Insight ::: 10.20.2025

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Bridgewater has a technique and musicality that bests most performers of her generation. – Guardian

Incomparable Jazz Masters

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap

Effortless. Spontaneous. Inimitable. The convergence of two of jazz’s most legendary forces of nature. Their virtuosic interpretations traverse the musical spectrum. For example, they draw on the canons of luminary composers: Ellington, Porter, Sondheim, LeGrand, Simon, and others. Here, they range from intimate ballads to soulful grooves, delivered with daring expression born of their musical chemistry. Bridgewater and Charlap perform Oct 22 • 7 & 9PM at Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis.

Each performance is a sublime tour-de-force. 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater is a restless explorer. Moreover, she has collaborated with master musicians of Mali, interpreted the cabaret of Kurt Weill and embraced the hard bop of Horace Silver. Here, she is joined by Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap for these intimate duo performances featuring jazz classics and songbook standards.

Dee Dee Bridgewater first gained recognition in the early 1970s with the great Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orches-

tra. Since then, she has thrived wherever she’s landed. On Broadway, she earned a Tony Award for her work in the original production of The Wiz. Then in Paris, she spent more than a decade as France’s greatest champion of jazz.

Pianist Bill Charlap is a consummate soloist and bandleader. Additionally, he is known for work with Tony Bennett, Phil Woods, Barbra Streisand, and his own superb trio. Further, Charlap is one of the most respected keyboardists in jazz and leader of one of its great piano trios. His newest release, Street of Dreams, was released in 2021.

Charlap is masterful… rollicking stride piano, bebop virtuosity and harmonically opulent modernism. – New York Times

Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner

retires after 30 years of service

Chief leaves a lasting legacy through leadership during COVID and after George Floyd’s murder, marked by a stronger department and safer community

After more than 30 years with the Minneapolis Fire Department, including the last five years as its leader, Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Chief Tyner was appointed as the City’s second black Fire Chief on Dec. 4, 2020. During his tenure, he guided the department through significant public safety challenges, including personnel challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2020 civil unrest. His last day as Chief will be Dec. 31.

“Chief Tyner has giv-

en more than 30 years of his life in service to our city, and Minneapolis is better for it,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “A kid from North Minneapolis who grew up to lead the Minneapolis Fire Department, he’s never stopped giving back to the community that raised him—and I know he’ll continue to do so in his next chapter. From guiding the department through COVID, to launching innovative programs like EMS Pathways and Safe Station, to implementing a modern fire station-alerting system, Chief Tyner’s legacy is one of vision, compassion, and commitment to keeping people safe.”

Raised in North Minneapolis, Chief Tyner began his career with the Minneapolis Fire Department in 1995. Over his three decades of service, he held multiple leadership positions, including Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief of Administration/Public Information Officer.

In 2014, Tyner received the certification of Executive Fire Officer from the U.S. Congress after completing a four-year program at the U.S. National Fire Academy.

“Climbing through the ranks within the department and ending his career as a chief in the city where he was

raised—an achievement we all respect," said Commissioner Todd Barnette, Office of Community Safety. “Longevity. Service. Dedication. Chief Tyner leaves a lasting legacy that will be hard to replace.”

Throughout his career, Chief Tyner has been instrumental in advancing the department’s health and safety initiatives, improving operations, and promoting inclusion within the ranks.

• During his tenure in various leadership roles, Chief Tyner has:

Community voices drive vision for the Blue Line Regional Summit

The Blue Line Regional DREAM Summit held on October 4, 2025, at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) drew an energized crowd of more than 120 participants, both in person and online. The gathering brought together residents, civic leaders and transit officials to discuss how the METRO Blue Line Extension can become more than just a transit project — a catalyst for community transformation.

Retiring Minneapolis Fire Department

Chief Bryan Tyner in January 2026 will become Phyllis Wheatley Community Center Executive Director

Tyner brings a wealth of leadership experience, deep community roots, and a demonstrated commitment to public service and empowerment to the historic, mission-driven organization, said PWCC Board Chair Scott Allen Morris.

“Chief Bryan Tyner is a home run hire for the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. His deep, multi-generational connection to our organization, combined with decades of public service and collaborative leadership, makes him the ideal person to guide PWCC into our next chapter, said Morris.

“He has been a valued member of the Board of Directors, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our mission and community. When he steps into this new role, we’re confident he will build upon our 101-year legacy and deliver bold, modern-day im-

pact for the beloved Northside and beyond,” he said.

As Executive Director, Chief Tyner will lead strategic initiatives, community partnerships, and operations that align with the Center’s mission of creating pathways to self-reliance. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organization into the future, Morris said

“It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center into its next century,” Chief Tyner said. “My history with “The Wheatley” intersects throughout various points in my life. From hanging out there as a child to sending my own children to the Mary T. Wellcome Daycare Center to now being named Executive Director is a full circle experience which I do not take lightly. I look forward to leading this jewel of the Northside as we engage and serve the community while

Private data tells the story Washington won’t... jobs are disappearing

Metropolitan Council Vice Chair Reva Chamblis commended the summit as an example of authentic community engagement, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse voices into the decision-making process. Her comments reflected a shared belief that inclusive participation is essential to shaping equitable and sustainable outcomes for the project.

One of the summit’s highlights was an engaging conversation between Sam O’Connell, community relations and

Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando opened the day by highlighting the project’s broad potential to fuel economic vitality across the region. She emphasized that the Blue Line Extension represents an investment in people and places — a chance to create jobs, foster business growth and strengthen the regional economy while ensuring that benefits reach every community along the corridor.

public involvement director for the Metropolitan Council, and Paul Bauknight, architect and founder of the Center for Transformative Urban Design. O’Connell spoke about the need to view the Blue Line Extension as more than just a transportation project. She described it as an opportunity to create spaces that connect communities and improve quality of life by fostering economic, social and cultural links.

Bauknight expanded on that idea, drawing inspiration from Destination Crenshaw in Los Angeles, a community-driven cultural development initiative. He encouraged Twin Cities residents and leaders to think holistically — to design a project that honors existing

neighborhoods, uplifts local culture and envisions a future rooted in innovation and inclusion.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in smallgroup discussions, asking hard questions about displacement, opportunity and how to ensure that investment benefits longterm residents. The tone was hopeful but urgent: the region has a once-in-a-generation chance to rethink development through equity, inclusion and creativity. As one participant summed up, this is about more than rail — it’s about writing the next chapter for our communities.

With the federal government shutdown grinding on, the nation’s economic picture is collapsing into silence and uncertainty. For the first time in decades, there is no official monthly employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — the same agency many now say can no longer be trusted after the White House moved to control its data release following a weak jobs report earlier this year. In the vacuum, private firms have stepped forward with independent analyses that show the country losing jobs and faith at the same time.

