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Mamdani Champions Speedy Housing Court Reform, Defends Tenants

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On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at expediting urgent cases within the city’s Housing Court. Known as the Unified Court System, this program seeks to swiftly address emergency housing issues across New York City.

“I am delighted to introduce the Unified Court System, which will significantly speed up emergency housing court proceedings where New Yorkers’ health, safety, and overall well-being are endangered,” Mamdani declared at a press conference held on Tuesday.

According to Mamdani, this pioneering system is designed to cut down the waiting period for tenants seeking emergency hearings related to possible landlord neglect.

“This expedited process will prioritize the most urgent and complex cases,” Mamdani stated. “These include situations where at least a third of a building’s units are under an open vacate order, forcing families out of their homes, and circumstances where a similar proportion of units are dealing with immediate and hazardous violations concerning essential services.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) speaking at a press conference in Manhattan Housing Court in New York City. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani addresses media representatives during a Manhattan Housing Court press event in New York City. (Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect)

In cases of “persistent and extreme negligence” where tenants request entirely new building management, judges will require parties to return to court “within five days after service is completed,” Mamdani announced.

When asked how his office would differentiate between a landlord who was persistently negligent and one who simply couldn’t afford to keep up with the costs of building management, Mamdani did not hold back.

“We’re talking about cases where a third of the building is facing some kind of a serious violation. Cases where we have elevators broken down,” he started.

“When it comes to the law, everyone has to follow it. And for far too long that has somehow not been understood when it comes to housing in our city. If a landlord is not able to follow the law, then they should not be a landlord of that property,” he replied.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) speaking at a press conference in Manhattan Housing Court in New York City on Aug. 25, 2026.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a press conference in Manhattan Housing Court in New York City on Aug. 25, 2026. (Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect)

When asked about how to enforce any violators who might not appear to Housing Court after the five-day window, Mamdani said, “There is still a lot of work to follow through on.”

News Media contacted the mayor’s office for further comment.

Montana Dad Speaks Out: Heartbreak After Family Massacre Leaves 8 Dead

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In the shadow of unimaginable tragedy, a Montana father is speaking out about the frantic moments he experienced upon hearing a gunman had stormed his home, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. His desperate calls to reach his children, lost amid the chaos as the residence was engulfed in flames, haunt him.

Adam Ghekiere, stricken by the loss of his entire family, recounted the heart-wrenching trauma to The U.S. Sun. The victims included his daughter Charlotte, 12, his son Landon, 15, his wife Megan, two stepchildren aged 7 and 13, their wheelchair-bound great-grandmother, 92, and two other relatives—all casualties of this shocking mass shooting.

While performing his duties as a rescue firefighter at an airshow on Sunday evening, Ghekiere’s world turned upside down when alerts over the communication system pointed to an emergency unfolding near his in-laws’ home in Billings.

“I tried to reach my family, dialing the house repeatedly, but the silence was piercing,” he shared with the outlet. His attempts to check the locations of his children, Landon and Charlotte, were met with the same crushing silence.

His fears intensified upon arrival at the scene, where officials maintained a safety perimeter due to the active shooter situation. “The moment I was barred from my home, I realized I was living my worst nightmare,” he reflected, his voice filled with the weight of his loss.

Ghekiere said the killer, who took his own life after shooting up the house, is a member of his extended family who had begun harboring a grudge toward his parents.

“I don’t think the shooter expected my kids to be there,” said Ghekiere.

Police have not given an official motive yet for the killings and have not released the suspect’s name.

Authorities are expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday to give further details.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Enes Kanter Freedom Criticizes WNBA’s Draft Ruling: A Demand for Fairness and Equality

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In a bold move that has sent ripples through the sports community, former NBA standout Enes Kanter Freedom is doubling down on his intention to enter the WNBA Draft. Amid swirling reports that the women’s basketball league has ruled him ineligible for the 2027 draft, the ex-NBA player remains undeterred. Kanter Freedom’s declaration to join the WNBA comes during a heated debate over transgender athletes in sports. Reports surfaced Monday indicating the league has decided that both he and fellow former NBA player Royce White, who also declared interest, would not be allowed to compete. This latest development follows closely on the heels of an altercation at a WNBA game, where Kanter Freedom was escorted out after a skirmish with Chicago Sky’s Natasha Cloud while watching courtside. The confrontation, which erupted between Kanter Freedom and Cloud during a matchup against the Indiana Fever, quickly went viral as the two exchanged heated words before security intervened. On the same day, Kanter Freedom addressed the ongoing controversy in an interview with Fox News.

