politics

Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes Perform and Advocate for Healthcare Transparency

by
French Montana Performs at Power to the Patients Event

Insane concert ticket prices have been the talk of the entertainment industry in recent months, but many Americans are more concerned with healthcare prices. Last week, hip-hop artists Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes teamed up to perform at a “Power to the Patients” advocacy event in Washington DC, bringing awareness to significant issues in the American healthcare system.

The event was sponsored by “Power to the Patients,” a non-profit organization fighting for a more affordable and equitable healthcare system price transparency.

At the event, which was attended by cele French Montana stated that he was involved in the event because he didn’t think that people should be “blindsided” anymore by astronomical healthcare bills, saying that patients “needed prices up front” and that he hoped the event could help the American healthcare system “move forward.”

Rick Ross got on stage and said that people should know if they “gotta sell your house to save your parents” with regard to inconsistent hospital bills.

On the organization’s website, alongside a YouTube video about the subject, Fat Joe explained why he was passionate about the cause, writing:

“We have to change the healthcare system and hold hospitals and insurers accountable to provide more transparency on the price of care. They are charging way too much money and the bills are not even consistent. Somebody could get an MRI for $300 and someone right behind them could be paying thousands for the same MRI. Right now, millions across the country are being dragged into debt because they’re blindsided by the cost of these medical bills. Families are falling apart. People are losing their homes. People are getting bankrupted because of hospital bills and healthcare. Knowing prices is the only way we will be able to lower our costs in healthcare. So, we have to fight for the people. We all have to talk to our politicians and talk to everybody. It’s in the law that hospitals and insurers need to post prices and we all need to know this. I teamed up with Power to the Patients to educate our communities on their rights and help put an end to this injustice.”

More information about the group’s activism efforts can be found on their website: https://www.powertothepatients.org/.

The post Fat Joe, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes Perform and Advocate for Healthcare Transparency appeared first on The Source.

Brittney Griner Defends Inclusion Of Trans Athletes

by

The debate around transgender athletes is a fierce and unpleasant one. Pro-trans supporters point to the stringent qualification regulations imposed by sporting authorities. They also argue that we should treat people with respect and dignity, not call them groomers or similar. Those on the opposite side of the issue largely rely on their belief that transgender individuals are simply pretending to be the opposite gender to one they were assigned at birth. They claim “men” have a biological advantage over “women” and that transgender women make it unfair to “real women”.

Anti-trans advocates point to the likes of former NCAA swimmer Lia Thomas. Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA title. In 2022, she won the women’s 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA National Swimming Championships. In response, pro-trans defenders point to literally every other race and event where a cisgender person beat a transgender person. Furthermore, the issue recently made headlines once again. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing at any educational institution that received federal funding.

Brittney Griner Calls Trans Exclusion “A Crime”

WNBA veteran Brittney Griner spoke to the media on Friday as part of the Phoenix Mercury’s training camp. The press conference was also part of a launch of a campaign between the Mercury and the Bring Our Families Home campaign. Bring Our Families Home seeks to help free American political prisoners held overseas. Griner was recently freed after spending nine months in a Russian jail on drug charges. Furthermore, her imprisonment, which occurred days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was widely seen as a political detention.

Griner, who is a cisgender woman, has long been an advocate for the rights of transgender athletes. When asked about the recently passed House bill, Griner said that she “definitely will be speaking up against that legislation and that [trans ban] law expected to be passed.” Continuing, Griner said “Everyone deserves the right to play. I think it’s a crime to separate someone for any reason.” While not segregated because of her gender, Griner has experience on what it is like to be yourself. Identifying as lesbian, Griner was reportedly told by her college coach Kim Mulkey to not be openly gay while on her Baylor Bears squad.

[via]

RAP Act Reintroduced In Congress, Aims To Ban Use Of Lyrics As Court Evidence

by

The Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act was a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress in July of last year. Just when we thought it was going nowhere, two congressmen reintroduced the bill and brought it back to national attention. Moreover, the bill aims to protect artists whose lyrics are wrongfully used to determine their verdict in a court case. Democrats Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman also participated in a livestream hosted by the Recording Academy with various First Amendment advocates fighting for free speech. Furthermore, these included the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), SAG-AFTRA, the Black Music Collective, and others.

