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Dolly Parton Expands Free Book Program to 21 States, Promoting Childhood Literacy

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Dolly Parton Expands Free Book Program to 21 States, Promoting Childhood Literacy

Country music icon Dolly Parton, 78, is expanding her Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children under the age of 5, to cover all 21 states. The initiative, inspired by Parton’s own upbringing, has now distributed over 240 million books across five countries since its inception in 1995.

Parton made stops in Missouri and Kentucky on Tuesday to promote the program’s statewide expansion in both locations. During an event at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, she shared the personal story behind the initiative, recounting her father’s struggles with illiteracy.

“In the mountains, a lot of people never had a chance to go to school because they had to work on the farms,” Parton explained. “They had to do whatever it took to keep the rest of the family going.” She described her father, Robert Lee Parton, who died in 2000, as “one of the smartest people I’ve ever known,” despite his inability to read.

The Imagination Library began in a single Tennessee county and has since grown to distribute over 3 million books monthly across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. In Missouri, the program is fully state-funded, with an annual cost of $11 million. Most other participating states use a cost-sharing model.

In Kentucky, where Parton also appeared Tuesday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that the program now reaches children in all 120 counties. First Lady Britainy Beshear reported that more than 120,000 Kentucky children – nearly half of all preschoolers in the state – are currently enrolled.

“It’s really a great way to teach children when they’re very young to learn to love books and to learn to read,” Parton said during the Lexington, Kentucky event. She emphasized her goal of expanding the program to every state in the U.S., noting that while there is a presence in all states, 21 now have legislation ensuring all children under 5 can enroll.

Parton, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, sees the Imagination Library as a tribute to her father. “That was kind of my way to honor my dad, because the Bible says to honor your father and mother,” she explained. “And I don’t think that just means, ‘just obey.’ I think it means to bring honor to their name and to them.”

The country star, who is also an author, includes her 1996 children’s book “Coat of Many Colors” in the program. She shared the story behind the book and her famous song of the same name, describing how it helped her overcome childhood bullying and has since touched many lives.

Reflecting on her legacy, Parton expressed her hope to be remembered as “a good ole girl” who worked hard to make people happy and improve the world. “Of course I want to be known as a songwriter and a singer, but I honestly can say that the Imagination Library has meant as much, if not more, to me than nearly anything that I’ve ever done,” she concluded.

As the Imagination Library continues to grow, it stands as a testament to Parton’s commitment to childhood literacy and her enduring impact beyond the world of music.

Associated Press

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for 50, Including Three Americans, in Alleged Congo Coup Attempt

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Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for 50, Including Three Americans, in Alleged Congo Coup Attempt

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – Congolese military prosecutors have called for the death penalty for 50 individuals, including three American citizens, accused of participating in an alleged coup attempt earlier this year. The prosecution’s demands came during a trial that has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the application of capital punishment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Radjabu, the military prosecutor, urged judges to impose death sentences on all defendants except one, who was cited as suffering from “psychological problems.” The trial, which began in June, involves charges including terrorism, murder, and criminal association, many of which carry the death penalty under Congolese law.

The case stems from a failed coup attempt in May, allegedly led by Christian Malanga, a little-known opposition figure. According to the Congolese army, the attack targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, resulting in six deaths. Malanga was reportedly killed while resisting arrest after live-streaming the attack on social media.

Among the defendants are three U.S. citizens:

1. Marcel Malanga, 21, son of Christian Malanga. His mother, Brittney Sawyer, maintains his innocence, stating he merely followed his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile.

2. Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, from Utah. His family claims he traveled to Africa with Marcel Malanga believing it was a vacation, unaware of any political intentions.

3. Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, reportedly connected to Christian Malanga through a gold mining venture in Mozambique.

The involvement of American citizens has added a layer of international complexity to the case. Families of the accused have pleaded their innocence, with Thompson’s relatives asserting he had no knowledge of Malanga’s plans and never intended to enter Congo.

