Rare books
Franklin-founded Philadelphia library receives 1,500 books on sexuality
The Library Company of Philadelphia has been given volumes dating back to the 17th century, according to a report cited in the source bundle
Culture news
Read the latest verified Culture news on BetaVoices, with related events, figures, and place-driven context.
This section currently has 82 approved stories, with the latest update on Jun 23, 2026.
Abbott Elementary
Abuse allegations
Afghanistan War
Aging
Album releases
Albums
Alesha Dixon
Amadeus
Amazon MGM Studios
American Independence 250
Philadelphia
United Kingdom
Decades
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Chipping Norton
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Stream
- Consumer protection StubHub UK customers to get refunds over hidden ticket fees The UK competition regulator fined StubHub International £900,000 after finding unavoidable charges were added late in some ticket purchases
- Theater Jim Parsons says Rose’s mom role drew him to ‘Titaníque In a CBS News segment, Parsons discussed the Celine Dion-driven Titanic parody, its LGBTQ+ resonance and the cast behind it
- Classical Music New Mozart Notebook Includes Seven Previously Unknown Works A report says the find documents the composer’s lessons with a student and adds seven compositions to the known Mozart record
Welsh cinema
Welsh-language film Effi o Blaenau reaches UK cinemas after early acclaim
Marc Evans’ adaptation of Iphigenia in Splott moves the story from Cardiff to Blaenau Ffestiniog, following a young woman facing unemployment and isolation
Music
Jack Savoretti says new album leans into ‘the afternoon of life
Twenty years after his debut, the singer says family, grief and moving to Oxfordshire shaped a record that reached No. 2 in the UK albums chart
Reader callout
Taylor Swift Fans Asked to Share What Her Wedding Means to Them
The New York Times Arts desk is seeking reflections from fans about the years they have spent following Swift and their feelings about her big day
Midyear TV
A quieter TV year still has standouts at the halfway mark
A midyear critics’ roundup points to fewer breakout hits, with “Widow’s Bay” emerging as a surprise and “The Comeback” among the returning favorites
Streaming theater
Jessie Buckley, Liza Minnelli Tribute Lead Theater Streaming Picks
A new theater-streaming roundup highlights a National Theater staging of Shakespeare, Matthew López’s “The Inheritance” and a tribute to Liza Minnelli
Obituary
Investigative journalist Roger Cook dies aged 83
The New Zealand-born broadcaster, best known for ITV’s The Cook Report, was remembered for a confrontational style that shaped television investigations
Music reunion
Mis-Teeq reunite for Wembley show marking 25 years of debut album
The UK garage-era trio will play London’s Wembley Arena in September, with Alesha Dixon saying the comeback began in the group chat
France
Patrick Bruel placed under formal investigation for rape
The French singer and actor denies the allegations and was released under judicial supervision after two days in custody in Nanterre
Strictly Come Dancing
Dani Dyer to return to Strictly after ankle injury forced exit
The TV personality is the second celebrity named for the show’s 24th series, which is expected to begin in September
Celebrity news
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater split after nearly three years
The Wicked co-stars reportedly separated quietly several months ago, with a source telling People the decision was amicable
Theater
Emma Dante’s Theater Turns to Sicily, Grief and Family
A New York Times Arts report highlights how the Italian playwright and director has drawn on her mother’s death, Sicilian roots and the contradictions of family life
Idris Elba: 'Don't try to make James Bond woke'
The British star also said some audiences would not accept a black male actor playing 007.
