They were long derided as old-fashioned symbols of grinding poverty, but mud and straw houses are making a comeback in Hungary as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to concrete.
Asian and European markets rose Thursday, extending gains in New York, as a forecast-busting US retail sales report showed American consumers remained confident despite elevated inflation and the prospect of more interest rate hikes.
Swiss food giant Nestle said on Thursday sales rose last year but inflation nibbled at its margins, while net profits plunged due to asset disposals in 2021.
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Sports
Ben Duckett and Harry Brook struck blistering half-centuries as England declared their innings at 325-9 late on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
February 16, 2023
RECENT NEWS
A Russian missile smashed a Ukrainian apartment complex, killing dozens. Pro-Russian propagandists offered a slick counter-narrative that shifted the blame away from Moscow -- using pseudo fact-checking as a tool of disinformation.
February 16, 2023
RECENT NEWS
Russian conservative writer Alexandra Makarova fell in love with soldier Dmitry Matviyenko after he lost a leg fighting in Ukraine.
February 16, 2023
Still reeling from the Kremlin's decision to send troops to Ukraine, Masha Yanchevskaya is one of many young Russians torn between trying to "heal" society or seclude themselves from it.
February 16, 2023
When Russia introduced patriotism classes in primary and secondary schools last September, Tatyana Chervenko decided she was not going to peddle Kremlin "propaganda" to her eighth-grade students in Moscow.
February 16, 2023
Economy
When Vladimir Stetsenko put his apartment on the market in October, he thought the ad for the newly renovated property in southern Moscow would generate some interest. It did not.
February 16, 2023
RECENT NEWS
The Berlinale, Europe's first major film festival of the year, opens Thursday with a comedy starring Anne Hathaway, Marisa Tomei and Peter Dinklage ahead of a packed programme spotlighting Iran and Ukraine.
Despite strict government censorship and the threat of jail, residents of Russia's capital are finding subtle ways to express alarm and dissent over the Kremlin's year-long offensive in Ukraine.
The first one challenged Ukraine's president to a fighter jet duel. The second has threatened Europe with nuclear apocalypse. The third has said cannibals roam Ukraine.
A Nicaraguan court under President Daniel Ortega stripped the citizenship from 94 exiled dissidents and declared them to be "traitors to the fatherland," drawing sharp criticism from a regional UN watchdog agency.
February 16, 2023
Sports
Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to tennis after a four-month injury absence on Wednesday, defeating Serbia's Laslo Djere to advance to the quarter-finals of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
February 16, 2023
RECENT NEWS
Five months since protests broke out in Iran, a divided opposition in and outside of the country is seeking unity that has so far eluded foes of the Islamic republic.
Opener Ben Duckett was dismissed for a rapid 84 as England's trademark attacking style dominated the start of the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
Prospective new owners of Manchester United have until Friday to reveal their interest in buying one of the world's biggest clubs, with a rumoured bid from Qatar sending shockwaves through European football.
The governor of Ohio told residents living near the site of a toxic train derailment that it was "safe" to drink the water, as authorities investigate potential environmental fallout from the accident earlier this month.
February 16, 2023
- New Zealand seeks international help as cyclone cripples North Island
- Asian markets rise as traders evaluate strong US economy
- Man City back in business after statement win at Arsenal
- Japan debates LGBTQ protections under G7 spotlight
- India get closer to World Cup semi-final but Pakistan stay in contention
- Biden, 80, to undergo medical checkup ahead of potential 2024 bid
- Machu Picchu reopens 25 days after Peru protests forced closure
- NBA icon Jordan donating $10 million to nonprofit