ADP’s National Employment Report found that private-sector employers shed 32,000 jobs in September, reversing the modest gains of the summer. Annual pay for jobstayers rose 4.5 percent, showing that wages are inching up even as hiring slows. “Despite the strong economic growth we saw in the second quarter, this

month’s release further validates what we’ve been seeing in the labor market — that U.S. employers have been cautious with hiring,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist. The ADP data showed the heaviest losses in manufacturing, construction, and professional services, with small and medium-sized companies suffering the steepest cuts. The Midwest lost 63,000 jobs, and gains in the West could not offset the slide.

Bank of America’s Institute Employment Report reinforced that picture, finding “a continued cooling of the labor market.” Its data showed a 10 percent year-over-year rise in unemployment payments made to customer accounts, nearly double the most recent increase reported by the government before the shutdown. Lower-income workers continue to trail others, with after-tax wage growth of just 1.4 percent compared with 4.0 percent for higher-income households. Goldman Sachs produced its own estimate after the

Chief Bryan Tyner
Sam O'Connell and Paul Bauknight
Jim Voll - City of Minneapolis
Credit: City of Minneapolis
Bryan Tyner will be the second Black chief in the Minneapolis Fire Department's history.
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

When the halftime show becomes America’s mirror

Every February, the Super Bowl halftime show tells a story about who we are and who we still refuse to see.

Next year’s story has already begun to divide the nation months before kickoff. The NFL’s announcement that Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium should have been a celebration of cultural pride and global artistry. Instead, it has become a flashpoint for political outrage, racial anxiety, and national identity.

blend Afrobeats, country, and K-pop without hesitation. We know that identity in America is not static; it is layered, multilingual, and alive. And Gen Alpha, the children now growing up in an even more diverse world, will inherit a nation where this debate may one day feel absurd. But for now, the backlash tells us we are not there yet. It is the same discomfort that surrounded Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest, the same ignorance that fuels the need for Brian Flores’s courtroom fight, and the same cultural amnesia that leads people to forget that Puerto Ricans serve in our military, pay taxes, are American citizens, and live with fewer

The irony runs deep. The same NFL that once banned Black players altogether now finds itself attacked for being “too inclusive.” The same league that finally celebrated two Black starting quarterbacks in the Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, now faces a backlash because a Latino artist will perform in Spanish at halftime. This is not about football. It is about who gets to stand at the center of American life and still be called “American.”

That tension has always lived in the NFL. You can see it in the lawsuit Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator

President Trump called the choice “absolutely ridiculous.” Turning Point USA announced an “All-American Halftime Show” for those who apparently need an alternative performance sung “in English.” And Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, a Black man and a proud SMU alum like me, told TMZ that Bad Bunny should “stay in Puerto Rico.” When reminded that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Dickerson doubled down. That moment hit me. Not just because of who said it, but because of what it revealed. Dickerson is part of a generation that knows exclusion firsthand, a generation that saw Black athletes questioned for their intellect, discipline, and leadership. Yet here he was, echoing the same ignorance once used against players who looked like him. For many in my generation, Gen Z, it was a painful reminder that the borders of belonging in America have always shifted, but the policing of them never stops.

Brian Flores continues to pursue against the league for racial discrimination in hiring. You can see it in the decades it took for Black quarterbacks to be trusted to lead teams on the field. And now, you can hear it in the backlash to a performer who dares to sing in the language spoken by millions of American citizens.

The comedian Josh Johnson captured this tension perfectly in a TikTok video. He joked that some fans thought last year’s Kendrick Lamar performance was already “as Black as the NFL could get.” Then, he said, the league “raised the stakes, no English.” It was a sharp, funny, and painful observation about how race and culture in America still trigger

panic when they shift outside a narrow comfort zone.

Another TikTok creator, Christian Maldonado, broke it down even more directly. Playing both sides of a conversation, he mocked the outrage with facts: Bad Bunny is one of the most streamed artists on the planet, the NFL is expanding globally, and the United States is home to the world’s second-largest Spanish-speaking population. “It’s music,” he says. “You can just vibe to it.” His video was more than comedy; it was a civics lesson. That is what makes this moment feel so revealing. It is not just the outrage that matters; it is who is doing the teaching. On one side, we have poli-

ticians and pundits insisting that the Super Bowl, an event built on the labor, talent, and cultural contributions of Black and Brown players, must somehow remain “purely American.” On the other side, we have young people online calmly explaining what should be obvious: Puerto Ricans are Americans. Spanish is an American language. And music, at its best, belongs to everyone. For my generation, the cultural shift that Bad Bunny represents is not a threat, it is a reflection. Gen Z grew up in classrooms where English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and many other languages were spoken in the same hallway. We scroll through playlists that

Time to get serious about prescription drugs

compared

to only four years ago the exact same prescriptions are twice as high. Who is responsible for these prices? Big Pharma’s outrageous price gouging at the expense of Americans health and wellbeing. We must enact consumer friendly legislation that will set a price cap on life-saving prescription drugs. These costs are leaving many Americans desperate especially the vulnerable. Americans with chronic illness are hit the hardest. Not only do people dealing with a chronic condition have to deal with the stress that comes with managing illness, but they also must find a way to afford lifesaving medication. 30% of adults have reported rationing or blatantly not taking medication due to the cost. No one should ever have to risk their health because pre-

scription medications are at out of reach prices. Prescription drug prices have been constantly on the rise, especially in the last 10 years, but not due to inflation or more advanced medication. Instead, these increases in drug prices – up to 5,000% – in the last 10 years often come with no justification. Many of these medications only cost between 22 cents to 5 dollars to produce yet Americans are charged exorbitantly more. There is nothing wrong with companies profiting, however; this is an obvious example Big Pharma’s PROFITEERING at the expense of sick Americans. Their profits aren’t used for research or ways to improve medications as one might think, but rather Big Pharma’s profits are reinvested to protect their own image through adver-

tising and lobbying. While hardworking Americans are finding difficulty affording medication Big Pharma chooses to spend their money on themselves. Every year Big Pharma will pay an absurd amount of money for advertising campaigns and lobbying. In 2022 an assessment found there is no clinically justifiable reason for the prescription drug price surge, further proving how little they care about the well beings of Americans. Furthermore, a study in 2022 found that medications that are prescribed both to humans and pets humans end up paying 5.5 times more than the same exact medication of our pets. Despite Big Pharma’s exhaustive attempts to dodge any sort of accountability, 83% of Americans – regardless of

Columnist

of systems and procedures.

Initiated the EMS Pathways paid internship program to start young people on track to a career as a first responder.

Increased the number of firefighters in the department

Increased the department's diversity to better reflect the communities it serves.

