Tennessee
Tennessee U.S. Senate Democratic 2024 primary candidates and who’s running for Congress
Gen Z voters share their true feelings on state of the 2024 election
USA TODAY spoke with young voters from across America to understand their feelings about the choices in the upcoming presidential election.
Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is running for a second term, and Democrats will have a primary on Aug. 1 to determine who faces her in November.
In East Tennessee congressional races, there are no primaries but the candidates are set and we interviewed them in preparation for the general election.
Below are the responses from the candidates who met with Knox News reporters and editors for an interview.
U.S. Senate
Republican
Marsha Blackburn, incumbent, 72, Republican, politician
Could not be reached.
Democrats
Marquita Bradshaw, 50, Democrat, community organizer
Could not be reached.
Gloria Johnson, 61, Democrat, retired educator
Why are you running? (from in-person interview)
Johnson is running for both the U.S. Senate and to retain her seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. She’s eyeing Washington because she feels Tennessee’s current federal delegation isn’t serving working families, she told Knox News they’re not bringing legislation that makes life better for Tennesseans.
How would you approach representing the entire state? (from in-person interview)
Johnson said while she represents only parts of Knoxville, her votes matter across the whole state. She said she has experience working statewide because she often talks with Democrats in counties that don’t have Democratic representatives. As a candidate, she emphasized the importance of traveling to all counties in the state because different areas have different needs.
Civil Miller-Watkins, 58, Democrat, educator
Why are you running? (from in-person interview)
Miller-Watkins is running because she wants to be a voice for Tennessee’s rural communities. She said there isn’t a Tennessee senator speaking out for rural communities, which is important because agriculture is a big part of Tennessee’s identity. She said her experience on the Fayette County school board and working with federal funds there has introduced her to the federal government. She’s best suited to fight for families because she’s surrounded by family members in various stages of life.
You’re in a crowded Democratic primary. How do you edge out your opponents? (from in-person interview)
Miller-Watkins said her lived experiences will set her apart from her opponents. She’s lived all over the state so she’s familiar with the different needs of Tennessee’s unique regions. As a teacher, she said, she’s seen gun safety issues play out every day. Her experience as a mother have opened her eyes to imbalances in maternal healthcare for people of color. She said she’s appealing to people by letting them know one of her opponents is running two races and the other has run before and lost.
U.S. House of Representatives
District 2
Tim Burchett, incumbent, 59, Republican, politician
Declined to participate.
Jane George, 61, Democrat, business owner
What is the most important issue voters are talking to you about? (from in-person interview)
George said she’s running her campaign through the lens of women’s rights because issues across the spectrum affect women disproportionally. Because women in Tennessee are fed up with their representatives not supporting their rights. The distinction of “pro-abortion” and “anti-abortion” is a personal choice, she said, but she’ll always fight for women to make that decision on their own. She also hopes to raise women’s platform in the workforce and to establish a living, sustainable and equal wage for women in Tennessee.
You’re running in the general election against an incumbent who has enjoyed electoral success for decades. How will you sway voters who are so used to voting for him? (from in-person interview)
George said people, including Republicans, are unhappy with their current representation. She said there isn’t enough being done to help women in East Tennessee get the health care they need, and she’s the best option to fight for that care. She hopes to emphasize that improving women’s rights will help the nation’s economy. “More women are being admitted into universities than men, more women are graduating than men and more are admitted to graduate school than men,” she said. She wants to stop giving tax breaks to big corporations and help lower-income families.
District 3
Jack Allen, 73, Democrat, retired bank president
Why are you running? (from in-person interview)
Allen said he got in the race because he wants voters to have an option besides the incumbent. He said he’s been surrounded by strong women his entire life and wants to be a voice for women in health care and workplace conversations. Instead of current legislators bringing people together, he sees people being pulled apart. He also has accounting experience and knows the legislators are not being financially responsible.
How do you plan on representing constituents who you believe deserve stronger representation? (from in-person interview)
Allen touted his ability to surround himself with people who are experts in their fields. He knows he won’t be able to fix everything, but he wants to listen to people who know their craft to tackle one issue at a time. When it comes to aiding what he called a medical care desert in his district, Allen wants to bring medical professionals to the table and consider changing the country’s health care system. He knows people in congress are focused on getting reelected, which prevents them from having tough conversations that make a difference. He said he’s different because he doesn’t need a career in government, he just wants to change the status quo.
