World’s Biggest Economy Hikes Park Fees for International Visitors

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 3 to increase entrance fees at U.S. national parks for visitors from other countries, even as his administration seeks to cut national park spending by more than a third.

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks, the White House said in a statement.

The executive order directs the Interior Department, parent agency of the Park Service, to increase entrance fees paid by park visitors from abroad, but does not say by how much or when the new rates would go into effect.

It was also unclear how many of the agency's 433 park units would be affected. Only about 100 sites managed by the Park Service currently charge for admission, and fees vary.

The order also directs the Park Service to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access over foreign visitors in any of its permitting or reservation systems.

Currently, U.S. citizens in effect pay more than foreign tourists to visit the nation’s scenic natural wonders and historic landmarks because their admission fees as well as a portion of their U.S. tax dollars support the cost of national parks, the statement said.

"Charging higher entrance fees to foreign tourists is a common policy at national parks throughout the world," the statement added.

The executive order comes as the Trump administration has proposed cutting more than US$1 billion from the Park Service budget in fiscal 2026, which would represent a reduction of more than a third of the agency’s budget from the prior year.

The administration's cuts to the federal workforce have already aggravated a staff shortage in national parks across the country.

Permanent staffing at the Park Service since Trump took office in January has dropped 24%, while just 4,500 of the 8,000 seasonal workers his administration pledged for this summer have been hired, according to an analysis on July 2 from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a watchdog advocacy group.

Reduced personnel levels at some national parks, including Yosemite in California and Big Bend in Texas, have forced closures, reduced programming and impeded emergency response operations, the NPCA said.

Visitors have continued to flock to national parks in the U.S., the world's largest economy, in record numbers in recent years, with admissions soaring to a new high of 331 million in 2024, up six million from 2023.

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Ukraine News: Kyiv Hit by Major Russian Drone Strike

Russia launched new drone strikes on Kyiv, just as President Donald Trump criticized past US military aid to Ukraine. Follow Daily Newsfor more.

Russia attacked the capital of Ukraine with dozens of combat drones on Friday, according to authorities in Kyiv.

They seem to have struck mostly residential buildings, several people were reported injured.

The attack came after a US announcement this week that a batch of arms shipments to Ukraine would be paused.

President Donald Trump said his predecessor, Joe Biden, "emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was hoping to discuss the issue with Trump on Friday.

This is a roundup of the latest headlines regarding Russia's war in Ukraine on Friday, July 4, 2025:

Kyiv authorities report massive Russian drone attack

Kyiv came under heavy drone attack overnight, with Russian forces striking at least 13 locations across the Ukrainian capital.

Ukraine’s air defenses were active for hours and explosions echoed across the city.

At least 14 people were injured, 12 of them hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Officials say residential areas were targeted, with fires breaking out in at least two districts.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russian military launched at least one Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile. They also fired ballistic missiles in two waves at targets in Kyiv and nearby areas.

Trump claims US 'emptied out' its arsenal to arm Ukraine

President Donald Trump says the US gave Ukraine too many weapons under President Joe Biden, claiming the country has "emptied out" its own supply.

"We're giving weapons, but we've given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And we're working with them and trying to help them, but we haven't. You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," he said.

Trump's statement comes after a pause in some weapons shipments, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery, to Ukraine as Russia steps up its offensive.

The halt caught Kyiv off guard. Ukrainian leaders summoned the acting US envoy on Wednesday, warning that the delay could weaken their defenses.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he hopes to speak with Trump in the coming days to clarify the situation.

"I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump," he said on Thursday.

The Pentagon has not said when full deliveries might resume..

Welcome to our coverage

It's now been 861 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight, Kyiv came under a sustained drone attack, with explosions reported across the city.

This comes even as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is open to further talks with Ukraine.

He told US President Donald Trump this during an hour-long phone discussion on Thursday.

The US president said the conversation didn't lead to any breakthroughs. Putin was adamant that Moscow would not "give up" on its goals in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to speak with Trump on Friday, particularly about the recent pause in some US weapons shipments to Ukraine.

