Latest news with #CentennialHall
Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
The ‘Venice of Eastern Europe' is a 'youthful' city with flights from just £29
Cobbled squares, colourful houses and boats bobbing along winding waterways. Sound familiar? Nope, we're not describing an Italian jaunt, but rather Wrocław, a city in Poland dubbed 'the Venice of Eastern Europe'. It earned its title thanks to the 12 islands that make up Wrocław, each connected by bridges (there are 130 in total) and canals reminiscent of the famous sinking city in Italy. The chances are, you've never heard of Wrocław, except maybe if you're a Chelsea fan. Supporters will be flocking to Poland ahead of the Europa Conference League final tonight. But if you're after a laid-back — and cheap — city-break, it's time to give Wrocław a try. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. It's pretty easy to get to Wrocław from the UK, with direct flights to Port Lotniczy, the city's major airport, which is just 12km from the centre. The cheapest flights currently available on Skyscanner can be found in June, flying with Ryanair from Glasgow for just £29 return. However, the low-cost carrier also has flights available from various UK airports, including Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted. The Market Square is at the heart of Wrocław's Old Town, and a good place to start for any tourist. The city is easily walkable, so be sure to wander around the streets, marvelling at the architecture that dates back to the 12th century. From the old to the new(ish), the modernist Centennial Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, built in 1911. Take a tour, or check out it's schedule of concerts, plays and performances. Wrocław is also a market-lovers paradise. There's the Hala Świebodzki, a street-food market located in an old train station, as well as the Hala Targowa, which was built in 1908, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, sweets, and plenty of flowers. Tucked away inside is also Café Targowa, which is somewhat of an institution. As Eastern Europe's answer to Venice, it'd be remiss of you not to wander along the city's waterways and explore it's many bridges connecting the islands. Cathedral Island is perhaps the most famous – dating back to the 10th century – and also the most beautiful. For something a bit different, head to Nadodrze, an artsy neighbourhood famed for its street art. Roosevelt Street, with its 'colourful courtyards' is worth checking out. And, with so much to see and do in Wrocław, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the cities smallest tourist attraction: the Wrocław Gnomes. There are more than 800 cute gnomes scattered around the city, a tradition which began back in 2001, when a statue of a gnome, the symbol of Poland's anti-communist movement, was placed on one of the city's main streets. Since then, they've been popping up all over the place, and a festival in their honour is held every September. Tourists can download a map from Wrocław Tourism Board's website to follow a trail around the city. If you're still unsure about booking a trip to Wrocław, Metro's Patrycja Zaras suggests pairing it with a break to Krakow instead. 'These two cities make the perfect pair,' says Patrycja, who is originally from Poland. 'Kraków, rich in history and full of stunning early 20th-century architecture, shows you a side of Poland you won't find anywhere else. But once you've had your fill of castles and lazy afternoons by the Vistula River, hop on a speedy three-hour train to Wrocław. 'It's a vibrant city bursting with youthful energy, creative spirit, and trendy restaurants that'll have your Instagram followers wondering if you're still in Poland.' Need some refreshments after all that sight-seeing? Patrycja shares her favourite spots in Wrocław: BABA . A fine dining restaurant serving Polish cuisine, headed up by a female chef. Be sure to order one of their creative cocktails too. . A fine dining restaurant serving Polish cuisine, headed up by a female chef. Be sure to order one of their creative cocktails too. Piekarnia Plon . A bakery that's not to be missed. From croissants to sourdough breads, everything is delicious. . A bakery that's not to be missed. From croissants to sourdough breads, everything is delicious. Charlotte. This popular bistro chain is a must when visiting Poland. Go for one of their famed breakfasts, with homemade breads, jams and spreads. This popular bistro chain is a must when visiting Poland. Go for one of their famed breakfasts, with homemade breads, jams and spreads. Piwnica Świdnicka. One of the oldest restaurants in Europe, which has been serving hungry customers since 1273. The Foreign Office has not issued any updated warnings ahead of the final tonight. However, with a staggering 70,000 football supporters expected to arrive in Wrocław, as Chelsea take on Real Betis, it's important to be mindful that tensions could flare. There have already been reports of violence between fans, with supporters clashing outside a restaurant — although authorities intervened. Police in Wroclaw issued a statement, confirming that the safety of visitors and locals alike is their 'priority'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'The uniformed officers reacted immediately after the incident, which resulted in no further escalation of the conflict or negative behavior,' reads the statement. More Trending 'The fans scattered in different directions and currently the police officers of the criminal division are conducting activities aimed at identifying them. 