This Week in News: From Art Restorations to Grammy Records and Political Protests
A weekly quiz has revealed a diverse range of headlines, from surprising art discoveries to political activism and pop culture milestones. As the week draws to a close, a look back at the most notable events offers a snapshot of the current global landscape.
A Cherubic Controversy and Artistic Debates
Italy is captivated by a recent art restoration in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina. The work has unexpectedly transformed a cherub in the painting, leading to widespread discussion about its uncanny resemblance to an unnamed figure. Simultaneously, historical art boffins have re-evaluated the Hever ‘Rose’ portrait of Anne Boleyn, determining the pose was deliberately chosen to refute claims about the former queen. The portrait, it appears, was strategically composed to demonstrate a specific aspect of her physical state.
Political Shifts and Protest Movements
The political arena has seen movement on multiple fronts. The Greens party has selected Hannah Spencer, a professional with an unspecified trade, to contest the upcoming byelection in Gorton and Denton. Further north, in Minnesota, actions by the Trump administration have spurred a wave of protest songs from prominent artists including The Marsh Family, Billy Bragg, and Bruce Springsteen, whose latest track addresses the situation.
Global Events and Cultural Landmarks
International relations experienced a minor diplomatic hiccup when the mayor of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, expressed displeasure after an attempt to raise a US flag within the city. Meanwhile, Berlin is celebrating a record harvest with a mass giveaway of an unspecified agricultural product.
Pop Culture Highlights: Music, Film, and Pokémon
The entertainment world has been buzzing with activity. At the Grammy Awards, one artist achieved a historic milestone, becoming the most-awarded rapper in the event’s history. In film, casting news emerged regarding a forthcoming biopic of Joni Mitchell, with an actor yet to be named taking on the role of the iconic singer-songwriter, directed by Cameron Crowe. The Muppet Show’s 50th anniversary special will feature a guest appearance from a celebrated pop goddess. And for Pokémon fans, the first Pokémon theme park has opened its doors in an undisclosed location. A playful image of Fuecoco at Blackfriars station in London hints at the excitement surrounding the new attraction.
Sports and Unexpected Incidents
The Australian Open concluded with a victory for an unnamed athlete in the women’s singles competition. In a more unusual story, Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté faced a last-minute challenge due to a copyright dispute concerning music from a popular franchise that threatened his Winter Olympics performance. Adding to the week’s oddities, an unexplained incident occurred at the tomb of philosopher David Hume in Edinburgh.
Political Rhetoric and Linguistic Innovation
Finally, in a curious linguistic observation, it has been noted that Donald Trump is credited with inventing a particular word, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.
The weekly quiz concludes with a playful suggestion to watch “Boyface” by PVA, offering a respite from the news cycle. Readers are encouraged to share their quiz results and engage in discussion in the comments section.
