Justice Department attorneys argued that if President Donald Trump’s name does not appear somewhere on the Kennedy Center, then the money from donors for renovations would shrivel up and the “decrepit, dilapidated” cultural center may be “required to be taken down.”

That came from a court filing late Monday on the long-running saga over whether the president’s name can be added to the cultural institution and venue meant to honor John F. Kennedy after his assassination. The original attempt to add “Donald J. Trump” on the building’s facade was halted by the court in May following a lawsuit from Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center.

The center’s Trump-aligned board of trustees then voted again this month to get the president’s name back on the cultural institution in a different way: by appending “Renovated and Restored By President Donald J. Trump” under the title on the building’s facade. Another phrase, “Endowed by the Trump Kennedy Center Fund” would be a possible addition, as well as renaming the plaza in front of the Kennedy Center to honor the president.

In response, Beatty again asked the federal court to block those stylings, arguing that they were “clear violations of the Kennedy Center statute” that barred the board from making the center into a memorial to anyone else. A federal judge will hear arguments on that request on Thursday.

Justice Department attorneys replied in Monday’s filing with a grim picture of the state of the Kennedy Center: “a financially insolvent facility, housed in a decrepit, dilapidated, crumbling building” that “continues to race toward physical and financial ruin.”

Renovations were required, they argued, but “an order blocking the Board from appropriately recognizing President Trump will cause donors to flee, financial contributions to dry up, and structural rehabilitation to stop. There will simply not be the expertise or funding necessary to rebuild and renovate this decimated structure.”

If allowed to deteriorate further, they continued, the Kennedy Center “will be required to be taken down, with a determination to follow on what to build on the site.”

It’s not the first time the board of trustees has used the argument that fundraising could be impeded without Trump’s name on the building. A panel of judges in July said that the claim came without the support of “ specific facts or evidence.”

The Kennedy Center has fallen on harder times since Trump got more involved, with several artists canceling performances and attendance dropping.

This is one of several attempts by the presidential administration to put Trump’s stamp on the U.S. capital, including a plan for a 250-foot (76-meter) triumphal arch, and, as Trump called it, a “military complex slash ballroom ” at the White House.

Singalong nostalgia, psychological horror and prehistoric adventure are all on the programme as outdoor cinema returns to York Museum Gardens.

Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema is bringing the open-air programme to the gardens off Museum Street, featuring crowd-pleaser Grease, a special horror night built around The Shining, and Steven Spielberg’s dinosaur blockbuster Jurassic Park.

Screenings begin at 6.30pm, although films will start after sunset which is expected to be between about 8.30pm and 9pm, giving audiences time to arrive, choose a spot and enjoy food and drink before the feature begins.

The September line-up is:

Grease, Thursday, September 11, 6.30pm

The Shining, Friday, September 12, 6.30pm

Jurassic Park, Saturday, September 13, 6.30pm

The screening of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining will include an introduction from the team behind Evolution of Horror, described as the UK’s biggest horror and film-history podcast.

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All tickets bought directly through Picturehouse include a £7 voucher to spend on food and drink at the event. The credit is issued on entry and must be used in full on the date of the booked screening, with no cash alternative or change available.

What visitors need to know

A bar and cinema-snack stall will be serving alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks including popcorn, nachos and hot dogs. The events are cashless, with card or contactless payment required.

Visitors can bring blankets, cushions and small camping-style picnic chairs, while a limited number of deckchairs will be available on a first come, first served basis. A limited number of blankets and ponchos will also be available for purchase.

No alcohol may be brought into the licensed events from outside. Picturehouse will operate a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales.

Dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a lead and under adult control. The cinema’s dog-friendly screening policy will apply.

There is step-free access to the venue, although visitors are advised that the gardens include slopes and banks. Accessible toilets will be available.

Weather warning

As the screenings take place in the open air, heavy rain, high winds or thunderstorms could lead to cancellation or an event being stopped early if conditions become unsafe.

Customers will be contacted if a screening is cancelled, with a full refund offered where an event is called off before or during the film.

From humble beginnings, the singer has become a global superstar, with her music crossing genres and her talents extending to the big screen.

Parton’s musical journey began in Knoxville, Tennessee, thanks to her uncle Bill Owens, who recognised her potential and became her first manager.

Parton’s debut single, “Puppy Love,” co-written with her uncle, was released on Goldband Records in 1959, though it did not achieve commercial success.

The start of Dolly Parton’s success

Her big break came at age 13 when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry, introduced by Johnny Cash.

This performance marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the Opry.

In 2019, the TV special “Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry” — though it had actually been 60 years — aired on NBC, honouring her first performance at the famed Opry House.

The early ’60s saw Parton and Owens signing with Tree Publishing and Mercury Records, but the partnership was short-lived as their songs failed to make the charts.

