Milan’s famous La Scala names new director of the opera house after months of controversy

ROME — Milan’s La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious and historic opera houses, on Tuesday named Fortunato Ortombina as its new director, ending months of political controversy. He will step into the post in September at the famed Teatro alla Scala. The city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, made the announcement after the opera house’s … Read more

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces book detailing her rapid rise in Democratic politics

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will detail her rapid ascent in Democratic politics in a book out this summer, a move that will undoubtedly spark fresh speculation about her potential presidential ambitions. “True Gretch” is scheduled for release July 9 and a book announcement provided to The Associated Press promises insights into Whitmer’s … Read more

The British Museum names Nicholas Cullinan its new director as it tries to get over a rocky patch

LONDON — The British Museum on Thursday appointed National Portrait Gallery chief Nicholas Cullinan as its new director, as the 265-year-old institution grapples with the apparent theft of hundreds of artifacts and growing international scrutiny of its collection. Previous director Hartwig Fischer resigned in August after the museum disclosed that more than 1,800 items were … Read more

A new kind of hospital is coming to rural America. To qualify, facilities must close their beds

As rural hospitals continue to struggle financially, a new type of hospital is slowly taking root, especially in the Southeast. Rural emergency hospitals receive more than $3 million in federal funding a year and higher Medicare reimbursements in exchange for closing all inpatient beds and providing 24/7 emergency care. While that makes it easier for … Read more

Jon Stewart’s return to ‘The Daily Show’ felt familiar to those who missed him while he was away

NEW YORK — No, Jon Stewart really wasn’t sitting at his desk at Comedy Central for the last nine years, waiting for someone to turn the lights back on. Yet it almost felt that way during Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” Monday night. His signature moves — blunt satire, facial grimaces, incisive use of … Read more

Disney appeals dismissal of free speech lawsuit as DeSantis says company should ‘move on’

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney on Thursday appealed a judge’s dismissal of its free speech lawsuit over what it described as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ retaliatory takeover of Walt Disney World’s governing district, as the Florida governor separately called any appeal “a mistake.” “They should move on,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Jacksonville a day … Read more

Inside Donald Trump’s curious relationship with Fox News — and what it means for other candidates

NEW YORK — At this moment in the 2024 election cycle, complaining about Fox News — even if for different reasons — may be what unites Donald Trump, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis the most. At conservative America’s favorite news source, the Republican nomination process is essentially over and has been for awhile, leaving DeSantis … Read more

Federal judge dismisses Disney’s free speech lawsuit against DeSantis

ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed Disney’s free speech lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, leaving the company’s remaining hopes of regaining control of the district that governs Walt Disney World to a separate state court challenge. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee said in his decision that Disney lacked standing … Read more

Deepfake explicit images of Taylor Swift spread on social media. Her fans are fighting back

NEW YORK — Pornographic deepfake images of Taylor Swift are circulating online, making the singer the most famous victim of a scourge that tech platforms and anti-abuse groups have struggled to fix. Sexually explicit and abusive fake images of Swift began circulating widely this week on the social media platform X. Her ardent fanbase of … Read more

Biden’s campaign pushes abortion rights in the 2024 battle with Republicans

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s reelection team is preparing a nationwide series of events and an advertising campaign focused on the battle over abortion rights, highlighting what Democrats believe will be a potent political weapon against likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris has led the charge on the issue for the White … Read more