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Tuesday, October 29, 2019

WATCH: Antonio Moore on uncomfortable truths about ‘Harriet’ film and Comcast

Antonio Moore’s new commentary video series on theGrio discusses economics, politics, and wealth, encouraging us to see news of the day in a whole new way.

In this episode, Antonio Moore discusses the new film, Harriet, Comcast, The Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the dots that connect them.  Here’s the background:

  • On November 12th, a racial discrimination case involving Comcast and Charter Communications will be heard in The Supreme Court.
  • Media mogul, Byron Allen (owner of Entertainment Studios, The Weather Channel and theGrio), alleges the companies were specifically in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracting.
  • Due to an amicus brief filed by Comcast, the case has gone from being about Allen’s racial discrimination allegations, to challenging the entire The Civil Rights Act of 1866 as we know it.  According to legal experts, Comcast’s interpretation of the law would require plaintiffs to prove discrimination was 100 percent the reason they were denied business or contracts.

READ MORE: Various civil rights organizations criticize Comcast move in discrimination case

Moore says it’s ironic that Comcast is attacking the Civil Rights Act of 1866, while at the same time, one of its subsidiaries through NBC Universal, Focus Features, is putting out the film Harriet starring British actress Cynthia Erivo.

“I personally made my own questions… of [Erivo’s] disparaging comments about African-Americans” says Moore, referring to past tweets of Erivo’s, which have raised eyebrows.

READ MORE: British actress Cynthia Erivo faces ‘Harriet’ backlash due to past tweets mocking Black Americans

“But right now, we’re having the issue about the economics and business behind it all. And what we’re looking at is Harriet Tubman—who was in her 60’s or 70’s when the Civil Rights Act of ’66 has passed—who was there pushing for rights for all Black folks friends of Frederick Douglas, is basically being sold by the same company [and] commercialized by the same company that is attacking a Civil Rights Act of 1866.”

Moore also reveals that ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery) has called for a boycott of the Harriet film. He says many members feel it is a tragedy that as African-Americans they can’t support a film about one of our great icons.

“We have to be real about the rights that are present in front of us,” says Moore. “That are being trampled upon and trying to be taken back and the consequence of that. Do we understand the consequence of no longer being able to use Civil Rights Act that sets out the first framework for anyone that’s non-white to do contracting?

READ MORE: New Jersey NAACP chapter cancels screening of ‘Harriet’ to take stand in Comcast battle

In New Jersey, an ADOS member joined the local NAACP chapter and explained the Comcast lawsuit to the president. They canceled their screenings.

“Many times what happens with these films, African-American films, is that the model for promotion is right around a week before it to screen them with churches and civil rights organizations like the NAACP, ADOS chapters, Urban League. And what happens is that creates the promotional energy for the film. Well, if you have a lawsuit in the Supreme Court attacking a civil rights act less than a month away, you don’t deserve that support.”

Watch Moore’s full video commentary above and hit us in the comments below. 


Commentary submissions in our Opinion section reflect the thoughts and views of writers, and are independent from theGrio newsroom.  Pitches for editorials can be submitted to contributor@thegrio.com.

 

 

The post WATCH: Antonio Moore on uncomfortable truths about ‘Harriet’ film and Comcast appeared first on theGrio.



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12 Best Gaming Headsets for PS4, Xbox, PC, and Switch

We picked the best gaming headsets for every budget and gaming system—PS4, Xbox, Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile.

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The next presidential debate to be held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta

The next presidential debate will be held at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta Georgia; a 330-acre site formerly owned by the Confederacy and now singularly owned by a Black man.

READ MORE: Oprah, Beyoncé, more attend Tyler Perry star-studded gala for studio opening

“Democratic Debate site is set: [Tyler Perry Studios] is a model for Georgia’s vibrant film industry, an engaged corporate citizen and an exceptional location for our #DemDebate. Looking forward to welcoming the candidates to Georgia on November 20,” former Democratic contender for governor Stacey Abrams tweeted.

Abrams has fought against unequal standards for counting provisional and absentee ballots in Georgia. At issue, thousands of registrations were cancelled for Georgians who did not vote in recent elections and that in some polling places, people had to stand in line for hours.

This key topic along with many others will surely top the list of questions pitched to candidates in the running for the Democratic nomination to run against Donald Trump in 2020.

READ MORE: Tyler Perry officially unveils the first Black owned studio

Perry built a new $250 million, 330-acre studio in Atlanta on a former Army base called Fort McPherson, which is south of downtown Atlanta. He purchased the land in 2015. It’s considered one of the largest production studios in the country with 12 sound stages, 40 buildings on-site that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more than 200 acres of green space.

