Healthcare workers, union members, and community advocates gathered in Albany for a powerful day of action as part of 1199SEIU’s ongoing “Code Red” campaign, calling for the protection and expansion of Medicaid funding in New York.  Hosted by Miabelle of Hot 97’s Mornings With Mero, the rally brought together thousands who braved the cold and early morning hours to stand in solidarity for hospitals, home care services, nursing homes, and community-based healthcare organizations.  A Morning of Energy, Engagement, and Unity The day kicked off with an energetic welcome from Miabelle, who set the tone by recognizing the dedication of 1199 members and their commitment to fighting for healthcare access. Attendees participated in interactive quiz segments covering union history, pop culture, New York City trivia, and sports—creating a lively and engaging atmosphere while reinforcing community and shared identity.  Music from DJ Spazo kept the momentum going, while participants warmed up both physically and emotionally ahead of the rally’s central programming. Voices from the Frontlines As the crowd grew, the event shifted into a powerful demonstration of collective voice. Members from across healthcare sectors—including nurses, home care workers, and community partners—took to microphones to share personal stories and explain what they are fighting for. From major institutions like Montefiore, Northwell, and Mount Sinai to workers across boroughs including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, the diversity of voices underscored the widespread impact of potential healthcare cuts.  Leadership and Advocacy Take Center Stage The rally featured remarks from key leaders and advocates, beginning with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Charles Galbreath, who emphasized the moral urgency of healthcare justice. 1199SEIU President Yvonne Armstrong delivered a central address, highlighting decades of advocacy and the union’s continued fight to protect Medicaid funding—not just as a policy issue, but as a matter of life and dignity.  New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also addressed the crowd, reinforcing the importance of state-level leadership in safeguarding healthcare resources amid federal threats.  Additional speakers—including frontline healthcare workers, labor partners, and community leaders—shared firsthand accounts of how Medicaid cuts could devastate services and communities across the state. Building Momentum Toward Change Throughout the program, a clear message emerged: the fight is not over. With the state budget still being finalized, organizers stressed the importance of continued advocacy and pressure on elected officials. “This is the final push,” Miabelle told the crowd. “We need to raise our voices together one more time until we secure the resources we need.”  A Celebration of Culture and Community The rally concluded on a high note with a performance by Brooklyn rapper Fabolous, giving attendees a moment to celebrate their unity and resilience after months of organizing. A Call to Action As the event wrapped, the message remained clear and urgent: When healthcare workers fight, they win. With thousands mobilized and momentum building, 1199SEIU’s “Code Red” campaign continues to serve as a powerful example of collective action—aimed at protecting healthcare access not just in New York, but as a model for the rest of the nation. View this post on Instagram

Authorities are investigating an attempted burglary at a Southern California home linked to Christian Combs, the son of music mogul Sean Combs, according to law enforcement officials. Police responded early Thursday to a report of a break-in attempt at a residence in the Porter Ranch neighborhood of Los Angeles. Officers were dispatched around 12:45 a.m. after receiving a call about suspicious activity at the property.  Investigators said suspects attempted to gain entry by breaking a rear sliding glass door. They were unsuccessful and fled before officers arrived. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. Authorities confirmed that no one was inside the home at the time of the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department has not publicly identified the residents.  Attempted break-in under investigation Law enforcement described the situation as a possible “hot prowl,” a term used when suspects attempt to enter a home that may be occupied.  In this case, however, officials said the occupants were away. Surveillance or monitoring systems may have played a role in alerting authorities. Reports indicate the suspects tried to enter through the back of the property before fleeing the scene. Investigators have not determined whether the home was specifically targeted because of its connection to Combs or if the attempt was random.  Property records reviewed by media outlets link the residence to Combs’ longtime partner, Raven Tracy. Neither Combs nor Tracy has publicly commented on the incident. Public profile draws attention Christian Combs, also known as King Combs, is a rapper and model who has built his own career in music and fashion. He is the son of Sean Combs and the late model Kim Porter.  The incident comes during a period of heightened public scrutiny surrounding the Combs family. Sean Combs is currently serving a federal prison sentence following a 2025 conviction on prostitution-related charges.  While authorities have not linked the attempted burglary to any broader circumstances, high-profile individuals are often considered potential targets for property crimes. Police continue to investigate the attempted break-in and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is being praised online after news surfaced that he attempted to personally reward Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers in Atlanta—only to be stopped by federal regulations. According to reports, Perry attempted to pay TSA agents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport a “significant” amount, as agents have not been paid since the shutdown on Feb. 14. However, his effort to provide financial compensation was allegedly blocked due to strict federal rules that prohibit TSA employees from accepting cash gifts or monetary rewards at security checkpoint. TSA agents, as federal employees, are subject to ethics guidelines that limit the types of gifts they can accept. These policies are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain integrity within government roles. View this post on Instagram Perry is not stranger to lending a helping hand. In 2015 he donated $1.5 million to Atlanta groups to help families who were without SNAP benefits due to the shutdown. 