The trial has drawn attention to Congo’s recent reinstatement of the death penalty, lifting a moratorium that had been in place for over two decades. This move, authorities claim, is part of efforts to curb violence and militant attacks in the country.

The prosecution’s call for capital punishment has raised concerns among human rights organizations and international observers. Critics argue that the death penalty is an extreme measure, especially in a case involving foreign nationals and allegations of political conspiracy.

As the trial continues, it highlights the volatile political situation in Congo and the challenges facing President Tshisekedi’s government. The case also underscores the potential risks for foreigners becoming entangled in the complex political landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The international community, particularly the United States, is closely monitoring the proceedings. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for diplomatic relations and raise questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in Congo’s justice system.

As the court deliberates on the prosecutors’ recommendations, the case continues to draw attention to issues of justice, political stability, and international relations in one of Africa’s largest and most strategically important nations.

Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing During Match in Brazil

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Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing During Match in Brazil

Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo died Tuesday night at Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match. He was 27 years old.

The hospital stated that Izquierdo succumbed to “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” at 9:38 p.m. local time. The Nacional defender had been in critical condition since collapsing late in the game against São Paulo FC at Morumbi Stadium last Thursday.

Izquierdo was rushed to the hospital after the incident, where he was placed in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure. He had been on a ventilator since Sunday, with his condition deteriorating despite medical efforts.

The young player’s death has sent shockwaves through the soccer community. Nacional, Izquierdo’s club, expressed their grief in a statement, saying his loss is felt “in deep pain and impact in our hearts” and that “all Nacional is in grief for his irreparable loss.”

CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer governing body, also paid tribute. President Alejandro Domínguez stated, “South American soccer is in mourning,” echoing sentiments shared by soccer federations across the continent, including those of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina.

Izquierdo’s passing has particularly resonated in Uruguay, where first- and second-division leagues were postponed last weekend out of concern for his health. The player, married with two young children, had just welcomed his second child earlier in August.

International soccer stars also expressed their condolences. Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez, a fellow Uruguayan, said, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”

The tragedy has drawn comparisons to a similar incident nearly two decades ago when São Caetano defender Serginho died after collapsing at the same stadium. That event led to changes in Brazilian soccer health protocols, including the requirement for defibrillators at all stadiums.

Izquierdo’s professional career began in 2018 with Cerro, followed by stints at Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and a brief spell in Mexico with San Luís. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s (Uruguay) first league title in over a century in 2023 before returning to Nacional this year.

As the soccer world mourns Izquierdo’s untimely death, questions about player health and safety protocols are likely to resurface. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in professional sports and the importance of robust medical support systems.

Izquierdo’s passing leaves behind a young family and a promising career cut short, prompting reflection on the fragility of life even among elite athletes. As tributes pour in from across the globe, the soccer community unites in grief, remembering a talented player whose life ended far too soon on the field he loved.

UN World Food Program Launches Probe into Sudan Operations as Famine Spreads-Reuters

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UN World Food Program Launches Probe into Sudan Operations as Famine Spreads-Reuters

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has initiated an investigation into two of its senior officials in Sudan, focusing on allegations of fraud and concealment of information from donors, according to 11 sources familiar with the probe. This internal inquiry comes at a critical juncture as Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe food shortages in recent years.

The investigation, led by the WFP’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), is examining whether staff attempted to hide the alleged role of Sudan’s army in obstructing aid delivery amid the ongoing 16-month conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Khalid Osman, WFP’s deputy country director in Sudan, has been given a “temporary duty assignment” outside the country, effectively suspending him during the investigation, according to six sources. Mohammed Ali, a WFP area manager, is under scrutiny for the alleged disappearance of over 200,000 liters of UN fuel in the city of Kosti, as reported by four sources.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the WFP’s largest donor, confirmed it was notified of “potential incidents of fraud affecting WFP operations in Sudan” on August 20. USAID described the allegations as “deeply concerning” and immediately referred them to its own inspector general for further investigation.

