By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER

NEW YORK (AP) — A graphic designer testified Wednesday that she was so traumatized after Sean “Diddy” Combs held her over a 17th-floor apartment balcony that she sometimes screamed in her sleep afterward.

Bryana ‘Bana’ Bongolan, 33, a friend of Combs’ former longtime girlfriend Cassie, said the 2016 assault at Cassie’s Los Angeles apartment caused a bruise on the back of her leg, along with back and neck pain. It also left her emotionally scarred, she told the jury.

“I have night terrors and paranoia and I would scream in my sleep sometimes,” said Bongolan, a creative and marketing director who runs her own art agency.

Her testimony came in the fourth week of evidence presentation by prosecutors as they seek to prove that Combs oversaw a racketeering organization composed of his employees and associates as he physically and sexually abused women for two decades.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and other charges that, if convicted, could send him to prison for 15 years to life.

Bongolan is the latest woman to testify that the hip-hop mogul acted violently toward her and Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who already testified for four days about the abuse she incurred. Other witnesses described seeing him physically abusing women.

Cassie testified that she saw Combs bring one of her friends back over the railing of a balcony at her apartment in the early morning.

Cassie said she was asleep in her room when she awoke to the episode.

“I saw him bring her back over the railing of the balcony and then throw her onto the patio furniture,” Cassie testified.

When Bongolan recalled the attack, she said Combs barged into Cassie’s apartment, lifted her up and put her on the rail. She said she feared that she would plummet to her death as she pushed back against Combs.

“I was scared to fall,” she said. Combs was yelling at her throughout the ordeal, Bongolan said, estimating he held her over the railing for 10 to 15 seconds.

She said Combs then threw her onto balcony furniture. Adrenaline helped her power through the ordeal, Bongolan said. She recalled getting up immediately after being thrown down.

Bongolan said Cassie, who was sleeping in the bedroom, then came out and asked Combs: “Did you just hang her over the balcony?” Told that Bongolan’s ex-girlfriend was also in the apartment, Combs swiftly left, Bongolan said.

Bongolan said she has lasting effects from Combs assaulting her.

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“I have nightmares and I have a lot of paranoia and I used to scream a lot in my sleep, but it’s dissipated a little bit,” she testified.

Part of her paranoia, she said, includes opening doors carefully and peeking into rooms before going inside, and she added that she had a nightmare as recently as a few days ago.

Bongolan said Combs gave her drugs on three or four occasions, including ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and G, a substance she understood was the depressant GHB.

She said she also did drugs about once a week with Cassie when Combs wasn’t around.

Bongolan, testifying in response to a subpoena from prosecutors, was granted immunity after she initially said she would refuse to answer questions and invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. She was at least the third witness given immunity to testify.

Darts, a Dakota County nonprofit that provides social services for adults 55 and older, appointed the fifth president in its 51-year history this week.

Mike Lavin was announced as the new president of Dakota County aging service provider DARTS on June 2, 2025. Lavin is the successor to Ann Bailey, who held the role for 10 years and will retire July 1, 2025. (Courtesy of DARTS)

Mike Lavin stepped into the role of president on Monday, adding West St. Paul to the list of Dakota County communities he’s served.

“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such deep roots in the community,” Lavin said in a news release from the nonprofit. “I am committed to continuing to build on the mission and values of DARTS as we maintain our dedication to older adults and caregivers.”

Prior to his appointment at Darts, Lavin spent some 30 years with YMCA of Greater St. Paul and YMCA of the North, taking on roles including senior director of childcare, vice president of operations and senior vice president of product growth, according to LinkedIn.

Lavin also served as executive director for YMCA locations in Eagan and Hastings, where he helped to establish youth sports leagues.

During his tenure with the Y, Lavin also helped create ForeverWell, a program that offers group exercise classes and social events for older adults. The program is now offered at YMCAs nationwide, according to the release.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and current Hastings resident, Lavin first began with Darts as a volunteer. He and his wife, Laurie Lavin, spent the last 10 years doing volunteer yardwork for the nonprofit.

