Feminist activist and Ms. Magazine co-founder Gloria Steinem has died at the age of 92 at her home in New York City. Steinem, a prominent figure in the U.S. women's movement during the 1960s and '70s, was known for her appearance involving straight, streaked hair and large aviator glasses.

Public figures including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and first lady Jill Biden have responded to her death. Clinton stated that Steinem opened doors for millions of women, while Biden noted on social media that Steinem's advocacy for equality changed the country. Author Abigail Disney also cited Steinem as an inspiration for her own activism.

In music news, two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson has died at age 70. Her manager reported that she passed away in her native Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by family and friends. While a local coroner confirmed she died on Tuesday, no cause of death was released. Wilson was recognised for her contralto voice and her ability to blend jazz with blues, folk, pop, and country. In 2001, Time Magazine described her as America’s best singer, and she was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2022.

Legal developments in South Korean music industry

South Korean police are seeking the indictment of Bang Si-Hyuk, the chairperson of Hybe and the agency behind the group BTS. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency referred Bang to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday regarding alleged violations of the capital markets act.

The investigation concerns allegations of investor fraud. Police allege that Bang misled investors by suggesting Hybe had no immediate plans to go public, which prompted investors to sell their shares to a private equity fund shortly before the company proceeded with an initial public offering.

Film festival updates and upcoming releases

The Venice Film Festival features several new premieres this week:

• Bucking Fastard: Directed by Werner Herzog, the film stars sisters Rooney and Kate Mara as Jean and Joan Holbrooke, characters who speak in unison. The film also features Orlando Bloom and is dedicated to David Lynch.
• Wild Horse Nine: Directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich, this film focuses on the CIA and the 1973 military coup in Chile. It is scheduled for a theatrical release this fall.

In the United States, stop-motion animation studio Laika is preparing for the release of Wildwood on 23 October. Based on the 2011 fantasy novel by Colin Meloy, the film is described by director and CEO Travis Knight as the studio's most ambitious work. The film's trailer has reached over 90 million views on YouTube.

Marvel Studios has also announced that Joe and Anthony Russo will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to direct Avengers: Doomsday. In an interview with the Associated Press, the directors stated that a "foundational narrative concept" motivated their return to the franchise.

Arts and sports news

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening in Los Angeles. Designed by Ma Yansong to resemble a floating cloud or tree canopy, the museum features George Lucas's personal collection, including works by Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell. The galleries are organised by themes such as civic activism and sports rather than by era or artist.

In sports, actor Hugh Jackman has expressed interest in purchasing a stake in the English football club Norwich. The club is majority owned by Mark Attanasio. Jackman, whose mother is from the city, told TalkSport he is "very, very interested in talking about it."