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Shelley Fabares, Beloved ‘Coach’ Star and Elvis Collaborator, Passes Away at 82

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Shelley Fabares, a celebrated actress of stage and screen, passed away on Saturday, August 22, at the age of 82.

Fabares, who left an indelible mark on Hollywood, was renowned for her charming performances alongside Elvis Presley in three films and for memorable roles in television classics like Coach and The Donna Reed Show.

She also made a notable guest appearance in the beloved sitcom Mork & Mindy, which starred the late comedic genius Robin Williams.

Her family shared the news of her passing with People magazine, noting that she died peacefully in Los Angeles, surrounded by her closest family and friends.

Highlighting her storied career and the love she shared in her personal life, her family, including her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, reflected on the lasting impression Fabares made on those who knew her well.

The star, who received a liver transplant in 2000 after she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by her husband, her stepchildren and the rest of their family. 

‘To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,’ Fabares’ family stated via the outlet.

Actress Shelley Fabares has died at the age of 82 on Saturday, August 22; pictured in September 2018

Actress Shelley Fabares has died at the age of 82 on Saturday, August 22; pictured in September 2018

The retired actress was best known for starring in three movies with Elvis Presley as well as her iconic roles in Coach and The Donna Reed Show; pictured with Elvis in the 1966 film Spinout

The retired actress was best known for starring in three movies with Elvis Presley as well as her iconic roles in Coach and The Donna Reed Show; pictured with Elvis in the 1966 film Spinout

Her family confirmed the news in a statement and said she passed away surrounded by her loved ones in Los Angeles over the weekend; pictured in 1961 portrait on The Donna Reed Show

Her family confirmed the news in a statement and said she passed away surrounded by her loved ones in Los Angeles over the weekend; pictured in 1961 portrait on The Donna Reed Show

‘She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.’ 

‘For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film,’ the family of the late star continued. 

‘From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, Johnny Angel, to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance.’

‘But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear,’ they added.

Gushing about Fabares, her husband and her family also said they ‘will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage and beautiful spirit.’

‘We will miss her deeply — not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives,’ her family continued. 

‘We are heartbroken by her loss, yet profoundly grateful for the years we shared with her and for the joy, compassion, and love she brought to so many,’ they added. 

The star, who received a liver transplant in 2000 after she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell; pictured with Farrell in 2002

The star, who received a liver transplant in 2000 after she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell; pictured with Farrell in 2002

Pictured alongside Craig T. Nelson in 1989 still from Coach

Pictured alongside Craig T. Nelson in 1989 still from Coach

She built a close friendship with Donna Reed during her time playing the onscreen daughter of the titular star of her show; pictured in 1958 portrait

She built a close friendship with Donna Reed during her time playing the onscreen daughter of the titular star of her show; pictured in 1958 portrait 

In 1965, she starred in her first movie with Presley in Girl Happy. They would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake the following year; pictured in 1966 California Holiday (the international title for Spinout) still

In 1965, she starred in her first movie with Presley in Girl Happy. They would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake the following year; pictured in 1966 California Holiday (the international title for Spinout) still

‘We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve. We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on.’

She famously starred opposite Presley in the 1967 musical comedy Clambake and was known for her television role as Mary on The Donna Reed Show. 

Fabares was born in Santa Monica, and her career in entertainment kicked off when she was still a toddler. 

Fabares’ mother got her started modeling at the age of three, and she later made her television debut at just age 10 in 1954 as part of Letter to Loretta. 

Fabares, who also had an aunt working as an actress, previously discussed growing up and working as a child actress. 

‘It’s hard to know who you are and what you are,’ she told The Roanoke Times in 1994. 

‘The things that go into the making of a child — you’re not totally disciplined, you don’t always behave, you have a sense of freedom — those things are not allowed on a set.’ 

In 1958, she first played the part of Mary Stone, the teenage daughter of the titular star Donna and Dr. Alex (Carl Betz) on The Donna Reed Show. 

