Heritage & Public Life: Malaysia’s Dataran Merdeka is getting a push to stay lively, with officials stressing that upgraded heritage buildings only matter if people show up for arts, music, and community events. Cultural Festivals: Sarawak’s River and Rami Gawai Festival drew thousands as Bidayuh rafts and dances turned a riverside village into a living showcase for locals and visitors. Music & Identity: Bahrain marked Eid Al Adha with “A Night with Bahraini Art,” reviving folk songs to pass maritime-rooted traditions to younger audiences. Global Culture Diplomacy: China-Africa ties hit 70 years, framed as a shift from solidarity to modernization-focused partnership. Arts Institutions: A U.S. judge blocked Trump’s plan to close and rename the Kennedy Center, saying his name was added illegally. Pop Culture & Media: Madonna named JFK Jr. as her “best” romantic connection in a promotional interview, while a new White House immigration site uses sci-fi “alien” styling that critics say dehumanizes migrants. Entertainment Buzz: Stanley Tucci’s “Tucci in Italy” returns with a deeper dive into regional food and culture, and Hong Kong’s Comic Con kicked off with big-name guests and massive cosplay crowds.