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As Tennessee Titans finally give Ran Carthon an honest chance, we all should, too | Estes

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As Tennessee Titans finally give Ran Carthon an honest chance, we all should, too | Estes



We’ve little idea what to expect from Ran Carthon as Tennessee Titans’ true GM, because we’ve not seen him to do it yet.

The Tennessee Titans confirmed their already well-documented coaching hire of Brian Callahan early Wednesday, but that wasn’t the morning’s real news.

They did what they’d spent the past year not doing.

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They presented Ran Carthon as a bona fide NFL general manager.

While announcing Callahan’s hire, Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk revealed that she had promoted Carthon to executive vice president and given him control of all football-related matters: The roster, the draft, free agency, the coaching staff. All of it. Callahan will coach under Carthon.

Something that would be standard for most pro sports organizations felt like a watershed moment for the Titans and Adams Strunk, who spent all of 2023 declining to say publicly who had the final say about the team’s roster. Though she hired Carthon a year ago, she didn’t truly allow him the authority to do the job until now. And (gasp) she told everyone about the decision, too!

The Titans have had a rough time of it lately, but it has been encouraging to see them getting their house in order.

A solid coaching hire is made. (Callahan will be introduced formally on Thursday). A true GM is in place. Some transparency, too, about the inner workings of the team and Adams Strunk’s vision to modernize the Titans to where they’ll no longer scoff about things like charts and numbers and analytics as tools to help win.

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“This is not my father’s NFL,” she said in Wednesday’s statement. “As our league continues to evolve in areas like analytics, sports science, and technology, football organizations have become more complex and multifaceted. I want our football operation to be at the forefront of the NFL as teams continue to find new competitive advantages.”

As for Carthon, Adams Strunk cited his “innovative approach to roster building” and “exceptional reputation around the league as a talent evaluator and culture builder” as reasons to hand him the same set of keys that Jon Robinson once held.

The Titans are finally giving Carthon an honest chance, and the rest of us should, too.

Truth is, we’ve little idea what to expect from him as the Titans’ GM.

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We haven’t seen him do it yet.

Has any GM one year into a job been more of a mystery? Carthon spent the past year mostly in the background. In the rare instances in which he has spoken publicly, he has gone out of his way not to reveal much. We don’t know what he wants for the Titans — because he hasn’t told us.

He spoke initially of former coach Mike Vrabel’s preference as his own. Then after Vrabel’s firing, he deferred in the same way to Adams Strunk, declining to offer specifics about her vision or his own as the team’s GM.

Carthon’s obfuscation in media settings has been maddening, and I hope it improves for his sake. It has often come across as a GM who is in over his head, and I don’t believe that’s the case.

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Adams Strunk has confidence in Carthon to do this job, or else she wouldn’t be giving it to him.

But you can’t blame anyone for being skeptical of her effusive praise for Carthon when she wouldn’t let him be the Titans’ true GM until now.

Estes: Whatever may come of Brian Callahan, he’s who Tennessee Titans truly wanted

The failure of this past season, more than any other shortcoming, was that no one could say who was really in charge. A tumultuous 2023 reflected poorly on both Vrabel and Carthon, but really, it was on Adams Strunk to fix her ill-fated attempt to blend old and new. In trying to placate both Vrabel and Carthon, she accomplished neither, and the franchise suffered for it.

Hindsight shows how difficult the circumstances have been thus far in Tennessee for Carthon. He had to figure out how to work alongside Vrabel after Adams Strunk went against her coach’s recommendation in hiring Carthon over Ryan Cowden, which multiple sources cited as a turning point in the relationship between the Titans’ former coach and owner.

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Go Deeper: Why was Mike Vrabel fired? How the Tennessee Titans got to this point | Estes

And then after she fired Vrabel on Jan. 9, Adams Strunk’s refusal to field questions from independent media meant that Carthon was forced to muddle alone through an unsatisfactory news conference in which he was far more fixated on what he couldn’t say than what he could.

It was a shaky performance at an unfortunate time, inspiring zero confidence in the Titans’ direction and leadership on a pivotal day in their history.

For Carthon, yes, it was a tough spot. But it won’t be the last time. It was the type of thing that NFL general managers must confront, and there will be no more defending Carthon because of a lack of experience.