TV watch
Every Year After’ leads this week’s TV watchlist
The Carley Fortune adaptation is among the week’s highlighted arrivals, alongside the return of “Below Deck Mediterranean
Arts
Frida Kahlo Trove Goes on View in Restored Mexico City Museum
Dolores Olmedo, a major patron of Diego Rivera who reportedly saw Kahlo as a rival, bought 26 of Kahlo’s artworks — described as the largest such collection
Culture Brief
New York Hip-Hop Rallies Around the Knicks’ Finals Moment
A New York Times Arts report frames the team’s N.B.A. Finals run as a citywide music-and-basketball moment, stretching from veteran voices to newer artists
Music tributes
Stormzy among stars mourning Talay Riley after London stabbing
The 35-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, died after a double stabbing in Silvertown as police continue to appeal for footage
Film
Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Turn YouTube Horror Into Box-Office Force
Young directors Kane Parsons and Curry Barker brought online fan bases to theatres, giving Hollywood a fresh test case for low-cost horror and Gen Z moviegoing
Tourette’s awareness
John Davidson cuts work hours after Tourette’s film brings global attention
The Galashiels campaigner says the Bafta-winning film I Swear has prompted hundreds of people worldwide to contact him about Tourette’s syndrome
Tony Awards
Pink Hosts as ‘Schmigadoon!’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’ Lead the 2026 Tonys
The Radio City Music Hall ceremony delivered major wins for “Schmigadoon!,” “Liberation,” “Ragtime” and “Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman,’ plus standout musical and comic moments
Employment tribunal
Sacked BBC journalist Sean McGinty loses tribunal case
The former BBC Radio Lancashire presenter and producer challenged his dismissal over X posts, arguing his conduct was linked to ADHD and severe anxiety
Entertainment
Owain Rhys Davies, Twin Peaks actor, dies at 44
The Cardiff-born performer, known for playing Agent Wilson in the 2017 Twin Peaks revival, was remembered by family and Welsh arts figures
Television
Hoyt Richards discusses HBO’s ‘Bring Me the Beauties’ and leaving a cult
The former model is tied to a new three-part HBO docuseries, “Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult,” that centers the subject of cult escape
Honours
Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean honoured at Windsor Castle
King Charles presented honours to figures from screen, sport and comedy, including Dame Meera Syal and Chuckle Brothers performer Paul Elliott
Movies
Shannon Elizabeth Looks Back at Her Y2K ‘Hot Girl’ Image
A New York Times Arts profile frames the actor’s early fame through films including “American Pie” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Books
Philippa Perry turns to cosy crime with South Downs mystery
The psychotherapist and author has set her debut crime novel, Shrink Solves Murder, around the landscape she has called home for more than 25 years
Culture Watch
New ‘Amadeus’ Adaptation Revives Composer Biopic Tradition
A New York Times Arts guide frames Peter Shaffer’s classic alongside a lineage of fantastical, extravagant movies about composers
Pop culture
How viral dance routines became part of pop’s rollout
Choreographers behind routines for PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson say the dances that travel fastest often feel simple, communal and unforced
British LGBT Awards
Boy George receives lifetime achievement honour at LGBT Awards
Jean Paul Gaultier surprised the Culture Club singer with the award at a central London ceremony, where Boy George also won music artist of the year
Late night TV
Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ takes over CBS late-night slot
The nearly 20-year-old comedy show will air two episodes weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET after “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” ends
Reality TV welfare
MAFS UK faces new scrutiny as insiders allege ‘toxic’ culture
Former workers told the BBC that producers focused heavily on contestants’ sex lives and engineered conflict, claims the production company disputes as Channel 4 reviews welfare standards
Film review
NYT Review Calls ‘Pressure’ a Dull D-Day Weather Drama
The World War II film is described as focusing on competing forecasts in the tense period before the Allied invasion
Reality TV
Judd Winick revisits ‘The Real World: San Francisco’ in CBS interview
The former MTV cast member spoke with CBS Mornings’ Vladimir Duthiers about appearing on the 1994 reality series and its audition process
Television
Race Across the World’s Jo and Kush brace for ‘very tense’ finale
The Liverpool childhood friends, the youngest pair in the BBC series, have become viewer favourites as the 12,000km race heads for its final leg in Mongolia
Copyright lawsuit