Player asserts eligibility under WNBA rules

In response to the league’s reported decision, Kanter Freedom stated, “Listen, Article 13 Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, then you are allowed to play! I identify as a woman, so yes, I can play.” He further provoked the discussion by claiming, “They’re terrified because I might actually get drafted and play against their big men. I’m probably going to drop 60 points… I’m going to try to beat Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 100 points in a single game. I might go over 100 points for sure.” According to the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, only individuals identifying as female are eligible, yet no detailed definition of a woman is provided.

League responds to rule challenge

Front Office Sports reported that a representative from the WNBA remarked, “We are not going to give oxygen to efforts designed to mock the league or use this topic to demean and marginalize others.” When Kanter Freedom was challenged with the notion that he would ultimately be barred from playing in the WNBA, he replied, “Why not? That’s the rules. I’m just following the rules. If they ever come out and say: ‘Okay, we’re changing the rules,’ I respect their decision, I will follow the rules.”

Kanter Freedom sparks debate with t-shirt

“But right now, if you identify as a woman, you’re allowed to play. And I am identifying as a woman and I should be allowed to play,” he reiterated. At Sunday’s game in Wintrust Arena, Kanter Freedom sported a provocative T-shirt displaying a stark dictionary definition of ‘woman’ as an ‘Adult human female,’ with the terms woman and female underscored in red. Despite receiving a chilly reception and being expelled from the event, Kanter Freedom denied rumors of being banned from future WNBA games the following Monday.

Determined to attend every Fever playoff game

Confident and unfazed, the 34-year-old player announced his plan to attend all of the Indiana Fever’s upcoming playoff games. “I have not heard it [about an arena ban],” Kanter Freedom declared. “If there is any news out there, please don’t listen to those sources because it’s all fake news. I did not break any kind of rules. I did not step over the baseline. I simply got up and just opened my arms. So they should not be banning me from any games and I am so excited for the playoffs. I cannot wait to go to every playoff game that Indiana Fever plays. It’s going to be fun because I’m a fan of the game.”

Kanter Freedom calls Cunningham a hero

Fever games have been hit by protests and counter protests in recent weeks after Sophie Cunningham sparked a war of words by claiming she wants to ‘protect young girls… who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.’ During his interview on Monday, Kanter Freedom branded Cunningham a ‘national treasure’ who ‘should be protected at all costs.’ ‘She is an American hero,’ he told Fox. ‘Because she’s not only inspiring young girls in America but all over the world. So she is an idol, a hero.’ The 6ft 10ins Freedom previously alleged that it was Cloud who initiated their courtside confrontation and told him that Cunningham ‘won’t sleep with you.’

He defends his support for women

He told OutKick: ‘Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate. Literally, a couple [of] possessions later, Natasha came back and started screaming and yelling and said, “She’s not gonna sleep with you.” ‘And I was like, “I am not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to protect women and support her.” And then, obviously, after that, she started yapping, and she started to walk towards me, and literally I just got up, and then I was like, “I’m just here to protect women, and that’s all.”

[Expletive] shock fans at WNBA game

'She started to yell. She started to use some very heavy language. She started to actually cuss, and I was very shocked that there were a lot of kids and that there were a lot of teenagers at that game. 'I just cannot believe that she was just cussing and using those [expletive] in front of all these kids. I’m sure she’s loved in Chicago and many kids are idolizing her and stuff, but that’s not how a WNBA athlete should react.' Taking to X after he was removed by security, Freedom wrote: 'I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!' He also wrote: 'It’s always women hating on other women'.

‘She started to yell. She started to use some very heavy language. She started to actually cuss, and I was very shocked that there were a lot of kids and that there were a lot of teenagers at that game. ‘I just cannot believe that she was just cussing and using those [expletive] in front of all these kids. I’m sure she’s loved in Chicago and many kids are idolizing her and stuff, but that’s not how a WNBA athlete should react.’ Taking to X after he was removed by security, Freedom wrote: ‘I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!’ He also wrote: ‘It’s always women hating on other women’.

Dolly Parton Reveals Her Must-Achieve Bucket List Goals

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In a poignant final interview conducted just four days before her passing, Dolly Parton expressed heartfelt admiration for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, while also sharing an optimistic outlook on her enduring career.

On Tuesday, news of Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her chief of security. The legendary country music star passed away at the age of 80.

In a conversation with People last week, the Queen of Country music divulged that there were still “so many things” on her list of aspirations.

