
New York bill aims to help the wrongfully convicted. Prosecutors say it would aid the guilty, too
People who have pleaded guilty to crimes they didn’t commit would have an easier time challenging their convictions under a bill passed by New York lawmakers this week
2023-06-23 06:26

How much did Megan Fox's GoFundMe for Brittney Boyce raise? Actress claps back at haters amid fundraiser backlash
The fundraiser was aimed at covering medical costs for Boyce's father, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
2023-07-28 20:47

'Selling Sunset' star Bre Tiesi says Nick Cannon has 'super sperm' as their baby boy is 'brilliant'
In the latest episode of 'Selling Sunset', Bre Tiesi said she doesn't depend on baby daddy NickCannon to financially support her or their child
2023-05-21 12:59

Will cooling inflation help sell Bidenomics?
This weird post-pandemic, inflation-addled economy has been scrambling preconceived notions for years. And it is with that background that anyone should read this unquestionably good economic news: Inflation is unquestionably cooling.
2023-07-13 01:56

Rosalynn Carter marks 96th birthday at home with the former president, butterflies and ice cream
Rosalynn Carter is celebrating her 96th birthday at home with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, and other family members, while the surrounding community commemorates the former first lady’s years of public health advocacy
2023-08-18 12:21

George Santos Survives Second Attempt to Expel Him From US House
An attempt by fellow New York Republicans to expel Representative George Santos from the US House fell short
2023-11-02 10:59

US Open 2023: Caroline Wozniacki is returning to Grand Slam tennis three years after retiring
Caroline Wozniacki is getting ready to play her first Grand Slam match in more than 3 1/2 years at the U.S. Open when the tournament begins next week
2023-08-27 01:20

UN rights chief raises alarm on 'possibly catastrophic' Gaza ground operation
GENEVA The United Nations human rights chief on Saturday warned of "possibly catastrophic consequences" of large-scale ground operations
2023-10-28 22:29

Is Brielle Biermann pregnant? Reality TV star dubs mom 'RHOA' alum Kim Zolciak as 'the best grandma'
'Oh my God, she would love it. She would lose her mind,' said Brielle Biermann, while discussing how Kim Zolciak would react to her pregnancy
2023-07-29 09:29

Inside Putin’s attempts to indoctrinate Russia’s youth by encouraging ‘self sacrifice’
Russian textbooks praising President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine are an attempt to encourage “self-sacrifice” among schoolchildren, experts have warned. In September, Russia rolled out new history textbooks to schools that claim Ukraine is an “ultranationalist state” being used as a “battering ram” by the United States to “destroy Russia”. One chapter claims Ukrainian membership of NATO could have led to a catastrophic war and “possibly the end of civilisation” that Russia had to prevent. Jaroslava Barbieri, academic and author of dozens of articles on Russian affairs, said the textbooks and lessons instructing children on how to use drones were all part of a wider plan. “Patriotic education is nothing new,” Ms Barbieri, doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, told The Independent. “But it has acquired new momentum under Putin. It is an attempt to indoctrinate the next generation, by equating patriotism to self-sacrifice.” The textbook, which devotes 28 pages to Russia’s war in Ukraine, is also intended to convince children Russia has “always been surrounded by enemies,” Ms Barbieri said. “It is about militarising the youth, making them believe they have always been surrounded by constant enemies and that they should serve the needs of the state,” she said. In July, the Russian Defence Ministry approved plans for new lessons instructing schoolchildren on how to operate combat drones, assault rifles and hand grenades. Deputy Minister of Defence Ruslan Tsalikov said the programme will include basic operating information and methods to counter enemy weapons, including UAVs. Ms Barbieri said this was evidence the Kremlin had recognised the changing nature of warfare and Ukraine’s extensive use of commercial drones – as well as contributing to a militarised society. Katie Stallard, Global Fellow at the Wilson Center think tank, said Putin has always been obsessed by history and the textbooks reflect his desire to have a firmer grip on Russia’s historical narratives. “Mr Putin has poured government money into patriotic education and other so-called patriotic initiatives during his two decades in power,” she told the Independent. “It has long been clear he was not just seeking to promote a glorious, idealised version of the Russian past, but to limit challenges to the official narratives so he can consolidate power.” Between 2016 and 2020, Russia’s federal budget allocated about £18.5m to military-patriotic education, research shows. The implementation of military-patriotic education is guided by the military, schools and clubs, research suggests. “Control of the past has become a political priority as Mr Putin attempts to consolidate power in the present, particularly since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” Ms Stallard added. But so far, the Kremlin’s indoctrination tactics have not led to “queues of would-be soldiers lining up outside recruitment offices”, Ms Stallard said. “In fact, the opposite has happened, with the authorities tightening controls to make it harder for citizens to avoid military service,” she added. “There is little evidence that this will make much difference to the Russian war effort in the short term by generating an outpouring of public support.” In February 2022, an estimated 300,000 people fled Russia when its military invaded Ukraine. This number increased to about 700,000 by the end of the year, some estimates suggest. “Tighter education doesn’t mean Mr Putin will succeed and people will unquestionably believe what they read in their school history books. “The Soviet approach did not succeed either. It was a population skilled in understanding the correct sentiments to voice in public, while voicing their dissatisfaction in private,” Ms Stallard said. Read More Russian students are returning to school, where they face new lessons to boost their patriotism The Ukraine war, propaganda-style, is coming to Russian movie screens. Will people watch? Kremlin rushes out schoolbook praising Putin’s Ukraine invasion
2023-09-24 15:25

Who is Prospero Serna? California man arrested for the death of two of his children found with lacerations on their bodies
Prospero Serna's other two children were found suffering from non-life threatening injuries, LASD Lieutenant Danile Vizcarra said
2023-11-01 05:48

Griner's WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn’t always been the smoothest ride
2023-09-09 13:28
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