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Dolly Parton’s Philanthropy: Inspiring Acts of Kindness

NEW YORK – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s rampage through the American South in 2024, Dolly Parton took to the stage, her iconic blonde wig shining under the lights, with a song ready to heal. Standing before a community in her beloved Tennessee battered by floods, she offered solace through a new rendition of her famous hit “Jolene,” urging, “we’re all here to mend these broken hearts.”

For the legendary singer and shrewd business mogul, doing good meant leveraging her resources. That day, she publicly pledged a $1 million donation, matched by her Dollywood enterprises alongside their partners, all contributing to an Appalachian relief organization.

This moment captured the essence of a beloved humanitarian, whose warmth and straightforward generosity have continued to inspire not only her native communities but countless others further afield. Fans say such acts will be chiseled into Parton’s lasting imprint, as she passed away at 80.

Reflecting on her giving nature, she noted in her 2022 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy acceptance: “I just give from my heart. I never plan it; I simply act when I see a need. If I can, I will.”

Hailed by the Library of Congress as a “titan of children’s literacy,” Parton’s Imagination Library is renowned for distributing millions of free books monthly. Her notable $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center significantly contributed to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine development effort. Furthermore, the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital recently benefited from a generous contribution aimed at enhancing pediatric services across eastern Tennessee.

Then there’s the quieter giving that the public was still uncovering in her final years. Internet sleuths realized she’d long paid for many Tennessee high schools’ band uniforms. She bought a Nashville strip mall with her “I Will Always Love You” songwriting royalties to support the surrounding Black neighborhood.

The simplicity of her solutions is what made Parton so “magical,” according to Stacia West, the co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research and an associate professor at the University of Tennessee. West studied Parton’s $12 million fund for families who lost their homes in the 2016 fires that swept through Sevier County, Tennessee. Through The My People Fund, as it was called, Parton’s foundation provided families $1,000 per month for half the year with no strings attached.

The concept of providing unconditional cash was much more “taboo” at the time, West recalled. That trust in the fund’s beneficiaries to exercise their own agency is one lesson that West said philanthropy can take from Parton.

“The piece that really carries forward is her belief in the goodness of people and her ability to apply that to seemingly difficult problems,” West said.

Parton applied the same framework to her reading initiative, West noted. Rather than hand out library cards that still required the time and transportation to visit a local branch, Parton simply mailed books straight to participants’ doors.

The fourth of 12 children from a poor Appalachian family, Parton said her father inspired the Imagination Library. He was a “very smart man,” she once recalled, and she “often wondered what he could have done had he been able to read and write.” Kids across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia have received more than 330 million books since the program began.

Ohio first lady Fran DeWine described Parton’s “devotion to children and literacy” as “unparalleled.” Over a million children had received nearly 28 million books in the state, according to DeWine.

“Her generosity and selfless spirit leave a legacy that will live on for generations to come,” she said.

In addition to the Imagination Library’s work, Andrew Carnegie Foundation President Dame Louise Richardson noted the Dollywood Foundation’s efforts to “secure educational success for children born in poverty.” Parton started the foundation to provide college scholarships for students from the county where she grew up near the Great Smoky Mountains.

“What’s more, she made philanthropy fun!” Richardson said in a statement.

Parton’s family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Imagination Library — a fitting request given that Parton once said the initiative “meant as much, if not more to me, than nearly anything that I’ve ever done.”

“Of course, I’ll always be a singer-songwriter,” she said in a 2024 appearance expanding the program in Kentucky. “But I just hope people will just say she was a good ol’ girl, you know? She tried hard, she worked hard and she tried to make the world a better place and try to make people happy. And I will be doing that till I keel over.”

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Gamboa reported from Cleveland. Staff writer Julie Carr Smyth contributed reporting from Columbus, Ohio.

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Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Man Charged with Threatening President Trump and Congressman in Chilling Murder Plot, Federal Prosecutors Reveal

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Left: President Donald Trump listens during a cabinet meeting, Friday, July 31, 2026, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin). Right: Alex Justin Miller (Franklin County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office).

In Ohio, a 26-year-old man’s alleged threats against former President Donald Trump and a U.S. congressman have sparked swift legal action. The suspect, Alex Justin Miller, is accused of expressing a desire to see the former president dead and plotting a chilling attack on the congressman’s family.

The Justice Department has disclosed that Miller was taken into custody for allegedly transmitting threats across state lines. Authorities have officially charged him with one count related to this interstate threat, marking a serious federal offense.

The case gained momentum when the FBI initiated an investigation after the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office alerted them on August 18. The alert concerned a menacing email purportedly sent by Miller to the congressman, who is referred to as “Victim 1” in the court filings.

Local broadcaster WXIX, a Fox affiliate in Cincinnati, identified the targeted congressman as Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida. The arrest has highlighted the serious nature of threats against public officials.

