Arts & Culture

A view of the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C., at sunset in September 2013.
How will Trump's executive order affect the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian Institution, a vast complex of research centers, museums and galleries, is the latest culture target of President Trump's executive orders.
Latest Stories

Authorities say a babysitter checked under the bed for monsters — and found someone
Kansas authorities say a babysitter went to refute a kid's claims of a monster under their bed, but "came face-to-face with a male suspect who was hiding there." They later arrested a 27-year-old man.

Karen Read is on trial for murder a 2nd time. Here's what to know about her case
Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, a Boston cop, in 2022. She maintains she was framed by police. Here's a refresher on the case — and a look at what's happened since last year's mistrial.

A new queen in charge at Portland’s iconic drag venue, Darcelle XV Showplace
Jeremey Peck, a longtime friend of Darcelle XV and a drag artist with 30 years performing, took ownership in February

Republican lawmakers seek to put PBS and NPR in the hot seat
A House subcommittee led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and named after Elon Musk's government-efficiency team has set its sights on the public broadcasters.

Oscar-winning Palestinian director attacked by Israeli settlers, detained by army
Israeli settlers beat up Hamdan Ballal, one of the Palestinian co-directors of the documentary film No Other Land, in the occupied West Bank, according to witnesses. He was then detained by the Israeli military.

Federal agency responsible for library and museum funding gets a visit from DOGE
Keith E. Sonderling is the new acting head of The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the main source of federal funding for libraries and museums across the country. President Trump issued an executive order last week saying he aims to close the agency.

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner embraces melancholy in new album
With a new album, Michelle Zauner tells NPR she is finally finding balance between all the things she yearns for: her career goals, a connection to family and a connection to her ancestral home of Korea.

Hollywood filmmaker charged with defrauding Netflix of $11 million
Director Carl Erik Rinsch sold Netflix a sci-fi series. Instead of finishing it, prosecutors allege he spent some of the streamer's money on his own investments, luxury rentals, five Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari, and more.

UK court finds men who stole $6 million gold toilet guilty
The artwork, titled, America, was stolen from the palace where Winston Churchill was born.

Can you look at these 9 photos and not smile on International Day of Happiness?
March 20 is International Happiness Day — a day that the United Nations had dedicated to the celebration of joy. We asked photographers around the world to share a picture that can bring bliss.