The troops and hardware piling up at the border are probably just posturing. But look closely: Russia’s military is swiftly getting better-equipped and better-trained.
Outsized inflation numbers in America are partly a statistical quirk—but also a sign of the tricky balance pandemic-era policymakers must navigate. And why you may soon be getting a lift from a flying taxi.
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and it is certainly true that there is a large range of things do so, see and explore in the second largest state. The landscape changes dramatically throughout the expanses of the Lone Star State, from deserts and scrublands to swamps, pine forests, and mountains. Texans are fiercely proud, and they have a lot to be proud of. Whether you’re interested in history, art or cowboy culture, it’s all found in Texas. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Texas:
We unearth the country’s burgeoning design industry. From a ceramics studio in Lisbon to a nautical-inspired clothing brand in Porto, we meet the creatives putting the country on the map.
Gaia Lutz meets woodworker Ricardo Jerónimo of Rival at his Lisbon workshop, and the duo behind ceramic studio Sedimento. Plus: furniture-maker Miguel Saboya.
The designer reflects on how attitudes in manufacturing have shifted now that many international companies produce goods in Portugal.
We catch up with Jose Miguel de Abreu, co-founder of Porto’s nautical-inspired fashion brand La Paz, to discuss the benefits of basing his business in the city.
The founder of design studio Made In Situ discusses recent projects and how he is inspired by the landscape and the artisans he collaborates with.
Five stories to know for April 13: Protests continue after Minneapolis shooting, Knoxville school shooting, Japan nuclear waste water, Derek Chauvin trial and Russia warns U.S. on Crimea.
1. Minnesota police released body camera footage that shows police officer Kim Potter apparently drawing her gun by mistake, instead of her Taser, when she shot a young Black man, Daunte Wright, to death during a traffic stop. Protests continued overnight in Minneapolis following the incident.
2. A Knoxville school shooting ends with a student shot and killed by police and one officer wounded. Police said the high school student opened fire on them in a campus bathroom, wounding an officer.
3. Prosecutors neared the end of their case in the Derek Chauvin trial. George Floyd’s younger brother Philonise Floyd gave emotional testimony about how his sibling grew up obsessed with basketball and doting on his mother.
4. Japan will release more than 1 million tons of contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, the government said, a move China called “extremely irresponsible,” while South Korea summoned Tokyo’s ambassador in Seoul to protest.
5. Russia warned the United States to ensure its warships stayed well away from Crimea “for their own good,” calling their deployment in the Black Sea a provocation designed to test Russian nerves.
Polaris Inc. is a dominant player in the off-road vehicle market, selling top-of-the-line ATV’s, snowmobiles, and utility vehicles, among others. Unlike many other companies, Polaris saw its revenue increase in 2020 thanks to an unexpected boom in powersports and increased interest in outdoor activities. While it rides this high, however, some doubt how long it can last. In the past year, Polaris has begun expanding its electric vehicle line-up, hoping to gain some further momentum from the rapidly-growing market. However, some analysts are skeptical of the company’s ability to push into the electric space, which may be challenging given consumer hesitation regarding comparative performance, as well as fierce competition from other leading brands.
The makers of the Bafta-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher want to preserve the underwater ecosystem it features. The documentary focuses on a film-maker who befriends an octopus – but the unsung star of the show is the kelp forest off the coast of Cape Town. It is one of the richest ecosystems in the world. The makers of the film are part of a campaign to preserve the aquatic forest.
Driving in Hardanger takes you to the waterfalls (“foss” in Norwegian). The most famous are Vøringsfossen in Eidfjord (route 7), Steinsdalsfossen in Norheimsund (route 7) and Låtefoss in Odda (route 13).
VØRINGSFOSSEN
The best-known waterfall in Norway. See vast quantities of water plunge 182 m from the Hardangervidda plateau into the Måbødalen valley. Excellent viewing point at Fossli Hotel, on route 7. The hotel is open around 20.05-15.09. Season: 01.06 – 15.09. During the winter the water is used for generating power. Trail to the foot of the Vøringsfossen, 90 min. round-trip. Parking at the upper end of the Måbø tunnel on route 7. National Tourist Routes started construction work for viewing platforms and more in 2015. First stage to be finished in 2017, last stage to finish in 2020.
STEINSDALSFOSSEN
One of the most popular waterfalls in Norway. The Steinsdalsfossen has a fall of 50 m and is special because you can walk safe and dry behind it. The fall occured in 1699 when the river changed course. There is a footpath from the car park up to and under the waterfall. Along National Tourist Route Hardanger.
LÅTEFOSS
The twin falls of Låtefoss were already a popular tourist attraction back in the 1800s. The falls drop 165 m, and are easily accessible on route 13. Floodlit in the evening.
FUREBERGSFOSSEN
The Furebergsfossen waterfall is situated along route 551 between Årsnes and Sunndal. The waterfall flows under the road and directly into the Maurangerfjord, and arm of the Hardangerfjord. The waterfall follows the steep mountain side towards the fjord, and the free fall part is 20 meters high. Since the waterfall ends up under the road, you can get very close to the waterfall.
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted the global economy in ways that may affect your 2020 taxes. WSJ tax reporter Richard Rubin shares his tips for this unusual tax season. Photo illustration:Laura Kammermann
Hawaii is home to the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world.
Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, are native to Hawaii. They are the largest hard–shelled sea turtle in the world, reaching lengths of four feet and weights over 300 pounds. Out of the seven types of sea turtle, the Hawaiian green sea turtle is the most common turtle in Hawaii.
