The Czech National Museum's new virtual reality exhibition, Steps of Progress, is facing criticism for promoting tobacco use by featuring historic figures in scenes that reference smoking without any warnings about the health risks. The exhibit, which opened on July 1, allows visitors to explore a digital journey through time, but its lack of cautionary messaging has sparked concerns among critics and public health advocates.
Ellie Goulding's Heartbreak Album Teased with New Music
7.21.25
Ellie Goulding has teased her new album, which is expected to feature "saddest words" she's ever written, as she moves on from her ex-husband Caspar Jopling. The singer, who separated from Jopling in February last year and now co-parents their five-year-old son Arthur with him, hinted that her recent relationship woes may be reflected in the music. She has been working on the album for a long time and is confident it will be fans' new favorite, promising "guitars, bass, strings, harmonies" and unique songwriting.
Halsey Teases New Album After Divorce from Caspar Jopling
7.21.25
Halsey has hinted at her upcoming album, which she claims features the "saddest words" she's ever written, as part of her healing journey after separating from her husband Caspar Jopling in February.
South Korean President Lee will meet Tony-winning musical writer Hue Park this week. The musical "Lyric Pieces" has been performed in Australia and Singapore, maintaining its popularity even in the screen age. The ensemble from "Wicked" performed a song called "What is This Feeling". The production's creators have received multiple awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Grammys.
The New Faces showcase highlights emerging talent in comedy, featuring performers such as Alistair Ogden and Anjelica Scannura, who are part of the Stand Ups category. The show also features character performers like Jesus Sepulveda and Lara Ricote, while creators like Evan Mulrooney and Jazz Emu are recognized for their innovative work. Additionally, writers Tai Leclaire, Tova Diker, and Zavior Phillips are featured in the New Faces: Writers category, with their original scripts being brought to life through live table reads.
Thailand and China are celebrating their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with a series of cultural exchange events. At a recent ceremony in Bangkok, DIMOO, a popular character from Chinese artist Ayan Deng's creation POP MART, was awarded the honorary title "Special Friend of Thailand-China Golden Jubilee". The limited-edition figure features a culturally blended design, drawing inspiration from Thai national symbols, and was unveiled alongside an animation short. The event marked a significant milestone in the growing popularity of art toys as a bridge between the two cultures, with POP MART's first store in Bangkok attracting over 1,000 fans on opening day.
Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara' Brings Coastal Karnataka to Life
7.21.25
Rishab Shetty's upcoming film Kantara Chapter 1 is described as "not just cinema, but a divine force" by its director and actor. The film, set in coastal Karnataka, explores belief, culture, and spiritual traditions. A behind-the-scenes video released by Hombale Films showcases the production's scale and highlights the spiritual intensity driving the movie. Shetty reflects on the three-year journey, crediting his faith as a guiding force despite challenges.
Skokie is seeking public input on what features should be included in a newly acquired park, located along the Channel in Skokie, IL, stretching from Oakton Street to Howard Street. The community is being asked to participate in an online survey to help determine the park's design and amenities.
The Oddities and Curiosities Expo offers unique experiences, including a day-long taxidermy class hosted by The Sleeping Sirens, where guests can learn to create their own full-sized mounts using sustainably sourced specimens that have died of natural causes. In addition to taxidermy, attendees can also participate in an insect pinning class.