Initiated leadership development training and the upgrade

3

celebrating and preserving the legacy that this organization has

3

Labor Department was forced to halt publication. The investment bank calculated that initial claims for unemployment benefits rose to 224,000 in the week ending September 27, up from 218,000 a week earlier. The number of people receiving benefits slipped slightly to 1.91 million, using state-level data and seasonal adjustments that were pre-released before the shutdown. Reuters reported that the Chicago Federal Reserve used private “real-time” indicators to estimate the national unemployment rate at 4.3 percent, though without federal verification, that figure is uncertain.

Global investment firm Carlyle also stepped in, releasing its own economic indi-

Led the implementation of a Safe Station at Fire Station 14, where individuals facing substance-use challenges can seek help without judgment or any questions asked.

Instituted a now-nationally recognized commercial

built over the past 101 years.”

Chief Tyner recently retired as Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department, where he served with distinction for over 30 years. Known for his integrity, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to safety

cators drawn from its portfolio of 277 companies and nearly 730,000 employees. Carlyle estimated that U.S. employers added only 17,000 jobs in September and that real private residential construction spending declined 2.5 percent, even as business investment rose 4.8 percent, driven by technology and artificial intelligence projects. “Corporate spending, particularly in technology and AI infrastructure, continues to power growth while household consumption ends the quarter on a high note,” said Jason Thomas, Carlyle’s Head of Global Research and Investment Strategy.

Yet while private analysts fill the gap left by a silenced federal government, the shutdown’s impact on workers and families has become its most defining consequence.

A newly revealed memo from the Office of Man-

building inspection and registration program to ensure building use compliance and occupant safety.

Supported the physical and mental well-being of fighters with the addition of new infrared saunas at five fire stations.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the residents and community members of Minneapolis and to lead the

and inclusion, Chief Tyner has been a trusted voice and advocate. His vision and leadership style are grounded in community collaboration, accountability and a focus on holistic well-being.

Chief Tyner’s ap-

agement and Budget claims that federal workers forced into furlough during the ongoing shutdown may not receive back pay once the ordeal ends. In open defiance of the law, the administration argues that the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act does not automatically guarantee wages to workers sent home or ordered to labor without compensation. The government that once promised fairness has now declared that those who serve it may be discarded. This is not confusion. It is control. Mark Paoletta, the administration’s top lawyer at the budget office, wrote that Congress must pass new legislation to authorize those payments. His reasoning is what one former Republican official called “clearly against its intent.” In other words, the government rewrote the law to justify punishing the very people who keep it running.

dedicated members of this department,” said Chief Tyner, Minneapolis Fire Department. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to meet the high standards our community expects and deserves.”

Following the chief’s retirement, he will join the Minneapolis Phyllis Wheatley Community Center as its next

pointment marks a pivotal new chapter in the Center’s 101-year legacy of advancing racial and social equity, the agency said.

Established in 1924, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center is named after the first African American woman in the

President Trump offered no compassion, only contempt. “It depends on who we’re talking about,” he said when asked if furloughed workers would receive back pay. “There are some people who really don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way.” Those words echo not from a leader, but from a ruler measuring human worth as though it were a currency. Across the country, millions now live the consequences of those words. Families of federal workers stare

Executive Director. Chief Tyner has a strong connection to this century-old institution. He spent his childhood attending the center, and years later, his children also benefited from this North Minneapolis landmark. Tyner looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Minneapolis by leading “The Wheatley,” providing education, youth programs, and leadership development to the community.

United States to publish a book of poetry. PWCC carries on her legacy through programs that foster education, self-sufficiency and leadership for individuals of all ages. As a cornerstone institution, PWCC has assisted generations of individuals and

at empty refrigerators — the most recent estimate revealed that more than 49,000 District residents, or 13 percent, are federally employed — and rent notices pile up. CNN reported that many workers will receive smaller paychecks this week, the last they may see until the shutdown ends. What kind of democracy weaponizes hunger against its own citizens?

The administration’s defiance also contradicts its own Office of Personnel Management, which stated that “employees who were furloughed

The City is conducting a national search for its next fire chief. To ensure a seamless transition of leadership, an interim chief will be appointed and will assume responsibilities immediately upon Chief Tyner’s retirement.

A formal recognition of Chief Tyner’s service will be held in the coming weeks.

families with education, human services, youth programming and leadership development opportunities.

as a result of the lapse will receive retroactive pay for those furlough periods” once the shutdown ends. But this White House does not deal in law; it deals in loyalty. It rewards obedience and punishes dissent. It governs by threat and humiliation. And as the government remains closed and official data suppressed, America’s workers — both public and private — are left to piece together their own picture of a country in economic and moral decline.

Former President of the United States Barack Obama and Fire Chief Bryan Tyner
Scan the QR Code and watch the video celebrating Chief Tyner's retirement
Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner and Deputy Chief of Minneapolis EMS Amber Lage.

Essential tips for navigating today’s economy

Cardiff, a fintech leader that has funded more than $10 billion in financing to small businesses across the country, released ten actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs maximize cash flow, reduce risk, and seize opportunity in the face of an evolving economy. Today's statistics reinforce the need for discipline.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that small businesses comprise 99.9 percent of all U.S. companies and employ nearly 46 percent of all workers in the country. The U.S. Department of The Treasury reports that startup business remains robust, with an average of over 430,000 new business applications per month in 2024, roughly 50 percent higher than before the pandemic. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index found in early 2025 that 46 percent of the small business leaders named inflation as their most significant issue, and 51 percent expect increased operating costs for the next quarter.

Master Your Cash Flow, Don't Just Track It Cash flow is the real indicator of business health. During a volatile market, profit-and-loss statements can camouflage short-term strain. Small businesses must prioritize liquidity management and runway extension to stay agile.

Map each inflow and outflow on a weekly, not monthly, basis. Calculate your real burn rate and cut non-core recurring expenditure.

Surveillance pricing has dominated headlines recently. Delta Air Lines’ announcement that it will use artificial intelligence to set individualized ticket prices has led to widespread concerns about companies using personal data to charge different prices for identical products. As The New York Times reported, this practice involves companies tracking everything from your hotel bookings to your browsing history to determine what you’re willing to pay.

The reaction has been swift. Democratic lawmakers have responded with outrage, with Texas Rep. Greg Casar introducing legislation to ban the practice. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s new chair of the Federal Trade Commission has shut down public comment on the issue, signaling that the regulatory pendulum may swing away from oversight entirely.

What’s missing in this political back-and-forth is a deeper look at the economics. As a business school professor who researches pricing strategy, I think the debate misses important nuances. Opponents of surveillance pricing overlook some potential benefits that could make markets both more efficient and, counterintuitively, more equitable.

What surveillance pricing actually is

Surveillance pricing differs from traditional dynamic pricing, where prices rise for ev-

Reinvest profits in growth-priority assets first.

