Latest news with #Father'sDay
Int'l Business Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
American Who Moved His Family to Russia to Dodge 'Woke' US Policies Finds Himself On Front Lines in Ukraine: 'Thrown to the Wolves'
A Texas man who moved his family to Russia hoping to dodge what he called "woke" American policies has been sent to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Derek Huffman, 46, planned to join the military in a non-combat role as a welder after moving to Russia earlier this year with his wife and three children. However, his wife said that he has since ended up on the front lines after after joining the Russian military to help speed up his track to citizenship, Euromaiden Press reported. In a now-deleted video to the family's YouTube page, where Huffman and his wife DeAnna post about their life living in Russia, DeAnna asked for prayers after revealing where her husband was told he was "going straight to the front lines" after completing limited training in Russian, according to the Daily Beast. "He feels like he's being thrown to the wolves right now, and he's kind of having to lean on faith, and that's what we're all doing," DeAnna said. The family previously shared a clip of Derek in his military attire from Father's Day, in which he shared he was hoping for a "vacation" soon. "I can't wait to see you, hopefully I get a vacation at some point and I get to go home and spend a couple of weeks with you," he said. "But man, you're on my mind 24/7 and just know that what I'm doing is important to me and important to our family. Just know I will do whatever it takes to be safe and to come home to you. Take care of each other." On their social media pages, the Huffman family has praised a program by American media personality Tim Kirby allowing Americans to move to the country. He previously called Russia "a country that respects family values" after claiming that "woke ideology" was taking over the U.S., as reported by the Daily Mail. Meanwhile, DeAnna shared that her family allegedly has not been paid yet for Derek's time in the military. Originally published on Latin Times
The Star
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Nest of memories and heritage
THE vast depths of the Niah Caves form a stunning backdrop to a new short film from Sarawak about a father and daughter and their community's tradition of bird's nest harvesting. Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah's natural beauty but explores a father's relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them. It's a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work. ''Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love. 'Space Between' was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film 'But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,' he said at the film's premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father's Day. Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves. 'The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird's nest harvesting. The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.' The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird's nests. 'That's where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.' Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS. Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers. Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in 'Space Between', directed by Danish (left). With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak's shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions. 'I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,' he said.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Prince George turns 12 today — and it means a series of changes are coming
Prince George is one year closer to being a teenager. On July 22, Prince William and Kate Middleton took to Instagram to wish their eldest son — who is currently second in line to the British throne — a happy 12th birthday. As is tradition in the royal family, George's birthday post featured an updated portrait of the birthday boy. George, who is looking more and more like his father, wore a white and blue striped button-down shirt under a brown fleece vest and jeans. He was also wearing a friendship bracelet as he smiled at the camera with his arms on a fence. 'Happy Birthday to our little (not so little anymore) Future King,' one user wrote in the comment section. The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a video of George having fun and holding hands with his two younger siblings — Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. The photo and video were taken in Norfolk earlier this year by photographer Josh Shinner, per People. It was the same photoshoot used for Louis' birthday portrait, which was shared on April 23, and a Father's Day tribute to Prince William, shared on June 15. As for George, his 12th birthday marks a series of changes in the soon-to-be teenager's life as a royal. For starters, the British royal family has a longstanding history of not allowing direct heirs to the throne — which would include Prince William, who is first in line, and Prince George — to travel on a plane together. The family does this to 'secure the future of the monarchy should there be a tragic accident,' per 7NEWS Australia. For reference, Prince William was 12 years old when he stopped flying with his father, King Charles III. King Charles' former pilot opens up about royal flight protocol During a 2023 appearance on 'A Right Royal Podcast,' King Charles' former pilot, Graham Laurie, opened up about the protocol and revealed the one way around it. 'Interestingly, we flew all four: the Prince [King Charles], the Princess [Diana], Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old. After that, he had to have a separate aircraft,' Laurie said. 'And we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty,' he added. It's unclear if William and Kate will be subject to similar protocols and privileges, but the couple have a history of doing what's best for their kids and family — even if it means skipping royal events. For example, they've now skipped the Easter Matins Service at Windsor Castle two years in a row, according to People. The family skipped the Easter outing in 2024 due to Kate's cancer diagnosis, which was revealed just weeks prior, and again in 2025 in order to spend time with their kids at home. Prince George is also entering his final year at Lambrook Aside from the flight protocol, George will also see his schooling change in the coming year. George — along with his two siblings — currently attend Lambrook Preparatory School in Berkshire, which only teaches kids up until the age of 13, according to Hello! Magazine. William and Kate have a major decision to make as to what's next for George's education. Some royal experts believe that he'll follow in his father's footsteps and attend the all-boys school Eton College in Berkshire, according to The Daily Mail. George's uncle, Prince Harry, also attended the school, per BBC. Other theories suggest that George may follow in his mother's footsteps and attend Marlborough College in Wiltshire, but that speculation has since been tested, according to People. Eton College requires students to be registered before Aug. 31 of the year they turn 10, per the school's website. While the family and school have yet to make an announcement on George's education, the decision very well could already be made, per The Daily Mail. If that's not enough change for the future King, he'll also see his royal and etiquette training ramped up as he makes more regular appearances for royal events. George already experienced some of this when he joined other senior royals in a tea party for the family's VE Day festivities in May, according to The Daily Mail. George will also become more involved in daily briefings as he grows older, per 7NEWS Australia.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prince George celebrates 12th birthday: Prince William and Princess Kate share new photo and videos