This probe coincides with a critical period for the WFP, which is seeking $22.7 billion in funding to reach 157 million people globally, including 1.3 million on the brink of famine, primarily in Sudan and Gaza. The organization, which won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts in combating hunger, is facing challenges on multiple fronts, including recent incidents of aid diversion in Somalia and Yemen.

The investigation has raised concerns among humanitarians and diplomats that mismanagement within the WFP’s Sudan office may have contributed to insufficient aid delivery during the conflict. The war has displaced over 10 million people and exacerbated hunger, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks across the country.

One focus of the investigation involves suspicions that senior WFP staff in Sudan may have misled donors, including UN Security Council member states, by downplaying the Sudanese army’s alleged role in blocking aid deliveries to areas controlled by the RSF. In one instance in June 2024, WFP deputy country director Osman allegedly concealed from donors that army-aligned authorities in Port Sudan had delayed permission for 15 trucks carrying life-saving aid to Nyala in South Darfur for seven weeks.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently determined that famine had taken hold in at least one site in Sudan’s Darfur region, with 13 other areas across the country at risk. More than 25 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, face crisis levels of hunger or worse.

The WFP acknowledged the investigation, stating it had taken “swift measures” to reinforce its work in Sudan due to the scale of the humanitarian challenge. The organization declined to comment on specific allegations or the status of individual employees.

Russian Missile Strikes Ukrainian President’s Hometown Amid Mourning

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Russian Missile Strikes Ukrainian President’s Hometown Amid Mourning

A Russian missile struck President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday, local authorities reported, as the city observed an official day of mourning for four civilians killed in an attack the previous day.

The latest strike hit civilian infrastructure, wounding eight people, according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the local administration. “When Kryvyi Rih is in mourning, the enemy attacks again. And it once again aims at civilians,” regional governor Serhii Lysak said.

This attack follows a broader Russian assault on Monday, when over 100 missiles and a similar number of drones were launched across Ukraine in what officials described as the most extensive bombardment in weeks.

The intensified bombing campaign coincides with critical developments in the war. Russian forces are advancing deeper into the partly occupied Donetsk region, a key Kremlin objective. Simultaneously, Ukraine has launched incursions into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the largest breach of Russian soil since World War II.

In Kryvyi Rih, rescue operations at the hotel struck on Tuesday concluded after a final body was recovered from the rubble. The attack had killed four and wounded five.

Ukraine claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-25 jet in the Donetsk region and continued its long-range drone attacks on Russian logistics areas. Ukraine’s military intelligence took responsibility for striking an oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region, while drones also reportedly hit an oil depot in the Kirov region, about 950 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Body of Missing 8-Year-Old Nigerian Boy Recovered from Texas Lake

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Body of Missing 8-Year-Old Nigerian Boy Recovered from Texas Lake

The body of 8-year-old Ryan Akagbusi, a non-verbal Nigerian boy, was recovered from a lake in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, on August 25, 2024, devastating the local community.

Ryan was reported missing from his home around 4:30 am on August 24. His mother told ABC13 (KTRK) that surveillance footage showed him leaving his bedroom at 4:56 am, with a neighbor’s camera capturing him walking down a nearby street about 30 minutes later.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that Texas EquuSearch located Ryan’s body in a lake near his last known location at approximately 6:46 am on Sunday, ending a frantic search effort that involved K9 units, helicopters, drones, and door-to-door inquiries.

Community members flooded the Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page with condolences and expressions of shock. Residents raised concerns about safety measures for children, particularly those with special needs.

Tacoma Burden, a local resident, commented, “I’m praying hard for this family. It’s my worst nightmare as a parent with a child on the spectrum.” Others called for more thorough search procedures and increased safety measures around bodies of water.

The tragedy echoes a similar incident from June when Aisha Adebayo, a 12-year-old Nigerian autistic girl, drowned in a lake near her home in Fulshear, also in Fort Bend County.

