This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 17 MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday attended commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi forces in the battle of Stalingrad, a long and grueling fight that resonates in the current conflict in Ukraine. Putin laid a wreath at the eternal flame of the memorial complex to the fallen Red Army soldiers in Volgograd, the current name of the city, which stretches along the western bank of the Volga River. The memorial is dominated by an 85-meter (279-foot) sculpture of a sword-wielding woman, Europe's tallest statue. The Russian leader is set to speak at a memorial event and have a meeting with activists later in the day. The city was renamed in 1961 as part of the Soviet Union’s rejection of dictator Joseph Stalin’s personality cult. But the name … [Read more...] about Putin commemorates Stalingrad battle, echoing Ukraine fight
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Bank of England rate hike says ‘too soon to declare victory’
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 15 LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England announced another “forceful” increase in interest rates Thursday, saying it was too soon to declare victory against inflation that has slowed slightly but is still fueling a cost-of-living crisis, public-sector strikes and fears of recession. The bank raised its key rate by half a percentage point, to 4%, resisting the temptation to follow the U.S. Federal Reserve in easing its response to the crisis. The British central bank has approved four straight increases of a half-point or more since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered sharp rises in food and energy prices. “We have done a lot on rates already … but it is too soon to declare victory just yet,” bank Gov. Andrew Bailey said at a news conference. “Inflationary pressures are still there … and we need to be absolutely sure … [Read more...] about Bank of England rate hike says ‘too soon to declare victory’
Teen arrested after entering Texas school following shooting
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 9 HOUSTON (AP) — A teenager who was involved in a shooting on Thursday with Houston police fled into a nearby high school, resulting in a lockdown of the campus and his arrest, police said. No injuries inside the school were reported. The teenager was part of a group of individuals who had been under surveillance by a crime suppression unit late Thursday morning at an apartment complex on the city’s west side when one of the suspects exchanged gunfire with an officer, said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner. The 18-year-old suspect was shot in the knee and he along with a 17-year-old were arrested at the complex. But a third suspect, who was 17 or 18 years old, fled the scene and got a ride from a local resident to Wisdom High School, located about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away, Finner said. Police did not release the names of the three suspects. … [Read more...] about Teen arrested after entering Texas school following shooting
These hip Houston wine bars are worthy of a toast
When it comes to wine bars in Houston, lovers of the grape can have a field day—and night. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a celebration or a leisurely rendezvous, Houston's best bars for wine lovers have you covered with selections from regions around the world. In addition to traditional pours, you'll also find glasses of rare wines, natural wines, biodynamic wines and fortified wines. Bookmark this sampling of the hottest wine bars in Houston the next time you're ready to indulge in a glass or two of vino. Montrose wine bars Boheme Feel worlds away on Boheme's chill, romantic patio , surrounded by a garden adorned with stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, or inside amid antique fixtures from England, France and Germany. Globe-trotting selections include a red rosso by Raina in Italy, a tempranillo by Pixide in Spain, and a malbec-cabernet blend by Ricominciare in Argentina. Cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails are available too. Tasting bites : Pair … [Read more...] about These hip Houston wine bars are worthy of a toast
Israeli police: American arrested for vandalizing church
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police on Thursday arrested an American tourist after he allegedly knocked down and broke a statue of Jesus in a church in Jerusalem's Old City. Images on social media showed the statue laying horizontally on the floor after apparently being pulled down from a stand at the church. The incident occurred in the Church of the Flagellation, which is located on the Via Dolorosa, the route believed to have been walked by Jesus to his crucifixion. Police said they made the arrest with the assistance of a church security guard. Video on social media showed a man sitting atop the alleged vandal who is heard saying “you can't have idols in Jerusalem, this is the holy city.” Police said the man's mental health was being assessed. The American Embassy declined to comment. The incident came as tensions run high in Jerusalem and the region following a bloody week. An Israeli military raid in the West Bank killed 10 Palestinians, mostly militants but also a … [Read more...] about Israeli police: American arrested for vandalizing church
