Former Russia correspondent at the BBC and author of 'Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions' Martin Sixsmith reveals the process undertaken by Vladimir Putin to retrieve money and power from Russia’s oligarchs.
Friday, August 28, 2026
How Putin Seized the Oligarchs' Billions | Martin Sixsmith
Aug 4, 2026 | “By the end of the 1990s, the oligarchs were essentially running the government.”
Former Russia correspondent at the BBC and author of 'Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions' Martin Sixsmith reveals the process undertaken by Vladimir Putin to retrieve money and power from Russia’s oligarchs.
Former Russia correspondent at the BBC and author of 'Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions' Martin Sixsmith reveals the process undertaken by Vladimir Putin to retrieve money and power from Russia’s oligarchs.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Prime Minster Rob Jetten on Coming Out, His Partner Nico Keenan, and Combatting the Far Right
Aug 27, 2026 | In an exclusive interview with Attitude magazine, Rob Jetten, the prime minister of the Netherlands, sits down with Krishna Omkar to discuss WorldPride Amsterdam, coming out, his partner Nico and his party's role in combatting the far right.
Attitude is the UK and Europe's biggest-selling LGBTQ magazine.
Attitude Magazine»
Netherlands’ Prime Minister Rob Jetten warns of a ‘very well-organised enemy’ pushing anti-gay agenda (EXCLUSIVE): Speaking in his cover interview with Attitude, Jetten called on the public to remain resilient and reject the harmful messages being spread by the far right »
Attitude is the UK and Europe's biggest-selling LGBTQ magazine.
Attitude Magazine»
Netherlands’ Prime Minister Rob Jetten warns of a ‘very well-organised enemy’ pushing anti-gay agenda (EXCLUSIVE): Speaking in his cover interview with Attitude, Jetten called on the public to remain resilient and reject the harmful messages being spread by the far right »
Trump Got…
What a piece of…! — © Mark Alexander
Trump’s Latest Puppet Is a Disaster for America | Steve Schmidt
It is impossible to support America whilst it is led by this orange excuse for a president. The country is falling apart. — © Mark Alexander
Iran and Oman Announce Hormuz Deal - What Does This Mean for Trump’s ‘Economic Onslaught’
August 27, 2026 | Pakistan is the latest country to hit back after the White House threatened countries who trade with Iran.
China has already said it won’t be taking orders from America.
So is this another failed bid by Donald Trump to bend Iran and its backers to his will? Or could this actually work?
Several senior Iranian leaders have recently acknowledged the economic pain that the country and its people are feeling.
On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Mohammed Marandi, a professor at Tehran University and a former adviser to Iran’s nuclear negotiating team to get a view from inside Iran.
China has already said it won’t be taking orders from America.
So is this another failed bid by Donald Trump to bend Iran and its backers to his will? Or could this actually work?
Several senior Iranian leaders have recently acknowledged the economic pain that the country and its people are feeling.
On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Mohammed Marandi, a professor at Tehran University and a former adviser to Iran’s nuclear negotiating team to get a view from inside Iran.
Dolly Parton en 15 looks beauté inoubliables
MADAME DIGARO : Retour sur ses apparitions les plus marquantes de la reine de la country qui s’est éteinte, mardi 25 août, à l’âge de 80 ans.
Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article de Madame Figaro. | Dolly Parton en 1989. - Ron Davis / Getty Images
Regardez toutes les images ici »
Viele Jobs verschwinden „für immer“: Diese Berufe will Bill Gates vor KI schützen
BERLINER ZEITUNG: 2023 hielt der Microsoft-Mitgründer die Risiken künstlicher Intelligenz noch für beherrschbar. Nun fordert er geschützte Tätigkeiten und neue Abgaben.
Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel der Berliner Zeitung. | Bill Gates warnt vor Jobverlusten durch Künstliche Intelligenz und schlägt geschützte Tätigkeiten vor. | © Stefan Jerrevång/imago
Viele Arbeitsplätze werden „für immer“ verschwinden. Diese Warnung stammt nicht von einem Gegner Künstlicher Intelligenz, sondern von Bill Gates. Der Microsoft-Mitgründer gehörte lange zu den prominentesten Fürsprechern der Technologie. Nun fällt seine Einschätzung deutlich düsterer aus.
Künstliche Intelligenz könne menschliches Denken erstmals nicht nur ersetzen, sondern sogar übertreffen, schreibt Gates in einem neuen Essay. Selbst unter günstigen Bedingungen werde der Übergang zu den turbulentesten Zeiten der Menschheitsgeschichte gehören. Regierungen seien darauf nicht vorbereitet: „Es gibt keinen Plan, um den Eintritt in das KI-Zeitalter abzufedern.“ » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 17. August 2026
Viele Arbeitsplätze werden „für immer“ verschwinden. Diese Warnung stammt nicht von einem Gegner Künstlicher Intelligenz, sondern von Bill Gates. Der Microsoft-Mitgründer gehörte lange zu den prominentesten Fürsprechern der Technologie. Nun fällt seine Einschätzung deutlich düsterer aus.
Künstliche Intelligenz könne menschliches Denken erstmals nicht nur ersetzen, sondern sogar übertreffen, schreibt Gates in einem neuen Essay. Selbst unter günstigen Bedingungen werde der Übergang zu den turbulentesten Zeiten der Menschheitsgeschichte gehören. Regierungen seien darauf nicht vorbereitet: „Es gibt keinen Plan, um den Eintritt in das KI-Zeitalter abzufedern.“ » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 17. August 2026
El Niño treibt Weiße Haie nach Kalifornien – viele schwimmen dicht vor den Stränden
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Vor Mexiko wird das Wasser für junge Weiße Haie zu warm. Forschende rechnen deshalb mit deutlich mehr Tieren in den flachen Küstengewässern Kaliforniens.
Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel der Berliner Zeitung. | Ein Weißer Hai schwimmt dicht unter der Wasseroberfläche. | © Norbert Probst/imago
Wer vor Kalifornien schwimmt, surft oder auf einem Paddelbrett steht, könnte das Wasser in diesem Jahr häufiger unbemerkt mit einem Weißen Hai teilen. Meeresbiologen erwarten wegen des ungewöhnlich starken El Niño deutlich mehr Jungtiere entlang der Küste. Einige von ihnen kommen bis auf wenige Meter an stark besuchte Strände heran.
Chris Lowe, Direktor des Shark Lab an der California State University in Long Beach, hält es sogar für möglich, dass sich die Zahl der jungen Weißen Haie unter den aktuellen Bedingungen verdoppelt. Die Universität betont jedoch, dass es sich dabei um eine Prognose handelt. Eine vollständige Zählung der Tiere gibt es nicht. » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 27. August 2026
Wer vor Kalifornien schwimmt, surft oder auf einem Paddelbrett steht, könnte das Wasser in diesem Jahr häufiger unbemerkt mit einem Weißen Hai teilen. Meeresbiologen erwarten wegen des ungewöhnlich starken El Niño deutlich mehr Jungtiere entlang der Küste. Einige von ihnen kommen bis auf wenige Meter an stark besuchte Strände heran.
Chris Lowe, Direktor des Shark Lab an der California State University in Long Beach, hält es sogar für möglich, dass sich die Zahl der jungen Weißen Haie unter den aktuellen Bedingungen verdoppelt. Die Universität betont jedoch, dass es sich dabei um eine Prognose handelt. Eine vollständige Zählung der Tiere gibt es nicht. » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 27. August 2026
Canada Stands Up to America as Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Its Closest Ally
Aug 27, 2026 | Donald Trump’s ludicrous tariff policy has become a defining feature of his second term, imposing costs on American businesses and consumers while raising serious questions about the limits of presidential power.
