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Dolly Parton dies at 80; tributes and legacy remembered
Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and actress, died at age 80 in August 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Born in 1946 in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Parton rose from poverty to become one of the most influential figures in country music, with a seven-decade career spanning over 3,000 songs, including classics like Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5. She was known for her distinctive voice, glamorous stage presence, and philanthropic work, particularly through her Imagination Library, which distributed millions of books to children worldwide. Parton also founded Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and made significant contributions to COVID-19 research in 2020, which helped fund the Moderna vaccine. Her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, and she was survived by six siblings, having lost her husband Carl Dean in 2025 after a 60-year marriage. Tributes poured in from around the world, celebrating her legacy as a cultural icon and a symbol of kindness and resilience.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Dolly Parton died at age 80 in 2026
- Dolly Parton was born on January 16, 1946 (or January 19, 1946 in SMH)
- Dolly Parton had 11 siblings
Today
Mark McVeigh appointed Essendon AFL coach after contentious selection process
Mark McVeigh has been appointed as Essendon’s new senior AFL coach on a three-year contract, ending a tumultuous selection process that followed the club’s worst season in history with a 2-21 record. McVeigh, a former Essendon player and current Sydney Swans assistant coach, defeated fellow candidates James Hird, Jaymie Graham, and Murray Davis in a unanimous board decision. The 45-year-old played 232 games for Essendon and was part of the 34 players suspended in the 2016 supplements scandal. McVeigh’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from fans who supported Hird’s bid, despite Hird’s own acknowledgment of disappointment and his openness to other coaching opportunities. McVeigh has expressed a desire to have Hird involved in some capacity at Essendon, highlighting their long-standing friendship. The club’s president, Andrew Welsh, rejected claims of nepotism, emphasizing a rigorous and exhaustive selection process. McVeigh’s coaching philosophy focuses on modern, aggressive football with quick ball movement and adaptable structures, aiming to rebuild Essendon’s fortunes after years of struggles, including the fallout from the doping scandal and recent on-field failures.
Ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game after confrontation with Natasha Cloud
Ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, 34, was ejected from a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud, 34, who yelled and pointed at him during the third quarter. Kanter Freedom wore a shirt reading 'WOMAN noun. adult human female' and was removed from Wintrust Arena by security after the incident, which occurred with 1:22 remaining in the quarter. The Chicago Sky subsequently banned him from attending their home games, with owner Michael Alter calling him a potential threat. Kanter Freedom and fellow former NBA player Royce White, also 34, declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, stating they identify as women, though their eligibility remains uncertain. The Indiana Fever won the game 113-90, and Kanter Freedom was escorted from the arena after speaking with police. The incident has reignited debates about transgender athletes in women's sports, with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressing divisiveness in a recent statement. Protesters and fans outside the game expressed strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
England cricket team off-field incident involving Brydon Carse and team culture concerns
England cricket captain Joe Root expressed frustration over repeated off-field incidents involving teammates, particularly after Brydon Carse, a 31-year-old fast bowler, was suspended from the second Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday. Carse was briefly arrested late on Saturday night but released without charge, leading to an investigation by the Cricket Regulator. England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and will face Pakistan again next month in Birmingham. Root emphasized the need to build a stronger team culture, acknowledging that past mistakes have detracted from the team’s on-field achievements. While both sources agree on the core facts, the Guardian notes Root canceled a player curfew at the end of last month and highlights the coach’s arrival next month, details not mentioned by ABC.
Australia’s data centre energy boom and political disputes over regulation
Australia is facing a rapid expansion of data centres, with 225 projects in development—more than double the number from a year ago—and energy demand projected to surge by 700 per cent over the next decade. By 2036, data centres could consume as much electricity as all homes in NSW and Victoria combined, prompting federal intervention. The government plans to require data centres to use new renewable energy, but Queensland is resisting, forcing potential federal legislation. Political tensions are high, with states debating sustainability, job creation, and grid strain, while the federal government allocates $4.7 billion for domestic violence services and prepares AI regulations. Opposition from the Coalition and Greens adds complexity, with concerns over energy costs, water use, and community impacts.