Beware the Rate-Cut Bull Trap

Cheaper interest rates are greeted by most businesspeople, but a rate cut typically heralds slower economic times.

Business owners should prepare for reduced expenditure rather than rushing into new debt simply because it will seem cheaper.

• Use any window of reduced rates to refinance productive debt, not to take on new obligations.

Hold cash for operations and reserve funding.

• Monitor customer demand before adding inventory or personnel.

Build Your Dry-Powder War Chest

Liquidity creates opportunity. Cardiff encourages owners to build available capital reserves that allow them to act when others cannot.

Establish a dedicated savings or line-of-credit buffer.

• Strive for three to six months of fixed commitments in liquid assets.

• Plan to utilize reserves when market dips offer discounted opportunities.

Productize Your Services

A business that is totally dependent on the owner's time is at risk. Turn knowledge into systems that others can execute.

Package repeatable offers that generate recurring

revenue.

• Document processes so quality isn't reliant on a person.

• Train personnel to deliver and scale execution.

Eliminate Debt That Doesn't Create Assets Non-productive or high-interest debt drains growth potential. Entrepreneurs need to ask whether each liability is creating equity or merely buying time.

• Pay off personal or shortterm operational debt first.

• Retain financing that pays for equipment or revenue-generating assets.

• Reinvest freed-up cash into marketing or workforce efficiency.

Diversify Lead Generation

Excessive dependence on one source of marketing exposes revenue to sudden shocks. Cardiff advises founders to build multi-channel acquisition systems.

• Balance organic, paid, referral, and partner channels. Own first-party data through email and CRM automation.

Test new channels quarterly to find scalable winners.

Optimize for Profit, Not Just Revenue In a shrinking economy, vanity metrics lie. True strength lies in net margins, not gross top line. Audit every expense for ROI.

Renegotiate vendor terms and subscriptions on a quarterly basis. Incentivize efficiency and contribution margin, not volume.

Invest in Team Versatility Rigid hierarchies slow down response times. A cross-trained team enables faster pivots when demand shifts.

• Provide development opportunities that expand skill sets.

• Encourage employees to learn several roles.

• Incentivize adaptability as a performance measure. Plan Ahead with Strategic Financing Forward-thinking

eryone at times of peak demand. Instead, it uses personal data – browsing history, location, purchase patterns, even device type – to charge a unique price based on what algorithms predict you’re willing to pay.

The goal is to discover each customer’s “reservation price” – the most they’ll pay before walking away. Until recently, this was extremely difficult to do, but modern data collection has made it increasingly feasible.

An FTC investigation found that companies track highly personal consumer behaviors to set individualized prices. For example, a new parent searching for “baby thermometers” might find pricier products on the first page of their results than a nonparent would. It’s not surprising that many people think this is unfair.

The unintended progressive tax

But consider this:

Surveillance pricing also means that wealthy customers pay more for identical goods, while lower-income customers pay less. That means it could achieve redistribution goals typically pursued through government policy. Pharmaceutical companies already do this globally, charging wealthier countries more for identical drugs to make medications accessible in poorer nations. Surveillance pricing could function as a private-sector progressive tax system.

Economists call it “price discrimination,” but it often helps poorer consumers access goods they might otherwise be unable to afford. And unlike government programs, this type of redistribution requires no taxpayer funding. When Amazon’s algorithm charges me more than a college student for the same laptop, it’s effectively running a means-tested subsidy program –funded by consumers.

The two-tier economy problem In my view, the most legitimate concern about surveillance pricing isn’t that it exists, but how it’s implemented. Online retailers can seamlessly adjust prices in real time, while physical stores remain largely stuck with uniform pricing. Imagine the customer fury if Target’s checkout prices varied by person based on their smartphone data: There could be chaos in the stores. This digital-physical divide could also create unfair advantages for tech-savvy companies while leaving traditional retailers behind. That would raise fairness considerations for consumers as well as retailers. This is related to another force that could limit how far surveillance pricing can go: arbitrage, or the practice of buying something where it is cheaper and selling it where it is more expensive.

companies finance ahead of their needs. Cardiff's fast-approval solutions give founders flexibility to act, not react.

• Look at working-capital loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit. Use financing for growth, modernization, or opportunistic acquisitions.

Apply when metrics are strong to access more favorable terms.

Adopt the Antifragile Mindset

The goal isn't just to survive volatility, it's to grow stronger because of it. Companies that disrupt training, not trauma, position themselves for long-term leadership. Build systems that learn from stress tests.

If a system consistently charges wealthy customers $500 for items that cost poor customers $200, it creates opportunities for entrepreneurial intermediaries to exploit these price gaps. Personal shopping services, buying cooperatives or even friends and family networks could arbitrage these differences, providing wealthy customers access to the lower prices while splitting the savings. This means surveillance pricing can’t discriminate too aggressively – market forces will erode excessive price gaps.

That’s why I believe the solution isn’t to ban surveillance pricing entirely, but to monitor how it is put in practice.

The regulatory sweet spot

The current political moment offers a strange opportunity. With Republicans focused on AI innovation and Democrats fixated on bans, there’s space for a more sophisticated position that embraces market-based redistribution while demanding strong consumer protections.

In my view, smart regulation would require companies to disclose when personal data influences pricing, and would prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color or religion – and this list needs to be created extremely carefully. This would preserve the efficiency benefits while preventing abuse.

Surveillance pricing based on desperation or need also raises unique ethical questions. Charging a wealthier customer more for a taxi ride is one thing; charging someone extra

Create decision velocity and experimentation.

Turn uncertainty into innovation and momentum.

The Cardiff Perspective

William Stern, Founder and Co-CEO of Cardiff stated that cash is oxygen, and in this market, discipline wins. Entrepreneurs who manage cash flow like a gas tank, with daily check-ins and refueling before it's empty, will outlast and outperform. Economic cycles favor the prepared, and at Cardiff, they keep business owners funded, not frantic, by giving them access to capital and the clarity to put it to work effectively. For more information, visit www.cardiff.co.

solely because their battery is low and they risk being stranded is another.

As I see it, the distinction between ability to pay and urgency of need must become the cornerstone of regulation. While distinguishing the two may seem challenging, it’s far from impossible. It would help if customers were empowered to report exploitative practices, using mechanisms similar to existing price-gouging protections.

A solid regulatory framework must also clarify the difference between dynamic pricing and surveillance-based exploitation. Dynamic pricing has long been standard practice: Airlines charge all last-minute travelers higher fares, regardless of their circumstances. But consider two passengers buying tickets on the same day – one rushing to a funeral, another planning a spontaneous vacation. Right now, airlines can use technology to identify and exploit the funeral attendee’s desperate circumstances. The policy challenge is precise: Can we design regulations that prevent airlines from exploiting the bereaved while still allowing retailers to offer discounts on laptops to lower-income families? The answer will determine whether surveillance pricing becomes a tool for equity or exploitation.