Get ready to tune in to the debate Nov. 20 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET. The moderators are reportedly Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports”; NBC News’ White House correspondent Kristen Welker, and White House reporter for The Washington Post, Ashley Parker.

It will be hosted by The Washington Post and MSNBC.

The post The next presidential debate to be held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta appeared first on theGrio.



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Close friend of Rep. Elijah Cummings explains epic shade delivered to Mitch McConnell at memorial

Bobby Rankin, a close friend of Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) made waves last week for the snub that was seen around the globe when he refused to shake Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s hand.

And for Rankin, the shade he delivered to McConnell was a personal one dedicated to his brother, Jerry.

“I could not put my hands in the man’s hand who refused to help somebody who served his country,” Rankin said in an interview with the Washington Post, published Monday. “I couldn’t do it, because I was thinking about my brother.”

Rankin, who served as a pallbearer at Cummings funeral, explained that his brother Jerry was a Marine who had been sick for the last 10 years and died from cancer last October after coming in contact with contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Rankin explained that even though his brother bravely fought for his country, he couldn’t receive veterans benefits before he died.

Rankin, 64, lays that blame squarely on McConnell and the Republican party.

“Elijah Cummings reached across party lines trying to help my brother get his military benefits, and Mitch McConnell was one of the persons he reached out to,” said Rankin to the Washington Post.

“When I saw Mitch McConnell, all I saw was my brother.”

McConnell’s office did not respond to the outlet’s request for an explanation.

A woman on Twitter posted the viral moment which widely made its rounds on social media.

The viral video had many people praising Rankin, saying his reaction was for “all of us”.

Said another user: “So #priceless I’ve watched it around 10 times already and it’s always as good as when I watched it the first time.”

READ MORE: Elijah Cummings’ widow rumored to run for his Congressional seat

We’re so here for a good, old-fashioned shade of epic proportions. We salute you Mr. Rankin for standing your ground.

The post Close friend of Rep. Elijah Cummings explains epic shade delivered to Mitch McConnell at memorial appeared first on theGrio.



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LeBron James Teams Up With Disney+ to Stream His New Docuseries ‘Becoming’

Michele Obama is not the only one who is becoming. According to Deadline, LeBron James has made a deal with Disney’s new streaming channel to produce a docuseries titled Becoming.

Disney+ has ordered an initial 10 episodes of the seriesOriginally created for Disney XD by ESPN Films, Becoming was spawned from the Becoming pilot that aired in 2014 and told the story of James’ meteoric rise to the top. The revamped docuseries will be made in collaboration with ESPN and feature athletes, musicians, actors, and other celebrities as they visit their hometowns and show how their upbringings and their environments shaped them into who they are today. A few of the featured subjects are Anthony Davis, Caleb McLaughlin, Candace Parker, and Nick Cannon.

Becoming is produced in conjunction with LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron from SpringHill Entertainment. They will also collaborate with Spoke Studios executive producers Brent Montgomery and Joe Weinstock in addition to Jordana Hochman and Rebecca Bruno, executive producers for ITV America.

Disney+ will launch in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands on Nov. 12, followed a week later with rollouts in Australia and New Zealand on Nov. 19. Along with their massive library of content, Disney+ will feature original Star Wars, Marvel Studios, Pixar, National Geographic and, of course, other Disney films and projects.

This is another notch in the belt of LeBron James’ ever-expanding media empire. He recently announced a major business venture with his business partner, Maverick Carter, to launch a Nike sneaker and e-commerce store. They were responsible for producing The Shop, which initially aired on the company’s website before HBO picked the series up in August 2018. In addition, the Los Angeles Laker player recently released his 17th signature shoe with Nike. He is currently playing in his second season for the Los Angeles Lakers in a quest for another NBA championship.



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HBO's 'His Dark Materials' Is a Smart Pragmatic Adaptation

The show promises to engage with the ambiguities of truth and knowledge, and (please!) maybe even give some backstory on the charming, enigmatic Mrs. Coulter.

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Reverend Run’s son Jojo Simmons marries his longtime love

The son of Reverend Run, Jojo Simmons, tied the knot this past weekend to his longtime love Tanice Amira.

READ MORE: ‘Growing up Hip-Hop’ castmates Vanessa Simmons and Tee Tee Francis talk new season and personal projects

“Tanice and I have been together for a long time and have a beautiful daughter,” JoJo, 30, told PEOPLE. “We always knew it would be forever and this was the perfect time to make it official. Surrounded by our family and closest friends. I’ve never been happier to be able to call her my wife.”