Yesterday
Bathla Group enters administration, leaving buyers and projects in limbo
Major Sydney property developer Bathla Group entered voluntary administration on Tuesday, with administrators Teneo appointed to its main entities, including Universal Property Group and Raj & Jai Construction. The collapse follows a 'perfect storm' of challenges, including declining sales, rising construction costs, and impacts from the federal government’s May budget, as cited by managing director Bhart Bhushan across all sources. Universal Property Group had $3.2 billion in liabilities as of June 30 last year, according to ABC and 7NEWS, though the latter references June 2025. Hundreds of buyers, particularly in Western Sydney suburbs like Schofields and Kembla Grange, now face uncertainty, with completion dates for projects like Kembla Grange originally set for December 2025 but repeatedly delayed. The SMH reports specific penalties against Raj & Jai Construction, including fines of $45,000 and $9,000 for improper conduct, while the ABC highlights concerns from buyers like Kate, who purchased a home for $709,990 and fears delays will jeopardize its completion. The Guardian notes Bathla’s establishment in 1997 and the broader collapse of 1,522 NSW construction firms in 2025/26, underscoring the sector’s struggles.
Random assault in Melbourne CBD involving a 10-year-old boy and a 30-year-old woman
A 27-year-old Sunshine West man was arrested after allegedly randomly assaulting a 10-year-old boy and repeatedly stabbing a woman in Melbourne’s CBD on Tuesday afternoon. The attack occurred near Victoria Police headquarters on Spencer St at 1pm, with the woman and boy taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital respectively. Three bystanders intervened to restrain the attacker before police arrived. The woman was described as either 30 or 46 years old, with discrepancies in her age across sources. The family, visiting from Phillip Island, had three children, including an 11-year-old who witnessed the attack. Police believe the attacker may have been experiencing mental health issues and was known to authorities for prior family violence and assault charges.
Ralph Carr sentenced to six years for rape and sexual assault of a former employee
Ralph Carr, a 66-year-old former talent manager, was sentenced to six years in jail with a non-parole period of four years for raping and sexually assaulting a former employee in March 2023. The offences occurred at his Melbourne home, where the victim was intoxicated and vulnerable after a night of drinking and drug use. Carr, who managed high-profile clients including AFL player Dustin Martin and singer Tina Arena, appeared via video link from prison during sentencing and has indicated he will appeal the conviction. His identity was suppressed for close to three years after charges were laid, but the order was lifted after his conviction in July. Judge Frank Gucciardo described the assault as an appalling breach of trust, noting Carr took advantage of a young woman who was seeking support. Carr’s lawyers argued for a stay on the sentence, citing mental health concerns and claims of a miscarriage of justice, but the judge rejected these arguments. The victim, who worked for Carr’s company in 2022, testified that Carr raped her twice after she repeatedly told him she did not want a sexual relationship. She later contacted her mother, who called police, leading to Carr’s arrest. The case has reignited scrutiny of suppression orders in Victoria, particularly after similar controversies involving other high-profile figures.
Three Scots College students charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Sydney
Three students from Sydney’s prestigious Scots College—two aged 14 and one aged 13—have been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in an alleyway in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Wednesday, 22 July. The case was first heard in Surry Hills Children’s Court on Tuesday, with the next hearing scheduled for 20 October. The boys, who remain on bail, face charges including aggravated sexual assault and aggravated sexual touching, with allegations that the incident lasted 55 minutes. The court has warned media about protecting the identities of the teenagers after their names were revealed in online comment sections. Scots College has confirmed it is cooperating with police and stated that the incident occurred outside school hours. The boys are subject to strict bail conditions, including not leaving their homes between 6pm and 6am and not using social media. The school, which charges fees of up to $47,000 a year, has faced criticism from parents regarding its handling of the situation, though it denies shielding the boys due to financial donations. Support services, including 1800RESPECT and the Men’s Referral Service, have been highlighted for those affected by the incident.
ARIA bans fully AI-generated music from Australian charts starting Friday
Australia’s ARIA charts will ban fully AI-generated music starting Friday, requiring tracks to be 'substantially human-made' to qualify. The decision follows scrutiny of Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s 1989 hit *Like a Prayer*, which reached number four on two ARIA charts in July after peaking at number two in May. Fawaz’s song used AI for vocals and drums, per Spotify’s track listing, and may now be disqualified under new rules aligned with global IFPI principles published in July. ARIA’s move aims to protect human artistry, though AI-assisted recordings with minimal AI input will still chart. The ban applies to all ARIA charts released from Friday, with artists able to contest exclusions.
