Johnson City, Tennessee

Early voting opened Monday in Texas ahead of the Nov. 3 election, running through Oct. 30. Reader responses gathered from Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, mostly from Democrats, reflected a mix of hope and wariness about the state's political trajectory, with several citing excitement over candidates while cautioning against being "burned before" by past disappointments. Even some Republican respondents acknowledged a desire for change after decades of GOP control in the state. The sentiment underscores competitive statewide and down-ballot races being watched closely for signs of shifting political dynamics in traditionally red Texas, a factor relevant to broader election forecasting and prediction markets tracking state-level partisan trends.

Communities across Tennessee celebrated Dolly Parton's legacy on Sept. 25, 2026, after Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed the date "Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day," referencing her hit song. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell framed the day around Parton's kindness and generosity rather than her fame, with the city organizing kindness pledges, book giveaways, and Dolly-themed library cards tied to her Imagination Library, which distributes free books to children worldwide.

In Johnson City, East Tennessee State University hosted an open mic night celebrating Parton's creative spirit and encouraging students to make their own positive impact. Sevierville, her hometown, declared its own Dolly Parton Day, recognizing both her career and her support for the community, including the "My People Fund," which aided families after the 2016 Sevier County wildfires. The Dollywood Foundation also designated the date "Give Like Dolly Day," urging support for Imagination Library programs and encouraging broader charitable giving inspired by Parton's example.