Columnists
The latest Columnists coverage from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, part of our Opinion section.
More in Columnists, page 3
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Local Opinion: Trump shouldn’t turn justice into spectator sport
On Dec. 3, if President Donald Trump gets his way, Americans and people around the world will be able to pull out their phones and watch American soldiers shoot a condemned man to death.
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Local Opinion: Trial and error best method for data centers?
It doesn't seem that long ago when the idea of a data center meant a few shrugged shoulders, a couple of confused looks and at best a few questions along the line of: "What is a data center?"
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Subscriber Exclusive
State Opinion: A scholarship program that could help public school students, too
Education debates have a habit of forcing people into corners: public school or private school. Choice or no choice. For tuition subsidies or against them. The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit deserves a more thoughtful discussion.
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Local Opinion: Evolution toward banning the death penalty
Tennessee's recent failed attempt to execute Christa Pike has brought considerable attention to that case and the horrific homicide of Colleen Slemmer.
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Local History: ‘Fighting Joe Hooker’ was aggressive, brave and willing Union force
Gen. Joseph Hooker was one of the more colorful and complicated Union generals of the Civil War. He fought in several Chattanooga engagements.
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Local Opinion: College Hill Courts resident finds success at Cocoa Café
Cocoa Cafe opened its doors in the heart of Alton Park in late August, opening the doors of opportunity of employment, connection within the community and the revitalization of the South Chattanooga Business District.
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Times Opinion: SNAP benefits cuts leaving Hamilton County kids hungry
Earlier this year, National Public Radio reported that "stricter work rules in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — a budget law passed last year — have removed over 1 million children from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits since July 2025. Further, "the damage is now hitting school lunch programs directly."
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Readers write: Read amendments wording carefully
Tennesseans will be asked in November to amend our state constitution three times. Before voting, it is worth reading the fine print, because the details will be filled in later by the legislature.
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Perspective: The hemp industry is in trouble, but you can help
In 1937, Congress passed a law banning the production of hemp. Less than a decade later, during the height of World War II, Congress suspended that decision because the country needed the crop for naval rigging, after export bans from the Philippines cut off the usual supply. As soon as the war ended, Congress reimposed the prohibition, a ban that lasted more than 70 years.
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Perspective: The case against posting the Ten Commandments in schools
I can't remember how old I was, but I could not have been more than 10 years old. I was living in Argentina and would hear a bell ringing.
