
academic and physical training. According to reporting from the Associated Press, the course has produced thousands of qualified enlistees who would have been turned away under previous guidelines.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said in a May 20 statement, “Their colossal efforts and dedication to duty helped the U.S. Army accomplish our FY25 annual recruiting goal a full four months ahead of schedule,” as published on Army.mil.
A Changing Demographic Profile
The Army has also reported a shift in who is joining. According to its official figures, white recruits made up 40.5% of new soldiers in fiscal year 2024—a decline from 52.7% in 2020. Meanwhile, the numbers of Black, Hispanic, and female recruits have increased steadily. This evolution reflects both national demographic changes and enduring socioeconomic realities. For many
Americans—particularly in under-resourced communities—the military continues to offer clear access to healthcare, education, housing, and a stable income.
The U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s “Facts and Figures” report indicates that among younger Americans, the military remains one of the few institutions that provides a comprehensive path to social mobility—especially when other options may feel uncertain or inaccessible.
Political Climate and National Identity
Some observers point to the broader political environment as another possible factor. According to NPR, analysts have suggested that a rise in patriotic sentiment—fueled in part by the current administration’s emphasis on “America First” and national readiness—may be encouraging enlistment.
At the same time, experts are cautious about drawing firm conclusions. Katherine Kuzminski, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security,
told NPR, “There is no data that says, you know, did the outcome of the election spur you to join the military?” She emphasized that recruitment decisions are shaped by a range of influences—economic, familial, and cultural—not just political messaging.
A Broader Reflection
While the Army’s ability to meet its recruitment target ahead of schedule is notable, it also raises deeper questions about equity, opportunity, and national service.
The military’s growing diversity may signal progress, but it also highlights ongoing disparities in civilian access to education and employment.
This year’s recruiting numbers are not just a measure of military effectiveness— they’re a reflection of where trust, need, and opportunity intersect in American life. As institutions across the country struggle to connect with younger generations, the Army’s evolving approach offers both a case study and a mirror.
Cover Story
Laura Miller Managing Editor
Summer Events Guide
Summertime Chi
A Celebration of Chicago’s Vibrant Summer
Summertime Chi isn’t like any other place—we say this often, but it’s a proven fact that few can refute.
The sound of the city’s hustle and bustle reaches a high decibel of amplification when you add in jazz musicians on street corners, DJs at block parties, and that one guy blasting house music from his window. The smell of Italian beefs, Mexican food, jerk chicken, and pizza swirls through the air in a cacophony of aromas that somehow only makes sense here. For every eye-tearing gust of wind we braved, every lawn chair placed to defend a parking spot, we’ve earned this.
We’ve made it. It’s Chicago.
Summertime Chi is here.
Fireworks at Navy Pier
Experience the brilliance of Chicago’s summer nights with Navy Pier’s free fireworks displays, running from May 24 through August 30, 2025.
Wednesdays at 9:00 PM
Saturdays at 10:00 PM
Each show lasts about 10 minutes, synchronized to music and visible along the lakefront. Whether you’re on the pier, at a nearby beach, or relaxing on a rooftop, it’s a Chicago summer staple.
More info: https://navypier.org/ summer-fireworks/
Music and Events You Should Know About Major Summer Concerts
Kendrick Lamar & SZA –Grand National Tour
June 6 – Soldier Field
One night only. A major tour stop featuring two of today’s most influential artists.
NASCAR returns to downtown Chicago for a high-octane takeover of the
city streets. Over two days, the Loop transforms into a live racecourse featuring the Xfinity and Cup Series, alongside concerts, interactive fan zones, and a festival-style setup in Grant Park. With speculation that this could be the final year u Continue on Page 12
of NASCAR’s Chicago run, it’s a moment worth catching—on foot or from the bleachers.
More info: https://www.nascarchicago. com
Chicago Air & Water Show
August 16–17 – North Ave Beach Planes, parachutes, and pilots. Show info: https://www.chicago.gov/ city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_andwatershow.html
Where to Eat and Try Something New
Taste of Chicago (Neighborhood Series)
June 28 – Marquette Park
July 19 – Pullman Park
August 9 – Albany Park
Full schedule: https://www.chicago. gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/ taste_of_chicago.html
Taste of Chicago (Main Event)
September 5–7 – Grant Park
The big one.