Four Nigerians Sentenced for Massive UK Marriage Certificate Fraud Scheme

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Four Nigerians Sentenced for Massive UK Marriage Certificate Fraud Scheme

Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to a combined 13 years in prison for orchestrating a large-scale fraud operation involving over 2,000 fake marriage certificates, the UK Home Office reported Tuesday.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for their roles in creating fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian citizens between March 2019 and May 2023.

The gang provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to support applications of Nigerian nationals seeking to remain in the UK illegally under the EU Settlement Scheme.

A joint investigation by the Home Office and its international operations in Lagos, Nigeria, uncovered the extensive fraud operation, which involved more than 2,000 false marriage documents.

Onifade and Shodipo were found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation. Kabir was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception.

Sentences handed down by the court were: Onifade, from Gravesend, six years imprisonment; Shodipo, from Manchester, five years imprisonment; Gbadamosi, from Bolton, 18 months imprisonment; and Kabir, from London, nine months imprisonment.

Home Office chief immigration officer Paul Moran described the convictions as a significant victory against border abuse. “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice,” Moran stated.

He added, “We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”

The case highlights ongoing challenges in UK immigration enforcement and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks to circumvent border controls.

Singer Sean Kingston and Mother Plead Not Guilty to $1 Million Fraud Charges, Request Jury Trial

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Singer Sean Kingston and Mother Plead Not Guilty to $1 Million Fraud Charges, Request Jury Trial

Singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have pleaded not guilty to all counts in a fraud case involving charges of more than $1 million. The pleas were entered during an arraignment hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, August 26.

Kingston, 34, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and Turner, 61, are facing serious allegations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. Their legal team has demanded a jury trial and requested discovery from the State, signaling a robust defense strategy.

The charges stem from what prosecutors describe as a scheme to defraud sellers of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry, and other luxury goods. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Kingston and Turner allegedly obtained over $1 million in property through fraudulent means.

Prosecutors allege that the mother-son duo “unjustly enriched themselves by falsely representing that they had executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers” for various luxury items. In reality, authorities claim, no such transfers had been made.

Arrest warrants reviewed by PEOPLE magazine detail specific allegations, including the theft of nearly $500,000 in jewelry, $160,000 from an Escalade dealer, and $86,000 from a manufacturer of customized beds.

The gravity of the charges is reflected in the potential sentences, with each count carrying a maximum of 20 years in prison. Despite the severity of the accusations, Judge Kollra did not alter the previously set $90,000 bond, as reported by The Sun Sentinel.

Kingston’s attorney, Robert Rosenblatt, expressed confidence in his client’s innocence, telling PEOPLE, “Once the true facts come out, we are confident of vindication.” This statement suggests that the defense may have additional information or evidence not yet public that could potentially exonerate Kingston and Turner.

The case has attracted significant attention due to Kingston’s celebrity status. The “Beautiful Girls” singer was arrested on May 23 in California after authorities served arrest and search warrants at the South Florida mansion he was renting. His mother was taken into custody earlier the same day in Florida.

People.com

The Real Reasons Jennifer Lopez Files for Divorce from Ben Affleck: Distance, His Mood Swings and Two ‘Very Different People’

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The Real Reasons Jennifer Lopez Files for Divorce from Ben Affleck: Distance, His Mood Swings and Two ‘Very Different People’

Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, marking the end of their high-profile reconciliation and two-year marriage. The filing, made quietly on August 20, 2024 – the second anniversary of their lavish Georgia wedding celebration – cites “irreconcilable differences” and requests a return to her legal name, Lopez.

Sources close to the couple have revealed to various outlets that the split stems from a combination of factors, primarily centered around their conflicting personalities and lifestyles.

“They are very different people,” a source familiar with both stars told PEOPLE magazine. “She’s super public and is more social, and he’s more of an introvert and is happy to hang out at home.”

Another insider highlighted Affleck’s alleged mood swings as a significant issue in the relationship. “He doesn’t understand how his bad mood affects people around him,” the source stated, describing “big highs and big lows” that created tension in the marriage.