Chuck Fleischmann, incumbent, 61, Republican, attorney
What are you proud of from your time serving in the House? Why should voters elect you for another term? (from in-person interview)
Fleischmann has used his seven terms in office to move through leadership ranks. He’s the chair of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development on the House Committee on Appropriations and serves on the defense subcommittee. Fleischmann’s district is home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex, and he told Knox News the committee positions he’s worked for allow him to secure even more funding and attention for those assets. He also touted his ability to use earmarks to direct funding towards projects that help his district and his ability to assist the other Tennessee representatives and Gov. Bill Lee.
How do you address the growing dissatisfaction that so many voters have with the political system? (from in-person interview)
Fleischmann referenced his time witnessing fights between Republicans and Democrats over the U.S.-Mexico border. He said divisiveness is present in both bodies of Congress and the electorate has gotten more polarized, to the point where people can’t even have conversations. “I used to blame Congress for that, but it’s reflective of the bitter polarization we see with our constituents,” he said. He said polarization comes from low voter turnout and combatting that starts in the schools and with strong election integrity. He said he doesn’t care for the weighted voting system states like Maine and Alaska use.
Jean Howard-Hill, independent
Could not be reached.
Stephen “Scooter” King, independent
Could not be reached.
Miller-Watkins said her lived experiences will set her apart from her opponents. She’s lived all over the state so she’s familiar with the different needs of Tennessee’s unique regions. As a teacher, she said, she’s seen gun safety issues play out every day. Her experience as a mother have opened her eyes to imbalances in maternal healthcare for people of color. She said she’s appealing to people by letting them know one of her opponents is running two races and the other has run before and lost.
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Tennessee
Tennessee football fan gets into argument with wife live during Vols postgame radio show
![Tennessee football fan gets into argument with wife live during Vols postgame radio show Tennessee football fan gets into argument with wife live during Vols postgame radio show](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/09/01/PKNS/75036951007-kn-sut-chattanooga-1.jpg?auto=webp&crop=2520,1418,x0,y84&format=pjpg&width=1200)
No. 15 Tennessee rolled to a convincing 69-3 victory over Chattanooga in the Vols’ first game of the 2024 college football season on Saturday.
There was little to critique in the victory as Josh Heupel’s squad demolished an overmatched Mocs team. Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was brilliantly efficient in the start, completing 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Dylan Sampson rushed 12 times for 124 yards and three more scores.
The defense was also impressive, limiting Chattanooga to just 227 offensive yards and a paltry three points.
REQUIRED READING: College football schedule today: Games, scores for Saturday’s Week 1 top 25 teams
However, at least one Tennessee fan had something to gripe about after the game. And it had nothing to do with what occurred on the field. As noted by Russell Smith — one of the hosts for “The Voluntary Reaction” postgame show on Fox Sports Knoxville — a Tennessee fan got into a verbal argument with his wife after calling into the radio show.
It led to an awkward moment live on the air as listeners everywhere heard the argument.
“Get off the damn sports radio, it doesn’t matter to your family,” a woman can be heard saying in the background. “It’s a loser situation. My dad needs your help.”
After a short pause, the woman can then be heard saying, “I’m so done with you. I know you don’t care. … I’ll take your two-and-a-half million dollars.”
At that point, the audio cuts out, with no obvious outcome in the verbal argument.
Whether the Tennessee fan will call into the show again remains to be seen.
Tennessee
Cleveland Browns Acquire 3-Time All-Pro Receiver In Bold Trade Idea
![Cleveland Browns Acquire 3-Time All-Pro Receiver In Bold Trade Idea Cleveland Browns Acquire 3-Time All-Pro Receiver In Bold Trade Idea](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3127,h_1758,x_0,y_164/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/browns_digest/01j6mwtye7ns21eg5w69.jpg)
The Cleveland Browns were reportedly in the hunt for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk earlier this month, but Aiyuk apparently had no interest in going to the Browns and ultimately ended up signing an extension with the 49ers.