Main event details: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/ taste_of_chicago.html
Taste of Black Chicago
August 16
Event info: https://www.tasteofblackchicago.com/
Chicago Food Truck Festival
June 28–29 – South Loop Trucks from around the globe. Details: https://www.chicagofoodtruckfestival.com/
Argyle Night Market
Thursdays, July–August – Uptown
Food, art, and performance. Market info: https://exploreuptown. org/argyle-night-market/
Taste of River North
July 18–19
Live music and bites by the river. Event info: https://www.tasteofrivernorth.com/
Chicago Gourmet
September 25–28 – Millennium Park Rooftop
Chefs, wines, and skyline views. More details: https://www.chicagogourmet.org/
Find your sound, save your parking spot, and enjoy the ride.
The A.I. The answer.is...
There’s a lot of talk daily—on the news, outside the home, at the workplace, in our dreams or nightmares, about dictatorship, authoritarianism, and oligarchy. With those discussions come words like suppression, oppression, enslaved, indentured, and variations thereof.
It’s important to know these words—and others—well enough to be able to engage in intellectual and down-to-earth discussions around them, for your own personal well-being.
1. Suppression
Definition: The act of preventing something from happening, being expressed, or continuing—often by force or authority. It can involve stopping the dissemination of information, controlling speech, or quashing dissent.
Interconnection: Suppression is often the initial step or a tool used to establish and maintain
the other states. For instance, a dictatorship will suppress free speech to prevent challenges to its power. Oppression relies on the suppression of rights and freedoms. Oligarchs, especially those in power, may use their influence to suppress information or dissent that threatens their interests.
2. Oppression
Definition: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control. It involves the systematic subjugation of a group or individual by a powerful authority, often denying them rights, opportunities, and dignity.
Interconnection: Oppression is a broader state achieved through repeated acts of suppression. It is the environment in which individuals can become enslaved or indentured. Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes inherently practice oppression to maintain their control. Oligarchs can contribute to or benefit from oppressive systems—particularly
economic oppression—by exploiting resources or labor without fair compensation or legal protection.
3. Enslaved
Definition: To be made a slave; to be completely under the power of another, often without pay or freedom, and treated as property. This typically involves forced labor and a complete lack of human rights.
Interconnection: Being enslaved is an extreme form and consequence of severe oppression. It is the ultimate manifestation of one group’s complete suppression and control over another. While not every oppressive regime leads to widespread chattel slavery, the principles of denying freedom and forcing labor are shared. Historically, powerful individuals (including those who could be considered proto-oligarchs) often owned enslaved people and benefited directly from their forced labor.
4. Indentured
Definition: Bound by an indenture (a contract) to work for another for a specified period, especially in return for payment of travel expenses and maintenance. While a contract exists, the conditions could often be exploitative and lead to a form of forced labor—though theoretically distinct from slavery.
Interconnection: Indentured servitude, while contract-based, can easily blur into a form of oppression and a state approaching enslavement—especially when the terms are coercive, unfair, or enforced with little recourse for the indentured individual. It can be a step in a spectrum of control, from less severe forms of suppression to extreme forms of forced labor. In some historical contexts, indentured servitude was a precursor or alternative to chattel slavery, often used to bypass anti-slavery laws. Oligarchs, with their significant economic power, could structure such contracts to their extreme benefit, effectively creating systems of exploitation.
5. Dictatorship
Definition: A form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator or a small clique, typically obtained and maintained by force. There is little or no popular representation or checks and balances.
Interconnection: A dictatorship relies heavily on suppression to silence dissent and maintain control. It is inherently oppressive, as it denies citizens fundamental rights and freedoms. While not all dictatorships practice widespread chattel slavery, they often employ forced labor or highly controlled economic systems that resemble indentured servitude, or create conditions that lead to severe forms of exploitation. Dictatorships can often be oligarchic in nature, where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy elite that constitutes the ruling clique.
6. Authoritarian
Definition: Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority—especially that of the government—at the expense of
personal freedom. Authoritarian regimes are characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.
Interconnection: Authoritarianism is a broader category that encompasses dictatorships. An authoritarian government utilizes extensive suppression of political opposition, media, and individual liberties. This systematic suppression leads to an oppressive environment. While not necessarily leading directly to widespread enslavement, authoritarian states can create conditions where severe exploitation (including indentured servitude) is more likely due to the lack of worker rights and legal protections. Authoritarian regimes are frequently oligarchic in practice, with a small group of wealthy and influential individuals exerting significant control over the state.
7. Oligarch
Definition: A very rich person with a great deal of political influence. In a broader sense, an oligarch is a member of an oligarchy—a form of government where power rests with a small number of people.
