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Mark Block, former chief of staff to Republican 2012 presidential candidate Herman Cain, says that a total of $884.38 was given in his name and without his knowledge between May and October.

The “Flow Joe” rapper made the admission after revealing in a July 2023 interview that he once weighed in at 470 pounds.

The three-part docuseries is based on a 2022 Vanity Fair article by Evgenia Peretz.

Eleven months after the zoo sent its three wildly popular pandas — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji — back to China, a new pair of bears arrived in the United States on Tuesday.

Indictments against eight terrorists arrested during the investigation were set to be filed later in the day.

The Yankees are in their Taylor Swift era.

The Amazins are back in the Flushing groove.

Defunct Sauti Sol's Sol Generation Records has announced a new opening for artists between the ages of 18 and 35  to join the labels' program dubbed Press Play 2.0, a comprehensive artist development program aimed at empowering and upskilling youth from marginalized peri-urban areas across Kenya. Announcing the opportunity Sol Generation CEO, William Nanjero revealed the auditions for the program have already begun. "We invite young creatives from Kakamega, Nairobi, and Mombasa to be part of this transformative journey. The callout phase has already begun. The program will focus on inclusivity and provide comprehensive support to 250 aspiring creatives in Kakamega, Nairobi, and Mombasa." Nanjero says. He goes on to add, "The Press Play 2.0 journey will begin in Kakamega, where we will engage with local youth through auditions and preparatory activities. We will then move to Mombasa to provide the same opportunities to aspiring creatives in the coastal region. The final stop for the first phase will be Nairobi, where we will complete the audition process." Press Play 2.0 is an evolution of the original Press Play program, which previously focused on empowering female artists from East Africa. According to Nanjero, Press Play 2.0 is the second phase of the program which has expanded its impact by targeting a diverse group of participants, with a focus on 70 percent female and 30 percent male creatives. "In addition to nurturing musical talent, the program aims to empower young people from marginalized communities by providing pathways to financial independence and cultural impact," he adds. Successful candidates from each region will then move on to the masterclass and mentorship phase, where they will receive intensive training and support to hone their skills. Whereas the Press Play program focused on empowering female artists across East Africa, culminating in the production of 2 EPs that showcased the artistry and growth of six female artists, Press Play 2.0 will expand its scoop to include music production, songwriting, instrumental and vocal performances. The program will run for one year featuring workshops and mentorship sessions, writing camps, and music creation activities.

Top filmmakers Phil Karanja of Phil-it Productions and Kenneth Ambani are in the United States as part of the American Film Showcase Fellow 2024 cohort.  The two Kenyans are among other notable African filmmakers and film industry leaders invited to the US for an exchange program with their Hollywood counterparts. "We are learning a lot, networking, getting a picture of what the future looks like while also getting tremendous validation that our film in Kenya is heading in the right direction. We are not there yet but we are on track. " Phil says. The team has so far visited the Universal Studios ahead of attending the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia. This initiative is part of a broader U.S. State Department effort to support the creative economy in Africa and facilitate collaborative exchanges between the U.S. and African film industries. Excited about his latest milestone, Karanja took to social media to share clips from his tour with the caption, "Hollywood, it's been a long time coming. The American Film Showcase (AFS), in partnership with U.S. embassies, continues to promote cultural exchange through cinema by showcasing American films internationally and organizing filmmaker exchanges. These initiatives are designed to foster deeper connections between American and international filmmakers, providing opportunities for creative collaboration and professional growth. AFS has also expanded its program to include opportunities for international filmmakers to visit the U.S. and participate in residencies, film festivals, and workshops, providing them with valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, including producers, mentors, and distributors. Recently, AFS hosted a week-long professional training program in Los Angeles for key figures in the African animation industry. The 14 participants were directors of the Disney+ animated sci-fi anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a series that gained significant popularity after being screened in four African countries in partnership with U.S. embassies. The success of the anthology has already resulted in two of its directors being nominated for the prestigious Annie Awards, further spotlighting African talent on the global stage. Phil Director, as he is popularly known, has made a name for himself in the murky waters of the African film industry, co-directing TV shows like The Real House Helps of Kawangware, Mother in Law, Tahidi High, before delving into high-profile Netflix movies like Click Click Bang. On the other hand, Ken Ambani rose to fame with the TV show Tausi in the early noughties followed by other shows like Maisha, Noose of Gold, Block D, Wingu la Moto, Cobra Squad, Mali, Tusker Milli na Marafiki game show, Makutano Junction, Nairobi Law, Siri, Shuga ll, Jacob's Cross, Sumu, Twisted, Nuru among others.

Notable African fashion designers, music producers, and photographers were recently hosted in Epernay, France for a cross-cultural exchange in honor of Champagne Day 2024. Moët & Chandon invited the creatives, including Thebe Magugu (South Africa), Banke Kuku (Nigeria), Aisha Ayensu (Ghana), Youssra Nichane (Morocco), and fashion photographer Lyra Aoko (Kenya), to explore the brand's heritage, artistry and savoir-faire. The immersion provided an emotional and cultural exchange underpinned by the brand's heritage. Ms. Nichane, the founder of Dihyan Jewelry, notes that she was deeply inspired by the Memories of Tomorrow exhibition, where signature pieces created by the embroidery artisans of the Baqué Molinié atelier showcased the rich heritage and savoir-faire of the Champagne brand. "The Maison was a standout moment for me. It was a true reflection of where craftsmanship meets history. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the artistry involved but also reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional techniques in modern design," said Ms. Nichane. Thebe also drew parallels between his work as a designer and the artistry behind the brand. "It's a meticulous and calculated process, this idea of showing our culture respectfully, and I think Moët does the same - to perfect the centuries-old process of creating Moët takes a level of respect, know-how, and talent," he noted. Mahine Sef, a Cameroonian photographer, videographer, and music producer, noted the complementary differences between French and African craftsmanship. "Both cultures share a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to excellence. However, the French approach often emphasizes refinement and precision, while African craftsmanship celebrates boldness and storytelling." Sef observed Kenyan photographer Ms. Aoko agreed with Sef, saying the similarities are rooted in a sense of community, a shared passion for food, and the pride both cultures take in their work. "Both are loud and proud in expressing their heritage through art. But the differences are in the approach. The French have centuries of experience with a more structured system, which lends a refined touch to their craftsmanship. In contrast, African artisans often work with limited resources, which pushes their creativity to new heights and tends to be more vibrant and colorful." Ms Aoko shared. The emersion took place just days before the celebration of the upcoming Champagne Day in 8 countries in Africa, including Kenya.