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Tired of Classic Swimsuits? Discover the Trend That’s Redefining Beachwear

Every summer, it's the same sartorial conundrum: how to put together a stylish look when layers are scarce and options are limited? While layering reigns supreme in winter, summer fashion demands a little more creativity—especially when it comes to swimwear. Luckily, 2025 brings with it a breath of fresh (and bohemian) beach air: welcome to the age of crochet swimsuits.

Crochet, the unexpected star of the beach

Do you find classic swimsuits too worn, too smooth, or too rigid? Crochet and textured swimsuits might just help you reconnect with beachwear. Inspired by the '70s, Ibiza summers, and bohemian silhouettes, they blend craftsmanship and sensuality in a relaxed yet sophisticated take on the swimsuit.

Hand-knitted or lace-style, adorned with geometric, floral, or tie-dye patterns, these designs add visual texture and soul to summer looks. And the good news is: they're available in two-piece swimsuits, one-piece swimsuits, tankini swimsuits, and even playsuits, perfect for all body types.

From the beach to the beach bar

Crochet's all-around charm? Its versatility. A crochet swimsuit can be worn just as well at the beach as it is in the city. It can be transformed into a bodysuit under high-waisted shorts, a top paired with a long skirt, or a statement piece under a flowing shirt. Choose it in natural tones (cream, terracotta, sage green) or more daring shades (vitamin orange, turquoise, neon pink) depending on your mood of the day.

This ability to go from sand to sunset drink in the blink of an eye makes it a favorite of beach festivals, yoga retreats, and last-minute getaways.

An inclusive and responsible trend

The crochet trend is also part of a broader desire to consume differently. These handcrafted pieces appeal to slow fashion enthusiasts, and many brands offer handmade designs or those made from recycled yarn. The result: unique or limited-edition pieces, the opposite of fast fashion.

A deliberate vintage nod

Beyond comfort and originality, crochet swimsuits play the nostalgia card. They evoke a carefree era, the 70s, where freedom of expression was also expressed through fashion. Worn with oversized glasses, hair scarves, and rope sandals, they revive a certain idea of the perfect summer: free, sensory, and vibrant.

Whether you're heading to Ibiza, a Greek beach, or simply a lakeside getaway, crochet swimsuits are establishing themselves as the coolest and most desirable pieces of summer 2025. Out with soulless swimsuits: in with fabric, handcrafted pieces, and bold irregularity. In 2025, we're not following trends anymore; we're knitting them.

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**Chinese Pig Intestine Coffee Latte Stirs Buzz with Polarizing Reviews**

A Sichuan coffee shop's latte, made with broth from stewed pig intestines, has gone viral, quadrupling sales and sparking debate across Chinese social media with its savory-sweet flavor.

Located in Jiangyou City, Sichuan Province, the café offers an unusual drink: a latte mixed with broth from stewed pig intestines. It is priced at 32 yuan (US$4.47) per cup and is served with a skewer of stewed intestines, according to Chinese publication Cover News .

Shop owner Zhang Yuchi told the South China Morning Post : "Red-braised pork intestine is a popular cuisine in Jiangyou. I thought of combining it with coffee to promote both my shop as well as this delicious food of our city."

The café sources cooked intestines from a local restaurant and extracts the broth to mix into the coffee. After experiments, they settled on adding 6 grams of broth per cup.

A photo shared on Weibo shows a cup of coffee in China served with a skewer of stewed intestines.

As noted by SCMP , the drink has three taste levels: beginning, middle, and end. The intestine flavor gets stronger as you go through each level.

Zhang described the flavor as salty and sweet, somewhat like salty cheese.

Since the drink went viral on social media in early June, the café's sales have quadrupled, with about 80% of customers coming to try this coffee.

Customers' reactions vary. A woman from Chengdu said, "I am a coffee lover. When I saw someone recommending this pig intestine coffee, I was curious and decided to try it," according to Cover News .