The two have been an item for the past nine years and share a 3-year-old child together. They wed on Sunday at The Legacy Castle in New Jersey.

Simmons’ famous siblings, his sisters — Vanessa, 36, and Angela, 32, were on hand for the ceremony as well as his younger brother Diggy, 24.

“Beautiful Day with my beautiful family 👑✨ Head to toe in @bashparis,” Vanessa shared on Instagram.

 

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Beautiful Day with my beautiful family 👑✨ Head to toe in @bashparis

A post shared by Vanessa Simmons (@vanessajsimmons) on

“Raising a young king 👑 My brother is getting married today 🥰😁☺️,” Angela shared along with a pic posing with her son Sutton Joseph. “@mrrobbiesuits thank you for our suits !!!! 🥰😍”

 

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Raising a young king 👑 My brother is getting married today 🥰😁☺️ @mrrobbiesuits thank you for our suits !!!! 🥰😍

A post shared by Angela Simmons (@angelasimmons) on

Amira was dolled up and beautifully outfitted in mermaid-style dress designed by Jean-Ralph Thurin. The men looked dapper in suits made by 9Tailors.

While it was an extraordinary day for the couple, they did take to Instagram Stories to apologize for not being able to invite everyone out for their special day.

“To all my family and friends, my sincerest apologies to those who I have not been able to extend invites to my wedding ceremony due to reaching my limit with the venue,” JoJo wrote. “It saddens me to not have the room filled with all the people Tanice and I both love in attendance. I hope you all understand.”

You catch catch their union on an upcoming episode of Growing Up Hip Hop, which premieres on Dec. 5, on WE tv.

The post Reverend Run’s son Jojo Simmons marries his longtime love appeared first on theGrio.



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Gospel artist Kirk Franklin says he’s boycotting Dove Awards

By KRISTIN M. HALL Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Grammy-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin says he’s boycotting the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards after they edited out part of his acceptance speech earlier this month in which he called for prayers after a police shooting in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.

Franklin posted a Facebook video on Monday that said he would no longer attend events associated with the Dove Awards, GMA or Trinity Broadcasting Network “until tangible plans are put into place to protect and champion diversity.” The 50th annual awards show was held in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 15 and aired on Oct. 20 on TBN.

“Not only did they edit my speech, they edited the African American experience,” Franklin said.

The GMA said in a statement that they are “deeply apologetic” and said it was not their “intent to disregard or silence any of our artists.”

This is not the first time Franklin has criticized the show for editing his statements. In 2016 on the Dove Awards stage, he spoke about police brutality and urged other Christian artists to speak out about racial injustice, but that speech was also edited when it later aired on TBN.

This year, he referenced a police shooting that had happened just a few days earlier that caused outrage and calls for police accountability.

“A young girl by the name of Atatiana Jefferson was shot and killed in her home by a policeman and I am just asking that we send up prayers for her family and for his, and asking that we send up prayers for that 8-year-old little boy that saw that tragedy,” Franklin said after winning gospel artist of the year.

GMA’s statement said that due to the broadcast window, they had to significantly edit the show down to two hours.

“We accept the responsibility of our error,” the statement said. “Although completely unintentional it caused great harm and deeply wounded many in the African American and gospel community.”

The statement said they have reached out to Franklin to discuss solutions moving forward.

The post Gospel artist Kirk Franklin says he’s boycotting Dove Awards appeared first on theGrio.



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Kid Cudi apologizes on social media to the women he’s wronged in the past

Kid Cudi took to social media to mend fences with the women he’s hurt in the past.

READ MORE: Kid Cudi and Kenya Barris partner for adult animated music series ‘Entergalactic’

On Friday, the Kids See Ghosts rapper had a moment of clarity, and apologized to ex-girlfriends and blamed himself for relationship failures. He said it was all part of his growth process and now he knows better.

“U can’t be in love w someone until u love yourself,” he wrote. “It took me years to learn that.”

“I apologize to all my girlfriends in my 20s and early 30s I let down and treated like sh*t because I wasn’t right,” he said.

Cudi also offered his fans a word of inspiration.

“To anyone who’s still dealin’ w/ things, know that u will be ok and u will find a way to the light.”

Cudi has admitted before that he has dealt with anxiety and depression. His admission sparked a national conversation on mental health, especially for Black men, inspiring the hashtag where Black men ask each other #YouGoodMan?