Of course, the most present example of lyrics as evidence is currently the RICO trial of Young Thug and YSL as a whole. Prosecutors used various lyrics to paint the crew as a criminal gang, which Gunna supported through statements when he took his Alford plea. Since 2020, over 500 criminal cases involved prosecutors using an artist’s lyrics against them as evidence. With this in mind, the RAP Act would add a presumption to the Federal Rules of Evidence that would limit the ability to present said artistic expression against them in court.

RAP Act Returns To Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson speak during Grammys On The Hill: Advocacy Day on April 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

To elaborate, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, who co-founded BMAC and acts as its chair, gave low-profile examples of this bill’s necessity. One of these is the case of Derek Foster, who the court convicted in 1991 and who used a rap verse in his notebook against him, even though the notebook did not relate as evidence to his charges. Another case he mentioned was that of Jonair Tyreece Moore. Prosecutors gained permission to show 20 minutes of rap videos, which the court found irrelevant to his charges. Moreover, the prosecution intended to “show his knowledge of drug distribution and his motive for engaging in it.”

Of course, many believe that this is a lost cause already. However, if more prominent figures in hip-hop and beyond support it, a continuous fight for these rights until they see recognition could follow. Until then, courts may continue to subvert and warp artistic expression in lieu of hard evidence to land innocent artists in prison. Regardless of your take, come back to HNHH for the latest on the RAP Act and other news in the hip-hop world.

[via]

Carolyn Bryant, Emmett Till’s Accuser, Dies

by

On August 28 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till was murdered in Sunflower County, Mississippi. His killers, Roy Bryant and J.W. Millam, lynched Till because Bryant’s wife Carolyn had claimed Till had made sexual advances towards her.

The case was a flashpoint in the civil rights movement, especially after Bryant and Millam were acquitted by a jury. They later sold their confession to a magazine under double jeopardy protection. Till’s lynching has gone down in history as a stark example of the vile way that Black individuals were treated in the Southern United States during the Jim Crow era. However, in a bitter reminder that racial injustice is still alive and well today, memorials to Till have often been defaced and destroyed.

Carolyn Bryant Dead At 88

Carolyn Bryant’s allegations towards Emmett Till are what led to his murder. According to Bryant, who was 21 in 1955, Till wolf-whistled at her from outside the grocery store she and her husband owned. During her husband’s murder trial, Bryant also alleged that Till had entered the store and made sexual advances toward her. However, historian Timothy Tyson claims that Bryant said in a 2008 interview with him that her testimony in the 1955 trial was false. This claim has been corroborated by Till’s cousin and other witnesses. Roy Bryant found out about the alleged harassment from a friend who spent time at the store. Carolyn claimed not to have told him because she was afraid that he would assault Till.

Bryant and Millam were found not guilty of the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. However, they would confess to the murder in a magazine interview in 1956. In 2022, an unserved warrant for Carolyn Bryant was found by the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Furthermore, Bryant’s autobiography, I Am More Than A Wolf Whistle, was leaked to news outlets in 2022. It had been given to the University of North Carolina to release in 2036. Outlets are now reporting that Bryant, now Carolyn Bryant Donham, has died at the age of 88. There’s little to say about the woman, other than she caused the death of a 14-year-old boy. May God have mercy on her soul, because it will find little mercy left on this mortal coil.

[via]

Fat Joe Wants To Fix Healthcare Prices

by

Fat Joe is normally one to let folks know to pay what it cost. As he infamously said in a viral Instagram video, “Yesterday’s price is not today’s price!” However, he has a different perspective when it comes to healthcare. Earlier this week the Terror Squad ring leader tapped a few of his rap contemporaries to do something about unfair hospital pricing. Joe’s linking up with Busta Rhymes, French Montana, and Rick Ross to perform in Washington D.C. to raise awareness for more transparency in hospital billing.