'The number of preventive and operational police forces and their saturation is so large in places where residents and sports fans gather or move around that everyone can feel safe.' Police also clarified that there would be foot patrols and monitoring from both helicopters and drones for added safety measures. Here at Metro, we love bringing our readers unusual and hidden-gem alternatives to more popular European city breaks. For those who love Paris, why not try Tromsø, often dubbed 'Paris of the North'. Don't be fooled by its extreme location — the largest city in northern Norway is surprisingly refined, with plenty to see beyond the Northern Lights. If you enjoy holidaying in Portugal, but want to venture beyond Lisbon and Porto, head to Bragga, the lesser-visited 'Rome of Portugal', which was once a mainstay of the Roman empire. From ornate architecture to ancient buildings and a thriving culinary scene, the city has everything that Rome does, without the crowds. And for travellers who enjoy having their head firmly in the clouds, this European capital is the highest of them all — and also one of the smallest. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: New train to span 745 miles linking five European countries — and tickets are just £40 MORE: I thought British holidays were boring, but this underrated island changed my mind MORE: EasyJet launches new holidays to 'charming' but underrated Italian seaside destination
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - A hostile, antisemitic Northwestern University needs more federal oversight
In the middle of the night on April 14 — the second day of Passover — anti-Israel activists vandalized the sign marking Northwestern's Kresge Centennial Hall, writing 'Death to Israel' in red and calling for an 'Intifada.' They were referring to the campaign of suicide bombings conducted against Israeli civilians between 2000 and 2005. Kresge is significant because it houses Northwestern's Holocaust Educational Foundation. Earlier in April, extremists had circulated flyers glorifying the designated terrorist group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and depicting a monstrous hand marked with Stars of David engulfing buildings in flames. This is not an isolated failure. A Daily Northwestern poll found that 58 percent of Jewish students at that school have experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus. As a result, Congress has called for scrutiny of the university's nearly $790 million in annual federal funding. In April and May 2024, anti-Israel agitators set up a tent encampment on Northwestern's Evanston campus and called for economic warfare against the State of Israel. Over the course of five days, they harassed, intimidated, and in some cases physically assaulted other students who were simply trying to go about their day. Rather than demand that the protestors disband or offer to meet with both the demonstrators and the students harmed by their actions, the administration chose appeasement. After just five days, Northwestern capitulated to the encampment's demands in a now-infamous agreement. The demands bordered on the absurd. Internal communications revealed that administrators even discussed removing Sabra hummus — a product with partial Israeli ownership — from campus dining. This sent a dangerous message: Break rules, disrupt campus, harass Jews and you'll be rewarded. Victims, meanwhile, were ignored. Jewish members of the university's Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism resigned in protest, having been excluded from negotiations. Northwestern must rescind the agreement and take public steps to restore campus safety and equal rights. We also urged federal scrutiny of Northwestern University in Qatar, which receives opaque funding from the authoritarian and terror-aligned Qatari regime. This raises serious compliance concerns under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires disclosure of significant foreign gifts and contracts. The Qatar campus's journalism program feeds into Al Jazeera, a state-run outlet known for running antisemitic content and providing a platform for Hamas leaders. A 2022 analysis of NU-Qatar faculty and alumni found that 81 percent had demonized Israel or Zionists, 73 percent expressed support for terrorism, and 27 percent promoted overt antisemitism or even praised Hitler. Texas A&M wisely exited Qatar in 2024, citing foreign influence and national security risks. Northwestern should follow suit. We also called for a federal audit of Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law, which provided legal support to protesters arrested for blocking access to O'Hare Airport. A March 27 letter from the House Education and Workforce Committee expressed concern over the use of taxpayer resources to support anti-Israel and potentially anti-American activism. These actions demand accountability. Another area of concern is Northwestern's Middle East and North African Studies Program, whose Qatar-based professor Khaled Al-Hroub publicly questioned whether Hamas killed had any civilians in its massacre of Oct. 7, 2023 — the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The program's Director, Jessica Winegar, who holds a Qatar-endowed chair, used her position to support the encampment's demands. These are not isolated voices. They represent a structural problem at Northwestern that calls for federal oversight and meaningful Title VI enforcement, including the creation of a Title VI office on campus. Beyond compliance, Northwestern needs academic reform. Departments have become echo chambers hostile to dissenting views, particularly regarding Israel. The university should adopt principles like those in the University of Chicago's Kalven Report, discouraging political activism by academic units and reaffirming the classroom as a space for rigorous and respectful dialogue. Hiring practices should also reflect true intellectual diversity, especially on complex global issues. Northwestern is at a crossroads. It can either continue down a path of appeasement and ideological conformity, or it can reclaim its role as a leading academic institution rooted in American values. We believe the reforms we presented in Washington offer a path forward — one that protects all students, upholds free expression, and restores Northwestern's academic integrity. Federal oversight is not optional. It is the only path to restoring campus safety, accountability, and pluralism. Lisa Fields Lewis is a Northwestern parent and a member of the leadership team at the Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
