A play parodying the lengths some Cubans will go to in order to earn a few tourist dollars set against the backdrop of socially critical graffiti is adding punch to Havana’s annual theater festival. The first-time collaboration between veteran theater director Nelda Castillo, 64, and street artist Yulier Rodriguez, 27, …

For almost 15 years, environmental activist Patterson Clark has been one of the U.S. National Park Service volunteers who go through forests and remove invasive plants. Because he knew how destructive these plants can be, killing their native host trees, increasing soil erosion, and causing major damage to streams and …

When the propaganda film, “The Founding of an Army,” hit theaters in China recently, the reaction wasn’t quite what the ruling Communist Party might have hoped for. Instead of inspiring an outpouring of nationalism and self-sacrifice for the state, it was roundly mocked for trying to lure a younger audience …

Millions of children the world over dream of visiting Disneyworld. But Sean Baker’s heartbreaking film The Florida Project, throws light on those living in dire poverty in the shadow of Cinderella’s castle in Orlando. The film underscores the social divide in America through the eyes and lives of children. The film …

Millions of children the world over dream of visiting Disney World. But Sean Baker’s heartbreaking film “The Florida Project,” throws light on those living in dire poverty in the shadow of Cinderella’s castle in Orlando. The film underscores the social divide in America through the eyes and lives of children. …

Another actress has accused U.S. movie producer Harvey Weinstein of sexually assaulting her, the latest of some 40 women who have alleged sexual harassment and assault spanning decades. Former actress Heather Kerr told a news conference Friday that Weinstein attacked her during a private meeting in 1989 when she was …

We’re on the job with the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart, for the week ending October 21, 2017. We have some excitement this week, as a new remix results in a huge rebound for a song that was already a hit. Let’s open …

The newly refurbished USS Constitution is taking its first spin under sail in three years. Friday’s joyride from Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston to Fort Independence on Castle Island will celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 242nd birthday and the 220th anniversary of the iconic vessel’s maiden voyage. The world’s oldest commissioned …

Harvey Weinstein is now facing criminal inquiries in three cities after an Italian actress told Los Angeles detectives the disgraced film mogul raped her in a hotel room in 2013. Police confirmed Thursday they are looking into the woman’s allegations, and her attorney said he would give additional details about …

The Los Angeles Police department says it has opened an investigation into movie producer Harvey Weinstein after someone made allegations of sexual assault. The LAPD announced the news via Twitter Thursday. A police spokesman told the Associated Press that the department interviewed a possible sexual assault victim who reported an …

Invasive plants can kill their native host trees, increase soil erosion and cause major damage to streams and other wetland areas. That’s why the National Park Service is asking volunteers to remove these invasive plants; so native plants have a chance to grow. VOA’s Faiza Elmasry reports on one volunteer, …

Actress Mayim Bialik says she’s “truly sorry for causing so much pain” with her New York Times opinion piece that critics suggested put blame on women who’ve accused movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Bialik wrote in the piece published Friday that she makes choices to …

Pop star Demi Lovato, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, rockers The Killers and grime artist Stormzy are set to perform at MTV’s EMAs in London.   MTV’s European music awards will also feature performances from Kesha and Camila Cabello. Rita Ora is due to host the Nov. 12 ceremony at London’s SSE …

Singer Jason Aldean and other stars honored victims of a mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas instead of accepting awards at the CMT Artists of the Year show Wednesday night.  The format of the show pivoted to focus on victims of the shooting, as well as …

Human Flow by internationally acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei, highlights the plight of refugees around the world. The Chinese dissident is not the first to make a documentary about the displaced, but his film captures the flow of humanity on a planetary scale.  Ai filmed in 23 different countries …

Years before Elvis Presley became the King of Rock and Roll, the story goes, he lived in a small house up a hill from his elementary school in northeastern Mississippi and played with other kids in a nearby field. Fans now have a chance to buy that old home and …

Diana Ross will receive a lifetime achievement honor at next month’s American Music Awards and will celebrate with a performance on the broadcast next month. ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced the honor Wednesday. It’s the first time the AMAs have given out the award since 2006, when it was …

Amazon Studios says it has accepted the resignation of its top executive, Roy Price, following sexual harassment allegations made by a producer on the Amazon series Man in the High Castle. Price was put on leave last week and had not been expected to return. An Amazon spokesman confirmed the …

American author George Saunders won the prestigious Man Booker Prize for fiction Tuesday for Lincoln in the Bardo, a polyphonic symphony of a novel about restless souls adrift in the afterlife. It is the second year in a row an American has won the 50,000 pound ($66,000) prize, which was …

In the past 24 hours, thousands of women have taken to Twitter and Facebook, sharing their personal stories of sexual harassment and assault under the hashtag “Me Too.” The social media rallying cry comes in the wake of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. VOA’s Elizabeth …

Jerusalem is one of the most excavated cities in the world, and archaeologists have uncovered 7000 year old stone houses, an Egyptian amulet bearing the name of Thutmose III, and what could be the world’s first landfill. Monday, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced finding the first known Roman-era theatre in …

“Human Flow” by internationally acclaimed artist and activist Ai Weiwei, highlights the plight of refugees around the world. The Chinese dissident is not the first to make a documentary about the displaced, but his film captures the massive flow of humanity on our planet from on high, using drones. Ai …

In the wake of sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, tens of thousands of women are identifying themselves as victims of sexual harassment or assault. Women and some men shared their stories on social media under the hashtag #MeToo after actress Alyssa Milano posted a message Sunday on …

The Weinstein Co., mired in a sex scandal, may be putting itself up for sale. The company said Monday that it is getting an immediate cash infusion from Colony Capital and is in negotiations for the potential sale of all or a significant portion of the movie studio responsible for …

British singer Ed Sheeran has told fans via Instagram that he’s had a bicycle injury and may have to change some concert dates. The popular singer said Monday he’s had “a bit of a bicycle accident” and is “currently waiting on some medical advice, which may affect some of my …