The email was sent at 9:02 a.m. from an account investigators later traced to Miller. The subject line read, “Can’t wait to snipe your head off your shoulders!!:),” and the body read, in part:

Dear f— piece of s—stain, I cannot wait to take a trip to your lovely home and light the whole place on fire and murder you and your entire family in the middle of the night while you sleep. I hope you disgusting Nazi f—s sleep with one eye open for the rest of your life because I will NEVER stop until your head is hanging from the rooftops of the White House. You deserve 10000% to be beheaded and have your body paraded through the streets.

The message concluded with an all-capitalized declaration aimed at both the congressman and the president: “DEATH TO [VICTIM 1] AND DEATH TO DONALD TRUMP!!!”

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office submitted emergency disclosure requests to Google and Charter Communications for information associated with the Gmail account and the internet connection used to access it.

Google records showed that the account was associated with a Google Voice telephone number and Google Pay records listing the subscriber as Alex Miller, according to the complaint. Investigators also conducted an open-source search of the telephone number and linked it to Miller.

Google login records showed the Gmail account had been accessed from an IP address that Charter Communications associated with a service address on Arden Forest Lane in Columbus, the complaint said.

Prosecutors said the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicle records listed the same address as Miller’s current driver’s license address.

Investigators also found Cash App and Venmo accounts associated with the Gmail address that used the name Alex Miller.

A separate emergency disclosure request for the Google Voice number produced a forwarding number that was similarly tied to the Columbus address, according to the complaint.

If convicted, Miller faces up to five years in federal prison. It was not immediately clear when he was scheduled to appear in court.

The post ‘Death to Donald Trump’: Man called for murder of president, threatened to kill congressman and family while they slept, feds say first appeared on Law & Crime.

Tragic Error Leads to College Athlete’s Fatal Shooting

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A tragic incident unfolded in Pennsylvania when a college baseball player was mistakenly shot by police after trying to enter the wrong home following an evening out, according to his family.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, led by Kevin R. Steele, has confirmed to News Media that 22-year-old Glenwood “Bubba” Pysher IV lost his life on Sunday, August 23.

Authorities report that shortly after midnight on Sunday, a 911 call alerted officers to a potential break-in at a Snyder Road residence. The Upper Pottsgrove Township Police swiftly responded to the scene.

image shows victim in a suit

Allegedly returning from a night out at a bar with friends, Pysher was fatally shot, as reported by his family. (Erin Pysher)

According to the district attorney’s office, when police arrived, they discovered “a male in the rear of the residence.”

They said police shot and killed him after an “encounter.”

Pysher was a college baseball player who had made stops at Francis Marion University, Northampton Community College and Holy Family University, and was preparing for his senior year at St. Elizabeth College in New Jersey, according to his obituary.

His mother, Erin Pysher, told News Media her son was not armed when he was allegedly “shot twice” by an officer.

“He’s never been in trouble—he was a good kid. I don’t know what prompted the cop to think that the shooting was necessary,” she said.

Before he was fatally shot, he was “bar-hopping with friends” and walked up to a home on the street he had mistaken for a friend’s and tried to get in, his mother said.

Glenwood “Bubba” Pysher, center, is pictured with his parents, Glen and Erin, at Pottsgrove High School in 2022. (Pottsgrove School District)

“I dropped him off with his friends at a bar to celebrate his friend’s 21st birthday,” she said. After the bar, the men were headed to a friend’s house to continue their evening.

The friends eventually split up, Pysher said. She told News Media her son opted to walk to the house.

“He took a wrong turn and ended up at the wrong house,” she said.

“After a few drinks, he didn’t realize it—he was at their back door knocking, thinking it was his friend’s house, saying, ‘Hey, let me in,'” Erin Pysher said. “The homeowners, not knowing, called the cops saying it was an attempted burglary.”

“He was the biggest sweetheart—carefree and loving. He loved life, loved hanging out with his friends, and fishing. Baseball was his life; he played it in college and was getting ready to leave Sunday afternoon to start his senior year. He wanted to become a history teacher and coach baseball,” she said.

Upper Pottsgrove Police

The Upper Pottsgrove Police Department in Pennsylvania. (Google Maps)

The police department confirmed the officer involved was placed on administrative leave following the incident.

The DA’s office told News Media, “The fatal shooting is an active investigation. When the investigation is complete, we will provide media with the findings.”

“He was a great kid; I couldn’t ask for a better son. A little jokester—we had our inside jokes, and he loved teasing his three younger sisters. There’s a huge hole in our life without him. He was the best kid ever; I don’t know how else to describe him,” Erin Pysher said.

AOC’s Insights on Student Loan Debt

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Controversy Surrounds Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Over Unpaid Student Loans Despite Significant Congressional Salary

Columnist Betsy McCaughey has spotlighted a contentious financial practice by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a potential leading figure for the Democrats in the 2028 presidential race. In her critique titled “A Deadbeat Prez? AOC’s Loan Mess,” published on August 19, McCaughey scrutinizes Ocasio-Cortez’s apparent reluctance to repay her student loans, despite earning an annual salary of $173,000.