Federal MP Luke Gosling charged with bail breach after alleged assault on NT Administrator David Connolly
Federal MP Luke Gosling, a 54-year-old elected in 2016, was charged with two counts of assault against Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly after an incident at the NT Thailand Grand Festival on July 18. Gosling appeared in Darwin Local Court on July 31 to vary bail conditions, which included staying 50 metres from Connolly’s residence, providing 48 hours’ notice for shared events, and maintaining 15 metres distance if both attended the same event. Police allege he breached bail on August 14, leading to a summons for a September 30 court appearance. The assault charge carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence. Gosling denies the allegations, with his lawyer arguing police should have used a summons instead of arresting him at home. The case has drawn political scrutiny, with opposition figures calling for Gosling’s removal as special envoy for defence and veterans’ affairs.
Australia bans Halloween: The Game over drug use incentives; classification debates persist
Australia’s Classification Board banned the video game *Halloween: The Game* in 2026 not for violence but because using cannabis in the game provides players a strategic advantage, violating guidelines introduced in 2023. Both the Guardian and ABC highlight this as part of a broader debate over Australia’s strict media classification system, which treats interactive content like games more harshly than films or books. The R18+ rating for games was established in 2013 after years of advocacy, but critics argue the system remains outdated, with inconsistencies in enforcement and an overemphasis on interactivity’s perceived harm. The ABC adds historical context, noting films like *Salò* (banned in 1976, re-released in 2010 with 176 minutes of added material) and *Ken Park* (banned in 2003) have faced similar battles, while the Guardian focuses on recent cases like *State of Decay* and *Wasteland 3*. Both sources agree the government is reviewing guidelines, though proposals differ slightly—Guardian mentions adjusting MA15+ to MA16+, while ABC emphasizes removing harsher judgments on interactivity. Public outcry and expert opinions suggest the system fails to reflect adult audiences’ maturity, with calls to align classifications across media types.
Will Pucovski sues Brighton Grammar over concussion mishandling
Will Pucovski, a retired Australian cricketer, has launched legal action against Brighton Grammar School, alleging the elite private school mishandled his concussion injury during a football training session when he was 16 in 2014. The lawsuit claims the school breached its duty of care, allowing him to continue training after suffering a severe head injury that led to long-term symptoms. Pucovski, now 28, has documented 13 concussions throughout his career, including one during a Sheffield Shield match in March 2024, which ultimately led to his retirement in April 2025. Both sources confirm he played his only Test in January 2021 and has since worked in cricket commentary and coaching roles. The incident at Brighton Grammar marked the beginning of his concussion struggles, with symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, and mental health challenges persisting for years. Legal proceedings were initiated on Tuesday, with Pucovski describing the tackle as a life-changing event that altered his physical and mental well-being.
Australia’s national AI datacentre regulations and state opposition
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing for nationally consistent regulations on AI datacentres to be finalized at National Cabinet on Wednesday’s high-stakes talks, aiming to address growing concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impact. The rules, planned for legislation next year, will require datacentres to use renewable energy, avoid residential and agricultural areas, and not increase energy prices. However, opposition from Queensland and the Northern Territory—led by Premiers David Crisafulli and Lia Finocchiaro—threatens to block federal mandates on coal and gas exclusion. Meanwhile, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warns datacentre electricity demand could surge seven-fold over the next decade, with 225 projects in development, though over a third of those listed in 2025 have been cancelled. State governments, including NSW’s consideration of a 90MW datacentre near Sydney, face pressure to fast-track approvals before new rules take effect, risking political backlash. Albanese also emphasized AI’s role in national security and economic growth during a Business Council of Australia event on Tuesday, while Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed nuclear power as impractical, reaffirming Australia’s reliance on renewables and gas. Additional agenda items include violence against women, bird flu responses, and GST disputes with Western Australia.