Interconnection: Oligarchs are often beneficiaries, perpetuators, and perpetrators of authoritarian and dictatorial systems. Their vast wealth grants them significant political leverage, which they can use to suppress competition, independent media, or any opposition that threatens their economic or political interests. They can contribute to and benefit from oppressive economic structures that favor their wealth accumulation at the expense of the general population—potentially leading to conditions akin to indentured servitude or other forms of severe exploitation if labor laws are weak or unenforced. While an oligarch isn’t necessarily a dictator, their influence can shape the policies and even the very nature of a state—pushing it toward more authoritarian or dictatorial tendencies to protect their wealth and power. They can be the informal power behind the formal structures of a dictatorship or authoritarian regime.
Laura Miller Managing Editor
From Turbo Love to Intentional Dating How Relationships Evolved Post-Pandemic
You’ve heard of slow burns and whirlwind romances—but have you heard of turbo relationships? Born in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, these ultra-fast connections were the product of isolation, urgency, and a global need for emotional safety. Couples moved in after just a few dates. Some got engaged within months. The idea was simple: when everything else feels uncertain, love feels like a lifeline.
But now it’s 2025, and while the lockdowns are long over, the impact of those fast-tracked relationships is still shaping the way people date today.
Turbo relationships, by definition, skipped the typical “getting to know you” phase—moving quickly into cohabitation, long-term plans, or even marriage. Some of these couples are still going strong, crediting the pandemic for helping them realize what really matters. Others discovered, as life returned to normal, that shared trauma isn’t the same as compatibility.
Still, the turbo effect didn’t disappear. Instead, it evolved. In 2025, we’re seeing a wave of what experts are calling
“intentional dating.” It’s less about moving fast and more about moving with purpose. Today’s daters are increasingly skipping the ambiguity. Fewer are playing it cool or waiting months to talk about values, goals, or exclusivity. Instead, they’re being honest from the start—about what they want, what they’re looking for, and what
CNW Staff Report
they’re not willing to compromise on. This shift isn’t just happening among older adults or people “ready to settle down.”
Even Gen Z—often stereotyped as the casual hookup generation—is leaning into depth over drama.
Apps have taken note. Prompts like “What are you looking for?” and “Define your ideal relationship” are now standard.
Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report noted that users across age groups are emphasizing emotional availability and shared values more than looks or lifestyle.
And it’s not just talk. Singles are putting their values into practice. Many are prioritizing mental health, boundaries, and communication. Red flags aren’t ignored for the sake of chemistry. Green flags— like emotional intelligence, respect, and clarity—are finally getting the attention they deserve.
This doesn’t mean dating has become hyper-serious or transactional. In fact, the post-pandemic dating culture is finding a new balance. There’s room for play, spontaneity, and even short-lived connections—but the emphasis is on meaning, not just momentum.
What began as an accidental experiment—two people in lockdown deciding to “see where this goes”—has sparked a quiet revolution in how we approach relationships. Fast or slow, what matters now is intention.
In 2025, love isn’t necessarily moving at turbo speed. But it is moving with clarity—and that may be the real legacy of pandemic-era romance.
Healthy Living
Why Are We Still Drinking ‘Pop’ Like It’s 1995?
We know, we know—no one wants to be the one to tell you it’s no longer cool to drink a large “pop” at McDonald’s. But because we care about African Americans’ increased rates of diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases, we’ve got to address the sugar content in these drinks. Soda is the last relic of a health culture we should have outgrown. We ditched trans fats, we side-eye processed meat, and we’ve come to reject so many outdated health myths. Yet somehow, that 20-ounce bottle of soda still finds its way into millions of hands every day—quietly carrying more sugar than five glazed doughnuts. For reference: a single 20 oz soda contains between 65 to 77 grams of sugar— around 16 to 19 teaspoons. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men and 25 for women. So drinking one bottle is basically mainlining a two-day dose of sugar in ten minutes. And here’s the kicker: sugar levels in soda
aren’t even trending down. Despite years of public health campaigns and high-profile sugar taxes, some soda brands have quietly increased sugar content after an initial drop. Coca-Cola reduced the sugar in Fanta in response to regulation. Then, when scrutiny faded, they boosted it again—by 60%. It’s the sugar creep. And it works because soda is sold as a staple, not a treat. We know cake is an indulgence. We know doughnuts are dessert. But soda? It’s at the checkout counter, in kids’ meals, in
breakroom vending machines—normalized like it’s water with bubbles. We Can Do Better (and Still Love What We Drink)
The alternative isn’t diet soda or artificial sweeteners. It’s stepping out of the sweet cycle altogether. Some of the most refreshing drinks don’t try to mimic soda— they just offer something better.