Disclosure statement Aradhna Krishna does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

How this year’s Nobel winners changed the thinking on economic growth

What makes some countries rich and others poor? Is there any action a country can take to improve living standards for its citizens? Economists have wondered about this for centuries. If the answer to the second question is yes, then the impact on people’s lives could be staggering.

This year’s Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences (commonly known as the Nobel prize for economics) has gone to three researchers who have provided answers to these questions: Philippe Aghion, Peter Howitt and Joel Mokyr. For most of human history, economic stagnation has been the norm – modern economic growth is very recent from a historical point of view. This year’s winners have been honoured for their contributions towards explaining how to achieve sustained economic growth. At the beginning of the 1980s, theories around economic growth were largely dominated by the works of American economist Robert Solow. An important conclusion emerged: in the long-run, per-capita income growth is determined by technological progress. Solow’s framework, however, did not explain how technology accumulates over

Credit: Phil Mosley/Unsplash
Could airfare be more fair?
Credit:Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach
The 2025 winners Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt

Celebrating Tribal Nations

Last Monday Minnesota observed Indigenous Peoples’ Day — a chance for us to honor and celebrate the 11 sovereign Tribal Nations and robust urban Native communities that call the land of Minnesota home, said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

“I was proud to officially make Indigenous Peoples’ Day a state holiday here in Min-

nesota in 2023. It’s a reminder of the many contributions Indigenous communities make to our shared history, culture, and economy,” Walz said.

Indigenous People are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, he said. But we still have work to do to keep Minnesota moving forward. There’s more we can do to strengthen our connection with Tribal communities and make sure our economy works for everyone, no matter where you live.

“Let’s continue building a Minnesota that honors everyone who makes up our great state,” Walz said.

Polar Bear Astra makes public debut at Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory reported that Astra, a fouryear-old female polar bear who arrived Thursday evening from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, made her public debut Monday in the deep-water side of Polar Bear Odyssey.

Astra is still separated from Como’s other polar bears, Kulu, Nan, and Neil, but the bears are aware of each other’s presence. They can see, smell, and vocalize through barriers as

Nobel

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time, nor the role of institutions and policies in boosting it. As such, the theory can neither explain why countries grow differently for sustained periods nor what kind of policies could help a country improve its long-run growth performance.

It’s possible to argue that technological innovation

the animal care team carefully manages gradual introductions over the coming weeks and months.

“We’re so excited for visitors to finally meet Astra,” said Erica Prosser, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “She’s settling in beautifully, and we’re hopeful that, in time, she and Kulu will form a strong bond that contributes to the future of this incredible species.”

The introductions will continue at a pace that en-

comes from the work of scientists, who are motivated less by money than the rest of society might be. As such, there would be little that countries could do to intervene – technological innovations would be the result of the scientists’ own interests and motivations.

But that thinking changed with the emergence of endogenous growth theory, which aims to explain which forces drive innovation. This includes the works of Paul Romer, Nobel prizewinner in 2018, as

sures each bear’s comfort and safety, guided by Como’s experienced zookeepers and veterinary team.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to stop by Polar Bear Odyssey to welcome Astra to her new home. For more information on Astra's arrival, click here: https://comozooconservatory.org/welcome-astra/

well as this year’s winners Aghion and Howitt.

These three authors advocate for theories in which technological progress ultimately derives from firms trying to create new products (Romer) or improve the quality of existing products (Aghion and Howitt). For firms to try to break new ground, they need to have the right incentives.

Creative destruction

While Romer recognises the importance of intellectual property rights to reward

North Mississippi Regional Park Plan to guide improvements and stewardship

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is working on a plan to guide improvements and stewardship at North Mississippi Regional Park for the next 20+ years. The North Mississippi Regional Park Plan is being developed through a collaboration between the project team, advisory committees, community groups and park users. This includes a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), made up of people who are participating in regularly scheduled meetings to collectively make recommendations about the plan’s content.

The Community Ad-

visory Committee Meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6-8 pm at Kroening Nature Center, 4900 Mississippi Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55430 Community Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and food is provided at each meeting. Childcare services are also available. The MPRB uses long-term park plans (previously called master plans) to guide care, programming and development at all its parks and trails. Park plans accomplish the following: Set a vision to guide long-term development and improvements to a park or group of parks Guide stewardship and help ensure that park features and amenities reflect the needs of the communities they serve Help ensure longterm financial and ecological sustainability Involve extensive engagement with individual and group stakeholders, other community partners and governmental entities for review and comment by the public, as well as public hearings and approval by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners

firms financially for creating new products, the framework of Aghion and Howitt outlines the importance of something known as “creative destruction”.

This is where innovation results from a battle between firms trying to get the best-quality products to meet consumer needs. In their framework, a new innovation means the displacement of an existing one.

In their basic model, protecting intellectual property is important in order to reward firms for innovating. But at the same time, innovations do not come from leaders but from new entrants to the industry. Incumbents do not have the same incentive to innovate because it will not improve their position in the sector. Consequently, too much protection generates barriers to entry and may slow growth. But what is less explored in their work is the idea that each innovation brings winners (consumers and innovative firms) and losers (firms and workers under the old, displaced technology). These tensions could shape a country’s destiny in terms of growth – as other works have pointed out, the owners of the old technology may try to block innovation.

This is where Mokyr complements these works per-

fectly by providing a historical context. Mokyr’s work focuses on the origins of the Industrial Revolution and also the history of technological progress from ancient times until today.

Mokyr noted that while scientific discoveries were behind technological progress, a scientific discovery was not a guarantee of technological advances.

It was only when the modern world started to apply the knowledge discovered by scientists to problems that would improve people’s lives that humans saw sustained growth. In Mokyr’s book The Gifts of Athena, he argues that the Enlightenment was behind the change in scientists’ motivations.

In Mokyr’s works, for growth to be sustained it is vital that knowledge flows and accumulates. This was the spirit embedded in the Industrial Revolution and it’s what fostered the creation of the institution I am working in – the University of Sheffield, which enjoyed financial support from the steel industry in the 19th century.

Mokyr’s later works emphasise the key role of a culture of knowledge in order for growth to improve living standards. As such, openness to new ideas becomes crucial.

Similarly, Aghion

and Howitt’s framework has become a standard tool in economics. It has been used to explore many important questions for human wellbeing: the relationship between competition and innovation, unemployment and growth, growth and income inequality, and globalisation, among many other topics. Analysis using their framework still has an impact on our lives today. It is present in policy debates around big data, artificial intelligence and green innovation. And Mokyr’s analysis of how knowledge accumulates poses a central question around what countries can do to encourage an innovation ecosystem and improve the lives of their citizens.