The training wheels are gone. He’s in charge now. He’s got the owner’s public backing. He’s got the coach he wanted in Callahan. He’ll have the optimism and fresh approach that a solid coaching hire will bring to a building that needs those things.

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He’s got top deputy Chad Brinker settling into a nice promotion. He’s got a high first-round draft pick. He’s got a ton of salary-cap space.

And he’s got a Titans roster that’ll need a lot of help between now and the next game.

For a while, I’ve been told all these wonderful things about Ran Carthon, and I haven’t yet gotten to meet that person. I’m eager to get to know him and see what he can do for the Titans.

Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @Gentry_Estes.



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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press


COMEDY

‘The Muslims are Coming’

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.

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Cost: $23 for general admission

More info: Showcase of Muslim (and non-Muslim) comedians.

thecomedycatch.com

FILM

‘Toy Story 5’

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When: 6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Latest installment in the long-running Pixar franchise about the lives of childhood toys.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Bobby Stone Film Series

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $13.50 for general admission

More info: Screenings include: “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “Rear Window” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and “The Sparks Brothers” at 4 p.m. Sunday.

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tivolichattanooga.com

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‘Supergirl’

When: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

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Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Summer blockbuster about Superman’s cousin, Supergirl.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Movie night

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When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road

Cost: Free

More info: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation hosts a free movie night screening of “Finding Nemo.” Includes games, vendors and more.

facebook.com

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MUSIC

Ramsey & Broemel

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

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More info: Musicians Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel from Of My Morning Jacket performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Fielder

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

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Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

Cost: $13 for general admission

More info: Nashville-based duo Fielder performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Chris Knight

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

More info: Kentucky native Chris Knight performs.

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venue.songbirds.org

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Barkley Cove

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

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Cost: $10 for general admission

More info: Folk ensemble Barkley Cove performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Nightfall

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When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Free summer concert series Nightfall continues, with The 42 as opener and Zach Person as headliner. Also features food trucks and market vendors.

nightfallchattanooga.com

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Chelsea Drugstore

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $15 in advance

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More info: Chelsea Drugstore, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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R&B vs. Hip Hop

When: 8 p.m. Friday

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Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of show

More info: DJ experience, pitting R&B against Hip Hop.

barrelhouseballroom.com

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Struggle Jennings

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

Cost: $24.50 for general admission

More info: Grandson of Waylon Jennings, Struggle Jennings, performs.

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thesignaltn.com

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KPop Demon Hunters

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

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Cost: $25 for general admission

More info: Family friendly DJ experience, featuring the music of the hit Netflix animated film.

thesignaltn.com

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Riverfront Nights

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When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway

Cost: Free

More info: Free summer concert series Riverfront Nights continues for the 2026 season. Sloppy Street Tacos opens, and Jump, a tribute to Van Halen, headlines.

riverfrontnights.com

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Paul McDonald

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $20 in advance

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More info: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Amy Grant

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

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Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $61+

More info: Singer-songwriter Amy Grant performs.

tivolichattanooga.com

OUT & ABOUT

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Nooga Splash

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Chester Frost Park, 2389 Gold Point Circle N.

Cost: $14+

More info: Floating water park Nooga Splash continues for the summer season. Main season operating hours continue through Aug. 4.

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noogasplash.com

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Family Potluck

When: 4-9 p.m. Monday

Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

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Cost: Free

More info: Post Nuclear Family Potluck, an all-ages chosen family potluck. Features games, dinner and a movie.

barkinglegs.org

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Battle of Badges

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When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday

Where: Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., LaFayette

Cost: Free

More info: Walker and Catoosa county Sheriff’s Offices host a blood donation drive.

donor.bloodassurance.org

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Farmers market

When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

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More info: Farmer and farmer-adjacent vendors at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

facebook.com

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River market

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

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Where: Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chattanooga River Market continues, featuring various vendors. Market open Saturdays only from April-October.

chattanoogamarket.com

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Staff file photo / Jan Fowler, left, and Curtis Fowler shop items at the Chickamauga Art and Folk Festival on Aug. 16, 2025. This year, the festival, now called Chickapalooza, is set for 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday around the Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga.

Chickapalooza

When: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday

Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chickapalooza Art and Music Festival, featuring a lineup of live music, artists, food and more.

