House bill seeks to block Kennedy Center demolition as court fight continues
A House proposal would require Congress to approve demolition of a presidential memorial as the Kennedy Center remains closed amid litigation and repairs.
Arts and Culture
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Phoenix First Fridays pilot brings outdoor artists and vendors back to Roosevelt Row
Phoenix City Council approved a one-year pilot allowing permitted outdoor artists and vendors on Roosevelt Row private property during 12 First Fridays events, without restoring street or alley closures.
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Jacksonville prepares for September 19 Jax Book Fest with more than 120 authors
Jax Book Fest is set for September 19 at Jacksonville’s Main Library, with more than 120 local authors, three featured guests, free activities and book signings.
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Portland advances planning for a potential 3,000-seat PSU venue while studying Keller’s future
Portland City Council adopted a resolution advancing pre-development for a potential Broadway-capable venue at PSU while continuing planning for Keller Auditorium. The action committed no new City construction funds.
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Smithsonian Chooses Arts and Industries Building for Latino Museum
The Smithsonian selected the Arts and Industries Building as the permanent home of the National Museum of the American Latino, but no opening date is set.
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Smithsonian Budget Request Would Fall 11% as Congress Weighs Funding
The Smithsonian is seeking $961.3 million for fiscal 2027 as Congress debates funding, museum construction and the institution’s independence.
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Vancouver Arts & Music Festival Returns Downtown Aug. 7–9
Vancouver’s free Arts & Music Festival returns Aug. 7–9 at Esther Short Park and downtown, with performances, art, workshops and family activities.
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Palmdale’s annual art exhibit seeks submissions through Aug. 10
Palmdale artists of all ages can submit up to two original works by Aug. 10 for the city’s 12th Annual Generations Juried Art Exhibit.
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Arlington Museum of Art Adds New Photography Exhibition as World Cup Shows Run Through Aug. 30
The Arlington Museum of Art opens The Big Picture on Aug. 7, while its four-part World Cup exhibition package remains on view through Aug. 30.
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Dobbs Ferry’s $4.5 Million NY Forward Grant Moves From Project Slate to Six State Awards
New York State selected six Dobbs Ferry projects for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward award on May 14, 2026. The package covers Lower Memorial Park, downtown streets and signs, the Pickwick Theater, 143 Main Street and 145 Palisade Street, while project-specific construction schedules and final designs remain unsettled.
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Springfield Jazz & Blues Fest returns Aug. 7-8 with new lineup, downtown parking plan
Springfield’s Jazz & Blues Fest runs Aug. 7-8 downtown, with two stages, free organizer-listed parking, a mobility shuttle and State Theater cooling.
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St. Paul STAR tables show $4.5 million in 2026 awards
St. Paul approved 2026 STAR awards listed in detailed city tables totaling $4,500,628 for neighborhood projects, businesses, library collections and cultural organizations.
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Smithsonian Museum Director Defends Exhibits at House Hearing
Anthea Hartig defended the National Museum of American History as lawmakers challenged exhibits, educational materials and White House criticism.
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Trump Order Targets Smithsonian’s Public Space With New Signs
Executive Order 14416 directs agencies to pursue signs and temporary exhibits near the National Museum of American History, but not to take over its galleries.
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Sewanee Summer Music Festival offered expanded access in 2026 with free tickets, shuttle service and choir participation
The completed 2026 Sewanee Summer Music Festival offered free concert admission, a no-cost plateau shuttle and free instruction for community singers in Sewanee and across the South Cumberland Plateau.
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Bronzeville Week Continues in Milwaukee With Sunday Festival Along North Avenue
Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week opened Saturday, August 1, and continues through August 8. Sunday’s festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along North Avenue between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 7th Street.
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Durham City Council prepares for August cultural roadmap review
Durham’s joint city-county Cultural Roadmap is moving toward August presentations and possible adoption actions, but funding, staffing and implementation remain unsettled.