Culture

For over eight decades, Leon Weintraub, a survivor of the Holocaust, has carried the profound weight of witness, transforming unimaginable suffering into a poignant and urgent plea for humanity. At 99 years old, his life story stands as a testament to resilience and a stark reminder of the systematic dehumanization that underpinned the atrocities of the Nazi regime

As the calendar turns to January 24, iconic American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond marks his 85th birthday, a milestone that prompts a reflection on a career spanning over six decades and an enduring musical legacy that continues to captivate generations. From the infectious anthem "Sweet Caroline" to a string of chart-topping hits, Diamond's contributions to popular music have solidified his place as one of the industry's most revered figures, even as he navigates the challenges of recent health issues

Hollywood, Calif. – In a stunning display of cinematic prowess, Ryan Coogler's blues-steeped vampire epic, "Sinners," today achieved an unprecedented feat, securing a record-breaking 16 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement sent ripples through the film industry, firmly establishing "Sinners" as the dominant force heading into the March 15 ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien

Greenland, the world's largest island, stands at a pivotal moment, its icy landscapes melting under the gaze of a changing climate and renewed global strategic interest. From its ancient Viking settlements to its modern-day self-governance and recent overtures from an American president, the island's history is a complex tapestry woven with themes of survival, colonial legacy, and evolving autonomy

Berlin, Germany – Millions of kilograms of high-quality potatoes, once destined for potential waste due to an unprecedented agricultural surplus, are now being distributed free of charge across Berlin. A collaborative effort spearheaded by the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper and the search engine Ecosia has mobilized an extraordinary initiative to prevent 4 million kilograms (4,000 tons) of perfectly edible produce from being discarded, highlighting the complex challenges within modern food supply chains and inspiring a city-wide effort to feed its residents.

A Bumper Harvest's Unintended Consequence

The genesis of this massive giveaway traces back to an exceptionally bountiful potato harvest across Germany

BERLIN, Germany — Joachim Trier's poignant family drama, "Sentimental Value," has swept the 38th European Film Awards (EFA), securing a remarkable six top honors, a victory that immediately propels the Norwegian production into the heart of the upcoming Academy Awards conversation. The film's overwhelming success, including Best Film, Best Director, and acting accolades for its leads, signals a significant moment for European cinema on the global stage, raising fervent questions about its potential to translate European prestige into Oscar gold.

A Night of Unprecedented Triumph for European Cinema

The ceremony, held in Berlin, witnessed "Sentimental Value" claim the coveted "Big Five" awards: Best European Film, Best European Director for Joachim Trier, Best European Screenwriter for Trier and Eskil Vogt, Best European Actor for Stellan Skarsgård, and Best European Actress for Renate Reinsve

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As global superstar Dolly Parton approaches her 80th birthday on January 19, the world prepares to celebrate not just a country music legend, but a cultural phenomenon whose influence spans music, philanthropy, and business

Berlin, Germany – The European film world turns its gaze to Berlin this Saturday, January 17, 2026, as the 38th European Film Awards prepare to honor the continent's most outstanding cinematic achievements. Anticipated by film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, the prestigious gala, often dubbed the "European Oscars," is poised for a significant showing at the iconic Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), promising a night of celebration for the vibrant tapestry of European storytelling

In an era often characterized by formulaic approaches and established intellectual properties, the global film industry is witnessing a profound and ongoing discourse among its most acclaimed practitioners: the indispensable role of risk-taking in cinematic creation. From the daring narratives that push societal boundaries to the perilous productions undertaken in challenging environments, award-winning filmmakers are increasingly advocating for and embodying a commitment to artistic and personal risk as the bedrock of innovation and authentic storytelling

The global cinematic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with European cinema increasingly captivating international audiences and critics, a trend that suggests a palpable shift in the industry's traditional power dynamics. While Hollywood's allure remains potent, European filmmakers are carving out a distinct and influential space, driven by a surge in production, innovative storytelling, strategic funding, and the expanding reach of streaming platforms

A controversial cartoon published by the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, depicting victims of a devastating New Year's Day fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a criminal complaint in Switzerland. The provocative image, released just days after the tragic blaze claimed 40 lives and injured more than a hundred, has rekindled intense debate over the boundaries of satire, freedom of expression, and respect for human dignity in the face of immense suffering.

The Crans-Montana Catastrophe

The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of January 1, 2026, when a fire erupted at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular ski destination in the canton of Valais, Switzerland

Twenty-five years ago, on January 15, 2001, an audacious experiment in collaborative knowledge creation began, forever altering the landscape of information. Wikipedia, founded by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, launched with a revolutionary premise: what if anyone, anywhere, could contribute to a single, freely accessible encyclopedia? A quarter-century later, as it celebrates its silver anniversary, the online encyclopedia has not only cemented its place as one of the internet's most indispensable resources but also stands as a testament to the power of collective humanity, even as it grapples with inherent biases and the evolving digital age.

From its humble beginnings, Wikipedia rapidly expanded beyond expectations, quickly surpassing traditional encyclopedias in scope and immediacy

A significant shift in United States foreign policy towards the Western Hemisphere appears to be coalescing under a new moniker: the "Donroe Doctrine." This term, a portmanteau blending the name of former President Donald Trump with the historic Monroe Doctrine, signifies a robust reassertion of American predominance in the region, drawing parallels to 19th-century declarations while adapting them to contemporary geopolitical rivalries. This evolving approach has been characterized by muscular rhetoric and decisive actions, notably targeting external influences like China and Russia, and has ignited a vigorous debate about the future of U.S

Jack London, an enduring titan of American literature, lived a life as untamed and compelling as the narratives he crafted, transforming personal struggles and daring expeditions into timeless tales of survival, human nature, and the raw power of the wilderness. Born John Griffith Chaney in 1876, London's relatively brief 40 years were packed with a restless pursuit of experience, from the harsh realities of working-class poverty to the frozen expanse of the Yukon and the vast Pacific Ocean, all of which indelibly stamped his literary output and cemented his legacy as a pioneer of commercial fiction and an international celebrity

Madrid, Spain – As families across Spain celebrated the cherished Epiphany holiday this January, an age-old custom once again sparked a heated national debate, drawing international attention to the persistent use of blackface in European traditions. The annual parades, known as "Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos" or "Three Kings Parades," which commemorate the biblical visit of the Magi to baby Jesus, have become a flashpoint for anti-racism activists