His escalating trade dispute with Canada, which has chosen to resist rather than submit to American pressure, highlights both the economic and constitutional consequences of his approach.
With courts challenging the legality of his tariffs, Congress and the judiciary now face a crucial test of whether they will enforce constitutional limits and prevent the president from using trade policy to punish American workers and consumers.
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here »
His escalating trade dispute with Canada, which has chosen to resist rather than submit to American pressure, highlights both the economic and constitutional consequences of his approach.
With courts challenging the legality of his tariffs, Congress and the judiciary now face a crucial test of whether they will enforce constitutional limits and prevent the president from using trade policy to punish American workers and consumers.
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here »
Trump’s Attempt to Rename Lake Ontario 'Shows He’s in Miles over His Head’ | David Cay Johnston
Aug 27, 2026 | “Donald is focused on the things that he knows, and those have to do with buildings and putting his name on things. They don't have to do with the real issues affecting Americans. And at the same time, he has a real serious need internally to establish that he is all powerful. Hence his fight with Canada.”
Author David Cay Johnston says that Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America is a way to “distract people from his failings”.
Author David Cay Johnston says that Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America is a way to “distract people from his failings”.
Germany’s Second Richest Man Died – What Happens to the Money? | DW News
Trump’s Iran Gamble: Will It Backfire? | The Global Story
Chris Hedges - The Real Reason Trump Can't Stop Israel
August 26, 2026 | In this clip, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges argues that the growing tensions between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu reveal the limits of American influence over Israel.
He explains how the political power of the Israel lobby and continued US military support constrains Washington as the economic and military costs of the conflict with Iran mount.
Hedges also argues that the war has strengthened hardliners in Iran, depleted US military resources and benefited weapons manufacturers and war profiteers, while leaving ordinary people to bear the economic consequences.
He explains how the political power of the Israel lobby and continued US military support constrains Washington as the economic and military costs of the conflict with Iran mount.
Hedges also argues that the war has strengthened hardliners in Iran, depleted US military resources and benefited weapons manufacturers and war profiteers, while leaving ordinary people to bear the economic consequences.
US President Donald Trump Believes Iran's Supreme Leader is Still Alive | BBC News
Aug 26, 2026 | US President Donald Trump says he believes the Supreme Leader of Iran is still alive, but is seriously injured after the attack that killed his father.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman plan a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran warns it won't reopen unless the US stops the war.
Shopkeepers inside Iran say they're starting to feel the impact of America's economic squeeze. And Dubai International Airport reports a 30% drop in passengers, as travel struggles almost six months into the war.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman plan a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran warns it won't reopen unless the US stops the war.
Shopkeepers inside Iran say they're starting to feel the impact of America's economic squeeze. And Dubai International Airport reports a 30% drop in passengers, as travel struggles almost six months into the war.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
CURATING THE TABLE: One Pot Dal | Simple, Comforting Indian Lentils (Masoor Dal Recipe)
Sana Siddiqui and her husband can be supported here »
Dolly Parton’s Final Lesson for a Divided America | Steve Schmidt
Aug 26, 2026 | As America mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, her life reminds us that love and kindness matter more than what divides us.
Steve Schmidt breaks down Dolly Parton’s legacy and explains what her message of grace, humility, and unity can teach us in an increasingly judgmental and divided America.
R.I.P.
Steve Schmidt breaks down Dolly Parton’s legacy and explains what her message of grace, humility, and unity can teach us in an increasingly judgmental and divided America.
R.I.P.
F.D.A. Approves Drug Poised to Transform Care for Pancreatic Cancer
THE NEW YORK TIMES: In a key clinical trial, patients who got the pill, daraxonrasib, lived twice as long as those who got chemotherapy.
The Food and Drug Administration approved on Wednesday a new drug for advanced pancreatic cancer, ushering in a new era of treatment for a disease that has long been considered one of the most hopeless in medicine.
The drug, taken as two pills a day, is the first of its type and has electrified cancer specialists and patients. It is not a cure, but it is the first treatment to substantially extend the lives of patients with pancreatic cancer.