The iconic “Jolene” singer discussed her health candidly, alongside the projects that had her excited about the future. She admitted that while attending to her husband’s needs, she had overlooked some of her own health concerns.

“It’s not like I haven’t encountered challenges with my health,” Parton shared during what would be her last interview, reflecting on difficult times with remarkable resilience.

‘But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin,'” Parton continued. 

‘You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.’ 

Concerns loomed for months about Parton’s health, but the pop culture icon frequently dispelled her fans’ fears.  

Legendary country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80

Legendary country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80

Parton said in her last interview that she had been through hard times before with her health

Parton said in her last interview that she had been through hard times before with her health 

Parton's famous hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You

Parton’s famous hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You  

She pulled out of multiple public appearances, including a residency in Las Vegas and the opening of a new ride, NightFlight Expedition, at her theme park, Dollywood. 

Fan videos of the event captured Parton’s recorded message, in which she told attendees she was still in Nashville. 

‘So my Nashville doctor has kind of clipped my wings, saying, “You ain’t traveling this week.” So I guess if your doctor tells you, “You ain’t traveling this week,” you ain’t traveling this week,’ Parton said in the video message. 

Earlier this year, Parton told her fans that she was responding to medication, but the treatment made her feel ‘a little swimmy-headed,’ and she needed time to heal before getting back on stage. 

She reassured her fans that she was still hard at work on projects like her new museum, Life of Many Colors, in Nashville, her new hotel and Broadway show, Dolly: A True American Musical. 

Elsewhere in her final interview, Parton revealed that she was excited about her partnership with Community Coffee to launch Cup of Ambition Coffee. 

‘That’s a dream I’ve had for over 40 years, ever since I wrote the line about “cup of ambition” in my song 9 to 5,’ she said. 

‘But, you know, some dreams take longer to come to life than others.’ 

Parton gushed about her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in her last interview, admitting that she had not paid attention to some of her health problems while caring for him

Parton gushed about her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in her last interview, admitting that she had not paid attention to some of her health problems while caring for him 

Parton had pulled out of her Las Vegas residency, telling fans that she was taking medication and needed time to heal before getting back on stage

Parton had pulled out of her Las Vegas residency, telling fans that she was taking medication and needed time to heal before getting back on stage 

Parton wrote and recorded 9 to 5 in 1980 for the comedy film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

She wrote the track on set by clicking her nails together to form the beat, and it became one of her biggest hits of the decade.

It went on to win numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and Country Song of the Year and Female Country Vocal of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

Parton’s death came over a year after her husband’s, to whom she was married for nearly 60 years. 

In her tribute at the time, she reflected on the ‘many wonderful years’ they spent together, expressing their deep love and thanking fans for their prayers.

‘Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,’ she said. ‘Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.’

Parton and Dean first met at a laundromat in Nashville in 1964, when she was just 18. They married in 1966, and he remained a constant, supportive figure behind the scenes.

Parton’s nephew announced her death in a touching tribute, revealing in a video message that she had ‘asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.’

Parton pulled out of recent events at Dollywood because of her health. She is pictured above at the theme park in 1988

Parton pulled out of recent events at Dollywood because of her health. She is pictured above at the theme park in 1988 

Parton's nephew said she 'lived in the light' and was now 'in the arms of Jesus' with her husband and parents. Her team remembered her legacy as 'one of love, compassion, and resilience'

Parton’s nephew said she ‘lived in the light’ and was now ‘in the arms of Jesus’ with her husband and parents. Her team remembered her legacy as ‘one of love, compassion, and resilience’ 

Seaver hailed his aunt for having ‘lived in the light’ and said she was now ‘in the arms of Jesus’ and the company of her husband, as well as her parents and ‘countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.’

Her team said in a statement that she had a ‘rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.’

‘Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,’ it continued.

‘With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.’

Ex-TOPGUN Pilot Decodes Marine’s Cool Ejection Under Crisis

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In a compelling account, former TOPGUN instructor and F-18 pilot Matthew “Whiz” Buckley shared insights with News Media about a recent incident involving a Marine Corps F-18 crash in Washington state. Buckley explained how the pilot’s swift decision to eject illustrates the intense force of the maneuver and how the subsequent shock can paradoxically render an aviator serenely calm.

The event unfolded on June 13, 2026, when Marine Corps Major Jackson Simon, with a bloodied visage, emerged from dense forest. He proceeded to walk towards a nearby Yakima County sheriff’s deputy. Bodycam footage captured this extraordinary moment, revealing a soldier who appeared remarkably unfazed despite the circumstances.