Fruit-Infused Water — Slice up citrus, cucumber, or berries and let them steep. You get flavor, hydration, and none of the crash.
Herbal Infusions — Think mint, basil, or lavender in chilled water. Clean, calming, and naturally aromatic.
Cold Brew Herbal Teas — Caffeine-free options like hibiscus or chamomile can be brewed and chilled. No sugar needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tonics — A splash of raw ACV with lemon and ginger in water gives a soda-like tang that wakes you up.
Chia Water — Chia seeds, lime juice, and cinnamon create a textured, fiber-rich drink that hydrates and nourishes.
Rethinking What We Sip
We don’t drink soda because it’s good for us—we drink it because we’ve been taught to see it as normal. But that version of normal was built in the 20th century. It’s time to shake the habit—and stop letting sugar sneak in through something that’s sold as a drink but behaves like dessert. The truth is, soda’s old news. Maybe it’s time we started drinking like we know better.
Illinois wants to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp. A toxic mess stands in the way.
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
The state plans to build a barrier to keep out the carp. But first it has to deal with the legacy of pollution at the construction site.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco WBEZ
Illinois officials took possession last week of a 50-acre stretch of riverbed in the Des Plaines River near Joliet in a last-ditch effort to prevent an ecological disaster from reaching Lake Michigan.
The state plans to build a $1.15 billion barricade there, called the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, to keep the particularly voracious and invasive Asian carp from muscling past the channel that connects the Mississippi River Basin with the Great Lakes. The project is a joint effort between the U.S. Corp of Army Engineers, the state of Illinois and the state of Michigan. But the state still needs to acquire some additional land along the river bank to be able to build the barricade. It’s got its eye on a piece of land nearby where a coal fired power plant once stood, but there’s a problem: The ground is contaminated by coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal to generate electricity that is known to cause cancer.
The extent of the pollution or its implication for public health is unknown. Midwest Generation, which ran the power plant and is donating the land, has refused to let anyone on the site before a deal is signed. But Illinois must remediate whatever land it acquires before turning it over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to break ground on the project. The cost of that remediation is unknown.
This leaves Illinois stuck between two crises: The carp are perilously close to Lake Michigan, and the best chance of stopping them requires dealing with toxic pollution. But a key question remains: Who will be on the hook for that clean up?
The longer the state waits to secure and clean up the site, the longer the carp have to infiltrate Lake Michigan and the waterways beyond, potentially wreaking havoc on the health of the
Great Lakes and its multibillion dollar recreation economy. Just 40 miles separate the fish from the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. The planned underwater fortress will exploit a narrow stretch of the river where engineers want to install a suite of four barricades aimed at repelling the carp via electric shocks, acoustic blasts, bubble curtains, and a lock that can flush out the fish. But this plan means coming to terms with a legacy of toxic pollution that almost certainly leaves taxpayers, not Midwest Generation, to reel in the mess it left behind.
Erik Lindon, a spokesperson for Midwest Generation, declined to comment on discussions regarding the property, citing an agreement with the State of Illinois.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker praised the company, which declared bankruptcy in 2012, for its “generous donation” of the 50-acre parcel, a deal that closed last week and is critical for the first phase of the Brandon Road project. The governor had put the barrier project on hold in February, worried that the Trump administration would kill federal funding for it.
But the White House expressed wholehearted support for the effort earlier this month. A letter obtained by WBEZ disclosed that on May 8, the Army Corps assured Illinois officials it had secured $100 million for the first phase of construction. Pritzker’s office did not respond to a request for comment, but told WBEZ last year, “We are concerned that Illinois taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill
for environmental remediation associated with construction of the Brandon Road project. There are many unanswered questions regarding the ultimate scope and cost of this work, and we would like to finalize a remediation plan before committing to pay for it.”
The term “invasive carp” is shorthand for four species native to China: bighead, black, grass, and silver carp. They were introduced to fish farms in the southern United States in the 1970s to control algae. They escaped confinement about a decade after arriving and have since infiltrated the Mississippi River Basin. Research has shown that there are now more silver and bighead carp in stretches of the Illinois River than anywhere else in the world.