She later started her singing career after Reed’s husband producer Tony Owen, encouraged her and her onscreen brother Paul Peterson to incorporate singing into the show. 

Over the course of her career she made a number of iconic television and movie appearances including on Fantasy Island in 1981

Over the course of her career she made a number of iconic television and movie appearances including on Fantasy Island in 1981

Her television appearances include Brian's Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside her aunt and The Practice in 1976 among many others; pictured in 1979 still alongside Pam Dawber, Robin Williams and Conrad Janis in the hit sitcom Mork & Mindy

Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside her aunt and The Practice in 1976 among many others; pictured in 1979 still alongside Pam Dawber, Robin Williams and Conrad Janis in the hit sitcom Mork & Mindy

She was also a singer and her song Johnny Angel famously debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962; pictured with Presley in 1965 still from Girl Happy

She was also a singer and her song Johnny Angel famously debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962; pictured with Presley in 1965 still from Girl Happy

Fabares’ song Johnny Angel debuted in 1962 and quickly became No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Throughout her career, Fabares released a total of four albums. 

She was also previously married to music producer Lou Adler. Fabares and Adler were married for two years before they called it quits in 1966 but only later filed for divorce in 1978 and finalized their legal separation in 1980.

In 1965, she starred in her first movie with Presley in Girl Happy. 

They would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake the following year. 

Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside her aunt and The Practice in 1976. 

She also appeared on Police Story, The Rockford Files, The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote. 

She married Farrell, now 87, in 1984 at an intimate wedding held at the home of her aunt. 

Tranquilized Colorado Bear Safely Descends from Tree in Wildlife Rescue

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In an unexpected turn of events in Denver on Sunday, a young black bear found itself taking a rough fall from a tree. This tumbles occurred after wildlife officers tranquilized the bear in an effort to safely relocate it to a more appropriate natural environment.

The incident unfolded near Louisiana Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, as reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in a social media update posted on platform X.

“This morning we responded to a bear in a tree … in Denver,” CPW shared, emphasizing the unusual nature of the location with, “Not a typo. In Denver.”

To prevent any harm, wildlife officers tranquilized the bear and collaborated with Denver Police Department officers to safely catch the bear during its descent from the tree, according to the CPW.

Although the bear’s landing was far from graceful, authorities assured that the animal is unharmed and “doing okay.”

Video posted as part of the X thread showed the bear dropping through branches before officers secured the animal on the ground.

CPW identified the animal as an approximately 1.5-year-old male yearling weighing about 100 pounds. The agency said the bear would be transported to better habitat and released.

The unusual Denver encounter comes as Colorado wildlife officials report an increase in bear activity this year, which they have linked to drought conditions and dwindling natural food sources.

CPW received 6,129 reports of bear sightings and conflicts between Jan. 1 and Aug. 13, compared with 3,115 during the same period last year, according to the agency.

A young black bear took a rough tumble from a tree in Denver on Sunday after wildlife officers tranquilized the animal.

A young black bear took a rough tumble from a tree in Denver on Sunday after wildlife officers tranquilized the animal. Credit: CPW_NE/X

CPW also said in the X thread that drought conditions are driving more bears into neighborhoods in search of food.

“You’re not crazy, we are seeing more bear conflicts this year,” CPW wrote. “The drought is forcing bears to seek food in our neighborhoods.”

The bear, who is a 1.5-year-old male yearling weighing about 100 pounds, was transported to a more suitable habitat.

The bear, who is a 1.5-year-old male yearling weighing about 100 pounds, was transported to a more suitable habitat. Credit: CPW_NE/X

Wildlife officials are urging Coloradans to secure their trash until the morning of pickup, remove bird feeders and keep cars and windows locked to prevent bears from finding food around homes.

The Denver encounter also came just days after a mother bear and cub wandered into the city’s Harvey Park neighborhood.