Additionally, Fat Joe is partnering with Power to the Patients to put the event together. Joe’s worked with the organization that targets and helps with hidden healthcare fees, before and even starred in a public service announcement they released last year. Not only that, the Don Cartagena spoke about the need for healthcare reform and his decision to work with Power to the Patients in a statement from The Hills In The Know. He told the outlet, “Our healthcare systems need comprehensive reform and I remain committed to using my platform to work alongside Power to the Patients and give a voice to the voiceless.” Moreover, Fat Joe spoke on the need for more transparency from healthcare providers so patients can get a transparent understanding of the cost of their medical bills.

Fat Joe Is A Man Of The People

Recently, TMZ caught up with the “Lean Back” rapper as he made his way to Capitol Hill. The gossip blog documented Fat Joe’s speech as he addressed the congregation as a proud Bronx native. The rapper gave credit to his borough and his community saying it protected him. Along with that, he also made note that the people within his community both Black and Brown oftentimes don’t have their voices heard. He compared their cries to a “dog howling at the moon.” Later he mentions that it’s the Black and Brown people that are affected the most when it comes to unfair healthcare pricing.

Fat Joe is stepping up and wants his community to know that they have someone in their corner to fight for their rights, their health, and their families. How can you not love this guy? Lastly, during the tail end of his speech, Joe shed light on the difference between a compliant hospital and a non-compliant hospital. He said, “When a read the bill for a compliant hospital, you see what you get.” Joe continued, “A non-compliant hospital will give you the bill and the math is all mumbo jumbo.” It’s dope to see celebrities taking a stand for the little guy. What do you think about current healthcare prices? Let us know below!

[Via]

Don Lemon Seen Smiling Despite CNN Firing

by

Don Lemon was recently fired by CNN, although the reason for his firing has not been made clear. However, in the past few months, Lemon had been reprimanded for comments about Nikki Haley. Moreover, leaked text messages alleged that Lemon wasn’t the easiest person to work with. Either way, he is now out of the network, and he will need to seek employment elsewhere. That said, it doesn’t seem like he is all that pressed about his current predicament.

According to TMZ, Don Lemon and his partner Tim Malone were at the Time100 Gala last night. The gala took place at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Additionally, throughout the evening, Lemon appeared to be having a great time. Overall, he was seen mingling with guests and was all smiles the whole time. Although, this was certainly not the case on the day of his firing as he took some massive shots at the CNN bosses.

Don Lemon Is Doing Just Fine

Don Lemon
Don Lemon and Tim Malone attend 2023 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” Don Lemon wrote. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”

CNN eventually came back with a response of its own, noting that Don Lemon was given the chance to speak to management. Although, he refused to do so. Either way, there is no doubt that this is an ongoing situation that will continue to breed new details. Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the world.

[Via]

Tucker Carlson Breaks His Silence After Fox News Firing

by

Tucker Carlson became one of the biggest stories of the entire week. Overall, this is due to the fact that he was fired from Fox News on Monday. According to reports, this all has to do with the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit that cost the network $787 million. Although Fox has yet to give an exact reason, it seems clear that Tucker’s reporting and leaked text messages had a lot to do with his dismissal. Subsequently, his critics and his viewers have been wondering what his next move will be.

Well, it seems like Tucker Carlson is trying to get himself some sort of new show. We know this because he took to Twitter last night with a message from his at-home studio. Overall, Carlson had a lot to say about the two-party system in American politics. In fact, he made the case that it is basically just one giant party. Moreover, he said that most debates on television are not substantive. However, he certainly has a part to blame in all of that. Either way, it feels like he is saying this because he wants to do his own independent show.

Tucker Carlson Seems To Be Positioning Himself For A New Role

“One of the first things you realize, when you step outside the noise for a few days, is how many genuinely nice people there are in this country and decent people who really care about what’s true,” Carlson said. “The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are. They’re completely irrelevant. They mean nothing. In five years we won’t even remember that we had them. Trust me, as someone who’s participated.”