“My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it,” Kid Cudi wrote on Facebook previously in speaking out about his struggles with his mental health. “I cant make new friends because of it. I [don’t] trust anyone because of it and [I’m] tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling.”

READ MORE: Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones will executive produce and star in new Netflix series ‘Black Excellence’

We’re glad that he’s clearing the air and making way for success, especially since partnering up with Kenya Barris for a new series.

Barris and Kid Cudi are teaming up to bring a new adult, animated music series entitled Entergalactic to Netflix.

The show will be based on the Grammy-award winning artist’s upcoming album of the same name, being released by Republic Records.

The post Kid Cudi apologizes on social media to the women he’s wronged in the past appeared first on theGrio.



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Mark Zuckerberg Needs to Shut Up

Opinion: Since 2017, nearly every time the Facebook CEO has tried to sound thoughtful, he sounds unprepared, shallow, and full of hubris. Time to zip it.

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Google's .New Shortcuts Are Now for Everyone

Want to start a playlist, make a dinner reservation, or post code to Github? Try something .new

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Warren Targets ‘Revolving Door’ Between Government and Tech

Warren's latest plan would prohibit large companies from hiring senior government employees right out of office—and she comes out swinging against Facebook.

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In Chicago, Trump calls the city an embarrassment to the US, says Jussie Smollett had a ‘scam’

By AAMER MADHANI and DON BABWIN Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Visiting Chicago for the first time as president, Donald Trump disparaged the city Monday as a haven for criminals that is “embarrassing to us as a nation.” The city’s top cop sat out Trump’s speech to protest the president’s immigration policies and frequently divisive rhetoric.

“There is one person who is not here today,” Trump told a friendly audience at a conference of police chiefs. “Where is he? I want to talk to him. In fact, more than anyone else, this person should be here because maybe he could learn something, and that’s the superintendent of the Chicago Police, Eddie Johnson.”

Johnson’s decision to boycott the event angered the city’s chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, which said in a Facebook post that “such a gesture would be an insult to both President Trump and the office of the presidency itself and would be a mark of disgrace upon the city throughout the entire nation, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot.”

But the Democratic mayor and Illinois’ Democratic governor stood in solidarity with Johnson, who announced days before the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference that he would not attend.

“This is the land of Lincoln and when you come to the state of Illinois you should respect all the people who live here in the state of Illinois,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Lightfoot also refused to meet with Trump, and said on Twitter that she supports Johnson.
“It’s no surprise that @realDonaldTrump brought his insulting, ignorant buffoonery to Chicago,” the mayor tweeted. “Luckily, in this city, we know the truth and we will not let anyone — no matter how high the office — denigrate who we are as a people or our status as a welcoming city.”

“Rather than belittle Chicago’s communities with hateful and dishonest rhetoric, he needs to go back to D.C. and face his fate,” Lightfoot said, apparently referring to the House impeachment inquiry against the president.

Trump has frequently criticized Chicago for its crime problems and status as a sanctuary city , one of scores of cities around the country that refuse to work with federal authorities to round up people who are living in the U.S. illegally.

At a news conference later Monday, Johnson said Trump had ignored a “double digit” reduction in violent crime in the city over the past three years.

Trump has long held up the nation’s third-largest city as the poster child of urban violence and dysfunctional Democratic politics.

At one point in the address, Trump turned his daily complaint about the impeachment inquiry into a swipe at “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who authorities say fabricated a claim about being attacked by Trump supporters in Chicago earlier this year.

“You have the case of this wise guy Jussie Smollett … and he said MAGA country did it,” Trump said, using the acronym for his “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan. “It’s a real big scam, just like the impeachment of your president is a scam.”

The FOP Lodge 7, which represents rank-and-file Chicago police officers, announced that it had cast a vote of no confidence in Johnson. The union’s president, Kevin Graham, was first to greet Trump on the tarmac of O’Hare International Airport, after he landed in the city.
In the speech, Trump rattled off Chicago crime statistics and claimed that Johnson puts the needs of people living in the U.S. illegally above those of law-abiding residents of Chicago. “Those are his values and frankly those values to me are a disgrace,” Trump said. “I want Eddie Johnson to change his values and to change them fast.”

During the conference, Trump signed an executive order creating a presidential commission on law enforcement to study issues like substance abuse, homelessness and mental illness. The president also announced that the Justice Department will begin a “surge” to crack down on violent crime in the United States, targeting gang members and drug traffickers in high-crime areas.