Fans are showing love to Latto after the Atlanta star revealed she’s expecting — and alleged boyfriend, 21 Savage is right there with them. Shortly after the pregnancy news began circulating online, 21 Savage made it clear he’s supportive, reacting with love and positivity. While he kept things low-key, his response didn’t go unnoticed by fans, many of whom have long followed the rumored connection between the two artists.”Big Mama not the little 1..” he shared via Instagram. View this post on Instagram Latto, known for her confident persona and chart-topping hits, has yet to share extensive details about her pregnancy, but the announcement alone was enough to send social media into a frenzy. As previously reported, during a recent interview with Paper Magazine, the Atlanta rapped addressed the curiosity surrounding her romance, and emphasized that her decision to keep things private is intentional.  “I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have no rumor to clear up,” she says. “I’ve been with my man for years now, and it ain’t going nowhere. To me, that’s clearly a result of me moving and operating how I do.” Latto says, reinforcing her confidence in both herself and her relationship. The two artists have been linked since around 2020, with fans often speculating about their connection based on subtle clues and social media moments. Over time, Latto has acknowledged the relationship in her own way, referring to her partner as “my man” in interviews without diving into specifics.

T.I.’s wife, Tiny Harris, speaks out on the comments she received about her appearance during the 50 Cent and T.I. feud during her appearance on The Tamron Hall Show. Tamron Hall asked how she felt after 50 Cent posted an old performance photo of her online while trading jabs with T.I. Harris made it clear she felt the move crossed a line. “I felt like, of course, it was uncalled for because, if you’re a man and you’re dealing with another man, you should keep the beef between you and that man,” she told Hall, drawing applause from the studio audience. “To bring me in the beef, it’s like, ‘for what?’” View this post on Instagram Despite the social media moment becoming fodder for fans and blogs, Harris said the post did not shake her as much as it upset those closest to her. “I’m going to be honest,” she added. “I wasn’t as affected as my family was. They really felt some kind of way. And I was like, whatever.” Still, the incident sparked strong reactions inside the Harris household. The Xscape singer revealed her sons quickly rallied to defend her after seeing her dragged into the public back-and-forth. Tiny Harris Addresses Commentary On Her Appearance During T.I./50 Cent Feud On Tameron Hall “I appreciate them for wanting to step up,” Harris said. “Couldn’t ask for … I didn’t know they were going to do that.” She admitted that one response surprised her more than the others. “Especially Domani, almost a shock to me,” she said, referencing her son Domani Harris. However, Harris said she expected fierce loyalty from another son, King Harris. “You know it was very different,” she explained. “I already know that King is going to go to bat for me at all costs.” While the online feud stirred family emotions, Harris suggested she prefers to stay above the drama. For her, the episode was less about internet noise and more about recognizing the unwavering support surrounding her at home.

A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo are basketball’s “Power Couple.” Since going public with their relationships last year, the two have been seen at each other’s games. ​Speaking with Vogue, Wilson expressed how connecting with Adebayo has been a game-changer for her life. ​‘I’m in love. But I also have to credit Bam because he loves me properly. I think that doesn’t get talked about a lot,” Wilson said. “He loves me on my days when I don’t know if I love myself. “And he does it in a way that’s not love-bombing. It’s more, ‘What do you need?’ Granted, he’s attractive, yes. But the real reason is that he just knows how to love me properly. And my parents like him.” ​Wilson also spoke on the need for the WNBA to properly compensate the league’s players just before the new CBA agreement was reached. ​”This is something that we need to stand on,” Wilson said to me of the negotiations while they were going on. “For real this time. This isn’t just like, ‘Oh, I want the million-dollar contract.’ This is for the generations after me. I don’t have a problem sitting at the table until we get what we want and get what we deserve.” View this post on Instagram ​She also shared how she met Beyoncé for the first time and how she’ll never forget. ​“Beyoncé is amazing. Now, when I see her, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I met that lady. Get out of the way, everybody.’ Nothing else matters,” ​Wilson then spoke about how she formed lifelong bonds of sisterhood in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. I am, like, so grateful for the sisterhood that I formed in college through AKA, only because it allowed me to be a woman. It allowed me to be a young girl, because sometimes being a student athlete, you’re kind of trapped in this world of just, like, gym, class, gym, class, like, that was it.” ​“But when I gained my 60 sisters, I got an opportunity to actually enjoy the… college side of it…,” she added. “And so, as I’ve gotten older and I’ve become a leader… I have to credit AKA and our sisterhood when it comes to that.”