For now, the old folks who turn on Fox News after their episodes of Jeopardy are over will just have to sit tight. We’re sure the network will find his replacement soon enough. They were able to replace Bill O’Reilly, and they will definitely be able to do the same with Tucker. For now, no green M&M is safe, even with Carlson off the airwaves.

Disney Sues Ron DeSantis

by

The battle between Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and entertainment behemoth Disney is one of the stranger political stories of the year. DeSantis, a vocal anti-LGBTQ advocate, has taken offense in recent months to the perceived “liberal indoctrination” of children at the hands of Disney. This is a common right-wing talking point that claims Disney is “grooming” children by being accepting of LGBTQ individuals.

DeSantis first took aim at Disney by creating a governor-appointed board that would control the specially exempt land Disney’s Florida theme park sits on. Disney responded by nullifying that board’s power in an 11th-hour agreement with the outgoing board. DeSantis responded by introducing legislation that would stymie Disney, while also making comments he might build a prison next door. Well, now Disney is hitting back once again

Disney Sues DeSantis On First Amendment Grounds

Disney’s latest move is to straight-up sue DeSantis in federal court. In a filing to the District Court of the Northern District of Florida, Disney is suing the governor for a “targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech.” Furthermore, Disney claims that they have been “forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment.” Disney’s suit also stated that it was suing because it had the resources to. “a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.”

So what does this all mean? In short, Disney is suing DeSantis over the First Amendment. The claim is that Disney is allowed to say what they want without fear of retribution from the government. That’s because “the government can’t punish me for criticizing the government” is literally the First Amendment. Since DeSantis is actively targeting Disney for its views, he is violating the First Amendment. The move is not great for DeSantis, who at one time looked like a 2024 Presidential frontrunner. But now he’s watching his hypothetical polling numbers crater while being labeled as the guy fighting Disney. DeSantis, who is currently in Japan, is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

[via]

John Legend Wants Men To Take A Stand For Women’s Rights

by

John Legend has never been one to not speak his mind. From his Twitter rants about former president Donald Trump to even his estranged friendship with Ye, the singer wants all the smoke. In recent years, Legend has been enjoying fatherhood, and putting out great music (so other guys can become fathers too). However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t take the time to discuss politics and world issues.

The legendary singer recently sat with Time 100 and shared his thoughts regarding reproductive rights and other parts of being pro-choice. “We have to speak up for reproductive rights, absolutely,” John legend responds as cheers from the crowd rained down. The “Ordinary People” singer went on to say, “It’s not a pro-life agenda, it’s a pro-control over women’s reproductive choices agenda.” Additionally, Legend is referring to the Dobbs decision, which deems there is no constitutional right to abortion. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been more motions to limit women’s reproductive rights.

John Legend Gets Real About Women’s Reproductive Rights

“I think America, now that the Dobbs decision has come down, is realizing the level of control and authoritarianism that would be required to implement the so-called ‘pro-life’ agenda,” John Legend responds. Additionally Legend notes, “It’s trying to take America back to an era where women didn’t have autonomy or didn’t have control over their economic decisions and of course, their body.” He adds, “When you talk about miscarriages and late-term abortions, often, they’re the same thing.” John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen have had many difficulties when it comes to childbirth, which is understandable as to why Legend takes such a stance.

Legend’s wife shared last year that a miscarriage she had in 2020 was actually a late-term abortion needed to save her life. This prompted the interviewer to ask about what role men need to play in protecting those rights. The singer continues, “These conversations are life or death for these women.” “30 weeks. 35 weeks. When they have to make these wrenching decisions.” Legend shares. “It is the hardest decision they’ll make.” He notes how traumatic, painful, and harrowing the process is. These types of decisions aren’t easy to make for anyone, it’s great to see John Legend using his platform to shed light on what men need to do to support reproductive rights. Check out the rest of the interview and let HNHH know your thoughts on women’s rights.

[Via]