The drug, daraxonrasib, is made by Revolution Medicines and will be sold under the brand name Rasonque. It was approved for patients who have metastatic pancreatic cancer and have already tried chemotherapy. In a key clinical trial, participants who got daraxonrasib lived for a median of over 13 months, compared with less than seven months for those who got chemotherapy. Some patients who have gotten the drug through clinical trials have lived for years.
“We’ve never seen a benefit like this,” said Dr. Anna Berkenblit, the chief scientific and medical officer at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an advocacy group for research and patients. » | Gina Kolata, Rebecca Robbins and Carolyn Y. Johnson | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The Food and Drug Administration approved on Wednesday a new drug for advanced pancreatic cancer, ushering in a new era of treatment for a disease that has long been considered one of the most hopeless in medicine.
The drug, taken as two pills a day, is the first of its type and has electrified cancer specialists and patients. It is not a cure, but it is the first treatment to substantially extend the lives of patients with pancreatic cancer.
The drug, daraxonrasib, is made by Revolution Medicines and will be sold under the brand name Rasonque. It was approved for patients who have metastatic pancreatic cancer and have already tried chemotherapy. In a key clinical trial, participants who got daraxonrasib lived for a median of over 13 months, compared with less than seven months for those who got chemotherapy. Some patients who have gotten the drug through clinical trials have lived for years.
“We’ve never seen a benefit like this,” said Dr. Anna Berkenblit, the chief scientific and medical officer at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, an advocacy group for research and patients. » | Gina Kolata, Rebecca Robbins and Carolyn Y. Johnson | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Peabo Bryson : If Ever You're In My Arms Again | 1984
Prince Harry and Meghan Land in UK | BBC News
Aug 26, 2026 | The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived back in the UK, BBC News understands.
Prince Harry, Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, are believed to have flown into the country privately from California.
They will not return to official duties but will live in Britain as non-working royals. It is thought the family will base themselves at a private property outside of London in the Cotswolds area.
The Sussexes left the UK and stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, before settling in California in March that year.
King Charles was told of the move earlier this month.
The family visited the King at his Highgrove home in July this year, but it is understood the move was not discussed. Before that visit, Prince Harry and Meghan had not been in the UK together since they attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Prince Harry, Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, are believed to have flown into the country privately from California.
They will not return to official duties but will live in Britain as non-working royals. It is thought the family will base themselves at a private property outside of London in the Cotswolds area.
The Sussexes left the UK and stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, before settling in California in March that year.
King Charles was told of the move earlier this month.
The family visited the King at his Highgrove home in July this year, but it is understood the move was not discussed. Before that visit, Prince Harry and Meghan had not been in the UK together since they attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
China Hits Out at 'Illegal' US Sanctions on Iran and Trading Partners | BBC News
Aug 26, 2026 | China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.
US President Donald Trump has said that the US Navy has removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan say talks with Iranian leaders on the path to peace are making progress.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.
US President Donald Trump has said that the US Navy has removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan say talks with Iranian leaders on the path to peace are making progress.
Trump Declares Palestine Action a Global Terror Group
THE TELEGRAPH: Organisation faces same sanctions as Hamas and Islamic State in move that sees supporters banned from US
Palestine Action has been declared a global terrorist organisation by the US.
The protest group has been added to a list that includes Hamas, al-Qaeda and Islamic State, meaning supporters face a lifetime ban from entering the US.
US officials said that by promoting its “acts of terrorism” on social media, Palestine Action encouraged others to copy its tactics overseas, including in America. It is the first known case of a British Left-wing activist group being subjected to US counter-terrorism sanctions.
Under the new measures, Palestine Action’s assets in the US, including bank accounts and property, are being frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with the group.
