🦋 Remembering Dolly Parton

💔 Dolly’s Legacy in Nashville and Beyond

On today’s podcast, we’re mourning the death of the iconic Dolly Parton and celebrating the 80 years the East Tennessee native glimmered in our state and around the world. From our favorite songs and memories to Dolly’s incredible legacy of community service, radical acceptance, and overflowing joy, we’re talking about it all … and trying not to cry on air. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• In lieu of flowers, Dolly’s family is requesting that donations be made to one of her greatest achievements, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. [Instagram; Imagination Library]

🚨 Councilmembers Seek to Prevent ICE Call Center

The Department of Homeland Security has authorized a contract to open an ICE enforcement call center in Donelson. Although the federal plans are still unclear, several Metro Councilmembers are looking to preempt them and are exploring legislation using zoning and permitting processes. “Know that we are here,” Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda said at a press conference, “and we will be fighting with every breath we have until we find solutions.” [Nashville Scene]

• Plans to build an ICE detention center in Lebanon were canceled earlier this year, after public outcry from the community and elected officials. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🥳 Making Pedal Taverns Accessible to All

Nashville is home to more than 200 transpotainment vehicles, from pedal taverns to party buses — but only one of them is wheelchair accessible. Now, two companies are working alongside Disabled to the Front chair Dr. Cynthia George to provide more opportunities. They’ve been issued permits from the Transportation Licensing Commission to explore ADA-compliant options, with one commissioner saying, “We’re going to fight for your right to party.” [WKRN]

• We talked to Dr. Cyn about her fight to make Nashville nightlife accessible to all. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

❓ Who Would Name Sen. Blackburn’s Replacement?

If Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins her race against Democratic candidate Jerri Green for governor this November, questions remain about who would choose her Senate replacement. Blackburn says she intends to pick her successor, but if she steps down from her current gig prior to inauguration on Jan. 17, 2027, Gov. Bill Lee would make the call. However, waiting until after the inauguration could pose a problem for her replacement, who would miss out on crucial committee assignments. Potential frontrunners for Blackburn’s choice include Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, U.S. Rep Tim Burchett, and Damon Hininger, the former CEO of for-profit private prison company CoreCivic. [Tennessee Lookout; 🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• In case you missed it, we wanted to share the spectacular AI slop of a recently-released Marsha Blackburn coloring book, whose cover reads, in part, “Goals! Schedule! Commitment!” [WSMV]