For a public figure with political aspirations, setting a leading example is typically paramount. However, in Ocasio-Cortez’s case, McCaughey suggests her approach is more about challenging norms. This titanic personality often seems to assume that she operates under different rules compared to the average citizen.

From a responsible citizen’s perspective, the emphasis should be on demonstrating fiscal integrity by repaying loans and motivating others to do likewise, rather than focusing on personal ventures such as her fertility treatment journey, which she often shares on platforms like TikTok.

– Ronald Frank

West Orange, NJ

Why doesn’t our government automatically garnish the salary of any federal employees who do not pay their federal student loans?

Fred Wilkowski

Valley Stream

McCaughey was right on the mark in her exposé of AOC. She won’t pay her loans back because she feels that “We the People” should pay the debt for her.

Sad to say, the problem goes beyond that. Loans were designed to help students pay college expenses. The exact opposite has happened and the thieves who run our colleges saw the program as a method by which they could charge exorbitant prices to young people who may never repay their debt.

Also, many of the courses these young people have pursued are of little value in the job market, thus compounding the problem.

Andrew MacDonald

Fanwood, NJ

While The Post reported that 2011 Boston University grad AOC still owes between $15,000 and $19,000 in student loans, unmentioned is the fact that our social media maven is actually a double deadbeat.   

In 2012, AOC founded Brook Avenue Press. It proved a miserable failure; a decade later, the tax warrant for $1,600 issued against her defunct startup remained open and unpaid, including additional fines.

It seems AOC’s just another DSA “leader” who’s unwilling to pay her own way.

Jim Soviero

E. Setauket

At least AOC is consistent with her principles by refusing to pay her federal student loans, since she advocates for free college and defends Medicare for All.

Perhaps there should be more talk about careers with the highest employability and pay, such as those in software and application development, cybersecurity or robotics — rather than focusing on forgiving debt.

Daniel Gómez

Madrid

The Issue: City Council members backing 12 extreme bills, including deleting the gang database.

Delete the gang database, free-range eggs for the privileged digestive systems of municipal workers and paid time off if your pet is sick. Among other ridiculous bills, these are the policies proposed by the Progressive Caucus of your esteemed City Council (“Council wacky wishes,” Aug. 22) .

I’m sorry, New York City, but you did it to yourselves. You elected a spoiled child, and he and his band of equally immature playmates are running wild with proposals they dreamed up in the sandbox.

Get out and vote for some grown-ups next time.

Michelle Graham

Island Park

Sick leave for pets: maybe. Free-range eggs: no. Comfortable benches for the homeless: no. Tree removal: already covered, Abolish NYPD gang database: absolutely not. $30 minimum wage: no. Delivery service weight limits: maybe. Gender-affirming items for jail inmates: no!

The City Council should try to solve and enforce existing laws before wasting time with frivolous and ridiculous nonsense.

Jean Cole

Juno Beach, Fla.

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.

Kim Zolciak’s Son KJ Faces Adult Charges in Sexual Assault Case

Kim Zolciak's Son KJ to Be Charged as an Adult in Sexual Assault Case, Will Remain in Jail Until September 1 Hearing

Credit: Bravo, Instagram/kimzolciakbiermann

In a shocking turn of events, Kroy “KJ” Jagger, the 15-year-old son of former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak and her estranged spouse Kroy Biermann, now faces adult charges. Accusations of aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery have been leveled against him, drawing significant media attention.

The alleged crime unfolded on April 23 at Life Time fitness center in Alpharetta, Georgia, involving KJ and an unidentified young girl. Amidst emerging details, KJ’s lawyer has staunchly defended his innocence. Despite this, authorities confirmed that KJ will face adult charges and remain in custody until his hearing on September 1.

A report from Good Day Atlanta on August 22 corroborated the severity of the charges. “KJ is charged as an adult for aggravated sodomy following the incident with an acquaintance at a Life Time gym on North Point Parkway in April,” the report states. Investigative efforts have yielded video evidence from the gym’s coed sauna, reportedly placing both individuals at the alleged crime scene. Currently held in a juvenile facility, KJ’s case is scheduled for a Fulton County court appearance next month.

According to court documents obtained by Page Six on August 21, via the New York Post, KJ’s alleged victim, who is also 15 years old and described herself as his “girlfriend’s best friend,” said she and KJ were spending time together at the gym before the reported incident when KJ started flirting and joking with her.

He then allegedly lured her into a changing room, where he was accused of grabbing her body and kissing her, despite her telling him “no” numerous times. KJ also faced allegations of forcing oral sex, digitally penetrating her, and attempting “multiple times to have sexual intercourse with her by trying to pull down her pants” before she “managed to get away from him, and he pulled up his pants and left.”