Filling shoes?

For the past 10 years, Darts was led by Ann Bailey.

Darts former president Ann Bailey at the nonprofit’s offices in West St. Paul on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Bailey will retire on July 1 after 10 years as president of the aging services organization. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

Also a former Wisconsinite, Bailey learned of Darts in 2002 when her father was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.

A unique trajectory, Bailey went from a caregiver receiving Darts services to a financial donor, then board member before being appointed president in June 2015.

RELATED: Ann Bailey offers advice, reflects on 10 years in Dakota County aging services

Under her leadership, the nonprofit introduced new programs and served thousands as it expanded its services to all of Dakota County and now includes southern Washington County and southern Ramsey County.

In a recent conversation with the Pioneer Press, Bailey shared her hopes for her successor.

“A lot of times people say, ‘Who will fill your shoes?’ I don’t want them to fill it. I want them to pick up the pair next to mine and walk their own path.”

Bailey will officially retire from the organization July 1.

“With a deep commitment to values and purpose-driven leadership, the board and I are confident that Mike is a good fit for Darts and Darts is a good fit for Mike,” Michele Engdahl, chair of the board of directors, said in the release. “We look forward to him continuing the legacy of excellence that Ann has built.”

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By Linda Gassenheimer, Tribune News Service

Here’s a burger with an Italian touch. Tender, ground white meat chicken patties are generously topped with fragrant, rich pesto sauce and nestled between slices of rustic Italian Ciabatta bread. The traditional pesto is made with a blend of fresh basil, aromatic garlic, toasted pine nuts, premium olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This vibrant sauce is readily available in jars at your local supermarket.

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The Ciabatta bread, hailing from the Veneto region in Italy, boasts a light, airy texture with large, soft air pockets, perfectly complementing the burger with its delicate crunch. It’s easily found at most grocery stores. For a quick and refreshing side, pair your burger with a simple coleslaw made from ready-to-eat fresh coleslaw mix available in the produce section.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Be sure to look for ground white meat chicken breast.

Any type of thick bread can be used instead of ciabatta bread.

Once the burger is in the skillet, do not move it for 4 minutes to allow it to form a crust.

COUNTDOWN:

Prepare ingredients.

Saute burger.

While burger sautes, make coleslaw.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 3/4 pound ground chicken breast, 1 small container pesto sauce, 1 package ciabatta bread (4 slices needed), 1 can olive oil spray, 1 medium tomato, 1 small head lettuce, 1 bag washed, ready-to-eat coleslaw mix.

Staples: olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.

Pesto Chicken Burger

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

3/4 ground chicken breast
4 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce, divided use
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 slices ciabatta
Olive oil spray
1 medium sliced tomato
2 lettuce leaves

Add ground chicken to a bowl with 2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce. Mix well to blend the two together. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Shape into burgers about 4 inches round and 1/2- inch thick. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully move the burgers into the skillet. A simple way to do this is with a wide metal spatula. Saute burgers for 4 minutes. Do not move the burgers until the 4 minutes are up. Turn the burgers over and saute another 4 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165 to 170 degrees.

Meanwhile, spray cut sides of ciabatta with olive oil spray and toast in a toaster oven or under the broiler. Place cooked chicken burgers on cut side of 2 breads. Spoon remaining 2 tablespoons pesto sauce on top of each burger. Place 1 tomato slice on top of pesto sauce. Cover the tomato with lettuce leaves. Close with top of roll and serve.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 511 calories (43 percent from fat), 24.4 g fat (3.8 g saturated, 11.4 g monounsaturated), 131 mg cholesterol, 47.9 g protein, 29.2 g carbohydrates, 3.6 g fiber, 655 mg sodium.