The sanctions also prohibit people from giving funds, goods or services to Palestine Action, effectively cutting it off from the global financial system. » | Connor Stringer Chief Washington Correspondent | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
I feel sorry for the people of Gaza. They have suffered genocide. So, does my sympathy for those poor people mean that I would be considered a terrorist too? I know who I think are the terrorists! — © Mark Alexander
Palestine Action has been declared a global terrorist organisation by the US.
The protest group has been added to a list that includes Hamas, al-Qaeda and Islamic State, meaning supporters face a lifetime ban from entering the US.
US officials said that by promoting its “acts of terrorism” on social media, Palestine Action encouraged others to copy its tactics overseas, including in America. It is the first known case of a British Left-wing activist group being subjected to US counter-terrorism sanctions.
Under the new measures, Palestine Action’s assets in the US, including bank accounts and property, are being frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with the group.
The sanctions also prohibit people from giving funds, goods or services to Palestine Action, effectively cutting it off from the global financial system. » | Connor Stringer Chief Washington Correspondent | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
I feel sorry for the people of Gaza. They have suffered genocide. So, does my sympathy for those poor people mean that I would be considered a terrorist too? I know who I think are the terrorists! — © Mark Alexander
"Most Americans Are Getting Poorer": Robert Reich on Inequality & the Failures of Corporate Dems
Aug 26, 2026 | Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly attacked the former labor secretary under President Clinton, Robert Reich.
Reich wrote in a post online that “Trump Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week the K-shaped economy — the widening economic gap between the rich and the poor — is 'dead.'
Hogwash. Not only is the K-shaped economy very much alive, even CEOs are admitting it’s a problem.” The treasury secretary went on to suggest the University of California, Berkeley should fire Reich.
“There’s something in this administration,” says Reich. “It’s almost a kind of testosterone poisoning in which everybody has to be really nasty, put down everybody else.”
Reich goes on to discuss economic inequality, pointing out that while inflation is on the rise, “most Americans are finding that their wages are stagnant … which means that most Americans are getting poorer.”
Democracy Now! can be supported here »
Reich wrote in a post online that “Trump Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week the K-shaped economy — the widening economic gap between the rich and the poor — is 'dead.'
Hogwash. Not only is the K-shaped economy very much alive, even CEOs are admitting it’s a problem.” The treasury secretary went on to suggest the University of California, Berkeley should fire Reich.
“There’s something in this administration,” says Reich. “It’s almost a kind of testosterone poisoning in which everybody has to be really nasty, put down everybody else.”
Reich goes on to discuss economic inequality, pointing out that while inflation is on the rise, “most Americans are finding that their wages are stagnant … which means that most Americans are getting poorer.”
Democracy Now! can be supported here »
We have Reached Well Over Eleven Million Visitors
MARK ALEXANDER: Today, my Google visitor counter shows that we have reach more than 11,006,736 visitors to this blog.
Naturally, this news pleases me greatly. So, I would like to thank you all for your continuing support and loyalty and for making this possible. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you so much!
Of course, I shall now look forward to arriving at our next landmark.
Thanking you all once more and sending you all my kind regards,
sincerely,
Mark
Naturally, this news pleases me greatly. So, I would like to thank you all for your continuing support and loyalty and for making this possible. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you so much!
Of course, I shall now look forward to arriving at our next landmark.
Thanking you all once more and sending you all my kind regards,
sincerely,
Mark
Trump's Embarrassing Makeup Secret Just Got Exposed by Insiders
„Das frisst einen auf“: Alltag im Iran unter Wirtschaftskrise
Benyamin Netanyahou affirme qu'aucun accord diplomatique n'est possible avec « ces sauvages » en Iran
LE FIGARO : Le premier ministre israélien a exprimé de longue date son scepticisme quant à la possibilité de parvenir à un accord avec la République islamique par la voie diplomatique.
Le premier ministre israélien Benyamin Netanyahou a déclaré qu'aucun accord diplomatique n'était possible avec les dirigeants iraniens, qualifiés de « sauvages », tout en saluant la nouvelle campagne de pression économique du président américain Donald Trump.