Although the girl did not tell anyone about the alleged assault before going to school the next day, where she “ran into KJ’s girlfriend,” she went to Starbucks after school and contacted her family following a panic attack. She was then examined at the North Fulton hospital on April 24, where no evidence of male DNA in her mouth or vagina was found.

In response to the allegations, KJ’s attorney, Jason Sheffield, told Page Six that the child was “100% innocent.”

“[He] tried to present evidence to the arresting officer, including a passed polygraph by a notable and respected sex offender polygrapher, [and has] evidence of other prior false allegations by the alleged victim,” he stated. 

“Additionally, the officer’s report notes [that investigators] found no male DNA on or inside the areas the alleged victim claimed she was assaulted. The fact that he’s been arrested and is being held without bond is a tragedy,” he continued. “He is not only presumed innocent, but is, in fact, innocent. I’m asking the public not to presume the truth of these allegations and to give the families on both sides their space and privacy … I will work tirelessly to demonstrate to the District Attorney’s office the mean-spirited nature of these false allegations and to bring a close to this matter as quickly as possible.”

KJ is being held without bond ahead of the September 1 hearing.

Celebrities Embrace Opulence: Million-Dollar Bachelor Pads After Divorce

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When we hear the term ‘bachelor pad,’ it’s hard not to conjure up a vision of a solitary black leather couch, a bed set with just a single pillowcase, and a barely filled kitchen, perhaps featuring merely a kettle and a trash bin overflowing with takeout containers.

Yet, this perception is rapidly becoming outdated as high-profile figures like Ben Affleck and Tom Brady invest millions in lavish properties designed to pivot into their fresh beginnings post-divorce.

These modern sanctuaries of solitude showcase not only magnificent interiors and multiple bedrooms but also boast an array of luxurious amenities that redefine single living.

Recently, it was reported that TV presenter Vernon Kay has purchased a £3 million residence in Buckinghamshire, strategically located just a brief 15-minute drive from his familial abode, as he navigates his separation from Tess Daly.

Although the BBC Radio 2 host currently resides with his former spouse, he is reportedly gearing up to relocate to his new residence, which allegedly features a swimming pool and expansive grounds.

Vernon, 52, and Tess, 57, announced they were separating after 23 years of marriage in May but have remained friends.

He isn’t the only celebrity to have taken the time to kit out his bachelor pad. 

In 2024, fresh off his second divorcé from Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, 54, moved into a stunning $20.5million pad – which he took out a $10million loan for – that he bought on his ex’s birthday.

The 6,200 square-foot property was originally built and designed in the early 1940s by noted architect Cliff May before being extensively remodelled by its previous owners. 

In 2024, fresh off his second divorce from Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, 54, moved into a stunning $20.5million pad - which he took out a $10million loan for - that he bought on his ex's birthday

In 2024, fresh off his second divorce from Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, 54, moved into a stunning $20.5million pad – which he took out a $10million loan for – that he bought on his ex’s birthday

The 6,200 square-foot property was originally built and designed in the early 1940s by noted architect Cliff May before being extensively remodelled by its previous owners

The 6,200 square-foot property was originally built and designed in the early 1940s by noted architect Cliff May before being extensively remodelled by its previous owners

Ben Affleck split from Jennifer Lopez two years ago with Ben later moving into a stunning $20.5million pad

Ben Affleck split from Jennifer Lopez two years ago with Ben later moving into a stunning $20.5million pad

The estate – which sits on nearly an acre of land – also sits in a very coveted neighborhood for the Los Angeles area as it is situated in between the two affluent neighborhoods of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. 

There is a split-level main living area with a mix of stone and rustic hardwood floors. 

The rooms include vaulted wood-beam ceilings, steel-framed windows and views of the beautiful landscaping as they also come equipped with walk-in closets.

The living room with fireplace also doubles a screening room featuring a dedicated private powder room for the film-maker. 

In addition there are also breakfast and dining spaces, a family room and a den. 

The property includes a large detached guest house – which features two levels – and a horse stable, walking ring and tack room. 

There’s also a cabana with a fireplace and – of course – a swimming pool.

And that same year, actor Hugh Jackman, 57, appeared to move into a fashionably decorated city apartment following his divorcé from Deborra-Lee Furness, which was finalised in 2025.

Showing glimpses of the spacious property which included views of high-rise buildings and minimalist decor, the actor appeared to offer hints of his new abode on social media shortly after their separation.

It included snippets of white-grey wooden floors, Louis Vuitton coffee table books, framed photos of stunning landscapes, a marble kitchen counter and a velvet sofa.

The space seemed to be a solo pad, likely inhabited by Hugh as the couple were amid negotiating what to make of the impressive property portfolio they accrued during their marriage.

Before he solidified his relationship with Sutton Foster with their Met Gala debut in May, the Aussie star made one huge move to sever ties with his ex as he quietly relisted one of the marital homes he shared with Furness.  

While Jackman and Furness finalised their divorce in June 2025, they are still in the process of splitting up their shared assets.