But this year’s prize is also a warning about the consequences of damaging the engines of growth. Scientists collaborating with firms to advance living standards is the ultimate elixir for growth. Undermining science, globalisation and competition might not be the right recipe.

Disclosure statement Antonio Navas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Insight 2 Health

Flu season has arrived – and so have updated flu vaccines

As the autumn’s cool weather settles in, so does flu season –bringing with it the familiar experiences of sniffles, fever and cough.

Every year, influenza – the flu – affects millions of people. Most will experience the infection as a mild to moderate illness – but for some, it can be severe, potentially resulting in hospitalization and even death.

While the start of flu season may feel routine, it’s important to remember that the virus changes every year, making annual vaccination an important part of staying healthy.

What to expect this flu season

Public health experts are closely watching how this year’s flu season unfolds. Early reports suggest that the U.S. may see a moderate level of flu cases, partly because last year’s flu activity was high and it’s uncommon to have two severe flu seasons in a row.

However, the U.S. also uses data from the Southern Hemisphere’s earlier flu season, which lasts from April to October, to help predict what the sea-

son might look like. There, the flu season has been more severe than in years past.

Taken together, that means there could be a significant number of flu cases in the U.S., particularly among children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to best match the strains of influenza expected to circulate. Because flu viruses mutate frequently, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary each year. However, even when the match between the seasonal flu and the vaccine that is designed around it isn’t perfect, vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness.

In the U.S., all flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season will be trivalent – which means they are formulated to protect against the three main groups of influenza virus strains. These are an A (H1N1) virus, an A (H3N2) virus and a B/Victoria virus.

Vaccine availability Recent vaccine policy changes have created some confusion, particularly around COVID-19 vaccines. Many people are wondering if getting the flu vaccine has become more complicated. The good news is that flu vaccines remain widely available and accessible.

Pharmacies, doctors’ offices, public health clinics and many workplaces are offering the seasonal shot, often at little or no cost. The 2025-2026 flu vaccine is available now. Manufacturers start shipping vaccines doses in July and August to ensure access by September. While public health experts won’t know the exact effectiveness of the flu vaccine until flu season is over, the flu shot usually cuts your chances of needing to see a doctor for the flu by about half.

Vaccination helps reduce the severity of illness, the

likelihood of hospitalization and the spread of infection within our communities.

It’s important to note that you can get the flu shot at the same time as other vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine or the RSV and pneumonia vaccines for older adults, without compromising effectiveness. If you’re unsure which vaccines are right for you, your health care provider or pharmacist can help you decide based on your age and health status.

Who should get the flu shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions. That aligns with guidelines from other organizations, such as the American Association of Pediatrics.

The flu vaccine is especially important for:

Adults 65 and older

Children under 5 – and particularly those under 2

• Pregnant people

• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease

Health care workers and caregivers

Even if you’re healthy

and rarely get sick, getting vaccinated protects not only you but also those around you who may be more vulnerable.

Practical prevention tips

In addition to vaccination, everyday actions help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your coughs and sneezes.

Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during peak flu activity, particularly if you have a cough.

Even though flu season is part of life, serious illness doesn’t have to be. By staying informed, getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits, everyone can play a role in keeping their communities safe and healthy.

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now’s the time to protect yourself, and those you care for, this flu season.

Disclosure statement

Libby Richards has received funding from the American Nurses Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute

Can you really be addicted to food?

Researchers are uncovering convincing similarities to drug addiction

People often joke that their favorite snack is “like crack” or call themselves “chocoholics” in jest.

But can someone really be addicted to food in the same way they could be hooked on substances such as alcohol or nicotine?

As an addiction psychiatrist and researcher with experience in treating eating disorders and obesity, I have been following the research in this field for the past few decades. I have written a textbook on food addiction, obesity and overeating disorders, and, more recently, a self-help book for people who have intense cravings and obsessions for some foods.

While there is still some debate among psychologists and scientists, a consensus is emerging that food addiction is a real phenomenon. Hundreds of studies have confirmed that certain foods – often those that are high in sugar and ultraprocessed – affect the brains and behavior of certain people similarly to other addictive substances such as nicotine.

Still, many questions remain about which foods are addictive, which people are most susceptible to this addiction and why. There are also questions as to how this condition compares to other substance addictions and whether the same treatments could work for patients struggling with any kind of addiction.

How does addiction work?

The neurobiological mechanisms of addiction have been mapped out through decades of laboratory-based research using neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience approaches.

Studies show that preexisting genetic and environmental factors set the stage for developing an addiction. Regularly consuming an addictive substance then causes a rewiring of several important brain systems, leading the person to crave more and more of it.

This rewiring takes place in three key brain networks that correspond to key functional domains, often re-

ferred to as the reward system, the stress response system and the system in charge of executive control.

First, using an addictive substance causes the release of a chemical messenger called dopamine in the reward network, which makes the user feel good. Dopamine release also facilitates a neurobiological process called conditioning, which is basically a neural learning process that gives rise to habit formation.

As a result of the conditioning process, sensory cues associated with the substance start to have increasing influence over decision-making and behavior, often leading to a craving. For instance, because of conditioning, the sight of a needle can drive a person to set aside their commitment to quit using an injectable drug and return to it.

Second, continued use of an addictive substance over time affects the brain’s emotional or stress response network. The user’s body and mind build up a tolerance, meaning they need increasing amounts of the substance to feel its effect. The neurochemicals involved in this process are different than those mediating habit formation and include a chemical messenger called noradrenaline and internally produced opioids such as endorphins. If they quit using the substance, they experience symptoms of withdrawal, which

can range from irritability and nausea to paranoia and seizures. At that point, negative reinforcement kicks in. This is the process by which a person keeps going back to a substance because they’ve learned that using the substance doesn’t just feel good, but it also relieves negative emotions. During withdrawal from a substance, people feel profound emotional discomfort, including sadness and irritability. Negative reinforcement is why someone who is trying to quit smoking, for instance, will be at highest risk of relapse in the week just after stopping and during times of stress, because in the past they’d normally turn to cigarettes for relief.

Third, overuse of most addictive substances progressively damages the brain’s executive control network, the prefrontal cortex, and other key parts of the brain involved in impulse control and self-regulation. Over time, the damage to these areas makes it more and more difficult for the user to control their behavior around these substances. This is why it is so hard for long-term users of many addictive substances to quit.

What evidence is there that food is addictive?

Many studies over the past 25 years have shown that high-sugar and other highly pleasurable foods – often foods that are ultraprocessed – act on

these brain networks in ways that are similar to other addictive substances. The resulting changes in the brain fuel further craving for and overuse of the substance – in this case, highly rewarding food.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that people with an addictive relationship to food demonstrate the hallmark signs of a substance use disorder.