CPW tranquilized and relocated those animals after they remained in the populated area for several days.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns that bears can become increasingly active as they prepare for winter and search for enough calories to build their fat reserves.

Tragic Turn as Convicted Murderer of Sonya Massey Dies in Prison

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A former deputy from Illinois, involved in the fatal shooting of a Black woman who had dialed 911 for assistance, has passed away in incarceration.

Sean Grayson, aged 32, died at approximately noon on Sunday. He was serving a 20-year prison term for the second-degree murder of Sonya Massey, a case highlighted by attorney Daniel Fultz who spoke to NBC News.

During his sentencing in January, Grayson’s defense attorney, Mark Wykoff, disclosed that Grayson had been battling Stage 3 colon cancer since 2023.

Last month, despite appeals for his release due to medical necessity, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Grayson’s request. His legal team emphasized that the cancer had advanced to Stage 4, affecting his liver and lungs.

Reports from the Illinois Department of Corrections indicated a dire prognosis, with medical experts suggesting Grayson was likely to succumb to his illness within 18 months, as detailed in medical-release documents acquired by Capitol News Illinois.

But Grayson did not select terminal illness as the reason for his request, instead applying under a provision covering prisoners expected to become medically incapacitated within six months.

The former sheriff’s deputy had been convicted of second-degree murder in October and was handed the maximum 20-year sentence in January for the July 2024 killing. 

‘Sonya Massey’s death was unjustifiable and she should be alive today,’ Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, attorneys representing Massey’s family, said in a statement on Sunday. 

‘Sean Grayson’s death in custody from cancer does nothing to bring Sonya back,’ they noted. 

Sean Grayson, 32, died around noon on Sunday, just six months into his 20-year sentence for the second degree murder of Sonya Massey

Sean Grayson, 32, died around noon on Sunday, just six months into his 20-year sentence for the second degree murder of Sonya Massey

Sonya Massey, 36, was shot inside her Springfield, Illinois, home after calling 911 to report a possible prowler in 2024

Sonya Massey, 36, was shot inside her Springfield, Illinois, home after calling 911 to report a possible prowler in 2024

‘We wish his family prayers of peace, as we do for all who grieve a loved one,’ the lawyers continued.

‘Sonya’s family know that pain all to well and will grieve her loss the rest of their days.’ 

Massey had called 911 in the early hours of July 6, 2024, because she believed a prowler was lurking outside her home.

Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy searched the property but found no intruder before entering the home to question her.

He then directed Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove, telling her: ‘We don’t need a fire alarm here.’

As the other deputy stepped away from the pot, Massey told the officers: ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’

Grayson responded: ‘I’ll f***ing shoot you right in the f***ing face,’ and drew his gun.

Massey apologized and dropped to the floor, but Grayson moved toward her and fired three times.

One bullet struck Massey in the head and killed her. 

Grayson later said he took the rebuke as a threat that she was about to toss the boiling water at him. 

Massey had called 911 in the early hours of July 6, 2024, because she believed a prowler was lurking outside her home

Massey had called 911 in the early hours of July 6, 2024, because she believed a prowler was lurking outside her home

Body-camera footage showed Grayson pointing his gun at Massey moments before shooting her in the face

Body-camera footage showed Grayson pointing his gun at Massey moments before shooting her in the face

Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he fired, although the other deputy’s camera captured the shooting, according to Capitol News Illinois.

He apologized at sentencing but maintained in his medical-release application that Massey had attacked him.

Grayson filed his request on May 20 under Illinois’ Joe Coleman Act, which allows prisoners with terminal illnesses or severe medical incapacity to seek compassionate release.

The 2022 law was named after Joe Coleman, an 82-year-old decorated Army veteran who died of prostate cancer in prison.

As the review board considered the application, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser urged the panel to keep Grayson behind bars, noting that he already had cancer when he killed Massey.

‘Critically, Grayson had cancer when he committed this murder and his medical condition was explicitly considered at sentencing,’ Milhiser wrote.

