The fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) – Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But curators fear that the marble statue's religious and political significance is being overshadowed by the thousands of refrigerator magnets and other memorabilia that focus on David's genitals. There is. The director of the Accademia Gallery positions himself as David's defender and is quick to target those who profit from his image. Experts say this aggressive stance could backfire by hindering the licensing of Italian art, a source of income. Reproduction of masterpieces that serve as cultural ambassadors may also be restricted.
Home Depot acquires supplier to specialty contractor in deal worth approximately $18.25 billion
Home Depot will acquire professional materials provider SRS Distribution in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion. The home improvement retailer said Thursday the acquisition will help it accelerate growth with contractors. SRS supplies materials to professional roofers, landscapers, pool contractors, and more.
Rays' Wander Franco placed on administrative leave until June 1 as sexual abuse investigation continues
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop Wander Franco will be released on June 1, under an agreement between Major League Baseball and the Players Association, pending an investigation into his alleged relationship with a minor. I went on administrative leave until today. Under the sport's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, administrative leave is not a disciplinary action and players will continue to be paid. Franco, who is making $2 million this year, remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities investigated and did not report to spring training.
Powerball jackpot increases to $935 million as no one wins top prize
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot increased to $935 million after no one matched the six numbers drawn. The numbers chosen Wednesday night were 37, 46, 57, 60, 66, and Powerball 8. The drawing came a day after a New Jersey player won his $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize. The Powerball jackpot has continued to grow in the months since the last winner on New Year's Day. The game's odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate large jackpots that attract attention and increase sales. The prize for the next drawing on Saturday night is his $935 million, which will give one winner a pension over his 30 years. Winners typically choose to pay out cash, with an estimated $449.7 million for the next drawing.
Police won't charge Taylor Swift's father in Sydney paparazzi incident
SYDNEY (AP) — Taylor Swift's father has spoken out about a photographer's claim that Scott Swift assaulted her on the Sydney waterfront hours after the singer's Australian tour ended last month. He was not prosecuted. Photographer Ben MacDonald claimed that one of Swift's security guards shoved an umbrella in Swift's face and camera, before Scott Swift punched him. The incident occurred on February 27th at Neutral Bay Pier, where the father and daughter had just disembarked from their yacht. Police launched an investigation into the incident at the time and announced on Wednesday that “no further police action will be taken.” The statement said, “No violations were detected.”
Bob Uecker, 90, scheduled to broadcast the Brewers' home opener, but his workload for the rest of the season is unclear
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Bob Uecker will be back behind the microphone when the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Minnesota Twins in their home opener on Tuesday. It's still unclear how much of the broadcasting load the 90-year-old Uecker will shoulder for the rest of the season. “We will take it one day at a time” after the home opener, Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger said in a statement. Uecker became the voice of the Brewers in 1971 and has been part of the broadcast team ever since. He has limited himself to his home radio work in recent years.
Robotic police dog shot multiple times, credited with averting potential bloodshed
BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) – Massachusetts State Police say a robotic dog was deployed to a Barnstable home where police were responding to an armed individual barricaded inside the home, helping avert tragedy. . The dog, named Roscoe, was part of the state bomb squad and was shot several times and incapacitated during the March 6 incident. An unidentified suspect had been sent into a residence after firing shots at officers. Two other robots commonly used for bomb disposal were also sent in. State police say the use of Roscoe may have prevented officers from getting caught in the crossfire.
Lou Whitaker, America's most famous mountaineer, dies at age 95
SEATTLE (AP) — Legendary American mountaineer Lou Whitaker has died at the age of 95. Mr. Whittaker is known for helping climb Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, and for mentoring generations of mountaineers on more than 250 trips to Mount Rainier. Whittaker's guiding company, RMI Expeditions, said he died peacefully at his home on Sunday. Whitaker and his twin brother Jim Whitaker grew up in Seattle and began climbing with his Boy Scouts in the 1940s. Jim Whitaker became the first American to successfully climb Mount Everest in 1963. Although Lou Whitaker did not summit Everest himself, in 1984 he led an expedition that became the first American to reach the summit from the cold north.
NHL's Capitals and NBA's Wizards remain in Washington after Virginia Arena deal collapses
WASHINGTON (AP) — The NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals are staying in the District of Columbia. Owner Ted Leonsis and Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the $515 million deal at a press conference Wednesday. Monumental Sports & Entertainment's agreement with the city comes as Alexandria officials announced they have concluded negotiations for a new arena that would move the team to Virginia. The development was a blow to Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He wanted to move the team across the river as part of the $2 billion offer he announced with Leonsis in December.
TikTok is under FTC investigation over data practices and could face lawsuit
NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Trade Commission is investigating TikTok over its data and security practices, according to people familiar with the matter. The FTC found that TikTok did not violate a section of federal law that prohibits “unfair and deceptive” business practices by denying individuals in China access to U.S. user data, the people said. They say they are investigating whether that is the case. The agency is also scrutinizing the company for possible violations of child privacy laws. The investigation is the latest battle in Washington over TikTok. The social media company is already fighting a federal bill that could ban the platform in the United States unless it sever ties with Beijing-based parent company ByteDance.
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