“It’s a carp factory,” said Cory Suski, a biologist and environmental scientist at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign who has studied the carp for more than 10 years. “It’s hard to really put into words until you’ve seen thousands of carp in the air jumping out of the water.”
Silver carp, known for their 10-foot leaps when disturbed, have made stretches of the river dangerous for boaters and fishermen. Below the surface, the fish — silver and bighead carp in particular — are disrupting the river ecosystem too.
The hardy critters are voracious and grow quickly, leaving little food or habitat for native species like gizzard shad and bigmouth buffalo, both of which are in decline in areas where the fish are abundant.
Yet, scientists say the carp’s once inexorable northward progress has stalled, at least for now, about 40 miles from Lake
Michigan. Scientists suspect pollutants in Chicago’s treated wastewater that is released back into the waterways — though safe for humans within legal limits — may be repelling the fish. “There’s something in the water,” said Austin Happel, a research biologist with the Shedd Aquarium. “There’s likely something unaccounted for that is keeping this specific group of fish from migrating further.”
Illinois officials have gotten creative as they’ve tried to curb the carp since they arrived in Illinois back in the 1990s. They have rebranded the swimmers as “copi” to spur demand among anglers and cooks. And have even funded all-out harvests, one of which removed as much as 750,000 pounds of the pescine pests on the riverfront of Starved Rock State Park. But these haven’t solved the problem. Last year, the Corps worked out the agreement to build the barrier with financial support from Illinois and Michigan. The federal government agreed to cover 90% of the project’s long-term costs. Michigan pledged $30 million towards remediating the project site, but it could cost more. The state has no way to know the price of clean up until it acquires the land along the river bank.
Illinois has been aware of the contamination since 2010, when regulators started requiring groundwater monitoring of coal ash deposits. That led to the discovery of groundwater contamination at all four of Midwest Generation’s coal plants, including the Joliet site slated for the Brandon Road project.
The Sierra Club and several other organizations have waged a 13-year fight with the Illinois Pollution Control Board to compel Midwest Generation to clean up the sites. A year ago, “the Illinois Pollution Control Board indicated that Midwest Generation is indeed violating Illinois law at these four sites with its ash management and ash disposal practices,” said Faith Bugel, an attorney with Sierra Club. “Now we are in the remedy phase, where the board is deciding what remedy to put in place in response to the violations.”
Bugel and others remain concerned about who will be left to clean up the toxic pollution — and what it will ultimately cost.
Faith, Culture, and Creativity: Kirk Franklin Teams with Insignia
Why This Power Partnership Is Bigger Than Business
“Today’s a new day.” And for Kirk Franklin, that day marks a new era—not just for his career, but for the entire landscape of faith-driven entertainment. The gospel icon has officially joined forces with Insignia Assets, a Black-owned and self-funded entertainment company that’s redefining what it means to tell culturally rich, spiritually rooted stories on a global stage.
Franklin is merging his ventures—Fo Yo Soul Recordings and his media company CLTRE Lab—with Insignia’s expansive portfolio, which spans music, film, television, publishing, live events, and digital media. As part of the collaboration, he steps into the executive
Overall Interconnection:
role of Chief of Creative Services, shaping the company’s creative strategy and content development.
“This partnership with Insignia is bigger than business,” Franklin said. “It’s about building a platform where our stories, our faith, and our culture can live and breathe across every screen and stage.”
Founded by industry innovators Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay—both Grammy-winning leaders behind Maverick City Music—Insignia was created to champion Black creators, visionary entrepreneurs, and diverse narratives. The company includes powerhouse divisions like Tribl Records, 3 Diamonds Entertainment (TV and film), and Undivided Entertainment (touring and events), making it a cultural force across every medium.
This list illustrates a cascade of control, exploitation, and power. Suppression is the enabling act for oppression. Extreme oppression can manifest as enslavement or highly exploitative indentured labor. Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes are political systems that systematically employ suppression and create oppressive environments.
Within or alongside these systems, oligarchs emerge or consolidate power, using their immense wealth and influence to manipulate the state, suppress dissent, and perpetuate conditions that benefit them—often contributing to the very oppression and exploitation, including conditions that resemble indentured servitude or even modern forms of slavery, that define these oppressive political states.
In essence, oligarchs can be the architects, financiers, or principal beneficiaries of oppressive and authoritarian systems.
“Kirk is not just an artist—he’s a cultural architect who has reshaped the landscape of faith and entertainment,” said Ron Hill, President of Recorded Music at TRIBL and Head of Touring at Undivided Entertainment. “This partnership with Insignia marks a new chapter, where shared vision and leadership come together to build lasting value, elevate culture, and shift the industry from within.”