Major Simon’s response to the crash was understated. “I’m a little frazzled,” he mentioned calmly. His F-18 Hornet had plunged into the woods, setting off a minor wildfire near Rimrock Lake, yet Simon’s composure remained intact.

Reflecting on this demeanor, Buckley, who amassed substantial experience with the F-18 Hornets during his 15-year tenure with the U.S. Navy, suggested that Simon was likely grappling with the effects of shock, a waning adrenaline rush, and the mental fortitude instilled by military training, which teaches pilots to manage stress by compartmentalizing emotions.

Screenshot of a Yakima County Sheriff’s deputy's bodycam footage of Maj. Jackson Simon

Bodycam footage from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office depicted Marine Major Simon Jackson holding a deputy’s cellphone as he contacted superiors. His report was straightforward: “Pilot ejected; pilot safe,” followed by a nonchalant remark, “Hey buddy, Maj. Simon, I just crashed.” (Courtesy of Yakima County Sheriff’s Office)

“If anything’s going wrong, we focus on the task. Everything else goes away,” Buckley told News Media. “That was the most violent thing that ever happened to that Marine in his entire life.”

Buckley served as a pilot in the Navy from 1991 to 2006 and said he was fortunate never to have ejected from an aircraft. The experience can have a devastating toll on the human body.

“Some folks don’t go back to flying status. I mean, you can lose a couple inches in height. Your spine compresses. Some people get shorter,” Buckley said.

A meta-analysis of more than a dozen studies looking at 1,710 military aircrew ejections found a pooled mortality rate of 10.5%, while 29.8% suffered major injuries. The studies were published between 1971 and 2019.

A photo of Matthew

A photo of Matthew “Whiz” Buckley in the cockpit of an F-18 Hornet. Buckley flew as a pilot in the U.S. Navy from 1991 to 2006. (Courtesy of Matthew Buckley)

“When you pull that handle, you have two choices: die or maybe live. And I said ‘maybe live’ because it’s incredibly violent. I think the average ejection seat is like 10 to 20 G’s of force,” Buckley added. “Most folks don’t even remember the ejection. They remember pulling the handle and then waking up in their parachute.”

Buckley said the pilot’s body positioning before the ejection is extremely important in preventing potentially life-threatening injuries. For example, if their arm is extended away from their body, the sudden wind blast could cause it to be “ripped out of the socket.”

There’s also a phenomenon called “seat slap,” which occurs if the pilot does not have their legs flush with the seat prior to ejecting.

“If you look at an ejection seat in a fighter jet, it’s rock hard. We’re not sitting on a cushion,” he said. “If your legs aren’t flat on the seat, it could break both of your legs and now you bleed out and die.”

A military photograph of an F-18 Hornet

A military photograph of an F-18 Hornet that was being piloted by Maj. Jackson Simon at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, on June 5, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps)

In some instances, pilots who find themselves in trouble have time to slow their aircraft and perform a controlled ejection, which can reduce the forces involved, Buckley said.

Based on video of the crash, Simon’s plane was traveling at a high rate of speed before it struck the trees and exploded, likely leaving little opportunity for a controlled ejection.

Simon had been performing low-flying maneuvers while spectators on the ground watched, according to KIRO 7. After that, his plane reportedly clipped some power lines, which led to it going down.

The Marine Corps has not publicly confirmed that Simon’s F-18 struck power lines before the crash and has said the cause of the mishap remains under investigation.

According to Buckley, this “clearly” wasn’t supposed to happen.

“We have minimum altitude restrictions. And there ain’t no 500-foot trees, right? So I don’t know what they were doing. It doesn’t sound like from his initial statement that there was anything wrong with the airplane. So that’s usually not a good sign,” Buckley said.

Buckley then speculated about what may have been going through Simon’s mind before the crash.

“It looked like a beautiful day. People out on a lake. ‘Hey, there’s some people down there on the lake. Why don’t we go show them what their tax money is [for]? You know, America.’ I hope it wasn’t something like that,” he said.

Matthew Buckley at the Chicago Board of Trade.

A photo of Matthew Buckley on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade. (Courtesy of Matthew Buckley)

News Media reached out to the third Marine Aircraft Wing, the West Coast-based Marine aviation unit to which Simon’s aircraft was assigned.

Buckley said Simon will likely go before a review board that will evaluate his actions surrounding the crash. At the conclusion of the process, the board can recommend what should happen to an aviator’s flight status.