Johnson, meanwhile, is under internal investigation after he was found sleeping in a city-owned vehicle earlier this month. Lightfoot said Johnson, who called for the investigation, told her he had “a couple of drinks with dinner” before he fell asleep at a stop sign while driving home. Johnson blamed the episode on a change in his blood pressure medication.
While in Chicago, Trump headlined a campaign luncheon at his hotel in the city, raising approximately $4 million for a joint fundraising committee benefiting Trump’s reelection effort and the Republican National Committee, according to the GOP.

Thousands of demonstrators rallied outside the hotel, waving colorful signs that said “Impeach Trump Now” and “Quid Pro Quo Trump Must Go.” They also shouted chants such as “Lock him up” and “Trump must go.”

Some said they came to protest out of a fear for the country they have never felt before.
“It will take decades to put things back in place,” said Caroline Mooney, a 61-year-old marketing analyst from the Chicago suburb of Tinley Park.

“If something doesn’t happen next November, we may not recover,” said her friend Steve Schaibley, who drove 2-1/2 hours from Livingston County.

The gathering was mostly peaceful. But two people were taken into custody after apparently attacking a man waving a Trump flag. The Trump supporter was bloodied but did not appear to have been seriously injured.
___
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville in Washington and Michael Balsamo in Chicago contributed to this report.

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South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki points to consistency

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki says squad consistency is important as he names the 25 players for November's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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Google Nest Mini Review: Better Sound, Same Cheap Price

The new version of Google's budget smart speaker packs improved sound and onboard machine learning.

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Dwyane Wade and Rick Ross Drop Limited Edition ‘Way of Wade’ Sneaker

Three-time NBA Champion Dwyane Wade is collaborating with hip-hop heavyweight William Leonard Roberts Jr., better known as Rick Ross, on a new sneaker to continue the legacy of the Way of Wade sneaker line.

The retired Miami Heat legend hooks up with the Maybach Music Group mogul on a two-shoe collection that celebrates and commemorates their success and collective impact on the city of Miami. The duo designed new colorways of the Way Of Wade 7 (WOW7) performance shoe and the lifestyle-focused Essence Ace II silhouette.

The Way Of Wade 7 is a black, purple, and gold reimagining of Wade’s seventh signature shoe. The performance basketball sneaker features a removable/replaceable crown that wraps along the midsole and heel, a nod to the artwork of Ross’ critically acclaimed album, Rather You Than Me. The Essence Ace II has a tonal red upper utilizing premium materials, such as reptile suede, tumbled leather, and reflective hits donning gold “Rick Ross” tags on each toe box, and co-branded logos throughout.

The collection, both on limited runs, is currently available for sale. The WOW7 is priced at $300 with the Ace II priced at $200. Both shoes are ready to be purchased online at www.wayofwade.com and locally in Miami at The Edition Boutique.

Way of Wade is more than a sportswear brand, it is a unique collaboration between Wade and Li-Ming, launched in 2012. Since then, Way of Wade has developed seven iterations of Wade’s high-performance basketball sneakers and created a fashion and lifestyle division that has grown with each year. The brand is a direct reflection of Wade’s passions and values, but the team runs a bit deeper. There is a roster of Way of Wade athletes competing at the highest levels, hand-picked by Wade himself.

Wade is a retired three-time NBA Champion (2006, 2012, and 2013) and 12-time All-Star selection. In 2006, three years after first joining the Heat as the No. 5 overall draft pick, he led the team to Miami’s first-ever NBA Championship and was named MVP of the Finals. In 2012 and 2013, Dwyane won his second and third NBA Championships. In 2004, he created the Wade’s World Foundation, which provides support to various educational, health, and family service programs, in particular, those that benefit underserved communities in Miami and his hometown of Chicago. In 2011, Wade was appointed to President Obama’s Fatherhood Task Force. In September 2012, he became a New York Times best-selling author, with the release of his first book, A FATHER FIRST: How My Life Became Bigger than Basketball.



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The Shady Cryptocurrency Boom on the Post-Soviet Frontier

Dodgy energy deals, loose regulation, and dubious characters—with links to the Hillary Clinton email hackers—are fueling a burgeoning crypto industry that could provide an end run around US sanctions.

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Bees, Please: Stop Dying in Your Martian Simulator

Future space colonists will need pollinators to grow food on the moon and Mars. But first scientists need to figure out how to keep them alive.

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Algerian giants USM Alger face uncertain future with owner in jail

Defending Algerian champions USM Alger are facing an uncertain future with the club's owner in jail facing fraud and money laundering charges.

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Meet the people of Tamba

Giovanni Hänninen says the portraits he shot in Tambacounda, Senegal "represent everyone's history".

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