Culture

Hollywood - Federal agents seized voting records from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday following what officials described as “formal requests for transparency” from the White House. The unexpected action came just days after the conclusion of the 98th Academy Awards, where controversy has grown around the Best Actress category.

LONDON — A team of investigative reporters says newly examined documents connected to the records surrounding convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein have provided unexpected clues that may help identify the elusive street artist known as Banksy.

ATLANTA — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrived at the Georgia Elections Center late Sunday evening wearing a striking sheer blue gown. The occasion, reportedly linked to a federal inspection of election security protocols, quickly drew national attention both for its operational significance and its unusual optics.

WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, marked Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday with a private observance at the vice presidential residence, according to a statement released by the Office of the Vice President. The commemoration included a reflective program and a symbolic meal described as a fusion dish combining traditional gefilte fish with paneer.

New York - Rapper and fashion designer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, published a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal this weekend, publicly apologizing for his prior support of former President Donald Trump. The ad, which appeared in the Monday print edition, was signed simply “Ye” and spanned nearly the entire A-section page, containing a plain-text statement on a white background.

Washington, D.C. — The projected cost of the new White House State Ballroom has surged far beyond initial estimates as global gold prices hit unprecedented levels, raising fresh questions about the feasibility of President Trump’s plan to furnish the space with gold-covered fixtures and décor.

Gold prices have climbed to historic highs in early 2026, with spot bullion trading above $4,800 per ounce amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty, making precious metals exceptionally expensive for construction and luxury uses.

ATLANTA — Thousands of Georgians gathered Monday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of reflection, celebration, and community engagement. In recognition of the national holiday, Stone Mountain Park offered free admission, drawing families, tourists, and local residents to enjoy a range of activities and historical exhibits.

Washington, DC -- In a New Year’s Eve celebration that blended politics, performance, and showmanship, the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosted a festive puppet show that drew an enthusiastic--albeit tiny--audience despite ongoing controversy surrounding the venue’s rebranding earlier this year.

Washington, D.C. — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Friday that she and her husband are expecting their second child. Leavitt, 28, shared the news in a social media post, revealing that the couple’s baby girl is due in May 2026.

In a last-minute editorial shift that drew attention across the media landscape, 60 Minutes decided to replace its scheduled investigation on Venezuelan deportations with a cultural segment examining the historical accuracy of Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film, The Odyssey.