F1 Fanatic round-up: Alonso wants to race at Le Mans after F1
In the round-up: Fernando Alonso says he would like to race in the Le Mans 24 Hours when he is done racing in Formula One. Links Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more. Alonso plans Le Mans move after F1 (BBC) “To win the Le Mans 24 Hours means a lot to any driver, so one day hopefully I will race there. I think I will – that’s 100% decided.” More car makers choosing WEC and Le Mans over F1 ‘Sparks’ test set for Austria practice (Autosport) “Ferrari will fit Kimi Raikkonen’s car with two skid blocks for the opening day of running at the Red Bull Ring, with Mercedes fitting some in a different position on Nico Rosberg’s car.” No more random spins – Raikkonen (ESPN) “When many things came together it can happen, we knew it after practice but probably didn’t put enough thought into it, but it will not happen again. We have made a lot of changes since the last race.” ‘Daniel not tougher than Mark’ (Sky) Sebastian Vettel : “I … [Read more...] about F1 Fanatic round-up: Alonso wants to race at Le Mans after F1
Red Bull eclipsing Ferrari as Mercedes’ greatest threat · RaceFans
On lap ten in Melbourne it seemed the 2016 season has begun very well for Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel led the field and the team’s other car was two-and-a-half seconds behind. Kimi Raikkonen had the leading Mercedes of Nico Rosberg covered, and the second silver car belonging to Lewis Hamilton was boxed in behind Max Verstappen’s Toro Rosso. Had it not been for a slip-up in the pits, Ferrari could have converted that strong start into a victory in the opening round of the championship. But six races later that flying start has been largely forgotten. There has been little sign of Ferrari’s Mercedes-rivalling pace we glimpsed in Melbourne since then. Vettel’s move to Ferrari last year seemed perfectly timed. He enjoyed a honeymoon season, taking three victories in what otherwise would have been a Mercedes rout. We quickly became accustomed to his exuberant shouts of ‘grazie ragazzi’ on the team radio. But recently the Ferrari radio has been characterised by explosive bursts of … [Read more...] about Red Bull eclipsing Ferrari as Mercedes’ greatest threat · RaceFans
Take a tour of colorful Tlaquepaque Market in Houston’s East End
Love it or hate it, strip malls are the beating heart of Houston. In Chron's new series, we take you on a tour of the city's best, food-packed, culture-rich shopping centers. Most of Houston's strip malls, even the ones hiding the city's best restaurants , look like a drab ensemble of concrete and stucco you speed past on your way somewhere else. But slow down and look closer, and you'll notice a select few that are—dare we say?—quite attractive. This is the case of Tlaquepaque Market , perhaps the most colorful strip mall in Houston, which sits where Leeland Street becomes Telephone Road, in the heart of Houston's East End. It's named after the village of Tlaquepaque (tuh-laa-kay-paa-kee), an equally colorful destination in Jalisco, Mexico. In Houston, the shopping center's buildings are painted in vibrant blues, yellows, oranges, pinks and greens. Tlaquepaque Market stands out with its colorful buildings. (Photos by Emma Balter) Located in the Eastwood … [Read more...] about Take a tour of colorful Tlaquepaque Market in Houston’s East End
Lawyer: Principal unaware boy had gun before teacher shot
The former principal of the Virginia elementary school where a 6-year-old shot his teacher was not aware of reports that the student had a gun before the shooting occurred, her lawyer said Thursday. Briana Foster Newton was principal at Richneck Elementary in Newport News last month when first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot and wounded in her classroom. “It continues to be reported that unidentified school administrators were aware that the 6-year-old student had a gun at school on January 6 and simply failed to act,” attorney Pamela Branch said during a news conference in Richmond, Virginia. “Mrs. Newton has been assumed to have been one of those administrators," Branch said. "However, this is far from the truth. The fact of the matter is that those who were aware that the student may have had a gun on the premises that day did not report this to Mrs. Newton at all.” Branch provided the first public statement from Newton since the shooting occurred and sought to … [Read more...] about Lawyer: Principal unaware boy had gun before teacher shot