Quick Coleslaw

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

2 cups washed, ready-to-eat coleslaw mix
1/4 cup reduced fat salad dressing

Add coleslaw mix to a bowl with the dressing. Toss well to combine all ingredients. Divide in half and serve with the burgers.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 41 calories (44 percent from fat), 2.0 g fat (0.2 g saturated, 0.7 g monounsaturated), 2 mg cholesterol, 1.0 g protein, 5.4 g carbohydrates, 1.8 g fiber, 22 mg sodium.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN, AP Business Writer

Labubu, the plush toy from China’s Pop Mart is a social media darling, but the toothy little monsters are far from an overnight success. Having appeared a decade ago, Labubus may have finally cemented their place in the collectible toy market for years to come.

The Labubu, by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, first appeared with pointed ears and pointy teeth, in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015.

In 2019 Lung struck a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell Labubu figurines. But it wasn’t until Pop Mart started selling Labubu plush toys on key rings in 2023 that the toothy monsters suddenly seemed to be everywhere, including in the hands of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and NBA star Dillon Brooks. K-pop singer Lisa of Blackpink began posting images of hers for her more than 100 million followers on Instagram and on TikTok, where Labubu pandemonium has broken out.

There are 1.4 million #Labubu TikTok posts and counting, videos of fans unboxing them, showing styles inspired by them, and of course, Labubu cosplay.

Fans have latched on to Labubu’s mashup of play and fashion, making them accessories on handbags, backpacks and belts, or hanging them from car mirrors.

“The character has evolved into a collectible and style symbol, resonating with fans who connect with its quirky aesthetic and unique backstory,” Emily Brough, Popmart’s head of IP licensing in the Americas, said.

Labubu has been a bonanza for Pop Mart. Its revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan ($1.81 billion), thanks in part to its elvish monster. Revenue from Pop Mart’s plush toys soared more than 1,200% in 2024, nearly 22% of its overall revenue, according to the company’s annual report.

Aside from their ability to pique the interest of toy aficionados and fashionistas, Labubu latched on to the blind box phenomenon, where the purchaser doesn’t know exactly which version of the plush toy they’ll get.

And Pop Mart made sure there is a Labubu for everyone, regardless of income. Most are priced in a wide rage between $20 and $300, with certain collaborations or limited editions priced higher, according to Brough.

Unlike many toys, Labubu devotees include a large number of adults. Buyers ages 18 and over drove a year-over-year increase of more than $800 million in the U.S. toy market in 2024, according to market research firm Circana. Adult shoppers, mostly female, bought the toys for themselves. In 2025’s first quarter, toy sales for those ages 18 and over rose 12% from the prior-year period. At $1.8 billion, adults also accounted for the highest spending among all age groups in the quarter.

Like many retailers, Pop Mart is actively monitoring negotiations between the U.S. and just about every one of its trading partners as prices may be impacted. The situation with China is at the forefront, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that the country “violated” an agreement with the United States on trade talks.

Right now Pop Mart, whose products are manufactured across Asia, says that it is continuously scaling production and expanding distribution across its online shop, retail stores and blind box vending machines to meet increasing demand.

Short supply has led to long lines at stores and at least one physical fight at a shopping center in the United Kingdom. Pop Mart said in an Instagram post late last month that it was temporarily suspending all in-store and blind box machine sales in the U.K. Peter Shipman, head of Europe, said in a Facebook post that the company is currently working on a new method to distribute toys to stores.

Resellers have become problematic and many Labubu fans are still willing to pay exorbitant price markups.

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Kena Flynn was at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles recently when she stumbled upon some Labubus being sold at a kiosk. Flynn said in a TikTok on Sunday that the prices were “really bad,” but her boyfriend bought two anyway.

“At a certain point, you can’t buy them,” Flynn said in her video. “I just want a Labubu and I cannot buy one from Pop Mart, so here we are.”

Looking to keep up with the overwhelming demand, Pop Mart says it’s on track for 50 more retail locations in the U.S. by the end of the year. That’ll give shoppers more chances to hunt for Labubus, as Pop Mart says it’s planning multiple new Labubu releases tied to seasonal moments and holidays throughout the rest of the year.