Revenant sur une récente rencontre avec Donald Trump, M. Netanyahou a déclaré lors d'un événement mardi soir avoir évoqué avec lui les négociations avec l'Iran, affirmant : « Je doute qu'avec cette bande là-bas, avec ces sauvages, on puisse parvenir à un accord. Je vous le dis, aucun accord ne peut être conclu ». » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 26 août 2026
C’est l’hôpital qui se moque de la charité. — Mark
Iran May Have Little to Lose as U.S. Tries to Squeeze Its Economy
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Experts warn that a campaign aimed at avoiding military escalation could instead provoke it, as Iranian leaders vow retaliation across the oil-rich Gulf.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Drivers waiting at a taxi station in Tehran last month. Credit: Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times
Facing a fresh economic assault from the United States, Iran’s leaders are gambling that they can weather the coming storm and make the cost of their suffering felt in an oil-rich region that is critical to the global economy.
With Iran’s devastating economic crisis deepening, experts warn, Iranian leaders may feel they have little to lose by responding to U.S. pressure with the kind of military escalation President Trump now seems keen to avoid.
“The harder Washington pushes third countries to sever Iran’s remaining lifelines, the stronger Tehran’s incentive becomes to demonstrate that participating in Iran’s isolation carries costs of its own,” said Sina Toossi, an Iran expert at the Center for International Policy.
For months, as military confrontation has slowed, Iran’s struggle with Washington has amounted to a game of chicken over who can withstand the economic pain longer. » | Erika Solomon and Sanam Mahoozi | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Facing a fresh economic assault from the United States, Iran’s leaders are gambling that they can weather the coming storm and make the cost of their suffering felt in an oil-rich region that is critical to the global economy.
With Iran’s devastating economic crisis deepening, experts warn, Iranian leaders may feel they have little to lose by responding to U.S. pressure with the kind of military escalation President Trump now seems keen to avoid.
“The harder Washington pushes third countries to sever Iran’s remaining lifelines, the stronger Tehran’s incentive becomes to demonstrate that participating in Iran’s isolation carries costs of its own,” said Sina Toossi, an Iran expert at the Center for International Policy.
For months, as military confrontation has slowed, Iran’s struggle with Washington has amounted to a game of chicken over who can withstand the economic pain longer. » | Erika Solomon and Sanam Mahoozi | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Steve Rosenberg’s Musical Tribute to Dolly Parton (1946-2026)
Dolly Parton, Legendary US Country Singer, Dies Aged 80 | BBC News
Aug 25, 2026 | Legendary country music singer Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
"Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience," her team said in a statement.
The country legend sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote more than 3,000 songs in a career that spanned six decades.
ALSO READ AND LISTEN:
Dolly Parton, Superstar Whose Songs Spoke to Millions, Dies at 80: Known for her outsize persona, appearance and talent, she rose from rural poverty to become a top-selling singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. »
Dolly Parton’s Bedazzled, Bewigged and Bodacious Style: A wild mountain rose, she used her clothes and her body to subvert expectations. »
Dolly Parton: Hear 15 Essential Songs: The singer-songwriter rose from poverty to become a chart-topping performer whose earnest character allowed her to span genres. »
"Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience," her team said in a statement.
The country legend sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote more than 3,000 songs in a career that spanned six decades.
ALSO READ AND LISTEN:
Dolly Parton, Superstar Whose Songs Spoke to Millions, Dies at 80: Known for her outsize persona, appearance and talent, she rose from rural poverty to become a top-selling singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. »
Dolly Parton’s Bedazzled, Bewigged and Bodacious Style: A wild mountain rose, she used her clothes and her body to subvert expectations. »
Dolly Parton: Hear 15 Essential Songs: The singer-songwriter rose from poverty to become a chart-topping performer whose earnest character allowed her to span genres. »
US Removes Syria from 'State Sponsor of Terrorism' List in 'Historic' Step
THE NEW ARAB: After almost fifty years, Syria was taken off the United States' list of countries that sponsor terrorism in a move hailed as opening a new chapter.