Another customer from northern China, where pig intestines are less commonly eaten, said the drink tasted "just fine" and added, "Many people in northern China don't eat pork intestines, but I think they could accept this kind of coffee."

This is not the first unusual coffee in China. Before, a café in Jiangxi added fried chili and spicy pepper powder to lattes, and another in Yunnan became known for coffee with fried crispy worms.

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Waterproof Beauty Must-Haves for Your Suitcase—Pack Now!

Traveling by the water without constant touch-ups is possible: opt for 100% waterproof formulas. Pack these essentials in your suitcase for flawless makeup from morning to night.

1. Long-lasting, waterproof foundation base

A waterproof primer is the first step in ensuring your makeup lasts in humid conditions. Choose a lightweight, mattifying texture that fills pores and controls shine. Apply a thin layer all over your face to set your foundation and prevent it from migrating or settling into fine lines, even after hours in the sun or a paddleboard session.

2. Adjustable, anti-humidity foundation

For a natural yet full-coverage result, opt for a fluid foundation with a powder finish. So-called "water-based" formulas absorb oil while remaining comfortable, and several brands offer SPF 15 to 50 to protect your skin. They last up to 12 hours, without cakey effects or unsightly discoloration.

3. Swim-proof, sweat-proof, tear-proof mascara

Waterproof mascara is a must: Choose a mascara specifically formulated to resist tears, sweat, and salt water. Curved or soft-fiber brushes help lengthen and separate lashes without clumping. Tip: Apply two light strokes rather than one thick coat to avoid the "crocodile" effect while maintaining volume and definition.

4. Permanent eyeliner and kohl pencil

For a clean, precise line, opt for an ultra-fast-drying felt-tip eyeliner or a waterproof brush-on gel. Pair it with a kohl pencil that blends easily for a light, budge-free smoky look. You can go from a sophisticated doe eye to a softer look in the blink of an eye, without worrying about smudges after a swim or a summer downpour.

5. Cream eyeshadow, compact and resistant

Ultra-practical for travel, cream shadows can be worked in with your fingertips and dry in seconds, sealing the color on the eyelid. Opt for neutral shades—beige, taupe, satin bronze—to brighten your eyes. Waterproof formulas ensure they won't crease into the crease, even if you sweat or get your face wet.

6. Long-lasting, transfer-proof lipstick

For lips that last from morning until sunset, turn to a matte liquid lipstick or a highly pigmented pencil. Their creamy formulas apply in one swipe and stand up to kisses, water bottles, and salty snacks. Consider a gentle exfoliator and a moisturizing balm before application to prevent dry patches or fading.

7. Hydrating or mattifying setting spray

Setting spray is the final step that consolidates all your makeup. Choose a waterproof mist to spray about 20 cm from your face, forming an X and then a T to cover the entire face. Some sprays provide a mattifying finish, others a hydrating or illuminating veil, depending on your skin type. They also protect against pollution and form a lightweight barrier against humidity.

8. Bi-phase makeup remover or travel-size micellar oil

No more hassle removing waterproof makeup: opt for a two-phase formula or micellar oil. They quickly dissolve mascara, eyeliner, and long-lasting lipstick without rubbing, while respecting the skin's barrier. Carry a small 100 mL bottle to stay compliant with airline regulations and be able to remove your makeup effectively, even on the go.

With these eight waterproof beauty essentials, your travel kit will be ready for anything: your complexion, eyes, lips, and makeup removal will be safe from salt water, sweat, and humidity. Fresh, flawless makeup will accompany your adventures, from the beach to the rooftop to a tropical hike. Ready to take on all summer challenges without touch-ups?

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Actress Isabella Leong, former partner of billionaire Li Ka-shing’s son Richard, embraces new love and happiness

Hong Kong actress Isabella Leong, former girlfriend of Richard Li, son of billionaire Li Ka Shing, is enjoying newfound happiness in her relationship with actor Marc Ma.