Studies also indicate that for some people, cravings for highly palatable foods go well beyond just a normal hankering for a snack and are, in fact, signs of addictive behavior. One study found that cues associated with highly pleasurable foods activate the reward centers in the brain, and the degree of activation predicts weight gain. In other words, the more power the food cue has to capture a person’s attention, the more likely they are to succumb to cravings for it. Multiple studies have also found that suddenly ending a diet that’s high in sugar can cause withdrawal, similar to when people quit opioids or nicotine.

Excessive exposure to high-sugar foods has also been found to reduce cognitive function and cause damage to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, the parts of the brain that mediate executive control and memory.

In another study, when obese people were ex-

posed to food and told to resist their craving for it by ignoring it or thinking about something else, their prefrontal cortexes were more active compared with nonobese individuals. This indicates that it was more difficult for the obese group to fight their cravings. Finding safe treatments for patients struggling with food

Addiction recovery is often centered on the idea that the fastest way to get well is to abstain from the problem substance. But unlike nicotine or narcotics, food is something that all people need to survive, so quitting cold turkey isn’t an option.

In addition, eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder often occur alongside addictive eating. Most psychologists and psychiatrists believe these illnesses have their root cause in excessive dietary restriction.

For this reason, many eating disorder treatment professionals balk at the idea of labeling some foods as addictive. They are concerned that encouraging abstinence from particular foods could trigger binge eating and extreme dieting to compensate.

A way forward

But others argue that, with care, integrating food addiction approaches into eating disorders treatment is feasible and could be lifesaving for

some.

The emerging consensus around this link is moving researchers and those who treat eating disorders to consider food addiction in their treatment models.

One such approach might look like the one described to me by addiction psychiatrist and eating disorders specialist Dr. Kim Dennis. In line with traditional eating disorder treatment, nutritionists at her residential clinic strongly discourage their patients from restricting calories. At the same time, in line with traditional addiction treatment, they help their patients to consider significantly reducing or completely abstaining from particular foods to which they have developed an addictive relationship.

Additional clinical studies are already being carried out. But going forward, more studies are needed to help clinicians find the most effective treatments for people with an addictive relationship with food.

Efforts are underway by groups of psychologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists and mental health providers to get “ultraprocessed food use disorder,” also known as food addiction, into future editions of diagnostic manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases.

Beyond acknowledging what those treating food addiction are already seeing in the field, this would help researchers get funding for additional studies of treating food addiction. With more information about what treatments will work best for whom, those who have these problems will no longer have to suffer in silence, and providers will be better equipped to help them.

Disclosure statement I have two books for sale which address food addiction, and I could benefit financially from increased interest in the food addiction topic: Wilcox C.E. Food Addiction Obesity and Disorders of Overeating: An Evidenced Based Assessment and Clinical Guide. (2021) Springer Wilcox C. Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain: Fight Cravings and Break Free from a High-Sugar Ultra-Processed Diet. (2025) New Harbinger Publications

Credit: SSilver
Small Flu Vaccine
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Collier said it… and Clark agreed! From Minneapolis to the main stage: when our own lead the league in truth and transparency

When Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier recently spoke up about the need for stronger leadership in the WNBA, it was a call to accountability that carried far beyond the court. The words from Collier’s press conference Exit Interview reached from the heart of Minneapolis to living rooms across the nation, inviting a deeper look at what authentic leadership in women’s sports truly means. Minnesota has long been known not only for exceptional athletic talent, but for nurturing though leaders and fearless truth-tellers who shape the moral compass through the games we play. Collier’s voice continues that tradition, reminding us that leadership built on integrity has the power to influence both the league and the legacy it leaves behind.

players from several teams, shows that what starts in Minnesota can ripple across the entire WNBA.

As one Lynx fan told me, “If Phee said it, it’s because she’s fighting for all of them.” That is the spirit we see here—a commitment to speaking up not for personal gain, but for the collective good of the league and its future. Collier’s stance, amplified by Caitlin Clark and great

Collier currently serves as a vice president on the executive committee of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). Her role places her at the forefront of collective bargaining negotiations with the league, where she represents player interests on issues such as compensation, officiating, and league accountability. As both a players’ advocate and Co-Founder of Unrivaled, Collier brings a rare dual perspective—understanding both the business and the human side of

the game. She has seen firsthand how effective leadership can elevate not only athletes, but the integrity of the entire organization.

Former MN Gopher Women’s Basketball star, Crystal Flint, mother of NCState transfer, Tre’ Holloman, is a longtime Lynx supporter, and a former basketball official on multiple elite levels. Flint shared that Collier’s leadership feels familiar to anyone who understands Minnesota’s brand of excellence. “If I were a WNBA player, I’d be right there with her,” Flint said. “She’s not just talking—she’s acting. That kind of leadership takes courage.”

To further make her point, Flint stated that Collier’s timing makes her voice even more powerful. “She didn’t wait until retirement to speak up. She’s doing it now, while she’s still in it—that’s who she is.”

Collier’s words didn’t just stay within the lines of a press conference. In that moment, she became a voice for everyone invested in the future of women’s basketball. She reminded us that leadership earns its power through accountability, not authority; through respect, not rhetoric. And that’s a lesson that resonates deeply here at home.

So while national headlines might focus on the high-profile

agreement between Collier and the Indiana Fever star, Caitlin Clark, we know this is about more than a single moment. It’s about a hometown spirit that consistently shapes the larger conversation, making it clear that the heart of the league often beats strongest right here in Minnesota. That’s the real story, and it’s one we’ll keep telling in our own authentic voice. What does authentic leadership mean to you—on or off the court? I invite readers to join the dialogue and keep this conversation growing. Send your reflections or story ideas to CoachLeah@InsightNews.com. Your perspective matters.

Photo: MN Native and Celebrity Stylist Kimberly Steward
MN Lynx Star Napheesa Collier

Books, Art & Culture

The us in JESUS

Many of us grew up in the church looking at Jesus in a certain way. Indeed, he is the Son of God, but he was also a radical back in the day. He was an itinerant preacher. He didn’t spend all his days sequestered in the temples like the Pharisees and Sadducees; besides his disciples, Jesus hung out with

In

Memoriam:

Michael Eugene Archer— known to the world as D’Angelo—was one of the most enigmatic and transformative figures in modern R&B. D’Angelo attended Huguenot High School in Richmond, Virginia. He dropped out in 1991 to move to New York City and pursue what would become an incredibly successful career in music. Today, it was learned that the singer died in New York after a quiet battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51. Though he only had three studio albums, D’Angelo won four Grammys during his career. The singer was said to be working on what would have been his fourth studio album. “An architect, musically and spiritually. I’m stumped on this one. We haven’t just lost a person, we’ve lost a musician who put his all into the music,” said music critic Nicolas-Tyrell Scott on social media.