Actor Hugh Jackman, 57, appeared to move into a fashionably decorated city apartment following his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness, which was finalised in 2025

Actor Hugh Jackman, 57, appeared to move into a fashionably decorated city apartment following his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness, which was finalised in 2025

It included snippets of white-grey wooden floors, Louis Vuitton coffee table books, framed photos of stunning landscapes, a marble kitchen counter and a velvet sofa

It included snippets of white-grey wooden floors, Louis Vuitton coffee table books, framed photos of stunning landscapes, a marble kitchen counter and a velvet sofa

One of those assets is a stunning New York apartment, which was put back on the market on March 31 – just one month before Jackman and Foster walked the Met Gala red carpet.  

Originally hitting the market for an eye-watering AUD$57.5million (US$38.9million) in 2022, Hugh slashed the price by AUD$16million.

Located in Manhattan’s upscale West Village, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom pad has a new price tag of AUD$41.5million (US$28,750,000).

According to property records, Jackman and Furness, 70, still own the property, which they snapped up in 2008 for US$21.1million (AUD$29.1million).

The former couple later moved into a smaller property in nearby Chelsea.

Covering the eighth, ninth and tenth floors of a 15-storey high-rise, the apartment spans 1,021 square metres and offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the famous Manhattan skyline.

The tenth floor hosts a luxurious main bedroom suite and features a studio, spa bath, sauna and dressing rooms.

Meanwhile, the other two levels of the enormous property feature living spaces, a library and a guest bedroom.

Other highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, a recreation room and a professional gourmet kitchen.

Amenities in the sought-after block include a fitness centre, full-time doorman and concierge.

It is understood that the sale of the property was part of the Jackman-Furness divorce settlement.

Furness reportedly bought out Jackman’s stake in their other luxury New York abode – an AUD$35million (US$24million) three-bedroom Manhattan penthouse.

The property, which the couple purchased together back in 2022 for AUD$31.6million (US$21.12million), had not been listed for sale but underwent a property transfer.

Elsewhere, last year, Kevin Costner, 71, gave fans a rare look at his $145million beachfront compound in Santa Barbara, California.

Elsewhere, last year, Kevin Costner , 71, gave fans a rare look at his $145million beachfront compound in Santa Barbara, California

Elsewhere, last year, Kevin Costner , 71, gave fans a rare look at his $145million beachfront compound in Santa Barbara, California 

The Yellowstone star took to Instagram to upload footage of himself hanging out inside the lavish home with his dog Bob.

Fans could see the incredible ocean view from Costner’s living room as he relaxed in a chair with his laptop in his lap, surrounded by a living area featuring a plush off-white couch situated in front of a wall-mounted flat screen TV with magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows.

There’s also built-in wall storage, comfy beige lounge chairs and a large striped rainbow rug for a fun pop of colour against the gray-brown wood floors.

Dark wood end tables break up the room’s neutral tones of white, beige and gray.

Kevin also appears to have some ocean-themed artwork hung up above the fireplace, which is situated just to the right of the TV set.

He put the Santa Barbara compound on the market for $60million in 2017 during his marriage to Christine Baumgartner, who divorced the star in May 2023 after 18 years of marriage and three children together.

The former couple’s divorce turned sour as they battled over division of assets, including who would get to stay in their $145million marital home. One month into the contentious split, Kevin claimed that his ex was refusing to leave the property, which went against their prenuptial agreement, as per TMZ.

She was eventually ordered by a judge to move out of the compound shared with Kevin by that July. By September, she moved into a $40,000-per-month rental property in neighbouring Montecito.

The couple’s divorce was finalised in February 2024, with Kevin agreeing to pay his ex $63,000 per-month in child support.

Elsewhere, in 2020, Phillip Schofield moved out of his Oxfordshire £2million family home following the announcement that he is gay – and purchased a plush London flat.

In 2024, however, he sold the gated development, said to have been in ‘very good condition’ and the ‘perfect setting for entertaining’. 

Elsewhere, in 2020, Phillip Schofield moved out of his Oxfordshire £2million family home following the announcement that he is gay - and purchased a plush London flat

Elsewhere, in 2020, Phillip Schofield moved out of his Oxfordshire £2million family home following the announcement that he is gay – and purchased a plush London flat

It has views of The Shard and is near The London Studios where This Morning used to be filmed before the programme moved to the Television Centre in White City in 2018. 

With 1180 square foot to play with, it boasts a modern kitchen and two double bedrooms, alongside an underground parking space and access to a communal garden area.

Meanwhile, this year Richard Hammond bought a £2million bachelor mansion following the breakdown of his marriage.

The former Top Gear host, 56, purchased a six-bedroom Georgian manor house for less than the asking price of £2.25million.

Complete with a tennis court, wine cellar and outbuildings to store cars, the property was reportedly bought with cash.

Previously, he had shared the sprawling Grade II-listed Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire with his ex Mindy and spent time in a rented countryside farmhouse after his divorce.

