Culture War & Museums: ProPublica reports the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is becoming a new battleground, with Trump-era “anti-woke” pressure and controversy over exhibits tied to slavery and sexuality. Pop Music & Visual Storytelling: Taylor Swift will debut the “Patient Zero” video at Sunday’s VMAs, alongside her new deluxe album drop and a first-ever Artist Director Honors nod. Art as Everyday Satire: Seattle’s “Inconvenience Store” turns a former 7-Eleven into an interactive art shop, swapping familiar goods for deliberately useless, handmade versions. Contemporary Art in the Spotlight: Glasgow’s Skypark longlists “Zero Ground: ReGenesis – Emergence,” a wave-like installation made from 200+ micro oil paintings. Art Leadership: The MFA Boston appoints Layla Bermeo as chair of Art of the Americas, making her the first Latina to hold the role. Sports Meets Chaos: Thailand’s delegation slams the Asian Games in Nagoya as “musical chairs” chaos, citing late transport and cramped, temporary housing. Design & Craft Branding: Broadcaster Yang Lan urges Chinese brands to use culture and design to escape low-price perceptions, spotlighting a London craft exhibition. Local Arts Calendar: Wilmington’s “Creative Castle” art walk launches Oct. 2, with local businesses hosting artists, live music, and live painting.