Hong Kong actress Isabella Leong. Photo from Leong's Instagram

According to Sinchew , on June 30, paparazzi captured images of Leong holding hands with Ma at the airport, suggesting the couple was traveling together. Leong wore a green sports dress, a white jacket, and Loro Piana sneakers. Witnesses reported that her two older sons were also with the couple, fully aware of and supportive of their mother’s relationship .

Leong celebrated her 37th birthday at the end of June, sharing photos of the celebration on social media, captioning: "The one with a sincere heart embracing life will find the years gently soothe the marks near their eyes."

She also showed off a bouquet of 99 roses from a "special person," which drew attention and praise for her radiant appearance and constant smile. Fans commented that she is clearly "savoring new happiness."

Leong’s personal life has long been under the public’s scrutiny. At 19, she began dating Li, and later terminated her management contract to focus on her relationship with him and gave birth to their first son. The two welcomed twin boys in 2010 before separating in 2011. Leong subsequently moved to Canada to raise their three children as a single mother.

In interviews, Leong has described her current relationship with Li as one based on mutual respect as the parents of their children. Li, 57, founded the pan-Asian network STAR TV in the 1990s and later established the investment firm Pacific Century Group, which launched insurance company FWD Group in 2013. As of July 3, Forbes estimates his net worth at US$4.9 billion, ranking him as the 19th-richest person in Hong Kong.

His father Li Ka Shing remains the wealthiest individual in the city, with a net worth of US$39.4 billion as of July 3.

While she once hoped for marriage, she chose to move on, not wanting to force the relationship. In recent discussions, she shared that her children have grown into more caring and attentive individuals.

Born to Portuguese and Chinese parents, Leong began her career as a model at age 12 and gained international fame with her role in the 2008 film "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." She met Li the same year.

Ma, 46, began his acting career in 1991 and became well-known for his role as You Tanzhi in the 2003 drama "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," directed by Zhang Jizhong. He made his directorial debut in 2023 with the film "Wolf Hiding."

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**5 Foods Kidney Cancer Patients Must Avoid**

For individuals living with kidney cancer, limiting the consumption of foods high in salt, alcohol, and highly processed foods can help protect kidney function and improve overall well-being during treatment.

According to Healthline , while there is no specific dietary plan for kidney cancer patients, maintaining good eating habits plays a critical role. Certain foods can worsen kidney function or interfere with treatment, so knowing what to avoid is crucial to feeling better day-to-day.

Here are five foods kidney cancer patients should avoid or limit:

1. Salt-high foods

Excessive salt can disrupt the fluid balance in your body and contribute to high blood pressure, which can worsen kidney dysfunction . Foods high in salt, such as fast food, salty snacks like potato chips, and processed deli meats like salami, should be avoided.

While cooking, season your meals with herbs and spices rather than salt. However, be sure to check with your doctor before using any unconventional herbs to ensure they are safe.

Potato chips on a tray. Illustration photo by Pexels

2. Foods high in phosphorus

Phosphorus is essential for bone health and other bodily functions, but excessive phosphorus can weaken bones and cause other complications in those with reduced kidney function. If your doctor has raised concerns about your phosphorus levels, consider limiting these phosphorus-rich foods: cocoa, beans, processed bran cereals, certain dairy products, oysters .

3. Overhydration

Staying hydrated is important, but people with kidney cancer may experience fluid retention, especially if kidney function is compromised. Monitoring fluid intake is essential to avoid overhydration, which can overwhelm the kidneys.

While general advice suggests drinking eight glasses of water a day, individual needs vary based on age, climate, physical activity, and health conditions, per the U.S. National Kidney Foundation . Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals may also have different hydration requirements. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of water for you.

4. Highly processed foods and beverages

A 2018 study found that consuming ultra-processed foods can increase cancer risk by 10%. Additionally, diets low in quality have been linked to higher mortality risks. It is advisable to limit packaged bread and snacks, sodas and sweetened drinks, meats preserved with nitrates, instant noodles and soups, and frozen or shelf-stable ready meals in your daily diet.