Chinese artist Gao Zhen jailed for satirical Mao Zedong works under 'heroes and martyrs' law
Chinese artist Gao Zhen, 70, was sentenced to three years in prison for satirical works depicting Mao Zedong, including a 2009 statue called *Mao’s Guilt* and a piece called *Miss Mao*. His arrest occurred two years ago, on 26 August 2024, while visiting family in China, and he was charged under the 'Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs,' which came into effect in March 2018. The law was applied retroactively to works created between 2005 and 2009, sparking international condemnation. Gao Zhen’s wife, Zhao Yaliang, and their US citizen son have been barred from leaving China since his detention. Both sources agree on the core facts of the case, including the sentence, the dates of arrest, and the nature of the artworks, though minor phrasing differences exist. Gao Zhen’s family and human rights groups have called for his immediate release, citing violations of artistic freedom and due process.
eHarmony misleading Australian users over subscription traps and free dating claims
The Federal Court of Australia ruled that eHarmony misled Australian consumers by offering fake free dating services and charging users for six-month subscriptions after they paid for one-month premium memberships. The court found that users were unable to cancel automatic renewals, even after deleting their profiles, and were charged fees like $478.80 or $598.80 after the subscription period expired. Between 2019 and 2024, about 1.3 million users registered for basic memberships, with 258,956 paying for premium memberships, and 44,856 experiencing automatic renewals. The ACCC had received hundreds of complaints about these practices, which the court described as misleading or deceptive conduct. The court will decide on penalties and consumer redress at a later date, while the ACCC and eHarmony were asked to develop proposals for orders.
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York arrested and pleads no contest to charges
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools after being arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, on Sunday morning. York, 46, was charged following an undercover sting involving an online prostitution advertisement, with the initial prostitution charge later amended. He was sentenced to one day in jail for each count, served concurrently, and fined $1,150. York took over the 49ers in 2008 and became principal owner in 2024, overseeing three Super Bowl appearances but no wins. The NFL is reviewing the incident under its personal conduct policy. York’s arrest occurred near his hometown of Youngstown, and he was released on Monday morning. The 49ers have faced scrutiny, with York’s legal matter resolved but the team’s statement emphasizing no further comment. York also owns stakes in Leeds United and Rangers, and his divorce from Danielle was filed in May.
Death of 8-year-old Louisiana girl from rare brain-eating amoeba infection
An 8-year-old girl named Lillian Smart died in Louisiana after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare and nearly always fatal brain-eating amoeba, likely while swimming in Lake Claiborne. Both sources confirm the infection is extremely rare, with approximately 180 confirmed cases in the US between 1937 and 2025, and thrives in warm freshwater over 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The Guardian notes she died on 19 August, while 7NEWS reports Louisiana had not seen a case since 2013, though The Guardian states only a handful have occurred since 2011. The amoeba’s presence in non-southern states like Maryland, Indiana, and Minnesota has been noted, and experts suggest climate change may be expanding its range.
NRL allows Jai Arrow to play two symbolic games for South Sydney despite MND retirement
The NRL approved a special rule change allowing Jai Arrow, a 31-year-old retired player diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May, to play two symbolic games in Rounds 26 and 27 of the 2026 regular season. Arrow, who retired after 180 career games and 100 for South Sydney, will start both matches against Gold Coast and the Sydney Roosters but be substituted out immediately. The initiative, supported by the NRL, RLPA, and opposition clubs, aims to let Arrow reach his milestone of 100 games for the Rabbitohs. Fundraising efforts for Arrow have exceeded $1 million, and celebrations in July included a jersey-shaped birthday cake and try celebrations across the league. Both sources confirm Arrow’s emotional significance to the sport and his inspirational fight against MND.
Woolworths Ooshies promotion ends early, impacting shoppers and Coles sales
Woolworths’ Ooshies promotion, offering one of 40 collectible characters for every $30 spent, ended early on August 13, a week before its advertised conclusion on Tuesday. The promotion caused a significant shift in consumer behavior, with two-thirds of parents altering their shopping habits, and led to a 4-week slump in Coles’ supermarket sales. Both sources agree that the promotion’s early sell-out left many shoppers frustrated, though 7NEWS highlights the complexity of resolving complaints when the reward is no longer available. The Guardian notes broader societal impacts, including school bans on Ooshies due to conflicts and environmental concerns about plastic waste. While Woolworths provided recycling options until October 31, the promotion’s legacy raises questions about consumer expectations and corporate accountability when promotions fall short.