But perhaps the Browns are not done examining options at wide out.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has suggested that Cleveland pursue a trade for Tennessee Titans star DeAndre Hopkins, noting all of the cap space the Browns opened by restructuring Deshaun Watson’s contract.
Of course, Watson and Hopkins were a dynamic duo during their days with the Houston Texans, so perhaps reuniting Watson with his former teammate could help bring the quarterback out of his shell in Cleveland.
Unlike in the proposed Aiyuk deal where the Browns would have had to part ways with Amari Cooper, Knox is surmising that Cleveland would end up keeping Cooper in any potential trade for Hopkins.
If the Browns were able to land Hopkins, they would suddenly boast an impressive receiving trio of Cooper, Hopkins and Jerry Jeudy, providing Watson will all of the weapons he needs to rediscover his previous form.
Hopkins may not be the same elite pass-catcher he was during his Texans days, but he is coming off of an impressive 2023 campaign in which he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. He managed to achieve that with rather subpar quarterback play in Tennessee.
The 32-year-old has made five Pro Bowl appearances while also earning three First-Team All-Pro selections throughout his NFL career, which began with Houston in 2013. He also spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Titans last year.
Tennessee
What channel is Tennessee football vs Chattanooga on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game
![What channel is Tennessee football vs Chattanooga on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game What channel is Tennessee football vs Chattanooga on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/04/13/PKNS/73313880007-kn-sut-spring-game-bp-2.jpg?auto=webp&crop=4425,2489,x0,y0&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Tennessee football opens the 2024 season with FCS opponent Chattanooga on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols have high expectations for the season, in line with the expectations of new starting QB Nico Iamaleava.
Chattanooga is ranked in the top 10 in FCS in the preseason, but the Vols should have a major edge across the field.
Here’s how to watch the Tennessee football vs. Chattanooga game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Watch Chattanooga vs. Tennessee live on Fubo (free trial)
What channel is Tennessee football vs. Chattanooga on today?
Tennessee vs. Chattanooga will broadcast nationally on the SEC Network in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. Taylor Zarzour and Matt Stinchcomb will call the game from the booth at Neyland Stadium, with Alyssa Lang reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
SCOUTING PREDICTIONS: Tennessee football vs Chattanooga: Our score prediction, scouting report for Vols opener
Tennessee football vs. Chattanooga time today
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
- Start time: 12:45 p.m.
The Tennessee football vs. Chattanooga game starts at 12:45 p.m. Saturday from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
Tennessee football vs. Chattanooga predictions, picks, odds
Knox News reporter Mike Wilson’s prediction: Tennessee 45, Chattanooga 17
The Nico Iamaleava era gets off to a good start with a home win to launch into the 2024 season.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29
- Odds: N/A
- O/U: N/A
- Money line: N/A
Tennessee Vols football schedule 2024
- Aug. 31: Chattanooga, 12:45 p.m. on SEC Network
- Sept. 7: vs. NC State, 7:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+
- Sept. 14: Kent State, 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network
- Sept. 21: at Oklahoma, TBD
- Sept. 28: OPEN DATE
- Oct. 5: at Arkansas, TBD
- Oct. 12: Florida, TBD
- Oct. 19: Alabama, TBD
- Oct. 26: OPEN DATE
- Nov. 2: Kentucky, TBD
- Nov. 9: Mississippi State, TBD
- Nov. 16: at Georgia, TBD
- Nov. 23: UTEP, 1 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
- Nov. 30: at Vanderbilt, TBD
- Dec. 7: SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, 4 p.m. on ABC
- Record: 0-0
Chattanooga football schedule 2024
- Aug. 31: at Tennessee, 12:45 p.m. on SEC Network
- Sept. 7: at Georgia State, 7 p.m. on ESPN+
- Sept. 14: Mercer, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
- Sept. 21: OPEN DATE
- Sept. 28: Portland State, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 5: at ETSU, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 12: at Furman, 2 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 19: Wofford, 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 26: VMI, 4 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 2: at Western Carolina, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 9: at The Citadel, 2 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 16: Samford, 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 23: at Austin Peay, 2 p.m. on ESPN+
- Record: 0-0
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