Experts Illuminate Dolly Parton’s Legacy

Credit: (Photo by Luke Hayes/Virginia Tech)

by Virginia Tech

Dolly Parton “offered the world a vision and version of Appalachia rarely seen — one that is vibrant, full of love and acceptance, built on the strength of family and community, and endless in possibility,” said adolescent literacy and rural education professor Amy Price Azano.

Newswise — The world mourns the passing of country singer and pop culture icon Dolly Parton, whose appeal transcended genres and whose music, entrepreneurial savvy, and philanthropy has inspired multiple generations.

Virginia Tech experts shared insights into the enormously consequential legacy she leaves behind.

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Manayunk Throws Giant Family Watch Party

 After nearly a decade away, professional cycling returns to Philadelphia and to one of the most famous climbs in America. After debuting in 1985 and pausing in 2016, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic has been brought back to life by Race Street Partners. Manayunk Development Corporation applauds the relaunch and announces the Manayunk Family Watch Party – a giant family-friendly celebration to cheer on the elite bikers as they make the famous turn and head up the most iconic hill in American road racing. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, get ready to reignite a tradition that put Manayunk on the map and defined the neighborhood for generations. The all ages, all day celebration will take place at Main and Levering streets from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Look for activities for cyclists, families, friends, neighbors and curious onlookers. Festivities will include: Design Your Ride Shades, Bedazzle Your Bike Helmet, Tie-Dye Party, Towpath Scavenger Hunt, and special offers at Manayunk’s restaurants, bars, cafés and retailers. The watch party is open to the public, family and fido friendly, and there is no admission charge.

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Philadelphia Cycling Classic

— Photo courtesy Philadelphia Cycling Classic

After a 10-year hiatus, the 14.4-mile Philadelphia Cycling Classic zooms back into the city this August. 

The main event — set for Sunday, August 30, 2026 — features elite athletes in both women’s and men’s races throughout Northwest Philly. In years past, the event has drawn thousands of spectators who create a day-long and route-long street party to cheer on the cyclists. 

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Wanted: Suspect for Assault on Police

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individuals responsible for this assault on police.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 4:39pm at 1900 W. Hunting Park Philadelphia Police attempted to stop and investigate a male for several motor vehicle violations while he was operating a motorcycle. The male stopped and the officer got out of his vehicle and the male fled on his bike. While doing this the offender ran over the officer’s foot with the motorcycle and fled east on the sidewalk at 1900 Hunting Park.

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Philly AIDS Thrift Presents 21st Anniversary Block Party

Photo by Kelly Burkhardt

Philadelphia, PA – Philly AIDS Thrift brings back their beloved block party and fall festival with a full day of no-charge, family and fido friendly fun! Philly AIDS Thrift 21st Anniversary Block Party will take place outside the iconic store on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge St. and Monroe St.) on Saturday, September 26th, with the streets opening at 12:00pm and closing at 6:00pm. This South Philly charity invites the community to join in a day of music, live performances, food trucks, pie-eating contest, artists and makers, local vendors, games and other festivities.  Look for Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN, DJ Robert Drake, who will be emcee and spinning tunes all day for everyone dancing in the streets. Other live entertainment includes Philly Elmo & PME Drumline, Killeé and UgLi. Celebrities for the annual dunk tank this year include Phila Lorn (James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of Mawn and Sao in South Philadelphia),  Jen Zavala (Chef and Owner of South Philly’s Juana Tamale),  Stef Jolles (Co-Owner of Crash Bang Boom),  Eric Schuman (WXPN host and the voice behind “Indie Rock Hit Parade) and Adam Proctor (Philly AIDS Thrift’s longtime manager). This celebration highlights how Philly AIDS Thrift turns secondhand treasures into vital funding for local HIV/AIDS service organizations. It also serves as the official kick-off for Halloween season, which is the busiest time of year with tons of costumes, accessories, decorations and more. For more information about Philly AIDS Thrift, visit www dot phillyaidsthrift dot com

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Dorothy May Sigafoos, 70, of Gloucester City

Dorothy May Sigafoos, lovingly known to many as “Dot” or “Dottie,” a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Gloucester City, NJ, on August 25, 2026, at the age of 70, with her family at her side.