‘To release Grayson under these circumstances would be a miscarriage of justice and an insult to Sonya Massey’s memory and family.’

Massey was a single mother of two who called 911 because she feared a prowler was outside her Illinois home

The prosecutor also argued that Grayson remained a danger despite his deteriorating health.

‘His temper and willingness to escalate minor misunderstandings into fatal encounters shows that he poses a danger to any person he comes into contact with,’ Milhiser wrote.

Massey’s relatives also testified against his release and argued that his application showed he continued to lack remorse, Capitol News Illinois reported.

‘He’s a killer,’ her cousin Sontae Massey previously told the outlet.

‘I apologize that he must suffer, but he has to pay for what he did.’

Massey’s killing had triggered nationwide protests, a US Department of Justice review and renewed scrutiny of police hiring practices.

Sangamon County later agreed to pay her family $10 million to settle a wrongful-death claim.

Usher and Family Gearing Up for an Exciting Back-to-School Season

Excitement fills the Raymond household as they gear up for the new school year!

On Sunday, Usher shared heartwarming photos on Instagram, capturing three of his children ready to step into a fresh academic chapter.

One of the touching photos features Usher alongside his wife, Jenn Goicoechea, posing cheerfully with their two youngest, Sovereign Bo and Sire Castrello. The young siblings, beaming with joy, showcased their colorful backpacks, while Sovereign proudly presented her first-day-of-school board.

Another delightful image includes Usher with his 17-year-old son, Naviyd Ely Raymond. The pair radiated happiness as they flashed bright smiles, with Naviyd holding onto his own back-to-school sign.

“Gotta cherish every moment. Back to school,” the R&B icon captioned these precious family moments.

The new school year comes with plenty of milestones for the Raymond family. Just weeks ago, Usher celebrated his oldest son, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, as the 18-year-old officially began his freshman year at Howard University.

Cinco joined Howard’s Class of 2030 and participated in the university’s Freshman Pinning Ceremony earlier this month. Both Usher and Cinco’s mom, Tameka Foster, were there to support him on the special day.

The proud dad documented the occasion and offered a few encouraging words to his firstborn.

“You wanted this. You manifested this. You called this into action,” Usher told Cinco before expressing how proud he was of him.

With one child now in college and three others heading back to school, Usher is experiencing several different stages of fatherhood at once.

The Grammy winner shares Cinco and Naviyd with his ex-wife, Foster. He and Goicoechea are parents to Sovereign, 5, and Sire, 4.

Over the years, Usher has spoken about the importance of making time for his children despite the demands of his career.

“Being present is key. I make sure to stay available as a dad at all times for my children, while staying committed to the thing that sparked my passion at a very young age,” he previously told EBONY.

He added, “I hope that it’s an inspiration to my kids. I have this dynamic that works for me. My work allows me to be able to spend significant amounts of time with my kids and also be able to remain committed to what it is I love to do. But, that balance is not easy.”

Late-Night Intruder Arrested for Attempted Break-Ins at Multiple Apartments

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early yesterday morning, authorities took 26-year-old Anthony Denilson Philippe-King into custody following accusations of attempting to break into several apartments at The Polos, a residential community in Gainesville.

Police were alerted to the scene on Southwest Williston Road after a resident reported an unsettling encounter. The witness described a man persistently tugging at her front door while repeatedly proclaiming, “It’s Anthony.” After this unsettling interaction, she observed the same individual approach two additional apartments within the complex.

Officials tracked down Philippe-King at an adjacent building within the community, where he was seen heading toward what seemed to be an unoccupied apartment unit.

Upon speaking with him, the responding officer noted signs of intoxication. Philippe-King’s lack of cooperativeness was evident as he refused to identify himself or justify his presence at the property.

Based on these observations, the officer determined there was probable cause to arrest Philippe-King for prowling, and he was subsequently detained.

Post Miranda, Philippe-King reportedly said he had been dropped off at the apartment complex, but he said he did not know who had dropped him off. He said he was trying to find his way home, but he said he lived at a different apartment complex.

