https://www.voanews.com/z/602 arts-and-entertainment https://www.voanews.com/Content/responsive/VOA/en-US/img/logo.png https://www.voanews.com/z/602 en 2026 - VOA 60 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:54:34 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA Kansala, Guinea-Bissau — For centuries, the history of the West African kingdom of Kaabu has been told mainly by word of mouth.Kaabu existed from the mid-1500s to the 1800s. At its peak, it encompassed Guinea-Bissau and reached into what are now Senegal and Gambia.Sometimes Kaabu's story passed from father to son. Often it was passed by griots — or West African oral historians — who sang about the kingdom’s rulers.“The griots have already sung it, but now we know it’s real," is... https://www.voanews.com/a/archaeologists-use-song-to-herald-findings-in-guinea-bissau-dig-/8011218.html https://www.voanews.com/a/archaeologists-use-song-to-herald-findings-in-guinea-bissau-dig-/8011218.html Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:39:48 -0400 Africawebdesk@voanews.com (Ricci Shryock) The state of Texas has the third-largest Asian American population in the United States, according to the U.S. census, and Chinese people, some whose families arrived more than 150 years ago, make up the largest group. Chinese Americans trace back for generations in the Lone Star State. Their story may not be as well known as that of their counterparts in California or New York City, but it is just as intertwined with America's history. At Rice University, the Houston Asian American... https://www.voanews.com/a/the-story-of-chinese-americans-who-call-texas-home/8008697.html https://www.voanews.com/a/the-story-of-chinese-americans-who-call-texas-home/8008697.html Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:39:17 -0400 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Elizabeth Lee) VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis marks 12 years as head of the Catholic Church on Thursday, seemingly out of danger after a month in hospital but with his health casting a shadow over his future.The 88-year-old was, for a time, critically ill as he battled pneumonia in both lungs at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was admitted on Feb. 14.The Argentine's situation has markedly improved since then, with the Vatican confirming his condition as stable on Wednesday evening, and talk is now... https://www.voanews.com/a/hospitalized-pope-marks-12-years-in-job-with-future-uncertain/8009112.html https://www.voanews.com/a/hospitalized-pope-marks-12-years-in-job-with-future-uncertain/8009112.html Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:26:42 -0400 Europewebdesk@voanews.com (Agence France-Presse) ROME — Pope Francis' recovery from double pneumonia continued Wednesday as a chest X-ray confirmed improvement, two days after doctors declared he is no longer in imminent danger of death. The latest medical bulletin said the pope's condition remained stable but indicated a complex picture considering his overall fragility. The Vatican said Francis, 88, again followed its spiritual retreat remotely and resumed physical and respiratory therapy after a quiet night. He continues to... https://www.voanews.com/a/chest-x-ray-confirms-improvements-in-pope-s-condition-vatican-says/8008567.html https://www.voanews.com/a/chest-x-ray-confirms-improvements-in-pope-s-condition-vatican-says/8008567.html Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:06:33 -0400 Europewebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) The American South has long been associated with white-columned mansions, rustic farmhouses, and aging structures steeped in history. But an exhibition at the National Building Museum in Washington is showcasing the vibrant, modern and forward-thinking architecture emerging from the region today. Maxim Adams has the story. Video editor: Sergii Dogotar, Anna Rice https://www.voanews.com/a/new-vision-of-architecture-popping-up-across-us-deep-south/8006995.html https://www.voanews.com/a/new-vision-of-architecture-popping-up-across-us-deep-south/8006995.html Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:35:58 -0400 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Maxim Adams) The Roosevelt Hotel, a New York City landmark for over a century, once again faces an uncertain future. Last month, city officials announced plans to stop using it as a migrant shelter and processing center beginning this summer.Opened in 1924 to cater to passengers using the nearby Grand Central Terminal, the iconic hotel has weathered Prohibition, the Great Depression, a World War and 9/11.The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, however, forced the hotel to close its doors to guests due to... https://www.voanews.com/a/the-roosevelt-hotel-a-window-into-new-york-city-history/8006811.html https://www.voanews.com/a/the-roosevelt-hotel-a-window-into-new-york-city-history/8006811.html Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:50:57 -0400 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Masood Farivar) NEW YORK — A public memorial service bursting with choral music and the Berklee College of Music's Nebulous String Quartet, with Stevie Wonder and the Rev. Al Sharpton also on the bill, celebrated the life and legacy of Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack.  