To celebrate the launch, Franklin will release a brand-new single, “Do It Again,” on June 6. He’ll also debut his YouTube conversation series, “Den of Kings,” on Father’s Day, June 15. The first episode, focused on fatherhood, features guests D.C. Young Fly, Kountry Wayne, Lou Young, and Devale Ellis, and is produced in collaboration
with Insignia’s 3 Diamonds Entertainment division.
“I’ve always believed in pushing gospel beyond the margins and into spaces where it can challenge, inspire, and connect with the world in a real way,” said Franklin. “Joining forces with Insignia gives us the reach, the resources, and the creative freedom to do just that.”
Insignia’s leadership team is stacked with Black excellence across every corner of the industry—including executives, producers, attorneys, and creatives—with a shared mission to build a thriving ecosystem where Black creativity leads, inspires, and endures.
And with Franklin set to receive the BET Ultimate Icon Award on June 9, this partnership isn’t just timely—it’s legacy-defining.
have basic rules and limits to avoid abuse.
Let’s be honest: If someone invites you to dinner, you don’t order the most expensive thing on the menu and demand they pay. But that’s exactly what’s happening with the social safety net. People are treating benefits like an entitlement— not a helping hand—and sticking taxpayers like me with the bill.
If you want to make your own choices, that’s your right. But don’t expect me to finance them.
AI, Continued from page14
Chicken Again! Chicken Marsala Pasta
Why You’ll Love It
Even though you might feel like you eat chicken all the time—get over it. Try this, and you’ll fall in love all over again with the almighty hen. Just imagine butter, mushrooms, a touch of garlic, and cream combined with the signature flavor of Marsala wine to make a silky sauce in this easy Marsala fettuccine recipe. It’s to die for. Add beautifully seasoned chicken, pan-fried to golden goodness, and you’ve got a showstopper.
Marsala is delicious in savory recipes. It’s also versatile—you can serve Marsala sauce with many kinds of protein and pasta to make it your own. This is a 30-minute meal you won’t want to miss. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough for company. Yes, please.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
Pasta – I like a longer shape for this one, so I use fettuccine. Linguine or any shape works, though.
Olive oil and butter – For pan frying and as the base of the sauce.
Chicken – We’re cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Garlic powder – Infuses flavor right into the chicken.
Flour – Coating the chicken with flour helps keep it tender and nicely browned, and it thickens up the cream sauce.
Mushrooms – I use cremini mushrooms, but feel free to use another kind or your favorite.
Marsala – A wine fortified with brandy. I used a semi-sweet (semi-secco) Marsala wine for this recipe. Very sweet ones are better suited for desserts.
Chicken broth – For more savory flavor in the sauce.
Dijon mustard – My go-to flavor enhancer! You don’t taste it specifically, but it adds depth.
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and delicious.
Tools for This Recipe
Cast iron skillet – I use this for many of my pasta recipes.
Kitchen tongs – To easily flip the chicken bites.
A whisk – To combine the sauce.
Measuring cups – For the liquid ingredients.
How to Make Chicken
Marsala Pasta
1. Boil the pasta.
2. Meanwhile, cut up the chicken and coat it with garlic powder and flour.
3. Heat the oil and half the butter in a skillet, then pan-fry the chicken until browned. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining butter and the mushrooms to the pan.
5. Cook the mushrooms until the water is released and cooked off. Transfer
them to the plate with the chicken.
6. In the same pan, whisk in the broth, Marsala, and Dijon. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes.
7. Add the cream, chicken, and mushrooms.
8. Let the sauce thicken and the chicken cook through. Taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Toss with the drained pasta.
10. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if using.
Substitutions and Variations
- I don’t recommend substituting the cream for something lower fat—the sauce likely won’t thicken up properly.
- Marsala is what makes this sauce what it is! If you don’t have semi-secco, you could use a dry Marsala wine instead.
There’s not really a true substitute, but Madeira could work in a pinch.
- If you need to skip the flour, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Don’t make this recipe if you must alter the good stuff.
What to Serve With Chicken
Marsala Fettuccine
- Pair it with a slice of fresh crusty bread and some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, and you’re good to go!
- I like a salad with it as well. Caesar always works. Or go simple with a Parmesan arugula salad. Feeling more creative? Serve a spring mix with a creamy pesto dressing that you make yourself.