Peanuts’ music owner sues Interior Department, companies over song use
Lee Mendelson Film Productions says Vince Guaraldi’s famous music was used without permission in social posts and a 2025 video game
Television
BBC names Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as new Strictly hosts
The trio will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, making the next series the first with three permanent presenters
Opera
Washington National Opera Plans Five-Opera Season Across the Region
The company’s next season will feature full-length productions at houses around the Washington area, according to a brief report summarizing the announcement
Music
Drake turns Iceman into a triple-album surprise
The Toronto rapper released Iceman at midnight alongside Habibti and Maid of Honour, a 43-song drop that followed fireworks, a CN Tower spectacle and a livestream watched by hundreds of thousands
Comedy
Lisa Ann Walter Turns Her Career Surge Toward Stand-Up
The “Abbott Elementary” and “Parent Trap” actor is returning to live comedy during what a source summary describes as a midcareer renaissance
Film casting
Amazon MGM says search for next James Bond is underway
The studio says it will not comment on specific casting details yet, while reported contenders include Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson
Film & TV
Harry and Meghan to produce Afghan war film for Netflix
Archewell is developing a feature adaptation of Maj Adam Jowett’s No Way Out, about British troops defending a compound in Musa Qala in 2006
Music
Drake turns CN Tower icy blue for Iceman album rollout
The Toronto rapper used a YouTube livestream, waterfront fireworks and city landmarks to mark the release of his ninth album, along with two surprise projects
Music
Drake drops three albums, revisits Kendrick Lamar feud
Iceman arrives alongside Habibti and Maid of Honour, a 43-track release with Central Cee, 21 Savage and PARTYNEXTDOOR among its collaborators
Music
Bonnie Tyler stable but seriously ill after emergency surgery in Portugal
A spokesman said doctors remain positive the 74-year-old Welsh singer will make a full recovery after intestinal surgery in Faro
Obituary
Ted Turner, CNN founder and cable news pioneer, dies at 87
Turner built a media empire that included CNN, TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies, owned Atlanta sports teams and became a major philanthropist
Music and courts
Lizzo says new album is coming as legal fight continues
In a CBS Mornings interview, the singer said her album Bitch is due June 5 and reiterated that she will not settle the lawsuit filed by former dancers
Tony Awards Nominations 2026: The Complete List
Nominations for the 79th Tony Awards were announced on Tuesday. Here’s who made the list.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas residency, says health is improving
The 80-year-old country star said immune and digestive issues, along with chronic kidney stones, have left her short of being ready for the stage
Copyright lawsuit
Five Publishers and Scott Turow Sue Meta and Zuckerberg
The class-action case accuses Meta and its founder and chief executive of infringing authors’ copyrights, according to a New York Times summary
Arts
Morgan Library exhibition looks beyond Mozart’s legend
The New York show explores Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through early compositions, personal objects, manuscripts, letters and instruments connected to his work
Design
Professor Wins Bauhaus Bathroom Contest for Gropius House
The competition centered on creating a public restroom for the historic Gropius House, turning a practical visitor need into a design commission tied to a modernist landmark
Met Gala 2026
Met Gala returns with ‘Fashion is Art’ theme and star co-chairs
The annual Costume Institute fundraiser takes over the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, with Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour among its co-chairs
Rare Documents
Ken Griffin Acquires Second Original Printing of the Constitution
The privately purchased document is expected to go on view in New York for the 250th anniversary of American independence
Hollyoaks storyline 'devastating but important'
In the Channel 4 soap, Diane Hutchinson is dealing with a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
Reality TV
Eliminated ‘Survivor 50’ juror talks vote-off and major twist
A spoiler-marked video segment says the fifth jury member from Wednesday’s episode discussed the elimination and a twist that could affect this season’s outcome
Court brief
D4vd appears in Los Angeles court as prosecutors outline murder case
Prosecutors presented a timeline and new details in the case involving Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The musician has pleaded not guilty
Public art
Banksy confirms central London statue is his work