Worth some £7million, the former couple bought the castle in 2008 and Mr Hammond spent 15 years restoring a listed granary barn on the grounds into his dream ‘clubhouse’.

In some cases, A-listers; bachelor pads can be more flamboyant. 

As an outspoken rocker and one half of Oasis, Noel Gallagher, 59, has never been one to do things by halves.

So when he moved out of his family home after splitting with his wife, former PR executive Sara MacDonald after 22 years in 2023, he was only ever going to live somewhere swanky.

The following year, the star revealed he booked into a £2,500-a-night suite at the five-star Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair while he waited for his bachelor pad to be refurbished.

Noel told the Matt Morgan Podcast: ‘I had some proper f***ing good times there. I lived there for most of last year, I was there three or four nights a week.’ 

The singer-songwriter, reportedly now worth £57million, later moved into a flat in Maida Vale, west London.

It was claimed he paid her £20million plus their £8million home in Hampshire in the divorce settlement.

‘I can get on the bike and go up to King’s Cross, go down to the canal and get outside my wonderful ex-wife’s house and give her a little wave – and go, “You didn’t take this from me”,’ he added.

Elsewhere, some A-listers have converted what would have been family homes into solo dwellings.

After splitting from supermodel Gisele Bundchen, ex-NFL player Tom Brady converted the mansion he and his ex bought together on the luxurious Creek Island in Miami into a bachelor pad.

It is believed to cost in the region of $11.5million. 

He bought the plot of land with his ex-wife, the Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, in 2020 for $17million but the couple divorced in October 2022, midway through the NFL season, after 13 years of marriage.

It faces out onto water and has a golf course behind it. According to The Sun, the Creek Island area is protected by a private 13-person police force.

How Dolly Parton’s Fairy Tale Love Impacted Her Health

Sadly, it appears that the death of Dolly Parton was intertwined with the passing of her late husband. On August 25, news broke that Parton had died. A video featuring the country music star’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, was posted to the “9 to 5” singer’s Instagram page announcing the sad news. The previous year, her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, had died on March 3, 2025. Dean’s cause of death was not formally announced, but it was reported he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Parton herself had admitted that caring for her longtime partner had taken a physical toll.

In the days leading up to her passing, the legendary “Jolene” singer candidly spoke about her declining health. Concerns about Parton’s well-being escalated when she abruptly cancelled a significant event earlier in the month. “I’m facing some health challenges that I neglected while focusing on Carl,” she shared with People on August 21 after missing the launch of a new Dollywood attraction. During the interview, Parton minimized her health issues, suggesting that the media had sensationalized her situation. “Honestly, even though I’m still on the mend, I’m continuing to work,” she reassured her followers.

In the months following Dean’s death, Parton was working less and less, which included postponing a string of Las Vegas shows. Taking to Instagram in October 2025, the Queen of Country explained her health issues. “Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself,” she said in the video. That included returning to work very quickly after her husband died.

Dolly Parton wasted no time returning to work after her husband’s death

Only days after Carl Dean died, Dolly Parton released a song dedicated to him. The track was called “If You Hadn’t Been There,” and she promoted it on her Instagram page on March 7, 2025. “Like all great love stories, they never end. … He will always be the star of my life story,” Parton wrote in the caption.

A few months later, Parton astonished fans by making a public appearance at a Dollywood parade. While she appeared poised to spectators, the beloved “I Will Always Love You” singer was privately grappling with her emotions. Reflecting on that time during an appearance on “Today” in May 2025, she shared, “Right after losing Carl, I was overwhelmed with feelings. I got into the van and just cried, overwhelmed by all the love and emotion.” Parton also opened up about the profound impact her husband’s passing had on her daily life. “I’ve loved him since I was 18, so adjusting to life without him has been challenging,” she admitted, noting that immersing herself in work has been a helpful distraction.

Throughout their marriage, Parton and Dean experienced their share of highs and lows, yet their deep affection for each other remained evident until the end. Known for shying away from the limelight, Dean rarely made public appearances, though Parton fondly recounted their bond in September 2020. After more than five decades together, Dean continued to surprise her with thoughtful gestures. “We still cherish our moments, like when the first yellow daffodils bloom in spring… my husband always brings me a bouquet,” Parton revealed to People. “He usually writes me a little poem too, which is priceless to me,” she added, highlighting the enduring romance between them.

Australia’s Unexpected Return to Familiar Challenges: What It Means Today

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The proportion of young Australians who own their homes has hit a plateau, echoing figures from the World War Two era. This stasis occurs amidst rising living costs and skyrocketing rent prices.

Only about 40% of individuals aged 25 to 34 held ownership of their homes according to the 2021 Census. Social welfare organization Anglicare Australia anticipates this figure has declined since then.

This ownership rate matches the levels seen in the 1940s, a time before the economic surge following World War Two when policies focused heavily on creating housing for veterans.