Image credits: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales Prince George, the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton and the second in line to the throne after his father, is celebrating his twelfth birthday today on July 22nd, 2025. The future king, whose name is George Alexander Louis, was born to the royal couple in 2013, three years after they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in London, England. William and Kate share a new portrait and video of Prince George Image credits: Getty Images William and Kate shared a new photo of the prince, which is a tradition they have followed ever since he was a baby and have carried on with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. In the photo taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year in Norfolk, George can be seen resting his folded arms on the fence while smiling for the camera in a country-style attire consisting of a white and blue checkered shirt and a brown fleece gilet. Additionally, the parents of the prince who will now be stepping into his teenage years also shared a video of him with his siblings, showing off their bond. The video opened with a solo shot of the newly-turned 12-year-old smiling with a friendship bracelet on his wrist, similar to the one he wore in his previous birthday photo. Then the footage moved to the trio posing for the photos and to Prince George and Princess Charlotte picking up their youngest brother. The picture and the video seemed to be from a single photoshoot that yielded Prince Louis' 7th birthday portrait and the picture of William with the kids for Father's Day. Netizens shower Prince George with love Image credits: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales There are many fans and followers of the British monarchy across the world. William and Kate are not only loved for their royal role but also for the parental ones that most think they are fulfilling very well. Thus, many on the internet turned to bless and wish Prince George for his last pre-teen birthday. "It feels like just yesterday we watched his parents show him to the world for the first time, and somehow he's already a handsome young man! Time flies! Happiest of birthdays to the future King! 🥳🎉❤️" commented a person on the Instagram post shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales. "What a beautiful video! Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness Prince George ❤️🎂 They are such lovely, carefree children ❤️" added another.
International Business Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- International Business Times
Did Derek Huffman Die? American Man Ends in Ukraine War Zone After Fleeing from the US to Escape Woke America
An American man named Derek Huffman, 46, had ended up in the Ukraine war zone after fleeing from the US to escape woke America. The Texan father uprooted his wife DeAnna and three daughters to Russia early this year to escape the woke ideology. Huffman moved his family to a small town of Istra, near Moscow, claiming that the country had become overrun by ideology. Huffman allegedly took advantage of the Kremlin-backed visa programme that attracted westerners who were against liberal ideals. The American man described it as "a fresh start in a country that respects family values". But his dreams of leading a quiet life with the family members in Russia took a dramatic turn. The father of three has been reportedly sent to the frontlines of the Ukraine war zone to fight for Putin. The Texan father was initially promised a non-combat role and posted as a welder in the Russian military. He was then recruited as a war correspondent before sending him to an alarming war zone, according to his wife. She said her husband now finds himself close to the battlefield. DeAnna Huffman said her husband received limited military training in Russia and has been "thrown to the wolves". The Last Message Mr Huffman's family now awaits an update about him in fear since he had only minimal instructions before being deployed. She added that her husband is "leaning on faith" to survive. He had his last communication with the family on Father's Day in June when they received a video clip. The video featured him in full camouflage. "I miss you all more than you can imagine. I can't wait to see you, hopefully, I get a vacation at some point and I get to go home and spend a couple of weeks with you. But man, you're on my mind 24/7 and just know that what I'm doing is important to me and important to our family. Just know I will do whatever it takes to be safe and to come home to you. Take care of each other," the Texan father said in the video clip. Though the family has not heard from him, they insist that he is doing fine. A YouTube channel, which has been deleted, directed its followers to a Telegram group titled Save the Little Girls. It is unclear who created this group, but it has an emotional photo featuring DeAnna and her three daughters crying in the streets. The image was accompanied by a plea - "We are asking the United States government to save this family". Derek Huffman with his wife and three daughters. X Reason to Flee America The family decided to flee the country due to his growing frustration from progressive teachings in schools. Mr Huffman said after moving from Arizona to Texas that he was horrified to know his daughter was expected to discuss lesbian relationships in school. He called that moment the final straw. The American man sealed the deal in 2023 during a scouting trip to Moscow. He and his wife claimed that they found the country safer, cleaner, and More in tune with their values. Upon reaching Russia, the family quickly settled into an expat commune, established by pro-Kremlin US blogger Tim Kirby. The community, known as the American Village, attracted two families to date, and the Huffmans are one of them. The Texan father was eager to prove his loyalty to Russia and insisted that he was not searching for handouts. "The point of this act for me is to earn a place here in Russia. If I risk myself for our new country, no one will say that I am not a part of it. Unlike migrants in America who come there just like that, do not assimilate, and at the same time want free handouts," Daily Mail quoted Mr Huffman. However, his wife said that her husband was misled and will be put on the frontlines. "When he signed up and had all of that done, he was told he would not be training for two weeks and going straight to the front lines. But, it seems as though he is getting one more week of training, closer to the front lines, and then they are going to put him on the front lines. Being alone in a new country, raising kids, and trying to stay strong has tested me in ways I never imagined," she shared.
