Latest news with #USDeclarationofIndependence


India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Trump administration to internally review Smithsonian museums
The White House announced on Tuesday it will conduct an internal review of certain Smithsonian museums and exhibitions in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The move follows President Donald Trump's earlier accusation that the institution spreads 'anti-American ideology,' a charge that has drawn concern from civil rights a letter to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch, three senior White House officials said the review's purpose is to ensure 'historically accurate' and 'inclusive portrayals' of the nation's initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,' the letter stated. The correspondence referenced Trump's March executive order, Restoring Truth And Sanity To American History, in which the Republican president singled out the Smithsonian, alleging it had come under the sway of a 'divisive, race-centered ideology' in recent order is consistent with the Trump administration's broader push to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs across government, universities, and corporations. Critics have warned that the measure risks political interference in the vast museum and research complex, as well as undermining decades of social progress and the acknowledgement of pivotal chapters in American to its website, the Smithsonian Institution encompasses 21 museums and galleries, plus the National Zoo. The institution has not yet responded to requests for White House said the review will examine the tone and historical framing of exhibition texts, websites, educational resources, and digital content, with particular attention to displays planned for the 250th anniversary. Within 120 days, the museums are expected to begin replacing 'divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions' where deemed necessary, the letter added.- EndsWith inputs from Reuters Tune InMust Watch


Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Russia Delivers Loaded Independence Day Greeting to US
Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has delivered a loaded Independence Day message to his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The close ally of President Vladimir Putin urged the American people "to follow the path of peace and prosperity, as they continue to uphold the enduring principles enshrined in the US Declaration of Independence ensuring every individual's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Lavrov said he wanted to further improve relations between Russia and the U.S. in the message reported by the TASS Russian state news agency. "I look forward to our collaborative efforts further enhancing bilateral relations in a constructive direction, fostering stability and predictability rooted in mutual respect and consideration for each other's national interests shaped by history, geography, and realities on the ground," he said. He added: "Please convey our sincere congratulations to the American people on the occasion of the US national holiday—Independence Day. The Russian Federation extends its support for America's pursuit of unity and the realization of the American dream." This is a breaking news story—more to follow. Related Articles Donald Trump Reveals Details of Vladimir Putin CallPutin Faces Coal Crisis in Russia'Dangerous' US Halt to Ukraine Aid Could See Russian Battlefield GainsRussia Is Struggling To Build Warplanes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.


Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Russia Delivers Loaded Independence Day Greeting to US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has delivered a loaded Independence Day message to his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The close ally of President Vladimir Putin urged the American people "to follow the path of peace and prosperity, as they continue to uphold the enduring principles enshrined in the US Declaration of Independence ensuring every individual's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Lavrov said he wanted to further improve relations between Russia and the U.S. in the message reported by the TASS Russian state news agency. "I look forward to our collaborative efforts further enhancing bilateral relations in a constructive direction, fostering stability and predictability rooted in mutual respect and consideration for each other's national interests shaped by history, geography, and realities on the ground," he said. He added: "Please convey our sincere congratulations to the American people on the occasion of the US national holiday—Independence Day. The Russian Federation extends its support for America's pursuit of unity and the realization of the American dream." This is a breaking news story—more to follow.


Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Amid standoff with US government, a brief history of Harvard University
A US federal judge on Friday (May 23) barred the Donald Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's ability to enrol international students a day after the policy was brought in. Harvard University, one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions, has been at the crosshairs of the administration since Trump took office in January. The latest development is the most serious escalation in the c0nflict yet. Foreign students have made up more than a quarter of the university's strength for the past three years, and the order could have significant repercussions. Here' a brief history of how Harvard, a university often described as 'older than the United States', came to be. On October 28, 1636, Harvard, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, almost a century-and-a-half before the the US Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Originally called the New College, its mission was to train the clergy, much like many colleges in the renowned universities of Oxford and Cambridge, in England. According to its official website, Harvard received its now famous name on March 13, 1639. The university was named after the 'renowned benefactor seated in 'lies.'' This refers to a black statue on the campus, supposedly representing one John Harvard, a Puritan minister, with an engraving that says 'founder'. However, this statue in all likelihood does not depict this man. And although he is often associated with the founding of the university, John Harvard was not really its founder nor did he study there (he studied at Cambridge). He was, however, its first major benefactor, who donated half of his estate and his library, which consisted of over 400 books. The real founder of Harvard University was not an individual, but the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which took a vote to set up the institution. The city of Cambridge was then called 'Newetowne'. In 1642, the first Harvard Commencement was held, with nine graduates. The Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper at Harvard University, recorded in 1893 that the term for prestigious East Coast US colleges stems from a practice related to the actual Ivy plant. On one customary day in June before the graduation, known as Class Day, students would plant the ivy, in one of the several rituals commemorating the day. The term 'Ivy League' now refers to eight prestigious East Coast universities, including Yale, Princeton, and Columbia.


Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire fans in disbelief at what contestant did before they'd even won anything
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? viewers were left scratching their heads after a player made a 'ridiculous' decision during Sunday's episode of the ITV gameshow. Who Wants to Be A Millionaire fans were left frustrated after a contestant's "ridiculous" mistake cost her £32,000 on Sunday's episode. In the latest episode of the popular ITV quiz show, Amy Helliwell was the first participant to take the hot seat and was on the verge of making it to the final question. The tourism officer had set her safety net at £32,000 and shared with host Jeremy Clarkson what she planned to do with the potential winnings, reports Edinburgh Live. "I'd cry for a bit, just in a dark room or something. And then, my car is a hand-me-down from my sister, as all of my things are probably. But I'd love to start my own business," Amy said. "In this economy, it's quite hard to do that, so this would be quite helpful towards it." She further explained: "I want to start a café, an Italian-style deli with ice cream and gelato. I love making that kind of stuff." After correctly answering a question about the US Declaration of Independence, Amy moved on to the £125,000 question. However, when asked about the longest living species of tree, Amy, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, confessed that horticulture wasn't her strong suit, admitting she "kills" a lot of plants. Despite her uncertainty, she decided to "take a chance" and chose oak as her final answer. "I think I might as well just go for it, there's no point in not doing it, right? I'm going to go for oak, final answer," Amy stated. "You are unbelievably brave, but sadly wrong," Jeremy responded, crushing her hopes. He continued: "Oh I am sorry Amy, I just love your attitude, though. And you are leaving here with £32,000, which is pretty good. I wish you all the very, very best with your new car and your café." However, audiences watching the episode were far from impressed with Amy's daring strategy as numerous viewers rushed to X - previously known as Twitter - to share their disappointment. Airing their frustration, viewer posted: "Can't believe she just did that. Basically gave up £32,000 on a guess." Another added: "What a silly thing to do." A different stunned fan of the show commented: "Can't believe she didn't take the £64,000". Someone else agreed, posting: "One risk too many. Ridiculous guess when you don't know it." However, not everyone was offended by Amy's choice as also on social media, one viewer offered some perspective to Amy's decision, saying: "Wild take, but I think gambling at £64,000 with a guaranteed £32,000 wasn't terrible, especially if she'd had her eye on £32,000 to start with. Gambling at £128,000, however, would have been WILD." Who Wants To Be A Millionaire continues on Sunday at 8pm on ITV.