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August 28, 2026

Mayoral Race Heats Up, Dolly Parton's Legacy, and City Leaders' Encampment Response

City Cast Madison

Mayoral Race Heats Up, Dolly Parton's Legacy, and City Leaders' Encampment Response

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The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids in Dane and Sauk Counties will still get their free book each month from “Aunt Dolly” thanks to a partnership between Madison Reading Project and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Early literacy coordinator Sarah Burke joins the podcast to talk about Dolly’s impact on our youngest readers. 


Then, host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling, and contributor Scott Resnick talk about new candidates jumping into the Madison mayoral race. They also recap a three-hour Q&A on the city's response to the fatal police shooting of Cory Ruiz and the protests and encampment that resulted from it. And for Neighbors’ ears only: a group of Madison parents are pushing for stricter screen-time limits in schools.

Mentioned on the show:

Brian Bedford announces mayoral run [Madison 365]
Syed Abbas announces mayoral run [Madison 365]

Kaleem Caire will run for mayor [Wisconsin State Journal]

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 

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