The couple’s busy schedules and time apart also played a role in the deterioration of their relationship. Lopez spent much of the spring in the New York area filming and working on various projects, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles.

Their separation date is listed as April 26 in the divorce filing, indicating they had been living apart for several months before the official announcement.

Despite the split, sources claim the divorce proceedings are expected to remain civil. “There’s lots of love and lots of respect there—and sadness,” one insider noted.

The divorce filing comes as a surprise to many fans who had celebrated the rekindling of the “Bennifer” romance in 2021, nearly two decades after their first engagement ended in 2004. Their whirlwind reunion and subsequent marriage in 2022 had been seen as a Hollywood fairy tale comeback.

Lopez’s decision to file for divorce without an attorney, known as filing pro se, has been interpreted by legal experts as a sign of her desire to move forward quickly and independently.

Marilyn Chinitz, a matrimonial lawyer not involved in the case, suggested to PEOPLE that this move indicates Lopez “just wanted to get this done” after a period of “hesitation and hemming and hawing.”

As news of the split spreads, attention has turned to how the couple will navigate co-parenting their blended family. Affleck shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, while Lopez has twins with former husband Marc Anthony.

People.com

College Student Discovers 40 Siblings After Searching for Sperm Donor Information

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College Student Discovers 40 Siblings After Searching for Sperm Donor Information

Ben Sanderson, an 18-year-old theater student at Indiana University, has made a startling discovery about his family history, uncovering a network of 40 half-siblings after initiating a search for information about his sperm donor father.

Sanderson, who was raised in Los Angeles by a single mother, had always known he was conceived using a sperm donor. His mother had promised him that upon turning 18, he could begin searching for his biological father and potential siblings if he wished.

In May 2023, while in Indiana for a theater role, Sanderson decided to explore his paternal family history. With his mother’s support, he logged into the sperm bank’s website, which featured a sibling registry and chat room for potential connections.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have two sisters!'” Sanderson told PEOPLE magazine, recalling his initial discovery of a message from 11 years ago. This message led to contact with his first identified half-sister, opening the door to a much larger family network.

Within days, Sanderson learned that he had not just a handful, but 40 half-siblings – 17 sisters and 23 brothers, including four sets of twins. “I was in a restaurant when I found out and realized that I was the youngest of them all,” Sanderson said. “It was the best day ever. I was so excited.”

The siblings have created a detailed spreadsheet to share information about themselves, including zodiac signs, college majors, dietary preferences, and the age at which they discovered they were donor-conceived. Sanderson noted that all his siblings are animal lovers, and none can play a musical instrument.

Since the discovery, Sanderson has met several of his siblings in person. In August 2023, he traveled to New York City, where he met his eldest half-sister, attended Broadway shows with a half-brother, and connected with two other half-sisters. Back in Los Angeles, he met a half-sister from San Diego, who has since invited him to her wedding.

“You know what it’s like to have 40 siblings? It’s overwhelming,” Sanderson reflected. “That’s a lot of happy birthdays, a lot of Merry Christmases and a lot of weddings. And as the youngest, it also means receiving 40 phone calls if a sibling passes away. It’s a huge network of relationships, but I love it, and so do my siblings.”

Sanderson has also established contact with his biological father, whom he refers to as his dad. They have exchanged several emails since February, with the donor using poetic metaphors to describe their relationship.

The young theater student emphasizes the importance of waiting until adulthood to initiate such searches. “I was an adult when I found them, so I could make my own decisions and set my own boundaries,” he explained. “I think trying to search as a child would have been overwhelming.”

Sanderson’s story sheds light on the complex emotional and social dynamics of donor-conceived families in the age of genetic testing and online registries. As more donor-conceived individuals reach adulthood and seek information about their biological origins, stories like Sanderson’s are likely to become increasingly common.

The discovery has not only expanded Sanderson’s family network but also raised questions about the regulation of sperm donation and the potential psychological impacts on donor-conceived individuals and their families. As Sanderson continues to navigate his newfound relationships, his experience offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of family in the 21st century.

Source: people.com

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