Concurrently, as property prices and rental rates have escalated, young Australians face greater challenges in saving for a mortgage while trying to live independently.

According to a recent Cotality report, rental prices in some Australian regions have surged by 80% over five years, particularly after the end of COVID-era rent controls.

Anglicare Australia said that support lines for younger people are dominated by stress over housing security and related bills.

“It’s almost impossible to have a call from a younger person who doesn’t mention the stress of rents or bills,” Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers told SBS News.

“They are studying, working and contributing. But they are earning less than the generations before them, being locked out of housing, and struggling to build the security that past generations took for granted.”

Home ownership has steadily declined across age groups since the 1970s, but younger Australians have felt the sharpest declines, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Home ownership by age graphic

Angela Jackson, an economist at the Productivity Commission, the Australian government’s independent economic advisory body, said home ownership is particularly hard for lower socioeconomic groups.

“It is a lot more expensive relative to people’s incomes to get into the housing market than it was for Gen Z’s parents or grandparents,” she told SBS News.

“Which does raise alarm bells about broader equity.”

Housing in the 1940s

Home ownership rates have declined generation on generation in Australia, off the back of the housing boom in the post-war era.

Liz Allen, a demographer and social researcher from ANU, described 1940s Australians as going through “tough times”.

“There were issues with inequalities, especially around education, geographic and income and wealth inequality,” she said.

“I think it would be fair to say that the inequalities faced in that period and the global shocks during that period surpassed those that we’re experiencing now.”

Home ownership across all ages was lower than it is today, with younger people aged 25-34 the least likely to own property.

Allen said that the years after World War Two saw the “rhetoric of a fair go”, where government made a non-partisan effort to “rebuild Australia”.

It was a time of rapid residential construction and increases in home ownership.

“There were policies on multiple fronts to get people to Australia, to get people in Australia in work, in paid work, and to get people established in life with good wellbeing, access to education, homes, and so on,” she said.

“But now we’ve lost our way.”

Allen said that decades of governments have shifted towards short-term policy wins, and “kicked the can” of long-term housing “down the road”.

“We’re no longer in that mentality of building, but maintaining,” she said.

“And that undermines the very notion that we are a growing population, that we have new forms of inequalities emerging, and policy has not kept with societal and economic change.”

Less secure work

For many Australians, a home and the equity it generates over time will be their largest source of wealth and a source of security for children who may subsequently inherit it.

But for younger generations who take longer to save and pay off a home, the economic benefits can be diminished.

Jackson explained that the nature of work also makes it harder for Gen Zs to earn like their parents and grandparents.

“Work is more casual and can be more gig work, or less secure, which can make entering into mortgages and those long-term financial arrangements more difficult,” she said.

“And then incomes themselves have changed over time. For lower entry-level jobs compared to more experienced jobs, the relative wage is also lower.”

Rentals out of reach

Anglicare Australia would like to see policy settings shift to support younger Australians aspiring to home ownership.

“The government has taken an important step by reforming property tax breaks that have favoured accumulated wealth over work. Now we need to build on that progress,” Chambers said.

“One of the clearest places to start is Youth Allowance.

“We have a social security system that literally says a young person needs less money to live on simply because of their age. Our findings show they can’t afford rent on Youth Allowance anywhere in the country.”

A chart comoparing income and rent

The government recently announced a $20.90 increase to the maximum Youth Allowance payment due to indexation, which will reach $1,087.20 in September. However the rate can be much lower depending on your age, living situation and dependents.

Meanwhile, the median weekly unit rent in Australia is just under $700, putting rentals out of reach for Youth Allowance recipients.

“Rent isn’t cheaper when you’re 23. Groceries aren’t cheaper. Electricity isn’t cheaper. Yet young people are expected to survive on the lowest payment in the system,” Chambers added.

The group would also like to see a wealth tax, which could tax assets and reduce the pressure on income-reliant Australians who don’t yet own a home.


Upcoming Atlantic Storm Dolly Unrelated to Recent Dolly Parton Rumors

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In a remarkable twist of coincidence, the next storm set to brew in the Atlantic this hurricane season will take on the name Dolly. However, this occurrence is purely accidental and unrelated to the passing of the beloved music icon Dolly Parton on Tuesday.

Storm naming follows a systematic process orchestrated by the World Meteorological Organization. Every six years, a new roster of names is released for each region, adhering to an alphabetical order that alternates between male and female designations. For the Atlantic, this creates a predictable cycle of storm names.

As this year’s hurricane season unfolds, it first made its presence felt when Tropical Storm Arthur hit the Gulf Coast of the U.S. in June. That was followed by Tropical Storm Bertha, which drenched Louisiana and Texas with heavy rains in July. More recently, Tropical Storm Cristobal emerged briefly in the Atlantic, only to dissipate as swiftly as it formed earlier this month.

Currently, the National Hurricane Center’s vigilant eyes are fixed on a developing weather system off the coast of Africa, which holds potential to evolve into a named storm.