A search incident to arrest reportedly produced about 7.75 grams of marijuana and a baggie with white residue that tested positive for cocaine and marijuana.

Philippe-King has been charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, and prowling. He has no local criminal history, and Judge Adam Lee set bail at $10,000.

Post Malone’s Elegant Engagement Ring for Christy Lee Embodies Confident Simplicity, Experts Suggest

Post Malone singing into a microphone at the 68th Grammy Awards

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Post Malone and Christy Lee have taken a significant step forward in their relationship. The couple is now engaged, and the stunning ring he gifted her has experts buzzing.

After a year in the spotlight together, Post Malone and Christy Lee have announced their engagement. The dazzling ring features a massive diamond, estimated by a jewelry expert to be around 15 carats. While its size is certainly striking, the expert noted that its understated design reflects a sophisticated confidence.

Post Malone and Christy Lee announced their engagement 

Malone and Lee’s romance began in 2025, though it faced an early hiccup when the pair briefly split. However, reports from TMZ confirmed that they have rekindled their relationship in spectacular fashion. Recent photos showcased Lee flaunting a breathtaking diamond ring, marking a new chapter for the couple.

A jewelry expert analyzed the engagement ring Post Malone gave Christy Lee

Lee’s engagement ring is quite large. A jewelry expert explained that its size makes it very noteworthy.

“From the photographs, Christy’s engagement ring appears to feature an extraordinarily elongated diamond of approximately 15 carats,” said Nilesh Rakholia, the founder of Abelini. “At this scale, you’re looking at a genuinely exceptional stone, and those elongated proportions give it even more presence across the finger.”

Rakholia explained that the diamond speaks for itself. The rest of the ring is comparatively simple.

“What I like about this ring is that the diamond is unquestionably doing the talking,” he said. “When you have a centre stone approaching 15 carats, you don’t need to surround it with endless additional detail. A cleaner setting gives a diamond of this calibre the space it deserves.”

He believes that this shows confidence on the part of the couple. They allowed the diamond to be the centerpiece.

“There’s actually a confidence in that simplicity,” he explained. “It would be very easy for a ring this valuable to become overly elaborate, but here the impact comes from the scale and proportions of the centre stone rather than how many additional diamonds can be added around it.”

He believes that the diamond speaks for itself

Some rings have more diamonds surrounding the center stone. This one does not.

“When you’re working with an extraordinary diamond, good design isn’t always about what else you can add,” Rakholia said. “Sometimes the skill is knowing what to leave out. Christy’s ring is a great example of that. You have potentially millions of pounds sitting in one exceptional centre stone, and the setting simply allows it to be appreciated. It’s bold, luxurious and impossible to overlook, but it doesn’t need to prove its value through unnecessary detail.”

Despite its relative simplicity, it was likely an extremely expensive ring.

“At around 15 carats and potentially £1.5 million to £2.5 million ($2 million to $3.4 million), the numbers are extraordinary. But ultimately, what makes a ring like this successful isn’t simply that the diamond is enormous — it’s that the proportions, cut and setting allow an enormous diamond to still look elegant.”

Tragic Murder-Suicide Unveiled in Portland’s Rural Outskirts

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Authorities have confirmed the death of a man suspected of a gruesome killing spree that left five people dead in a rural region near Portland, Oregon. The suspect, found in Enumclaw, Washington, appeared to have died from suicide inside a vehicle, as reported on Sunday.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, was linked to the horrific event after the discovery of five bodies on Saturday. The massacre took place in a home nestled in a rural community close to Forest Grove, Oregon, situated roughly 25 miles from Portland.

Investigators traced Parker to Enumclaw, Washington, where officers from the Enumclaw Police Department located his vehicle. Inside, they found Parker deceased, with evidence pointing towards suicide, according to a statement from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

In connection with the investigation stemming from Forest Grove, the Enumclaw Police Department discovered an unidentified deceased individual behind a Safeway grocery store.