Born on February 3, 1956, in Camden, NJ, Dot was the daughter of the late Jerry Hoskins and Dorothy May Sturgis. She made her home in Gloucester City, where she shared 37 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, James Sigafoos, Sr.

Dot was a kind, beautiful soul who adored her husband, children, and family. She was known for her warmth, her gentle nature, and her habit of always greeting others with a smile, a hello, and a sincere “How are you doing?” Her presence made people feel seen, loved, and cared for.

She is predeceased by her parents, Jerry Hoskins and Dorothy May (nee Sturgis); her second mother, Carol; her son, David; her daughter, Stephanie; her brothers, Jerry, Charles, and Jr.; and her sisters, Eddie, Linda, and Carol Jo.

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Fall Restaurant Week Returns to Manayunk 

Philadelphia’s largest fall restaurant week is back and tastier than ever! After a record-breaking return last year, Manayunk Restaurant Week returns at two dozen top restaurants, eateries and cafes this September 14 to 20, 2026. Food lovers are invited to experience the vibrant dining scene of Main Street Manayunk with specially priced lunch and dinner menus for 415, $25, $35 and/or $45 each  (per person, plus tax/gratuity). Make your reservations now for some of the biggest names in the Manayunk dining scene. Experience a brand new eatery or revisit long-time favorites – including American comfort to global cuisine, fast casual to fine dining, indoor and outdoor, and everything in between. Eateries participating so far include: Bar Jawn, Bayou, Blondie, Cactus Restaurant & Bar, Chabaa Thai Bistro,  JD McGillicuddy’s Manayunk, Jakes & Coopers, Lucky’s Last Chance, Manayunk Brew Pub, Mia Ragazza, New Leaf, Ryan’s Cafe, Sophie’s BBQ, Somo Manayunk, Taqueria Amor, The Brass Tap, The Couch Tomato, The Goat’s Beard, The Rook, Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, Yanako and Zestys. While dining, look for featured and special cocktails, beers and other beverages at select locations. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and make it a night out in Manayunk! For a full list of restaurants and menus, visit manayunk.com/mnyk-events/restaurant-week/

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Man Indicted For Strangling His Daughter

Dennis J. Hall, 71, of Franklin Township, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of his 40-year-old daughter. 

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: Franklin Township Police responded to an East Avenue home on Thursday, June  11, 2026, after Hall called 911 and reported that his daughter was not breathing.  He admitted on the call to emergency services that he had strangled the victim. Officers attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, who was transported to a  local hospital. The victim died from her injuries on June 12. An autopsy performed  by the Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland Regional Medical Examiner determined the  immediate cause of death was asphyxiation.  

Hall was arrested at the scene and initially charged with attempted murder. That  charge was amended to first-degree murder following the victim’s death and the  autopsy. Hall faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if found guilty.  

The State is represented by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mellon. 

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Flood Watch In Effect Starting at Noon

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…Portions of northern Delaware, including the following area, New Castle, New Jersey, including the following areas, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Northwestern Burlington, Somerset, Sussex and Western Monmouth, and southeast Pennsylvania, including the following areas, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lower Bucks, Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Western Chester and Western Montgomery.

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Traffic Advisory

The I-676 northbound Exit 1 ramp to Collings Road is closed and detoured for emergency drainage repairs in Camden, Camden County. In addition, Collings Road is closed between the I-676 northbound Exit 1 off-ramp and the ramp onto I-676 southbound.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 26, the I-676 northbound Exit 1 ramp to Collings Road was closed. In addition, Collings Road was closed between the I-676 northbound Exit 1 off-ramp to the ramp onto I-676 southbound. I-676 southbound Exit 1C to Collings Road remains open. The closures are necessary for emergency drainage repairs. The following detours are in place until further notice:

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