A hostile, antisemitic Northwestern University needs more federal oversight
In the middle of the night on April 14 — the second day of Passover — anti-Israel activists vandalized the sign marking Northwestern's Kresge Centennial Hall, writing 'Death to Israel' in red and calling for an 'Intifada.' They were referring to the campaign of suicide bombings conducted against Israeli civilians between 2000 and 2005. Kresge is significant because it houses Northwestern's Holocaust Educational Foundation. Earlier in April, extremists had circulated flyers glorifying the designated terrorist group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and depicting a monstrous hand marked with Stars of David engulfing buildings in flames. This is not an isolated failure. A Daily Northwestern poll found that 58 percent of Jewish students at that school have experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus. As a result, Congress has called for scrutiny of the university's nearly $790 million in annual federal funding. In April and May 2024, anti-Israel agitators set up a tent encampment on Northwestern's Evanston campus and called for economic warfare against the State of Israel. Over the course of five days, they harassed, intimidated, and in some cases physically assaulted other students who were simply trying to go about their day. Rather than demand that the protestors disband or offer to meet with both the demonstrators and the students harmed by their actions, the administration chose appeasement. After just five days, Northwestern capitulated to the encampment's demands in a now-infamous agreement. The demands bordered on the absurd. Internal communications revealed that administrators even discussed removing Sabra hummus — a product with partial Israeli ownership — from campus dining. This sent a dangerous message: Break rules, disrupt campus, harass Jews and you'll be rewarded. Victims, meanwhile, were ignored. Jewish members of the university's Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism resigned in protest, having been excluded from negotiations. Northwestern must rescind the agreement and take public steps to restore campus safety and equal rights. We also urged federal scrutiny of Northwestern University in Qatar, which receives opaque funding from the authoritarian and terror-aligned Qatari regime. This raises serious compliance concerns under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires disclosure of significant foreign gifts and contracts. The Qatar campus's journalism program feeds into Al Jazeera, a state-run outlet known for running antisemitic content and providing a platform for Hamas leaders. A 2022 analysis of NU-Qatar faculty and alumni found that 81 percent had demonized Israel or Zionists, 73 percent expressed support for terrorism, and 27 percent promoted overt antisemitism or even praised Hitler. Texas A&M wisely exited Qatar in 2024, citing foreign influence and national security risks. Northwestern should follow suit. We also called for a federal audit of Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law, which provided legal support to protesters arrested for blocking access to O'Hare Airport. A March 27 letter from the House Education and Workforce Committee expressed concern over the use of taxpayer resources to support anti-Israel and potentially anti-American activism. These actions demand accountability. Another area of concern is Northwestern's Middle East and North African Studies Program, whose Qatar-based professor Khaled Al-Hroub publicly questioned whether Hamas killed had any civilians in its massacre of Oct. 7, 2023 — the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The program's Director, Jessica Winegar, who holds a Qatar-endowed chair, used her position to support the encampment's demands. These are not isolated voices. They represent a structural problem at Northwestern that calls for federal oversight and meaningful Title VI enforcement, including the creation of a Title VI office on campus. Beyond compliance, Northwestern needs academic reform. Departments have become echo chambers hostile to dissenting views, particularly regarding Israel. The university should adopt principles like those in the University of Chicago's Kalven Report, discouraging political activism by academic units and reaffirming the classroom as a space for rigorous and respectful dialogue. Hiring practices should also reflect true intellectual diversity, especially on complex global issues. Northwestern is at a crossroads. It can either continue down a path of appeasement and ideological conformity, or it can reclaim its role as a leading academic institution rooted in American values. We believe the reforms we presented in Washington offer a path forward — one that protects all students, upholds free expression, and restores Northwestern's academic integrity. Federal oversight is not optional. It is the only path to restoring campus safety, accountability, and pluralism. Lisa Fields Lewis is a Northwestern parent and a member of the leadership team at the Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Bluffton professor presenting on university history
Mar. 24—BLUFFTON — Dr. Steve Harnish, professor of mathematics at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "The Mennonite and the Quantum Physicist: An Early Slice of Bluffton College History" at 4 p.m. Friday, March 28 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall. As 2025 marks celebrations for Anabaptism (500), Bluffton University (125) and quantum mechanics (100), Harnsih will share an early slice of Bluffton College history from 1913 to 1946 in which the personal lives and rural Mennonite roots of four Ohioans (Otelia, Olga, Herbert and Arthur) intersect major world events and scientific developments of the era. Images and documents will be shared from archives at Bluffton University, The University of Chicago and The College of Wooster. The event is free and open to the public. Featured Local Savings