The sculpture of a suited man stepping off a plinth with a flag over his face appeared at Waterloo Place and has drawn growing crowds
Constance Zimmer’s podcast puts women’s aging stories at the center
Talk 50 to Me,” which Zimmer co-hosts, features women in their 50s discussing the realities of midlife and aging in their own words
Civil case follows 2023 murder charge
Tupac Shakur’s family files wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles
The civil suit names Duane “Keefe D” Davis as the main defendant and seeks to identify alleged co-conspirators in the rapper’s 1996 killing
Film review
The Devil Wears Prada 2 brings back the cast, but review says the story wears thin
CBC critic Jackson Weaver says the sequel reunites Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci while trading the original’s sharper edge for nostalgia and glossy comfort viewing
Film
The Devil Wears Prada 2 returns to Runway with sharper looks and thinner stakes
CBC critic Jackson Weaver says the sequel reunites Hathaway, Streep, Blunt and Tucci but leans on nostalgia while sketching a broad crisis for fashion media
Music
Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Ronettes Member, Dies at 80
Ross sang with cousins Ronnie and Estelle Bennett in the 1960s trio behind “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain
Broadway
Megan Thee Stallion to Exit ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Earlier Than Planned
The rapper’s final Broadway performance is set for Friday, with no reason given by the production for the shortened run
Cult film
Heavy Metal Parking Lot’ Endures as a 17-Minute Rock Snapshot
The VHS-era documentary captured fans outside a Judas Priest show and became a beloved artifact for a generation of rock listeners
Theater
Lost Boys’ Musical Review Sees Style, Spectacle and a Second-Act Drop
A critical summary of the Broadway adaptation points to strong ’80s rocker aesthetics and oversized stagecraft, with momentum fading later in the show
Reiner family killings
Jake Reiner describes ‘living nightmare’ after parents’ killings
Rob and Michele Reiner’s eldest son wrote that his world collapsed after learning they had been stabbed to death; his brother Nick has pleaded not guilty to murder
Lawsuit
Cascio Siblings Sue Michael Jackson Estate, Alleging Abuse
The siblings, described as part of Jackson’s “second family,” had stood by him for years while he faced accusations of child molestation
Bernstein’s Wall’ Frames Leonard Bernstein Through Art’s Unifying Power
Douglas Tirola’s documentary centers on the composer and conductor’s belief that art can lift people up and bring them together
Opera funding
Saudi Offer Worth Up to $200 Million Withdrawn From the Met
The proposed arrangement would have offered a major financial lift to the Metropolitan Opera, which has faced a series of financial setbacks
Five streaming horror picks point to rogue animals, robots and deadly play
The available source summary frames this month’s horror choices around five films with offbeat threats, including a mad monkey, a boundary-pushing robot and a bloodthirsty playground
Riz Ahmed Takes On James Bond and Hamlet in New Projects
The British actor of South Asian descent is stepping into two roles long associated with white performers, according to a New York Times Arts summary
Workplace allegations
MrBeast’s company sued by former employee over harassment claims
Lorrayne Mavromatis alleges sexual harassment, gender bias and retaliation after pregnancy-related leave. Beast Industries says the claims are false and denies wrongdoing
Top Chef’ Is Being Noted for a Gentler Competitive Edge
More than 20 seasons into its run, the cooking series is being framed as taking a more humane approach to a high-pressure restaurant world
New York retrial
Harvey Weinstein’s New York rape retrial opens with focus on 2013 hotel encounter
The pared-down trial centers on Jessica Mann’s allegation after an overturned conviction and a later jury deadlock left the Manhattan rape charge unresolved
Employment tribunal
Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije withdraws claims involving Dan Walker
ITN and Channel 5 agreed an undisclosed payment to resolve the tribunal matter, with no admission of liability, after denying the claims in full
Music
Paul Weller readies BBC live album with Billie Eilish cover
The former Jam frontman says family listening helped lead him to cover “What Was I Made For?” as Weller At The BBC Volume 2 arrives Friday
Culture & Generations
When Coachella Stops Feeling Like It’s For You
Justin Trudeau’s festival appearance reignites the question: is there an age when music festivals lose their appeal—or just their dignity?
10 Must-See Films at Hot Docs 2026
From zombie origins to Myspace nostalgia, this year’s festival lineup offers bold stories from around the world