If he’s found to be at fault, Simon could lose his “wings” or he could be allowed to continue flying, just under what Buckley described as “double secret probation.”

“I don’t know what the board’s gonna do, but it’ll come out. It should because…this is a $60 to $65 million Hornet. We deserve to know what happened,” he added.

Dolly Parton’s Family Shares Heartfelt Tribute Following Her Passing

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Dolly Parton, the legendary music icon, has passed away at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the somber news with fans through an emotional video tribute.

Seaver, who served as Parton’s long-time head of security, introduced the video on Tuesday with the caption, “A message from the family of Dolly Parton.”

“Hello everyone, I’m Bryan Seaver, the son of Cassie Parton, bringing news from the Parton and Owens family,” he began. “Today, I announce the passing of my beloved Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. To us, she was a sister, a cherished ‘Sis,’ and known as ‘Granny’ or ‘Gigi’ to different generations.”

Continuing with a reflective tone, Seaver said, “Years ago, Dolly requested of me to share this message when the time came, long before I could comprehend this eventuality. For over two decades, I had the honor of overseeing her security—a responsibility my father, Larry, once held. I had envisioned the weight of this moment, yet did not truly understand it until this day. It is a privilege mingled with immense pride and profound sadness. But our sorrow remains here, while Dolly moves beyond.”

Paying tribute to her legacy, he added, “Dolly lived her life in the light and is now embraced by Jesus. Surely, she is reunited with Carl, her parents, and many others who eagerly awaited her in heaven. My journey with Dolly began as a child, experiencing life on the road in the early 1980s. She not only opened doors for me but inspired our entire family to reach heights we never imagined possible.”

“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent,” he pointed out. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the doors she opened made and changed history.”

“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he added. “She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”

The message concluded, “Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace aunt dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God Bless Dolly Parton and may got bless you all. She will always love you.”

The official press release on her death also reads, “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.”

The press release continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Per the press release, at Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.

“Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com,” it concluded. “In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

Parton had been dealing with health issues in the months before her death. In her final interview with People Friday, she noted that her recent struggles stemmed from not “pay[ing] attention” while “watching over” her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

Dean died in March 2025 at 82, nearly 59 years into the couple’s ultra-private marriage.

Heartfelt Tributes Flood as Legendary Country Icon Dolly Parton Passes at 80

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Dolly Parton, the iconic country music superstar, has passed away at the age of 80.

Today, confirmation of her death came via a heartfelt Instagram video shared by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver.

‘Years ago, Dolly entrusted me with this task for a time I couldn’t quite envision until now,’ Seaver disclosed.

He praised his beloved aunt for living a life filled with light and expressed comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her late husband Carl Dean, her parents, and ‘countless others eagerly awaiting her in the afterlife.’

Widely revered as the Queen of Country, Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy that spans six decades, with timeless classics like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” cementing her place in music history.

Her passing came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fueling fan fears for her wellbeing. 

Seaver fondly recalled joining Parton on tour when he was a child in the 1980s, sharing that she ‘opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible.’ 

He characterized her as a ‘a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.’

Legendary country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80

Legendary country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80

In an interview published just four days before her death, Parton had declared she still had ‘so many things I want to achieve’ and vowed to continue ‘working as long as I can to see everything come to life,’ via People.

She explained that she had been grappling with ‘some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.’

The fourth of 12 children, Parton was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946. 

She and her siblings – Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston ‘Randy,’ Larry Gerald, twins Estel Floyd and Freida Estelle, and Rachel Ann – were raised in the Great Smoky Mountains where they slept on beds made of straw and lived with no running water, gas or electricity.

Having developed a love of music at an early age, Parton sang frequently on the local radio and make television appearances in East Tennessee as a child before releasing her first single, Puppy Love, at the age of 13.   

In 2008, Parton told NPR that her 1973 song Jolene was partly inspired by a local bank teller who used to flirt with her late husband.

‘She got this terrible crush on my husband,’ she said at the time. ‘And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. 

‘It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying: “Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.”‘

Parton is pictured in her final Instagram post, which was uploaded August 12

Parton is pictured in her final Instagram post, which was uploaded August 12

Years later, she told a crowd at the Glastonbury Festival of the song: ‘I wrote that years ago when my husband… was spending a little more time with Jolene than I thought he should be.

‘I put a stop to that. I got rid of that redhead woman in a hurry.’

Parton’s 1974 hit, I Will Always Love You, was written about the experience of cutting ties with her former business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner as she set her sights on pursuing a solo career.