Latto is setting the record straight when it comes to her personal life. Amid ongoing speculation about her relationship, the artist made it clear that she’s not interested in proving anything to the public. In a recent interview with Paper Magazine, Latto addressed the curiosity surrounding her romance—widely believed to be with fellow rapper 21 Savage—and emphasized that her decision to keep things private is intentional. “I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have no rumor to clear up,” she says. “I’ve been with my man for years now, and it ain’t going nowhere. To me, that’s clearly a result of me moving and operating how I do.” Latto says, reinforcing her confidence in both herself and her relationship. The two artists have been linked since around 2020, with fans often speculating about their connection based on subtle clues and social media moments. Over time, Latto has acknowledged the relationship in her own way, referring to her partner as “my man” in interviews without diving into specifics. “too many cooks in the kitchen” “When it comes to female rappers, female artists — we’re told that we have to put so much of our life out there, and then it becomes too much about our personal life and not enough of the music,” Latto explains. “That’s how stuff just ends up crashing and burning, because you got too many cooks in the kitchen. I’m my own person outside of my relationship as well. I don’t want to make that the forefront of my existence, my career. I got a man at home, I’m happy and I’m well taken care of, and that’s about all anyone needs to know.” View this post on Instagram As previously reported, Latto announced her upcoming album, Big Mama, with a huge reveal that she is pregnant. “BIG MAMA (the album) 5/29. Business & Personal (Intro) song & video out now. Thank you God” she wrote via Instagram. View this post on Instagram

“Music is a passport.” — That’s what Mapy’s mother told her, and it turned out to be the truest words she’d ever hear. Mapy is an award-winning violinist who grew up in the projects, where no one else was playing classical music. She fell in love with the violin the day she played Biggie’s “Juicy” by ear — and never looked back. In this video, Mapy shares how music opened doors she never thought possible, from being overlooked as a law firm assistant to commanding stages around the world. She talks about breaking cultural boundaries with her instrument, inspiring self-taught musicians in places without teachers, and navigating the unique challenges women face in the music industry. Her message to young girls with big dreams? “If you have that vision, it’s because it’s possible.” In this video:0:00 — Growing up different1:30 — Falling in love with the violin through hip hop3:00 — Breaking boundaries between cultures4:00 — The challenges women face in music5:00 — A message to young dreamers

50 Cent trolls Usher after he defended Diddy in a recent interview. As previously reported, during a recent conversation with Jabari Young for Forbes’ The Enterprise Zone, Usher says he doesn’t have anything ill to say about Diddy. “I think certain people are prosecuted and maybe not recognized for the greatness that they offer,” Usher said. “I don’t have anything negative to say about Sean Combs. My experience was not what the world has seen and how he’s been, you know, misrepresented.” Usher continued, “I’m not saying that every man is perfect,” he explained. “I’m not saying that all of us don’t have flaws, but I can’t with any sense of humanity not recognize the valuable contributions that this man made for us as Black entrepreneurs, for us as people who transition culture and ideas into something that’s tangible. So many people benefited from what he created. And I acknowledge that. That’s why I see him as legacy.” 50 Cent caught wind of the comments, and trolled Usher via Instagram. “Usher like..I don’t want people to know what he did to my a*s. I’m a grown man now my a*s is off limits. LOL” View this post on Instagram Usher has yet to respond to 50 as of yet. Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix on charges related to transportation for prostitution. This development continues to shape public discussion around his career and legacy.

Nicki Minaj has reportedly been “shut out” of the 2026 Met Gala due to her “loud and unapologetic” behavior on and off-stage. The annual event, scheduled for May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is overseen by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who curates its high-profile guest list. According to reports, Minaj’s absence follows a series of public controversies and industry tensions. The update on the Grammy Award-winning rapper’s banning comes from from Naughty But Nice‘s Rob Shuter. “Nicki’s invitations didn’t just slow down — they vanished,” he said ahead of the event. “Hollywood stopped returning her calls. This isn’t subtle anymore. She’s been shut out.” “There’s an invisible wall around her now,” the insider said. “And no one wants to be seen opening the gate.” Minaj has been a reoccurring attendee to the star-studded event, wearing head turning fashion looks. Day 2: Favorite Met Gala Look Nicki Minaj in Thom Browne at the 2025 Met Gala #8DaysOfOnika #8DaysOfNicki pic.twitter.com/0FyyrJy1aa — She’s Fishy ➐ (@ShesFishy) December 2, 2025 Nicki Minaj x Met Gala 17’ #8DaysOfNicki #8DaysOfNicki #32726 pic.twitter.com/7sZEjkwuaO — Rah Minaj (@_RahMinaj) December 3, 2025 Sources indicate that Minaj’s recent political statements and appearances have contributed to the situation. A notable moment cited was her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2025, where she spoke about political figures and addressed her past views, stating, “It’s ok to change your mind.” “That was it,” a source said. “Hollywood doesn’t forgive this kind of alignment — especially when it’s loud and unapologetic. In December, Minaj took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, slammed transgender healthcare for minors, and made other controversial outbursts. She then continued boasting about President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In January, Minaj called herself President Trump’s “number one fan.” The rapper, who once encouraged her gay fans to “be brave,” has switched stances to align herself with a party that actively tries to erase DEI programs and push legislation that undermines the rights of LGBTQIA+ students. Her ongoing public dispute with Roc Nation, – primarily centered on its founder JAY-Z and CEO Desiree Perez, have also contributed to her exclusion from the annual event. “Between the politics and the Roc Nation war, nobody wants to touch this,” another insider said. “There’s no formal ban — just a collective step back.” Minaj last attended the Met Gala in 2025, wearing a custom Thom Browne design. The 2026 theme, “Costume Art,” will focus on fashion as a sculptural and embodied art form, with a dress code encouraging creative interpretation of clothing and the body.