These foods are often low in nutritional value and may contribute to cancer progression or interfere with your treatment.

5. Alcohol

Although moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable for some individuals, it is crucial to note that alcohol can interact negatively with cancer treatments and medications. There is also evidence suggesting that alcohol may increase the risk of cancer recurrence and affect the mortality rate in individuals with existing cancer. Therefore, limiting or avoiding alcohol is recommended for kidney cancer patients.

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2026 Kia Sportage PHEV: Slight Price Hike, Big on Appeal

It starts at $41,885.

Kia revamped its Sportage crossover for 2026 , giving its best-selling vehicle a visual makeover and some other much-needed tweaks. We already have pricing for the non-hybrid Sportage, and now Kia has published the prices for the plug-in hybrid variant.

Kia will continue to offer the Sportage PHEV in two trims: X-Line AWD and X-Line Prestige AWD. The entry-level trim is just $600 more than the model it replaces, starting at $41,885 (all prices include the $1,395 destination charge). However, the Prestige is $2,800 more expensive than before, with a $48,585 starting price.

Model	2026 Price (w/ dest.)	2025 Price (w/dest.)	Price Change
Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD	$41,885	$41,285	$600
Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD	$48,585	$45,785	$2,800

The Prestige features a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, heated and vented front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Harman Kardon audio system with subwoofer, and more. Both trims come with dual-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a ton of safety technology.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrains carry over from the 2025 model, but Kia has added a more powerful electric motor, creating a combined 268 horsepower, seven more than before. It’ll travel an estimated 34 miles on just electricity with 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

The Rest of the Sportage Lineup

If you want a non-hybrid Sportage, you’ll pay considerably less. The entry-level Sportage LX FWD starts at $30,385 , with the 187-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine under the hood. The standard Sportage range tops out at the Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD. It costs $40,985 to start, positioning it perfectly below the Sportage PHEV in the lineup.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $31,685, with the SX Prestige sitting at the top of the range. It costs $41,785, with the powertrain making 231 hp, four more than before.

Photo by: Kia

• Kia Just Had Its Best Six Months of Sales In History: 'A Milestone'
• The 2026 Kia Seltos Is Cheaper Because of This One Change

Source: Kia

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Kenneth Ma and Roxanne Tong Plan Malaysia as Baby’s First Global Getaway

TVB actor Kenneth Ma and his wife, actress Roxanne Tong, have shared that they would like Malaysia to be their baby’s first international destination.

Hong Kong actors Kenneth Ma (L) and Roxanne Tong. Photo from Tong's Instagram

According to The Star , the couple visited Malaysia for the first time together on June 28 to attend a beauty product meet-and-greet at a local mall. During the event, Ma fondly recalled the significance of the country in their lives, saying "The first time I won Best Actor was in Malaysia. And our first couple appearance is also here."

"I hope that when we take our first baby abroad, it will be to Malaysia!"

Ma, 51, and Tong, 38, tied the knot in Dec. 2023 after three years of dating, but they have not yet had children. Speculation about Tong’s possible pregnancy surfaced during their visit, as she wore a loose-fitting top and long pants, and her figure appeared slightly fuller than usual.

However, Tong subtly shut down the rumors with humor and candor on Instagram. In one post, she wrote: "Just got my period while traveling – this is the worst timing. Any advice for fast pain relief?"

She followed up with another post: "Also, how do I calm my irritability? (My husband asked for me.) I’m about to explode!"

Tong later told reporters that the couple was leaving baby plans to fate, adding that they are currently "too busy" to focus on that chapter of their lives.

Ma, who made his acting debut in 1999, has won the Most Popular Male Character award at the TVB Anniversary Awards four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2021), becoming the actor with the most wins in that category.

Tong, who graduated from University College London with a degree in Psychology, initially worked as a model and competed in the Miss Hong Kong 2012 beauty pageant. She won several awards, including Tourism Ambassador, Beauty Sublimation, and Most Popular Pageant on Scene, and placed in the Top 6.

