In Paris, the august body of the Académie Française met to elect successors to fill the chairs made vacant by the deaths of Frédédric Masson, Pierre Loti, Charles de Freycinet.* Balloting resulted in the election of : Émile Picard, member of the Academy of Science and professor of mathematics at the Sorbonne; Albert Besnard, Director of the Académie des Beaux Arts, best known artist in France; Georges Lecomte, journalist, author, playwright, historian, critic — literary handy man.

This Halloween, parties are likely to be smaller and trick-or-treaters more scarce, but in a bright spot for the Halloween industry, young people are just as enthusiastic about celebrating and dressing up as ever. Fewer adults across several key demographics, including generation, political party affiliation, income bracket and community, said they plan to attend Halloween parties this year compared to the share who said they attended last year, with one important exception: Generation Z.

- The government has banned use of shisha tobacco smoking in Kenya effective immediately and anyone found enjoying the water-pipe tobacco will be punished - Through a legal notice published on Thursday, December 28, the government declared that no person shall import, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, use, advertise, promote or distribute shisha in Kenya - The notice states that any person who contravenes any provisions of these rules may be liable to the penalty contemplated under section 163 of the Act

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has ordered all civil servants on grade level 12 and below to stay back at home for a period of 5 weeks in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. Yemi-Esan’s directive followed the recommendations by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 led by the Secretary of General of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha. In a circular on Tuesday, the HoS said the directive takes effect from Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

Beenie Man Is Very Much Alive — and Ready for the Next Verzuz Battle By Nakeisha CampbellUpdated May 21 2020, 5:29 p.m. ET Source: TwitterMany people in the West Indian community are aware of the reggae legend that is Beenie Man (Anthony Davis). With his many hits and his international fame, he's still lauded as one of the most influential Jamaican artists in the music industry.  It explains why the Grammy-winning artist is now making headlines with his upcoming Verzuz battle, which has fans beyond excited.