The song reached the top spot of the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart: first in June 1974, then again in October 1982.

Parton famously refused to let Elvis Presley record his own version after his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded she sign over half of the publishing rights.

‘I wouldn’t let Colonel Tom Parker,’ she recalled in an interview with BBC Radio 2 in 2023.

‘See, Elvis loved the song. In fact, I talked to Priscilla not very long ago. She said, ‘You know, Elvis sang that song to me when we were walking down the courthouse steps when we got divorced’.

The Queen of Country enjoyed a music career that spanned an incredible six decades

The Queen of Country enjoyed a music career that spanned an incredible six decades 

Parton's famous hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You

Parton’s famous hits include Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You  

The musician, pictured with her mother Avie Lee, won eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards in her lifetime

The musician, pictured with her mother Avie Lee, won eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards in her lifetime 

‘He loved the song, wanted to do it, had it worked up, they’d already called me to come down to the studio to meet him, and to be part and hear the song.

‘And the night before, Colonel Tom Parker calls me and says: “Well, you know we don’t record anything with Elvis unless we have publishing on it, or at least half the publishing.”

‘Well, I said, because I had a number one song on it, I said: “This is the most important copyright in my whole publishing company, and I can’t do that.”

She added that Parker said they couldn’t do that, and the song fell apart, with Parton adding she was, ‘heartbroken’ because she always wanted to hear Presley sing it.

She was vindicated in her determination to retain the rights when Whitney Houston recorded the song for her 1992 film The Bodyguard, whereupon it became an thunderous international hit that carried the soundtrack album to 18 times platinum.

Parton went on to write and record the song 9 to 5 in 1980 for the comedy film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

The track, which she wrote on set by clicking her nails together and forming the beat, became one of her biggest hits of the decade.

It went on to win numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and Country Song of the Year and Female Country Vocal of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

In March 2025, Parton lost her husband Dean after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Parton married her husband Carl Thomas Dean in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia

Parton married her husband Carl Thomas Dean in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia 

The couple never had children but helped raise several of her younger siblings in Nashville

The couple never had children but helped raise several of her younger siblings in Nashville

Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82. They were married just two months short of 59 years

Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82. They were married just two months short of 59 years

Dean largely kept out of the limelight during their marriage, but was a supportive figure behind the scenes

Dean largely kept out of the limelight during their marriage, but was a supportive figure behind the scenes 

In her heartbreaking tribute, she reflected on the ‘many wonderful years’ the pair spent together as she expressed her deep love for Carl and thanked fans for their prayers.

‘Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,’ she said. ‘Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.’

Parton and Dean first met at a laundromat in Nashville in 1964, when she was just 18 years old.

The couple married in 1966 and throughout the dizzy heights of fame, Dean remained a constant and supportive figure for Parton behind the scenes.

In 2023, she spoke about how they first met in her Channel 5 documentary, Dolly Parton: In Her Own Words.

‘I’d never been in a laundromat before,’ she recalled. ‘I walked outside there was this good-looking man that drove by the wishy-washy laundromat. And he pulled over to the side.

‘So, we started talking and we married two years later.’

In 2024, Parton gave a rare glimpse into her marriage and revealed the reason why her husband refused to attend events with her.

The iconic star released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967, beginning her long-lasting career in the industry

The iconic star released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967, beginning her long-lasting career in the industry 

Parton pictured at the Blockchain Creative Labs' Dollyverse Event at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March 2022

Parton pictured at the Blockchain Creative Labs’ Dollyverse Event at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March 2022 

Speaking on an episode of Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde Podcast, she said that while her late husband loved her music, he was ‘not the least bit interested in being in it.’

Recalling a pivotal moment early in their marriage, Parton said she once convinced Dean to attend an awards show in 1967 when she won BMI Song of the Year.

Despite the big win, ‘homebody’ Dean told her: ‘I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going.’ And, she added, he never did.

Throughout their decades together, the couple, who renewed their vows in 2016 at their Nashville home, relied on their shared sense of humor to avoid conflict.

Speaking fondly of her ‘hilarious’ husband, the singer added: ‘He’s quiet and I’m loud, and we’re funny…we have a lot of fun.

‘Anytime [there is] too much tension going on, either one of us can like, find a joke about it to really break the tension, where we don’t let it go so far.

‘We never fought back and forth.’

At the end of September 2025, Parton raised fan concerns for her health by announcing that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency — originally scheduled from December 4 to December 13 at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace — until September 2026 due to ‘health challenges.’

She shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, explaining that she had been facing health challenges that required her to undergo several medical procedures.

Parton performed on the main Pyramid stage at Glastonbury music festival in 2014

Parton performed on the main Pyramid stage at Glastonbury music festival in 2014

‘I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,’ Parton wrote.

‘As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.’

In her signature style, she joked that it felt like time for her ‘100,000-mile check-up,’ clarifying that it wasn’t her ‘usual trip to see [her] plastic surgeon.’

‘Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,’ she said.

‘But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.’

In October, the hitmaker’s younger sibling, Freida Parton, worried fans when she asked for prayers for Parton.

Parton's death was greeted with a flood of tributes, including from her fellow country singer Maren Morris, who shared a video of herself singing with the late icon

Parton’s death was greeted with a flood of tributes, including from her fellow country singer Maren Morris, who shared a video of herself singing with the late icon

However, hours later Freida returned to Facebook with an update, sharing she didn’t mean to ‘scare anyone’ and adding that Parton has ‘been a little under the weather.’

She added that it wasn’t her intention to ‘make it sound so serious’ and that she made her earlier public appeal simply because she believes in ‘the power of prayer.’

Parton’s death was greeted with a flood of tributes, including from her fellow country singer Maren Morris, who shared a video of herself singing with the late icon in a private setting and wrote: ‘there will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light.’

‘No!!!!!!’ exclaimed Sarah Jessica Parker. ‘I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her. I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever.’

Parker vaunted Parton for ‘always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion. What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky,so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared. With the world. Godspeed and RIP. You will be terribly missed.’

‘One of one,’ wrote Pedro Pascal with a broken heart emoji. ‘We must make more.’ 

Captured: Tucson Cadet Murder Suspect Apprehended After Manhunt

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In a dramatic turn of events, Tucson authorities have apprehended Alex James Barnett, 33, the suspect in a recent police recruit shooting. Barnett was discovered concealed within an apartment complex, almost a week following the violent home invasion that targeted Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez, 23.

The assault left Ramirez’s fiancée, who serves as a corrections officer in Pima County, injured. She remains hospitalized but is currently in stable condition.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported receiving a tip that led them to Barnett’s location near the intersection of East Broadway Boulevard and South Camino Seco. Around 6 p.m. Monday, SWAT officers engaged in a tense three-hour standoff before finally detaining him. Thankfully, the operation concluded without any additional injuries.

Alex James Barnett has a bushy red beard and is wearing a T-shirt in a mugshot

An image from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry shows Alex James Barnett. He is implicated in the fatal shooting of Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez, 23. (Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry)

Previously, law enforcement had already detained another suspect in connection to the case. Santiago Jorge Rogers, 39, was captured at a hotel situated near the Tucson International Airport on Saturday morning.

Both suspects are being held without bail at the Pima County jail.

Santiago Rogers has neck and face tattoos and a short-cropped beard in his mugshot

An undated Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry mugshot showing Santiago Rogers, who is being held without bail in connection with the shooting death of Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez, 23. (Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry)

Barnett has a rap sheet that includes prior burglary and weapons convictions and has also been known as Alex Wilson, according to court records. In December 2024, he pleaded guilty to an unlawful imprisonment charge.

A search of Pima County courts for prior cases came back empty for Rogers. However, a man of the same name and age has drug and shoplifting convictions in Yavapai County, possession of contraband behind bars in Navajo and Graham Counties, and a number of lesser charges in Prescott.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and Tucson Police Chief Monico Prieto deliver a news briefing after a double shooting killed a Tucson police recruit and sent a Pima County corrections officer to the hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. The victims shared a child and multiple suspects were at large, authorities said. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)

Surveillance video shows men identified as Rogers and Barnett in black clothing and picking up items at a gas station convenience store about 20 minutes before the shooting.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously said the suspects were wearing all black clothing and ski masks during the attack.

A split image shows a still frame taken from surveillance video of an unidentified male suspect on the left and wanted 33-year-old Alex James Barnett on the right

A split image shows a still frame taken from surveillance video of an unidentified male suspect on the left and wanted 33-year-old Alex James Barnett on the right. The images were released in connection with a manhunt in Tucson, Arizona, following the shooting death of a local police recruit, 23, that also left his fiancee hospitalized with a gunshot wound. She is a Pima County corrections officer. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)

A third man linked to the suspect vehicle has also been contacted by authorities in connection with the case but was not immediately charged.