Screenshot from this TNA article. | The United States initially announced in July its intention to delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, a move seen as a vote of confidence in Sharaa [GETTY]
The United States on Monday removed Syria from its blacklist of "State Sponsors of Terrorism" after over 40 years, in a move described as a "historic step" for the country.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the removal "will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability".
Bessent added the moves were "in line with President (Donald) Trump's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria".
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the move, saying: "Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding".
Al-Sharaa thanked US President Donald Trump, as well as countries that have supported Syria. » | Anam Alam | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The United States on Monday removed Syria from its blacklist of "State Sponsors of Terrorism" after over 40 years, in a move described as a "historic step" for the country.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the removal "will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability".
Bessent added the moves were "in line with President (Donald) Trump's promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria".
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the move, saying: "Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding".
Al-Sharaa thanked US President Donald Trump, as well as countries that have supported Syria. » | Anam Alam | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Donald Trump Just Started a Fight He Can't Win | Steve Schmidt"
Hegseth’s Purge of Top Generals Leaves the Army Rudderless
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The leadership vacuum comes as the Army is trying to adapt to a new kind of war dominated by deadly drones.
A series of firings and feuds initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has left the Army essentially rudderless as it struggles to deal with the threat posed by cheap, deadly drones and missiles that have pounded U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The Army has not had a chief of staff, the service’s top officer, since Mr. Hegseth fired Gen. Randy George without explanation in April, and there are no signs that he is close to filling the position, said current and former officials speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters.
Mr. Hegseth has forced out at least three senior officers who had been viewed as potential successors to General George.
Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, the service’s top civilian leader, is also expected to leave the administration in the next few months and has already moved out of the large family house that he was renting in Fort Myer, outside Washington, officials said.
The turmoil comes as the Army, the military’s largest service, faces its busiest period since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Army air defense soldiers are playing the leading role in defending U.S. troops in the Middle East from increasingly sophisticated Iranian missile attacks. The Army’s command in Europe is providing critical intelligence and other support to Ukraine as it fights to hold off a larger Russian force. » | Greg Jaffe, Eric Schmitt, Helene Cooper and Adam Entous | Reporting from Washington | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Not Without My Daughter
Two-time AcademyAward® Winner Sally Field (Best Actress in a Leading Roll for "Norma Ray" and "Places in the Heart) gives another powerful performance in the suspense thriller "Not Without My Daughter," a riveting true story of terror and escape. B
etty (Field) has come to the Middle East with her daughter and native-born husband Sayeed (Alfred Molina, "Species") for a visit with his family, but soon the horrible truth about their vacation surfaces: Betty's husband doesn't intend to bring his family back to America...ever. She may return, he says, but their daughter must stay. And he has centuries of local custom and the oppressive might of a police state behind him. As a stranger in a foreign land, Betty has no money, no friends and no rights. But she does have an unconquerable will. In a hostile, war-torn country, where even the slightest misstep can mean death, she makes a desperate bid to escape with her child. Her story, her courage and her ultimate triumph are unforgettable.
This film is age-restricted, so it cannot be embedded on external websites. It must be watched on YouTube itself. So, here’s a link to the film for you to watch it there.
etty (Field) has come to the Middle East with her daughter and native-born husband Sayeed (Alfred Molina, "Species") for a visit with his family, but soon the horrible truth about their vacation surfaces: Betty's husband doesn't intend to bring his family back to America...ever. She may return, he says, but their daughter must stay. And he has centuries of local custom and the oppressive might of a police state behind him. As a stranger in a foreign land, Betty has no money, no friends and no rights. But she does have an unconquerable will. In a hostile, war-torn country, where even the slightest misstep can mean death, she makes a desperate bid to escape with her child. Her story, her courage and her ultimate triumph are unforgettable.
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