However, Parton was undeterred, and her perseverance paid off when she finally found success on the Billboard country charts in 1967 with two singles for Monument Records: “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy.”

Her first full-length album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” was released the same year.

The release of Jolene 

Parton’s career took a significant turn when she teamed up with Porter Wagoner in 1967.

The duo released several successful tracks, and Parton also began to make a name for herself as a solo artist.

Her song “Jolene,” released in 1973, became one of her most well-known hits, topping the country charts and marking her crossover potential into popular music.

Following this, Parton released a series of successful singles, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Love is like a Butterfly,” and “The Bargain Store,” all of which reached No. 1 on the country charts.

In 1977, Parton’s album “Here You Come Again” went on to achieve platinum status in 1978, marking a shift in the singer’s sound and career trajectory.

The album won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Dolly Parton’s film debut

Parton made her silver screen debut in 1980 with the comedy “9 to 5,” contributing the hit song of the same name to the film’s soundtrack.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking the pinnacle of Parton’s career.

The 1980s saw Parton continuing to secure her place in the music industry, with a string of successful collaborations and hit singles.

Her performance in the 1982 film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” helped popularise “I Will Always Love You,” which was later famously covered by Whitney Houston in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.”

Parton’s foray into bluegrass music in the late ’90s further showcased her versatility, with her first bluegrass album, “The Grass Is Blue,” winning a Grammy in 2000 for Best Bluegrass Album.

She followed this up with “Little Sparrow,” a bluegrass and folk album that won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

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Throughout her career, Parton has continually reinvented herself, crossing musical genres and expanding into acting.

Her impact on the music industry was undeniable, with her songs leaving a lasting legacy.

What is your favourite Dolly Parton song? Let us know in the comments. 

Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, shared a video message on Dolly’s official Instagram account, announcing the news this evening (August 25).

He announced the death of his Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, saying: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.

“As her head of security, for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now.

“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”

He added that Dolly “lived in the light”.

Dolly Parton’s last Instagram post shares touching memory

Before the video announcing Dolly’s passing, the icon shared a video marking the 43rd anniversary of Islands In The Stream.

The video shows Dolly singing alongside the late Kenny Rogers on stage as they perform the classic hit.

Much of Dolly’s Instagram page featured moments from across her celebrated, record-breaking career.

Earlier this month, Dolly missed the opening night of a new attraction at her Tennessee theme park after experiencing dizziness and dehydration, with doctors advising her against travel.

In the aftermath of the cancelled appearance, she told People: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”

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She said she put her own health to the side while caring for her husband Carl before his death last year.

Dolly was married to Carl Thomas Dean for almost 60 years until his death in March 2025, aged 82.

What’s your favourite Dolly Parton song? Let us know in the comments.

Armed police were called to the scene

A man has been arrested after gunshots were heard in a Cheshire village. Armed police were called to reports of the incident in the Beauty Bank area of Whitegate near Northwich at around 5.45pm on Monday (August 24).

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm in a public place. An air weapon was also found during a search of the area.

Detective Inspector Ross Hamilton, of Northwich CID, said: “Firearms offences are rare in Cheshire, and we treat all reports we receive extremely seriously.

“While on this occasion there were no reports of any injuries, the use of firearms in a public place can be extremely dangerous and there are also a number of legal consequences, including significant custodial sentences.

“Enquiries in relation to this incident remain ongoing and I would urge anyone with any information or footage which may aid our enquiries to call us on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 2402957.”

Dolly Parton appeared on Michael Parkinson’s BBC chat show in 1979, speaking candidly about her childhood in rural Tennessee, her family’s poverty, and the determination that helped her rise to international stardom.

The iconic country musician has died at the age of 80, her family announced on her social media.

Perla Nera, on Hope Street in Crook, has served customers since 2020 and announced the news in an emotional message shared on social media.

In their statement, the owners said: “After six unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to Perla Nera. Finding the right words to write this post isn’t easy.

“For the past six years, maintaining the standards that have always defined Perla Nera, day after day, has been one of our greatest sources of pride and satisfaction. At the same time, it has required an enormous amount of commitment and sacrifice, not only from us, but from our families as well.

“While saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, we’re also excited about what the future holds and the opportunity to begin this new chapter.”

They said the restaurant had become their “second home” over the last six years and had allowed them to achieve major milestones in their personal lives.

The post added: “Perla Nera has never been just a restaurant to us. It has been our second home, a place where we’ve spent some of the best years of our lives.

“We started this journey as young men in our twenties. Today, we leave it as adults, husbands and fathers. During these six years, we’ve grown not only as business owners, but as people.

“This restaurant has given us so much. It allowed us to buy our homes, start our families and build a future. But above all, it introduced us to thousands of incredible people that we’ll never forget.

“Every single day, we opened our doors with the same goal: to give you the best evening we possibly could.

“Whether you were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a meal with the people you love, we always felt the responsibility of making that occasion special.”

