President Trump has dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an advisory body on design and aesthetics in Washington D.C. This move comes as Trump pushes for ambitious construction projects, including a new White House ballroom and a triumphal arch. The firings, communicated via email, affect Biden appointees and signal Trump's intent to reshape the capital's landscape.
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The UAE Media Council has extended the deadline for the mandatory Advertiser Permit to January 31, 2026. This crucial permit is required for all promotional content shared digitally in the UAE, aiming to enhance professionalism and consumer protection. Over 1,800 permits have already been issued to creators globally.
US Vice President JD Vance has entered the "Collargate" debate surrounding Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, referencing the controversy over his dog's electronic collar on a podcast. Vance's remarks, linking animal welfare to broader empathy, have sparked discussions about online culture's reach into mainstream politics, highlighting the growing intersection of influencers and national discourse.
The East Wing of the White House, a historic hub for first ladies, is being demolished for President Trump's ballroom, with First Lady Melania Trump remaining notably silent. Her office has not commented on the project, which has disrupted her workspace and public tours. This lack of engagement highlights her increasingly distant role and departure from traditional first lady duties.
Saudi Arabia recorded over 11.7 million Umrah performers in Rabi al-Thani, with 1.5 million arriving internationally. The pilgrimage was remarkably efficient, with the entire ritual completed in an average of 116 minutes. This surge is attributed to digital platforms, policy liberalizations, and improved logistics under Vision 2030.
Popular streamer Ray announced his retirement from Twitch to pursue a career as a dentist, planning to open his own practice in Atlanta. He expressed a desire to focus on his real life and become his own boss. Fanum from AMP has pledged support, promising Ray 1% of AMP's revenue if his new business falters.
VTubers faced heartbreak at TwitchCon San Diego as venue staff allegedly discarded fan gifts, mistaking them for security risks. Despite fans adhering to guidelines, cherished presents vanished, leading to public apologies and widespread disappointment. This incident, alongside other security concerns, has sparked doubts about TwitchCon's future for virtual creators and their communities.
A resurfaced May 2024 IRL stream featuring Nina Lin has sparked debate over sexual consent, showing Lin restraining Said while Zoe Spencer engaged in sexual acts. Viewers noted Said's attempts to leave, raising concerns about consent in public streams and whether male victims are taken seriously. Lin denied assault, calling it "embarrassing" for a man to report it.
J.K. Rowling sparked controversy by criticizing Glamour UK's "Women of the Year" feature celebrating nine transgender women. She claimed the magazine now tells girls "that men are better women than they are." The post divided social media, with some supporting her stance and others accusing her of fueling hostility towards the trans community.
NASCAR is launching the NASCAR 25 Creator Series with online media company Night. Eight popular streamers will compete in live races from October to February. This initiative aims to connect with younger audiences through their favorite online personalities. The series will feature interactive broadcasts and a significant prize pool, boosting NASCAR's presence in gaming.
Researchers in Berlin have found centrist parties are allowing far-right parties to dominate political debate by repeating their rhetoric. Chancellor Merz's recent remarks on Germany's "cityscape" are the latest example.