EUROPEAN LEADERS WARN OF SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA

brussels» Furious over Russia’s bombardment of Aleppo, European leaders warned the Kremlin on Thursday that it could face new sanctions if it maintains its offensive against the besieged, rebel-held part of the Syrian city.

The sharp new rhetoric was a substantial departure for Europe’s 28 nations, which have long been focused on when they can dial back existing sanctions on Russia. Instead, Russian actions in recent weeks have upended the conversation. From the Russianbacked pummeling of Aleppo to the shipment of nuclear-capable missiles to Kaliningrad, the recent steps have galvanized Western anger and plunged relations to fresh depths.

The warnings came as leaders gathered in Brussels for a summit in part to discuss relations with Russia.

Firefighter tossed up 20 feet in gas explosion

B portland, ore.» An injured firefighter who’s being hailed as a hero for helping to evacuate a building before a powerful gas explosion in a Portland shopping district said Thursday he was tossed up 20 feet by the blast.

The explosion hurt eight people Wednesday morning, demolishing a threestory historic building and igniting a fire that sent a plume of smoke over the city. Three firefighters, two police officers and three civilians were injured. None of the injuries was life-threatening.

UK to pardon thousands convicted under anti-gay laws B Thousands

london» of men who were convicted under now-abolished British laws against homosexuality are to receive posthumous pardons, the government announced Thursday. Those who are still alive can will be eligible to have their criminal records wiped clean.

The Ministry of Justice said the pardons apply to men convicted for consensual same-sex sexual relations before homosexuality was decriminalized several decades ago. Men living with convictions can apply to the government to have their names cleared.

Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said the government was trying “to put right these wrongs.”

Calls for a general pardon have been building since World War II codebreaker Alan Turing was awarded a posthumous royal pardon in 2013.

Woman charged in 1989 killing B

kansas city, kan.» A 48-year-old Missouri