D’Angelo was born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond and raised in nearby Pe-

the tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, etc—in other words the “common folk.”

These were the people whom he made the greatest difference with. That being said, I bring to you a different slant on Jesus’ teachings in Vernon Rowe’s The Us in Jesus. In these days and times, Black churches (and churches in general), clergy, and lay people are seeking ways to make the Word more relevant and relatable. Rowe does just that, through the lens of the “hood,” of “common folk.” His lens is rooted in his upbringing in the Englewood neighborhood of Southside Chicago, and he skillfully breaks its down, not only to make it relevant to our life experiences as African

Americans, but with a healthy dose of humor. Come with Rowe as he takes us through Jesus’ life and teachings via “The ‘Hood’ in Jesus,” “Jesus and the Honies,” “Jesus and the Homies,” “Jesus and His Haters,” “Jesus and the Cross,” and “Jesus and the Great Commission.” Read about the different ways Jesus checks folks with love (including his disciples), and how Mary’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy would play out in the “hood” today. With the parallels of the assorted scriptures, Rowe balances the teachings with the reminder that in many ways, what was happening then is no different from what’s going on today; only the cultural references are different.

Speaking of humor, my biggest “LOL” relatable moment was the untold text in “Jesus Turns Water into Wine.” I could easily visualize Jesus picking himself off the ground because Mary gave him a smackdown for calling her “Woman” instead of “Momma.” How many of you folks out there would have even dared to call your momma out of her name? I know I didn’t. The Us in Jesus is available through Amazon. Thank you, Vernon, for breaking it down and giving us a different slant on Jesus with love and humor as well as another means of seeking spiritual connection.

D’Angelo, a neo-soul genius who reignited a genre, dies at 51 of pancreatic cancer

tersburg. He emerged in the 1990s as a singing phenom with his church-honed musicianship and husky falsetto. The singer had a deep reverence for the Black musical tradition, and he reshaped the landscape of soul music that would begin an era of what would be called “neo-soul.” D’Angelo was the son of a minister and grew up immersed in gospel music. He learned the piano at an early age and often played during his father’s services. The early blend of faith, rhythm, and improvisation became the foundation for his sound—a blend of spirituality, sensuality, and streetwise funk. As a teenager, he was deeply inspired by Prince, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Curtis Mayfield, as well as the jazz-infused textures of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. By his late teens, D’Angelo was already writing and producing his own material, displaying a rare ability to bridge old-school soul with contemporary rhythms.

D’Angelo’s big breakthrough came in 1995 with the release of Brown Sugar, a debut album that felt both nostalgic and radical. Driven by hits like “Lady,”

“Cruisin’,” and the title track “Brown Sugar,” the record was a warm, analog antidote to the digital R&B dominating radio at the time. Critics hailed D’Angelo as a savior of soul, comparing him to the greats of the 1970s. The album went platinum and established him as a leading voice of the emerging neo-soul wave alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill.

D’Angelo’s follow-up

Minnesota Women in Film & Television (MN WIFT) is presenting In Front of the Lens, Behind the Camera, a groundbreaking event celebrating the creatives who bring stories to life behind the scenes in film and television.

Created by MN WIFT’s Melanated & Inclusion Committee, the event highlights the importance of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creatives working in all areas of production, from sound and lighting to editing, producing, and casting. The history-making

album, Voodoo (2000), cemented his status as a visionary singer. Recorded over several years at Electric Lady Studios in New York—a space once home to Jimi Hendrix—Voodoo was a sprawling, live-instrument masterpiece that blurred the lines between R&B, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. The album’s grooves, shaped with members of The Soulquarians collective (including Questlove, James Poyser, and Q-Tip), showcased D’An-

gelo’s mastery of nuance and groove. The latter, accompanied by a famously minimalist and sensual video, became an instant cultural moment—though it would also contribute to his eventual retreat from the spotlight. In the years following Voodoo, D’Angelo struggled under the weight of fame, artistic expectation, and personal demons. The intense sexualization of his image, coupled with his perfectionist tendencies and distrust of the music industry, led to a lengthy hiatus from the business. Legal troubles and personal struggles kept him largely out of the public eye for a decade. Fans and critics wondered whether one of soul’s brightest stars would be seen on stage again. But in 2014, D’Angelo resurfaced unexpectedly with the album Black Messiah. The work was a politically charged, adventurous release amid the news of the justice reform protests in Ferguson, Missouri. The album, credited to D’Angelo and The Vanguard, was an urgent exploration of Black identity and resistance. D’Angelo had not lost his edge, and Black

Messiah was hailed as a masterpiece and later won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2016. D’Angelo’s influence is seen across generations. Artists such as Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and SZA cite D’Angelo as an inspiration. His ability to channel vulnerability, sensuality, and social consciousness and blur musical boundaries was recognized by many in the industry. Despite his limited output — only three studio albums in 30 years —D’Angelo’s impact on Black music is large. He stood as a bridge between musical eras: a torchbearer for the soul greats of the past and a north star for those carrying the sound forward. D’Angelo was reclusive but remained revered and well respected by many. In May, Billboard magazine reported that D’Angelo dropped out of the 2025 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, citing medical complications related to a previous surgery. On Friday, May 23, the singer announced through social media that he would not be headlining the Roots Picnic event from May 31 to June 1 in Philadelphia.

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celebration uplifts behind-thescenes creatives, supports local Black-owned business, and strengthens Minnesota’s film and television community.

“This event is about building lasting relationships, supporting Black- and Brownowned businesses, and ensuring that behind-the-scenes talent feels seen, valued, and celebrated,” said Jacelyn P. Johnson, who leads the WIFT Melanated & Inclusion Committee.

The event will be held at PAR365, 2655 Patton Road, Roseville, a Black-owned business operated by power duo Mercedes McFarland Jackson and Thomas Jackson, featuring six golf simulator bays. Hosting this event at PAR365 ensures that support goes directly back into the local community.

“And here’s the part I’m most excited about: we’ll

be doing a slow reveal of the three industry experts and tycoons joining us from across the entertainment industry. One is flying in from the East Coast, one from the West Coast, and one has just touched down right here in the Twin Cities. These are some big dogs, and while I can’t reveal names just yet, trust me — you’ll want to be in the room when they show up,” said Johnson in a recent social media post.

Primary sponsor BLovely Productions, led by seasoned industry veteran Bianca Rhodes (MN WIFT board member, SPNN Networks, FilmNorth board member), joins as a major supporter. The event is also co-sponsored by JahPenée Productions, continuing its mission to empower and provide opportunities for underrepresented creatives. Event sponsors include: WFNU 94.1FM

Credit:Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Roquai
Singer D'Angelo performing at Pori Jazz festival in Pori, Finland
Credit:JahPenée Productions Jacelyn P. Johnson
365
Credit:BLovely Productions Bianca Rhodes

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