Sheriff Caprice Massey

Sheriff Caprice Massey has made a public plea for information, encouraging anyone familiar with the rural property or its residents to come forward with details that could aid the investigation. (KPTV)

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said there is no known threat to the public.

It is unclear how investigators were led to Parker or what connection he had to the victims. Detectives have said they do not believe the killings were random, but authorities have not publicly described Parker’s alleged connection to the victims or a possible motive.

The sheriff’s office previously said it responded early Saturday to reports of a vehicle fire at a property in Forest Grove, where the remains of five people and “several domestic animals” were discovered.

Authorities have not released the ages or genders of the victims, how they died or what possible connections they might have with one another. The type of animals found dead at the property was also not disclosed.

Detective Shannon Wilde

Detective Shannon Wilde from the sheriff’s office said investigators were still working to determine the victims’ identities. (KPTV)

Detective Shannon Wilde from the sheriff’s office said investigators were still working to determine the victims’ identities.

“Any time you have one person deceased, let alone five, that’s a logistical challenge,” Wilde said, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation and the large crime scene.

Sheriff Caprice Massey encouraged anyone who is familiar with the property or the people who live there to contact authorities with any information they may have.

Washington County Sheriff's Office car

Authorities said there is no known threat to the public. (Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

“I will say that in my 22 years here, I have not been a part of or witnessed a scene quite this complex involving this type of an investigation,” she said.

A dozen law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation.

Authorities are continuing to investigate.

Malaysian Rock Drummer Raja Talib Passes Away During Live Performance

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In a sobering event at a rock festival, a beloved drummer tragically passed away on stage after playing only two songs with his band. The musical community is in mourning.

Raja Azreen Raja Talib, a famed Malaysian rocker, was passionately performing with his band Meditasi—translated to “Meditation” in English—at last month’s Teruntum Rock Festival in Malaysia. In an unexpected turn, he collapsed while still in full swing of the show.

The 56-year-old drummer had just finished the second song out of their planned ten when lead vocalist Bakaruddin Daud, known to fans as Burn, noticed him slumped lifelessly over his drum set.

Recalling the heart-wrenching incident to the Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian, Burn said, “I rushed towards him, but I could feel that he was already gone.” He continued, “I called and patted him, but there was no response. His body felt cold to the touch.”

Burn also shared that the audience was in a state of panic as the situation unfolded. In his own words, he expressed being “truly shocked and deeply saddened” by the loss of a bandmate who, moments earlier, appeared to be in perfect health as they prepared to thrill festival-goers with their set.

“He was really happy to meet up with friends. He didn’t appear sad or unwell,” Burn said.

But shortly after he collapsed and was rushed to the nearby Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Talib was pronounced dead.

“He was given respiratory assistance, but he did not regain consciousness or respond after the collapse,” the drummer’s older sibling, Raja, confirmed to the outlet, adding that the cause of death was reportedly heart complications.

Both Talib’s brother and bandmate Burn revealed that the late drummer had recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

His brother further shared that Talib was hospitalized in June due to heart issues.

“He was hospitalized twice; the first stay lasted two to three weeks before he was admitted again,” Raja said, adding that “it is possible that extreme fatigue took a toll” on his brother’s heart as he went straight from a BMX competition to the music festival where he ultimately died.

Meditasi was founded in 1983 as a group named Metal Wizard before they rebranded in 1989.

The band shot to fame during the golden era of Malaysian rock in the 1990s and are much loved for performing Malay-language rock and power ballads.

After going on a temporary hiatus, they reunited in 2015 and currently have more than 46,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Help Solve Tammy Zywicki’s Case: Info on Teri Belenske Needed

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In a case that has haunted Illinois for more than three decades, authorities are once again delving into the tragic story of a young woman who vanished along her route from the Chicago area to college in Iowa. Investigators from the Illinois State Police are eager for new insights, particularly about a woman who might have interacted with a potential suspect.