“No arrest has been made as investigators work to determine his involvement,” the department said.

A split image showing Alex Barnett on surveillance video inside a gas station convenience store

Alex James Barnett, 33, remains at large after a home invasion shooting left a Tucson police recruit dead last week. The 23-year-old’s fiancee, a Pima County correction officer, was also hospitalized. Barnett was reportedly last seen riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, license plate No. DA466. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)

Ramirez was shot dead at his home in southwestern Tucson early Wednesday morning, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).

He was expected to graduate from the police academy on Aug. 27 and had previously worked for PCSD as a corrections officer.

His 23-year-old fiancee, whose name has not been released, also works as a corrections officer in the department.

Netflix’s ‘Blood Sacrifice’: Episode Count Revealed and Season 2 Updates

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Netflix is teeming with viewer favorites in its current Top 10 lineup. Dominating the list, WWE’s Monday Night Raw clinches the number one spot. Closely following behind are Outer Banks, Talamasca: The Secret Order, and Tires, all securing their positions in the coveted Top 5. Emerging as a fresh contender is the buzz-worthy Swedish crime thriller, Blood Sacrifice, capturing audience attention.

Crafted by George Kay, renowned for his work on Lupin and Hijack, this thrilling drama traces the harrowing journey of a father-son duo, played by Peter Andersson and Jakob Oftebro. Long estranged, they must overcome years of animosity to take down a ruthless serial killer targeting law enforcement. Joel Keller of Decider commended the series, especially highlighting Peter Andersson’s portrayal of the irritable, solitary, and alcohol-battling Alfred Berg, deeming the show a “Stream It” must-watch.

For aficionados of Nordic noir, akin to Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole series or The Åre Murders, Blood Sacrifice promises to be an intriguing addition to your watchlist.

With its debut season now airing on Netflix, fans are eager to know: is a second season of Blood Sacrifice on the horizon? Here’s the latest on what we know so far about the potential for a continuation.

How Many Episodes Are There of Blood Sacrifice on Netflix?

Season one consists of a concise five episodes, with runtimes varying between 44 and 58 minutes. Each episode offers a thoughtful blend of suspense and narrative depth.

Who’s In The Cast of Blood Sacrifice on Netflix?

The main cast stars Jakob Oftebro, Peter Andersson, Electra Hallman, Alexander Abdallah, Henrik Norlén, Lisette T. Pagler, Magnus Krepper, Irina Björklund, Anders Mossling, and Anna Maria Käll.

Will There Be a Blood Sacrifice Season 2 on Netflix?

There’s no official news regarding a potential second season of Blood Sacrifice. There’s been a bit of confusion online about the show, specifically if it’s classified as a limited series or not.

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer is a limited series and is listed as such on the show’s official Netflix homepage. Blood Sacrifice doesn’t have the “limited series” tag, with the official homepage referring to the trailer as the “Season 1 Trailer.”

Based on the show’s early reviews — it currently has an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes — overwhelming popularity, and the ending of Season 1, we fully expect a second season of Blood Sacrifice. Decider reached out to Netflix for additional information, and we’ll update this story with any updates.

How To Watch Blood Sacrifice On Netflix:

You can purchase Netflix for $8.99/month. Ad-free monthly options are also available for $19.99 (the Standard plan) or $26.99 (the Premium option).

Does Netflix Offer a Free Trial?

Nope. Unfortunately, the streamer isn’t currently offering a free trial.

All five episodes of Blood Sacrifice are now streaming on Netflix.

Hawthorne Shooting: ASO Intensifies Search for Gunman

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HAWTHORNE, Fla. – Late Monday afternoon on August 24, a flurry of activity unfolded as several deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office rushed to an alarming scene on the 6000 block of SE 225th Street. Reports had come in of a shooting incident that left the community on edge.

Upon their swift arrival, the deputies discovered an adult male who had been struck by a single gunshot. Acting quickly, they delivered crucial medical assistance until paramedics could take over. When the personnel from Alachua County Fire Rescue arrived, they promptly transported the injured man to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for injuries deemed non-life-threatening.

The incident prompted a thorough investigation as detectives and crime scene investigators were called in to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. As it stands, the investigation remains highly active, with authorities diligently working to uncover the full story.

The public’s cooperation is crucial, and anyone with insights into this case is encouraged to reach out to Detective M. Adkins at madkins@acso.us or call 352-367-4154. To maintain anonymity, individuals can also submit tips via the Alachua Sheriff FL App or speak with Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP (7867) or visit www.stopcrime.tv.