LOSING A GIANT
Over the weekend, state Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer at age 67.
Calling it a “truly sad day” for Carter’s wife, Joan, and other family members, state Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, said, “we have missed and will miss a giant in the legislature and the community “
For those who have been following the Times Free Press’ COVID-19 coverage this past year, you’ll remember Elizabeth interviewed him shortly after he returned home from the intensive care unit at Erlanger due to complications from COVID-19.
I’m linking to the story here again because not only was it a well-written story about a terrible journey that Carter wanted to share with the community, but it’s a reminder that there’s a time and place for the political side of a story as well as a time when it’s best to leave politics alone.
After the story ran, Elizabeth explained how we approached the story, including the challenge of overlapping health and political angles that can be difficult to navigate.
– Allison Collins, digital and engagement editor