Tammy J. Zywicki, a 21-year-old college student, went missing on August 23, 1992. She embarked on a journey from Evanston, Illinois, intending to reach Grinnell College in Iowa, but she never completed her trip.

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Later that day, a state trooper discovered her abandoned white 1985 Pontiac T1000. As dusk settled, her concerned mother reached out to the state police, reporting that Tammy hadn’t arrived at her destination, sparking a frantic search.

Tragically, on September 1, 1992, Tammy’s remains were discovered. She had been brutally stabbed, her body left along Interstate 44 in rural Lawrence County, Missouri, a chilling stretch of highway nestled between Joplin and Springfield.

Witnesses at the time noted a semi-truck parked near Tammy’s car. The truck driver was described as a white male, aged between 35 and 40, towering over six feet tall with conspicuously dark, bushy hair, details that continue to fuel the investigation.

Special agents are now looking for information about Theresa “Teri” Belenske, who may have a connection with the truck driver. ISP said Belenske, whose maiden name is Vega, was known to hitch hike and may have been traveling with the truck driver at some point before Zywicki’s death.

ISP said Belenske is a person of interest, not a suspect. She would have been 32 years old at the time of Zywicki’s death, and she passed away in 2014 at 54 years old.

Special agents are looking for information about Belenske from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s. Belenske has ties to cities in California, including Oceanside, Vista, Pomona, San Bernadino, and Fontana.

Police asked anyone with information about Belenske or Zywicki’s case to leave a crime tip at ISP Investigative Tips page or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Callers can remain anonymous.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the killer’s identification.

Police released a photo of Belenske taken in 2009, along with an AI-generated image of what she may have looked like in 1992.

Police also released photos of Zywicki and some of her property known to be missing.

Missing items include a Cannon 35mm camera and a Lorus brand musical wristwatch, which played the tune “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.” Also taken was a red and white soccer patch monogrammed with “St. Giles Soccer Club, Greenville, SC.”

Zywicki’s case remains active as ISP and the FBI continue to explore new leads, examine 200 pieces of evidence, and retest items with modern DNA technology.

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Explore Untapped Deep-Sea Mining Opportunities in Pacific

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A newly released report highlights the possibility of commercial deep-sea mining kicking off in the Pacific within months, potentially without necessary policy safeguards, as the competition between the United States and China for vital minerals intensifies.

Research from the Lowy Institute reveals that mining activities could commence as soon as 2027, targeting the resource-rich floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Fueling this rivalry between the two largest global economies is the soaring demand for resources critical to the production of batteries, military systems, and energy infrastructures.

Pacific nations are divided, as they weigh the potential economic benefits against the threats of irreversible harm to marine ecosystems, fisheries, food security, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

The report emphasizes that without an international regulatory framework, Pacific states are left to negotiate mining ventures without globally recognized protections in place.

This also leaves them dependent on individual agreements drafted by companies seeking to mine their ocean floor.

“For the Pacific Island nations caught in the middle of this great power battle for critical mineral supremacy, the economic proposition is difficult to refuse,” the Lowy Institute’s Connor Graham writes.

“The problem is not that Pacific nations disagree, it is that they are being forced to negotiate individually against parties with vastly more resources, information, and legal capacity, and that the international framework designed to protect them has stalled.”

Graham said while Australia was yet to take a clear position on deep-sea mining in the Pacific, it has the standing, relationships, and institutional presence to make an impact.

This includes its membership in the Pacific Islands Forum and as a long-standing ally of the US.

“A commitment to standards that have not been written as a condition for activity that is about to begin is less of a policy, and more of an abstention,” he said.

“But Australia cannot afford to abstain from this debate.”

Countries including Australia have started to enter into deals for critical minerals, which are crucial for a number for emerging technologies.

The federal government has announced a $1.2 billion critical minerals strategic reserve to secure the supply of key minerals deemed crucial for Australia’s economy and national security.