Flack's songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and “Killing Me Softly with His Song" made her a global star in the 1970s and beyond. She died last month at age 88.  Wonder was among the artists... https://www.voanews.com/a/music-flows-in-roberta-flack-s-celebration-of-life-memorial-with-stevie-wonder-and-al-sharpton/8005968.html https://www.voanews.com/a/music-flows-in-roberta-flack-s-celebration-of-life-memorial-with-stevie-wonder-and-al-sharpton/8005968.html Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:29:06 -0400 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) NEW YORK — Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, will host a new weekly podcast series starting this month featuring a special guest pulled from the world of entertainment, sports, health or business. “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson” will address “everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us,” according to a press release. IMO is slang for “in my opinion.” Some of the guests slated to speak to the former first lady and Robinson, the... https://www.voanews.com/a/former-us-first-lady-michelle-obama-and-her-brother-to-launch-podcast-/8005929.html https://www.voanews.com/a/former-us-first-lady-michelle-obama-and-her-brother-to-launch-podcast-/8005929.html Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:36:50 -0400 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) ATHENS — A far-right Greek lawmaker attacked four paintings in an exhibition at the country's National Gallery on Monday, the gallery said, after he had described one as offensive because of its distorted depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The lawmaker, named by the gallery as Nikolaos Papadopoulos, from the ultra-religious Niki party, was temporarily detained, and the gallery said it had had to close for the day due to the incident. The gallery said that with assistance from... https://www.voanews.com/a/greek-lawmaker-attacks-paintings-he-said-were-offensive-to-christians/8005862.html https://www.voanews.com/a/greek-lawmaker-attacks-paintings-he-said-were-offensive-to-christians/8005862.html Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:06:22 -0400 Europewebdesk@voanews.com (Reuters) Artificial intelligence companies train their AI models using the works of writers, artists and creatives who typically aren’t credited or compensated. Instead of fighting AI, some tech companies are encouraging creators to take advantage of it. Tina Trinh reports. https://www.voanews.com/a/writers-artists-adapt-ai-technology-to-gain-creative-control-/8005149.html https://www.voanews.com/a/writers-artists-adapt-ai-technology-to-gain-creative-control-/8005149.html Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:43:50 -0400 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Tina Trinh) The documentary film Porcelain War highlights the struggle of Ukrainian artists and ordinary citizens fighting to save their country and culture in the face of Russian aggression. The movie won the 2024 Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize for documentaries and was nominated for an Oscar this year. Elena Wolf has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Elena Matusovsky. https://www.voanews.com/a/porcelain-war-documentary-spotlights-ukrainian-artists-fight-for-country/8004493.html https://www.voanews.com/a/porcelain-war-documentary-spotlights-ukrainian-artists-fight-for-country/8004493.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:20:18 -0400 Ukrainewebdesk@voanews.com (Elena Wolf) Traditional Korean moon jars and modern takes on the elegant white vases are the focus of a new art exhibit in the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns has the story from Denver. https://www.voanews.com/a/korean-moon-jars-shine-in-colorado-show/8004491.html https://www.voanews.com/a/korean-moon-jars-shine-in-colorado-show/8004491.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:00:24 -0400 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Scot Stearns) KARACHI, PAKISTAN — Two Pakistani women sit together on a couch, rehearsing their lines while a director scrutinizes them. Waiting off camera for his scene is the male lead, an actor blessed with Bachelor hair and fine bone structure. Also out of sight: the Islamabad homeowners, who are holed up in a separate room and whose furniture and knickknacks will be seen by millions of viewers — many from the society that has been their country's neighbor and uneasy sparring partner for much of... https://www.voanews.com/a/in-tense-relations-with-india-pakistani-tv-dramas-build-bridges-/8003424.html https://www.voanews.com/a/in-tense-relations-with-india-pakistani-tv-dramas-build-bridges-/8003424.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:25:20 -0400 South & Central Asiawebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) “Parasite” filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s original science fiction film “Mickey 17” opened in first place on the North American box office charts. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Robert Pattinson-led film earned $19.1 million in its first weekend in theaters, which was enough to dethrone “Captain America: Brave New World” after a three-week reign. Overseas, “Mickey 17” has already made $34.2 million, bringing its worldwide total to $53.3 million. But profitability for the film is a long... https://www.voanews.com/a/sci-fi-film-mickey-17-tops-box-office-but-profitability-long-way-off/8004440.html https://www.voanews.com/a/sci-fi-film-mickey-17-tops-box-office-but-profitability-long-way-off/8004440.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 14:22:21 -0400 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) ROME — Pope Francis continued his recovery from double pneumonia Sunday after doctors reported some positive news: After more than three weeks in the hospital, the 88-year-old pope is responding well to treatment and has shown a "gradual, slight improvement" in recent days. In the early Sunday update, the Vatican said Francis was resting after a quiet night. For the fourth Sunday in a row, the pope will not appear for his weekly noon blessing, though the Vatican planned to... https://www.voanews.com/a/pope-rests-as-vatican-marks-another-holy-year-event-without-him-/8004119.html https://www.voanews.com/a/pope-rests-as-vatican-marks-another-holy-year-event-without-him-/8004119.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:02:24 -0400 Europewebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) ASHBOURNE, ENGLAND — This ancient form of football has a rule forbidding players from murdering each other. Every year, thousands of people descend on a small town in the English countryside to watch a two-day game of mass street football that, to the casual observer, could easily be mistaken for a riot. This is Royal Shrovetide — a centuries-old ball game played in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, that, frankly, looks nothing like the world's most popular sport. Or any other game for that... https://www.voanews.com/a/wild-ancient-version-of-football-is-still-being-played-today/8003407.html https://www.voanews.com/a/wild-ancient-version-of-football-is-still-being-played-today/8003407.html Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:43:54 -0500 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he was appointing Fox News host Laura Ingraham and Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In February, weeks after taking office, Trump fired the center's president, replaced the board of trustees and named himself chairman of the organization. The moves represented a takeover by Trump of a cultural institution that is known for its signature Kennedy Center Honors... https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-appoints-2-from-fox-news-to-kennedy-center-board/8003496.html https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-appoints-2-from-fox-news-to-kennedy-center-board/8003496.html Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:36:09 -0500 USAwebdesk@voanews.com (Reuters) SRINAGAR, INDIA — Viral social media posts threw cat lovers in Indian-controlled Kashmir into a tizzy. Panic spread and local veterinarians saw a surge in pet owners coming in with their cats — all because of posts that went viral on social media. It began with a warning in January from veterinarians in the disputed Himalayan region, where the cat population has soared over the past years, partly because of stray cats roaming free and pet stores bringing in ever more costly breeds to keep... https://www.voanews.com/a/social-media-storm-throws-cat-owners-in-kashmir-into-tizzy/8003419.html https://www.voanews.com/a/social-media-storm-throws-cat-owners-in-kashmir-into-tizzy/8003419.html Sat, 08 Mar 2025 02:16:22 -0500 South & Central Asiawebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press) SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO — Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was in an advanced state of Alzheimer's and died of heart disease and other factors likely days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of a rare virus spread by mice, according to autopsy results released Friday in New Mexico. Hackman, 95, Arakawa, 64, and one of their dogs were found dead Feb. 26 in separate rooms of the couple's Santa Fe home. Hackman's heart disease and the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that caused... https://www.voanews.com/a/autopsies-show-gene-hackman-died-of-heart-disease-wife-died-of-hantavirus-/8003347.html https://www.voanews.com/a/autopsies-show-gene-hackman-died-of-heart-disease-wife-died-of-hantavirus-/8003347.html Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:08:22 -0500 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Reuters) JOHANNESBURG — A new play about anti-apartheid icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela seeks to highlight the struggles of Black women in South Africa who had to wait years for their husbands' return from exile, prison or faraway work during decades of white minority rule. The play about the late former wife of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, is adapted from the novel The Cry of Winnie Mandela by Njabulo Ndebele. It explores themes of loneliness, infidelity and... https://www.voanews.com/a/play-about-winnie-mandela-explores-black-women-s-apartheid-struggles-/8002031.html https://www.voanews.com/a/play-about-winnie-mandela-explores-black-women-s-apartheid-struggles-/8002031.html Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:01:37 -0500 Arts & Culturewebdesk@voanews.com (Associated Press)