David cleaned up
Experts in Florence, Italy, say they have completed the first restoration in a century of Donatello’s 15th-Century bronze statue of David (right). Restorers used new cleaning techniques, including lasers, to remove encrusted dirt and grime from the statue that was to be presented Friday.
Pump prices plummet
Houston Oil prices ended flat Friday with OPEC officials sending mixed messages about a production cut before a regularly scheduled meeting in December. Pump prices fell a penny overnight to a national average of $1.835 for regular unleaded, according to reports.
Kick off those heels
Volunteers will hand out free flip-flops to intoxicated partygoers hobbling home on high heels, British police in the resort area of Torbay said Friday. Partygoers will receive the footwear as part of a government-funded program.
Evidence in TV anchor case
Arkansas Police said Friday they talked to the suspect in the slaying of a TV anchorwoman and gathered evidence they say links him to the slaying. Detectives interviewed Curtis Lavelle Vance at his home and collected evidence in the death of Anne Pressly.
Pirate hijacking
Somali pirates seized control of a chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden on Friday, and a NATO helicopter gunship, too late to prevent the hijacking, picked up three security guards who jumped into the sea.
Bird mix-up
Bermuda’s plan to feature a local bird on its new currency backfired — they put the wrong bill on the bird on the $50 bill. Bermuda plans to introduce a colorful new line of notes next year. Officials apologized Thursday for the error.
Pot pie totals released
Federal investigators raised to 401 the number of cases of salmonella linked to the Banquet pot pies recalled last year by ConAgra Foods. The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued its final report this week.