Forecasters from the Miami-based center noted on Wednesday morning that storm-friendly conditions could allow this cluster of thunderstorms, located just south of the Cabo Verde Islands, to escalate into a tropical depression in the coming week.

If it further develops, with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph (63 kph), the system would be named Tropical Storm Dolly.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Aston Villa Await £50m for Watkins as Liverpool Eye Alternatives; Brighton Holds Minteh at £80m and Grealish Talks Continue: Transfer Window Updates

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Once again, the much-anticipated transfer window is officially open, remaining so until September 1. This period promises to be bustling with activity as football clubs race against time to strengthen their squads with strategic player signings ahead of the upcoming season.

For the latest updates, here’s what’s unfolding from the experts, Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…

Aston Villa expect Saudis to meet £50m Watkins asking price

Aston Villa is standing firm on their £50 million valuation for England’s forward Ollie Watkins, anticipating that Al Hilal will agree to their terms to finalize the deal.

Despite Al Hilal’s persistence, with four unsuccessful offers already, there is a rising sense of confidence within Villa’s camp that their transfer demands will ultimately be met.

Simultaneously, Villa is targeting Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson in a significant £65 million move, positioning him as Watkins’ likely successor.

TOM COLLOMOSSE 

Monaco join queue for Spurs star Matar Sarr

Monaco have joined the list of clubs showing interest in signing Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

Monaco are looking at the market for new midfielders in case they lose Lamine Camara who has attracted offers from Crystal Palace and interest from Chelsea.

All options open for Grealish as clock ticks down 

Manchester City are leaving all options open to Jack Grealish as the window draws to a close.

The 30-year-old has returned to City’s first-team fold, appearing as substitute in their first two games.

He was on loan at Everton last season and their chief executive Angus Kinnear says they have remained in contact.

City have not ruled out a permanent sale. Nor have they ruled out another loan or an option to stay, though that could be with potentially limited game time.

Coach Enzo Maresca has not ruled out a move either, saying after Sunday’s win over Bournemouth: ‘He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best. ‘Then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players.’

City’s Omar Marmoush is due to undergo his medical at Tottenham today and Nico Gonzalez is finalising his move to Newcastle.

City are signing Palmeiras winger Allan Elias while a City bid is expected to go in for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Jack Grealish is now back at Manchester City but all options are open as the window closes

Jack Grealish is now back at Manchester City but all options are open as the window closes

Liverpool look elsewhere with Minteh fee too high 

Liverpool are exploring alternative wing options with Brighton’s valuation of Yankuba Minteh considered too high.

As Daily Mail Sport reported at the weekend, Brighton have been looking for a figure closer to £80million for the 22-year-old Gambian who is out until October with injury.

Liverpool had initially hoped to strike a deal around £50m.

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo are understood to be interested in midfielder Stefan Bajcetic but Liverpool have yet to receive a formal approach.

The 21-year-old started out at Vigo.

Yankuba Minteh is valued at around £80million by Brighton

Yankuba Minteh is valued at around £80million by Brighton

Forest in talks over Celta defender 

Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Celta Vigo for right-back Javi Rueda.

Forest are discussing an £8m offer for the 25-year-old who joined Celta from Real Madrid in 2024.

Tottenham have asked about Forest full-back Neco Williams but he is expected to stay at the City Ground.

As reported by Daily Mail Sport, Forest are also in talks over a £13.6m move including add ons for Corinthians midfielder Andre.

The 20-year-old only made his league debut a year ago but Corinthians are holding out for more.

Javi Rueda (left) in action in Celta Vigo's La Liga opener against Valencia at the weekend

Javi Rueda (left) in action in Celta Vigo’s La Liga opener against Valencia at the weekend

Palacios set for £23.5m Ipswich deal 

Ipswich are finalising a £23.5m deal for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. The 27-year-old has agreed a four-year contract. As Daily Mail Sport reported yesterday, Ipswich want £9m for midfielder Anis Mehmeti, who has offers from Wrexham, Birmingham and Derby.

Ezequiel Palacios is set to became the latest signing in a busy summer at Portman Road

Ezequiel Palacios is set to became the latest signing in a busy summer at Portman Road

Osmajic leaves Preston

Preston striker Milutin Osmajic has signed for Genoa. 

Deepdale boss Paul Heckingbottom confirmed the move was on the cards at the weekend and added to BBC Radio Lancashire: ‘The business we’ve done so far has been really good in terms of players we’ve brought in to replace, players who have gone out, but we’ve lost a lot of players. We’ve still got a lot to replace and now Milly is another one we’ve got to replace.’

Milutin Osmajic is heading to Genoa after three years at Preston North End

Milutin Osmajic is heading to Genoa after three years at Preston North End

TUESDAY: Nottingham Forest close in £45m deal for Liam Delap

MONDAY: Aston Villa in touch with AC Milan over Rafael Leao