::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

  Statement from Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the Reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act WASHINGTON  — Today, President Trump signed into law legislation that reauthorizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program through December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2025.  “AGOA for the 21st century must demand more from our trading partners and yield more market access for U.S. businesses, farmers, and ranchers to build upon the benefits it has historically provided to Africa and the United States,” said  Ambassador Greer . “We must also make sure that the program enhances U.S.-Africa trade and will work with Congress over the next year to modernize the program to align with President Trump’s America First Trade Policy.”  In the coming days, USTR will work with relevant agencies to give effect to any modifications made to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States as a result of the le...

WASHINGTON (Slice News) — Rep. Joyce Beatty , a Democrat from Ohio and a member of the Kennedy Center’s board, is condemning President Donald Trump’s planned closure of the venue, saying the administration failed to properly consult Congress on a decision involving a federally funded institution. The POTUS stated the many "experts" agree that the building thatbhe called "dilapodated" needs inprovments.  While the building has an outdated interior , there are no obvious physical signs it has fallen apart as hus deaription suggests. In a statement released Monday, Beatty said the president should have sought congressional input before announcing plans to shut down the landmark cultural faciloty for renovations. Construction, funding and major operational decisions at the Kennedy Center fall under congressional oversight, she noted, given the federal government’s role in establishing and supporting the institution. “The Kennedy Center belongs to the American people...

  By Mona Austin The recent protest inside Cities Church in Minnesota has exposed a racially polarized response in the nation. America has not demonstrated equal energy, empathy or interest when Black churches have been disrupted or parishioners have been killed. This incongruent outrage reveals how religious freedom and other aspects of the First Amendment is extended to various groups may be inadequate. On Jan. 18, protestesters loudly entered a service at Cities Curch with thier hands and voices raised. They shouted about the shamefulness of a place of worship condoning the ICE occupation in the area. Such action in pr3diminantly wgute houses of wotship is unprecedented. Black churches have been the primary targets of racial terror , yet the public response to those attacks has rarely matched the intensity now seen when a predominantly white church experiences disruption . For more than two centuries, Black churches have endured bombings, arson, raids, and intimidation—fro...

  ADAM LAMBERT, BILLY PORTER, CHARLIE PUTH, FOO FIGHTERS, JENNIFER HUDSON, JOHN LEGEND, KESHA, LAUFEY, MAGGIE ROGERS, TAYLOR MOMSEN, AND TEDDY SWIMS AMONG ARTISTS SLATED TO PERFORM AT TRIBUTE CONCERT, WITH A SPECIAL DJ SET BY JERMAINE DUPRI SANTA MONICA, CALIF.  — Grammy ®  Award-winning artists Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, and Laufey, along with Grammy-nominated artists Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers, and Teddy Swims, as well as record-breaking frontwoman Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless, will perform at the 2026 MusiCares ®  Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Mariah Carey — music icon, five-time Grammy Award winner and a recipient of the Recording Academy Global Impact Award in 2024. The evening will open with a special curated DJ set by Grammy Award winner Jermaine Dupri. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, celebrating Carey’s storied career and philanthropic...

  Al Pacino remains unattached despite swirling rumors that he secretly tied the knot. Page Six can confirm exclusively that the legendary “Godfather” star, now 85, is not married. Speculation began after Pacino was spotted wearing a gold band on his wedding finger, prompting fans to wonder if he had finally walked down the aisle. His representative quickly set the record straight, telling us on Saturday: “Al is not married.” The Oscar winner fueled the chatter when he appeared at the premiere of Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest blockbuster, One Battle After Another , on Thursday, where the ring caught the attention of eagle‑eyed attendees. 📌 Pacino’s Relationship History Although Pacino has never wed, his personal life has been filled with notable romances: Diane Keaton – His Godfather co‑star, with whom he had a long, on‑again, off‑again relationship. Beverly D’Angelo – Actress and mother of his twins, Anton and Olivia. Jill Clayburgh – Acclaimed actress he dated in the 1970s. Tue...