Poynter is reporting on the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, who passed away at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to a spokesperson and The New York Times. The New York Times described Parton as a "country singer, songwriter, entertainer and entrepreneur whose rags-to-riches story, outsize persona and prodigious vision and talent placed her in a class by herself." The Los Angeles Times highlighted her "rags-to-riches tale" and how she "reinvented the American success story." President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered for one week in her honor, posting on Truth Social. USA Today published a rare second edition front page recognizing her passing. Rolling Stone noted her songs vividly captured details of her "impoverished Appalachian upbringing" and views on "love, faith, loss, and regret."
Reuters and The Associated Press issued a joint statement demanding answers from Israeli officials on the one-year anniversary of Israeli strikes in Gaza that killed five journalists. The strikes on Aug. 25, 2025, killed Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, visual journalist Mariam Dagga, who worked for AP and other news organizations, and freelance journalist Moaz Abu Taha, whose work had been published by Reuters. The news organizations stated that information received from Israeli authorities "has fallen short of the clear answers and accountability" required. Reuters also continues to seek answers regarding the killing of visuals journalist Issam Abdallah in southern Lebanon in October 2023.
The Guardian is reporting on veteran journalist Catherine Herridge's legal battle to protect confidential sources, a case that could result in significant daily fines or jail time if the Supreme Court does not intervene. The case stems from Herridge's 2017 Fox News stories about Yanping Chen, a Chinese American scientist. A district court ordered Herridge to pay $800 per day for not revealing her sources, though this order is on hold pending her Supreme Court petition. Fox News is covering her legal fees, with a spokesperson stating the network is fighting an "egregious assault on the first amendment."
Poynter is also reporting on a controversy surrounding a Wall Street Journal op-ed by billionaire investor Stanley F. Druckenmiller, who confirmed he used artificial intelligence to write it. Druckenmiller told NOTUS's Jeff Stein, "Of course I used AI," comparing it to using a calculator. The Wall Street Journal did not disclose the use of AI to readers, with editorial page editor Paul Gigot defending it by stating the content reflects the author's original argument and credibility. Poynter's Alex Mahadevan stated that using AI to write an entire piece for a major news outlet "runs afoul of the norms and ethics of AI use now," and Poynter believes disclosure should have been made.
The New York Times is reporting on a study finding that at least 1 in 4 NFL players gets brain disease, with researchers suggesting the actual prevalence may be much higher. The Times also published pieces questioning why OSHA has not intervened and how to minimize CTE risk in youth football.