The owners said many customers had become “far more than customers” during the restaurant’s six years in Crook.

They added: “Some of you visited us so often that we recognised your voice the moment you called to book a table. We watched your children grow up, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries together, welcomed new family members, and shared so many special moments.

“Without even realising it, you made us feel like part of your families, and you truly became part of ours.

“Your support has meant everything.

“As we begin a new chapter in our lives, we truly hope that the next chapter of Perla Nera will be just as special, and that those who continue its story will be welcomed with the same warmth, kindness and support that you’ve shown us over the past six years.”

Since the announcement, long-standing customers have shared messages of support online.

One person wrote: “You created an amazing restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and fabulous food. So sad to see you closing but wishing you all the very best for the future.”

Another said: “Very sorry to hear this. At the same time, I fully understand. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end.

“You guys put your heart and soul into this place and as a result you created the best Italian restaurant in the North East region. You’ve made yourselves proud with your achievements.

“Above all, you are all lovely people who have made such an impact on the people of Crook and surrounding areas. I wish you all the very best in your future venture, whatever it may be.”

The restaurant will remain open until Saturday, September 5.

Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, after enduring a year of heartbreak with the loss of her beloved husband and brother – all while dealing with her own health problems. 

The singer was finally forced to abandon her comeback last year after an incredible six decades dominating the country music scene. 

Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but Parton’s agents said previously that she had been forced to cancel a string of shows due to ‘health struggles.’

Parton’s Las Vegas residency – her first in 32 years – was initially postponed in September due to ‘health challenges,’ with six shows planned at Caesars Palace later moved before being officially canceled in May this year. 

At the time, the Queen of Country, best known for her hits Jolene and 9 to 5, reassured fans: ‘Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,’ she said.

‘But I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.’

She also missed a Dollywood announcement due to kidney stone complications, telling fans she had an infection and was advised not to travel.

The following month, she swatted away rumors about her death with trademark humor, posting: ‘There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK.’

Her husband Carl Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82 from undisclosed causes

She added: ‘I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working.’

In an interview which aired just four days before she died, Parton also said she still had ‘so many things I want to achieve’.  

Compounding Parton’s struggles were the deaths of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, at the age of 82 in March last year, and her sibling, Coy Denver Parton, just last month, also aged 82.  

Notoriously private and not a famous face, Dean was barely by Parton’s side physically, often staying home for the hitmaker’s many milestones over the years due to his disdain for the industry. 

The singer’s brother, Coy ‘Denver’ Parton, also died last month. He was 82 years old

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But Parton credited him as her grounding force, and often traded the carpet for their quiet weekends at home with homemade breakfast, always pancakes or waffles.

‘I met my husband before I became a star,’ she once said, ‘and he doesn’t care about any of it.’

Despite having written some of the greatest romance ballads of the century – I Will Always Love You, later recorded by Whitney Houston, came from her pen – Parton was at a loss for words when Dean died from undisclosed causes. 

In a post announcing his death, Parton wrote: ‘Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.’

Parton was struggling with his death as she experienced several milestones without him this year, for the first time since she was 18. The couple met at a Nashville laundromat in 1964 when she was just a teenager. 

When Parton posted a video letting fans know about her decision to cancel her Vegas residency in May, it was clear that Dean’s death was still at the forefront of her mind.  

Parton was struggling with her husband’s death as she experienced several milestones without him this year, for the first time since she was 18. The couple met at a Nashville laundromat in 1964 when she was just a teenager

The singer had 11 siblings including Denver, who was a crane operator with two daughters and a grandson, according to his obituary

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Holding back tears, Parton said: ‘I want you to know also that a lot of you have been concerned about me and Carl, and you were so great about that.’

She continued: ‘After going through a year of firsts – I mean the holidays, and especially on our wedding anniversary, and the day of his death March 3, you know, that was hard for me.

‘But I will always love him and I’ll always miss him. But you would be surprised at how much your love and concern meant to me during that time. Lord, my house and my porch looked like the botanical gardens with all the flowers.’ 

Parton then suffered the loss of her brother, Coy ‘Denver’ Parton, on July 23 this year. 

The singer had 11 siblings, including Denver, who was a crane operator with two daughters and a grandson, according to his obituary.  

Denver’s sister, musician Stella Parton, told People magazine in a statement last month: ‘My brother Denver was a deeply private person. 

‘I appreciate the kind messages and expressions of condolences on behalf of my nieces Chris and Jennifer, and the rest of my family.’

Emergency services responded to the incident which involved a number of vehicles

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A person was taken to hospital after a crash closed a part of the A470 in North Wales. The road was closed at a section known as the Crimea Pass, between Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog, after the crash happened at about 11am on Tuesday.

Emergency services responded to the incident which involved a number of vehicles.

The Wales Air Ambulance attended the scene and it is understood one person was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, which has a specialist trauma unit. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter.

The road reopened at around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon.

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