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Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.
Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

History program

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Cost: $10 park entrance fee

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More info: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts program about the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

nps.gov/chch

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Radio Field Day

When: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

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Where: Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone

Cost: Free

More info: Tri-States Amateur Radio Club hosts an amateur radio field day, showcasing how the technology works.

ag4dw@arrl.org

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Summerween

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave.

Cost: Free

More info: Celebrate Halloween in the Summer at Summerween, featuring costume contests, a watermelon-carving contest, live music and more.

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rivercitycompany.com

SPORTS

Lady Red Wolves

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way

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Cost: $10+

More info: Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves take on the Southern Soccer Academy.

chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com

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Lookouts

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When: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Erlanger Park, 2658 Pipe Way

Cost: $7+

More info: Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Promotions include: World Soccer Night and Las Montanas de Chattanooga on Tuesday, a blanket giveaway on Wednesday, a cell phone bag giveaway, drink specials and Never Text and Drive Night on Thursday, Unum Night and fireworks on Friday, Dino Weekend and a pre-game concert on Saturday and Dino Weekend and a canned food drive on Sunday.

mlb.com/milb/chattanooga

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Football Club

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.

Cost: $8+

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More info: Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Chicago Fire Football Club.

chattanoogafc.com

THEATER & ARTS

Dungeons and Drag-ons

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

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Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired drag showcase for ages 13 and older.

barkinglegs.org

______

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Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.



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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer

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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer


Tennessee baseball received a commitment from UC Irvine pitcher Ricky Ojeda on June 19.

Ojeda, who is eligible for the MLB draft in July, announced his decision on social media. He visited Tennessee on June 15-16.

The lefthanded Ojeda had a strong 2026 season primarily as a reliever, posting a 3.77 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks in 62 innings. In 2025, he became the first reliever to be named Big West Pitcher of the Year after going 13-1 with a 3.55 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 66 innings, which also earned him a third-team all-American nod from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.

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Whether Ojeda makes it to Tennessee remains an open question. Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 179 prospect for the draft. That would place him in the sixth round.

Should Ojeda join the staff, however, he would instantly become one of the team’s top options out of a bullpen that struggled immensely in 2026. The pitching staff is also under new leadership under pitching coach Austin Knight, who was hired from ECU.

Ojeda is the fourth player to announce they will transfer to Tennessee this offseason, joining two-way Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey, Northwestern State pitcher Brody Trosclair and Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian.

Who’s leaving Tennessee baseball

  • UTL Jay Abernathy (Oklahoma)
  • RHP Nic Abraham
  • INF Ariel Antigua (Arizona)
  • INF Finley Bates
  • RHP Ari Bethea
  • OF Hutson Chance
  • RHP Sawyer Deering (San Diego State)
  • OF Nate Eisfelder
  • 1B Evan Hankins (Virginia Tech)
  • UTL Hunter High
  • RHP Brayden Krenzel (Arkansas)
  • INF Manny Marin
  • INF Ethan Moore (Missouri)
  • UTL Chris Newstrom
  • LHP Taylor Tracey
  • C Cash Williams (West Virginia)

Who’s joining Tennessee baseball

  • RHP/DH Braydon Kersey
  • LHP Brody Trosclair
  • INF Wyatt Hanoian
  • LHP Ricky Ojeda

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_



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Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee

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Shooting Hunger event aims to prevent childhood hunger in West Tennessee


JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – An exciting day of sporting clays in West Tennessee is doubling as a major fight against hunger.

Today’s “Shooting Hunger” event took place at the Carroll County Shooting Sports Park in Huntingdon. It’s a partnership between Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Co-Op, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural First.

Shooting Hunger at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park(Gray News)

Since 2015, Shooting Hunger has helped provide more than three million meals to Tennesseans with money going to food banks, backpack programs, and local hunger relief. A $500 scholarship will also go to the top youth shooter in each flight.

“We’re joining together to raise money for school backpacks to feed hungry kids. We do these, we actually do three of these across the state of Tennessee so at the end of the day we take, we take all the money we put it into a pile and when we divide equally amongst all 95 counties across the state of Tennessee,“ said Bryan Wright, executive vice president for the Tennessee Farm Bureau.

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Organizers say events like this matter because one in six children in Tennessee struggle with hunger.

Copyright 2026 WBBJ. All rights reserved.



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