Following her pageant success, she joined TVB and embarked on her acting career.

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Elvis Experience Deemed 'Atrocious and Misleading' at £300

A New Elvis Experience Sparks Mixed Reactions

A new immersive experience called Elvis Evolution, which opened in London, has generated a wave of mixed reactions from attendees. The show, created by Layered Reality, was initially promoted as a groundbreaking concert experience that would use AI and holographic projections of the King of Rock and Roll. However, some fans have expressed disappointment, claiming they were misled about what to expect.

The show was announced in January 2024 and advertised as featuring a "life-sized digital Elvis" performing iconic moments from his musical history on a UK stage for the first time. Tickets for the event range from £75 to £300, with the Super VIP option offering additional perks such as a mid-show champagne experience and dedicated seating.

Despite the initial hype, several attendees reported that the show did not live up to their expectations. Some claimed there was no hologram of Elvis at all, leading to accusations of being mis-sold the experience. One fan described it as "one of the most misleading shows I've ever seen."

Layered Reality responded to these concerns, explaining that the concept evolved over time. They stated that while the initial announcement suggested a hologram, the final production took a different approach. Instead of using a hologram, the show uses AI to upscale archive footage and recreate moments where no footage existed. This creative decision, according to the company, allows for a fresh perspective on Elvis's life and career.

A Journey Through Elvis’s Life

Elvis Evolution takes attendees on a journey through the life of the rock legend, starting with his youth and featuring insights from his childhood friend, Sam Bell. The experience includes an interval in a Hawaii-themed bar, where attendees can enjoy a cardboard cut-out of Elvis. The second act features a re-creation of the 1968 comeback special concert, which was performed live on NBC.

Despite the ambitious vision, some attendees found the experience lacking. Mark and Tracey Baldwin, who had VIP tickets, described the show as "absolutely atrocious." They felt they were treated more like mugs than VIPs, expressing frustration and disappointment. Mrs. Baldwin compared the experience to a local theater performance, suggesting that the cost was not justified.

Other critics have also shared mixed opinions. While some praised the show for its immersive design and innovative use of technology, others criticized it for being "limp and indifferent." The Telegraph gave the show one star, while CityAM described it as "incredibly touching." TimeOut awarded it three stars, noting that the show is enjoyable once audiences accept it for what it is.

Concerns About Accessibility and Safety

Paige Rannigan, who attended the show as a birthday gift for her mother, was left in tears after the experience. She felt the show did not match the promises made during the marketing campaign. Additionally, she pointed out that there were no warnings about strobe lights or flashing effects, which could be a concern for individuals with epilepsy.

Layered Reality emphasized that accessibility was a priority during the production process. They mentioned that a detailed FAQ section is available on their website to address potential issues and ensure accommodations are made for attendees.

Another attendee, Lizzie Ward, described the performance as a "low quality theatrical performance" and is desperately seeking a refund. Despite the negative feedback, some fans have praised the show as "well-acted, innovative, exciting, and a whole lot of fun."

Challenges and Cancellations

The show has faced several challenges, including delays in its launch and cancellations due to security concerns. On one occasion, an attendee was carried out by security staff during the interval, leading to the cancellation of the show. Layered Reality explained that the individual became verbally aggressive, and security had no choice but to remove him to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The company has since confirmed that the shows will continue as scheduled, following a thorough review and dialogue with the cast.

Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Elvis Evolution is set to run at ExCel London until December. Initially, the show was planned to move to Las Vegas, Berlin, and Tokyo after its London run, but this has not been confirmed.

While the experience aims to bring Elvis to life using AI, it has sparked debate about the expectations of immersive entertainment. Some argue that it offers a unique way to connect with the legacy of the music icon, while others feel it falls short of the promises made during the marketing campaign.

Overall, the mixed reviews highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with audience expectations in the world of immersive experiences.

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