Ellen Gerst
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growth @TimesFreePress, recovering Californian. (she/her) egerst@timesfreepress.com
Articles by Ellen Gerst
Blackburn likely elected Tennessee’s next governor
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn will likely be Tennessee’s next governor, leading with 45.6% of the vote with 87 of the state’s 95 counties reporting totals by 11 p.m. Tuesday. Memphis City Council member Jerri Green had earned 42.9% of votes as the Democratic nominee. Once her victory is confirmed, Blackburn is set to be the first female governor in Tennessee. She’s set to be sworn into office in January, when Gov. Bill Lee’s second term will run out.
Hakeem reelected in Chattanooga statehouse seat, and other election results
Hamilton County voters cast ballots Tuesday in races spanning local, state and federal governments. Here’s how they voted: Sitting state Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, D-Chattanooga, won reelection with 72% of the vote. Hakeem beat independent candidates Demetrus Coonrod, who earned 19% of the vote, and Johnny Horne with 8.5% to secure the statehouse seat he’s held since 2019.
A fraudulent email claimed Tennessee’s hemp restrictions are lifted. That’s not true
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Ask a Doc: What’s the difference between normal soreness and an injury I shouldn’t ignore?
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What to know before you head to the polls in the Chattanooga area Tuesday
Tennessee and Georgia are set to elect governors as well as U.S. and state senators and representatives Tuesday, as voters across the country weigh in at the ballot box. Constitutional amendments are also on the ballot in both states. Here’s what to know before you head to the polls. In Tennessee, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday. In Georgia, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. If you’re in line to vote by the time polls close, you’ll still be able to cast a ballot.
“Work a little bit harder”: Tennessee women running for governor face challenges men don’t
Three major candidates for Tennessee governor agree on at least one thing — it’s harder campaigning as a woman. No woman has served as governor of Tennessee in the 230 years since the inception of the Volunteer State. The first year women running for the office were considered serious competitors was in 2018 when U.S. Rep. Diane Black and former state House Speaker Beth Harwell lost to now-Gov. Bill Lee in the Republican primary.
Dr. Darria: The rules for saving someone who’s choking changed. Do you know what to do?
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88-year-old woman killed in Main Street crash, driver charged
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Tennessee Aquarium plans training exercise Wednesday morning to ‘consider the unthinkable’
Tennessee Aquarium plans training exercise Wednesday morning to ‘consider the unthinkable’ 35 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst × Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Visitors walk around the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. The aquarium is planning a public safety training exercise for Wednesday morning.
Chattanooga man arrested after brother injured in shooting
A Chattanooga man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly shooting at his brother during a fight, according to a police report. John Billingsley, 59, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, an affidavit shows. He told detectives, according to the affidavit, that he had shot four times and that one shot had hit his brother. Billingsley's brother was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound in his leg, according to the police report.
Trump coming to Dalton on Friday for rally ahead of midterm election
Trump coming to Dalton on Friday for rally ahead of midterm election 32 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst , Sam Kohn × Staff file photo / President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Dalton to support the campaigns of then-U.S. Sens. David Purdue and Kelly Loeffler on the eve of the 2021 Georgia Senate runoffs. Trump will return to Dalton on Oct. 16, 2026, to rally ahead of the midterm elections.
What to know and where to vote early in the Chattanooga area
What to know and where to vote early in the Chattanooga area 3 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst × Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ A sign explains early voting hours as a voter walks out of the Chris L. Ramsey Sr. Community Center after casting a ballot during early voting on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chattanoogans faced power outages as Isaias moves north
Thousands of Chattanoogans lost power Saturday as storms from Hurricane Isaias moved through the region, according to data from EPB. Around 1:30 p.m., after hours of high wind gusts, more than 1,000 EPB customers were without electricity thanks to around 30 outages around the area, EPB's data dashboard showed. In the 24 hours prior, crews had restored power to another 7,000 homes across 58 reported outages, according to the dashboard.
Windy weekend expected in Chattanooga thanks to Hurricane Isaias
It's looking like a windy weekend in the Chattanooga area. As Hurricane Isaias closed in on the Gulf coast Friday into Saturday morning, East Tennessee braced for high winds and a fair amount of rain. Those winds and rains seemed more certain Friday than they were earlier in the week, National Weather Service meteorologist Anthony Cavallucci said during an online briefing Friday afternoon. The hurricane was upgraded to a Category 3 storm Friday morning.
Hamilton County Jail featured on show from producers of ‘Cops’
The Hamilton County Jail is featured in a new season of "Jail," an unscripted show from the producers of the popular series "Cops." Four episodes of the seventh season of "Jail," released last week, depict Hamilton County inmates being booked into the jail, often fighting with deputies as they refuse to comply with commands, according to episode descriptions provided by producers.
Tennessee, Georgia voters must register by Monday for November election
The deadline to register to vote in November's election in Tennessee and Georgia arrives Monday. Voters in both states will be asked to decide their next governors, as well as who will represent them in U.S. Congress, state legislatures and, in some areas like Red Bank and East Ridge, on local government boards. Tennesseans and Georgians will also see proposed amendments to their states' constitutions on their ballots.
Hamilton County school board approves Ten Commandments displays in schools
Hamilton County schools may soon be required to display the Ten Commandments after approval this week from school board members. Earlier this year, Tennessee lawmakers passed a law empowering school boards to vote to allow schools to display a set of historic and religious documents in a "prominent location" in schools.
From the editor: Ranters bid a pithy farewell to the Rant
Limitations promote creativity — something a professor I once had loved to say. For nearly 23 years, the Rant has given Times Free Press readers the space to sound off anonymously, in 25 words or fewer. That limitation led to some extremely creative submissions. Now, we're discontinuing the Rant.
Video: Rant or Rave to us at Nightfall
Brynn Meisse is the video producer for the Times Free Press. She’s no stranger to the media industry having grown up in it. Brynn got her start working for her father’s TV and radio station in her hometown of Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated from Ashland University in December 2024 with a double major in Digital Media Production and Journalism. When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her at the local rock climbing gym or backpacking in the mountains.
Perspective: Read local students’ thoughts on being American at 250
In essays touching on the nation's founding documents, historic presidential speeches, civil rights, veterans' sacrifice, immigration and more, around 40 students acknowledged the United States and its people are far from perfect. The contest, proposed by the Chattanooga Area Historical Association to mark the nation's 250th anniversary, showed that these young people are committed to making our country better.
Video: Times Free Press to hold America 250 student essay contest: “What is an American?”
Brynn Meisse is the video producer for the Times Free Press. She’s no stranger to the media industry having grown up in it. Brynn got her start working for her father’s TV and radio station in her hometown of Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated from Ashland University in December 2024 with a double major in Digital Media Production and Journalism. When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her at the local rock climbing gym or backpacking in the mountains.
From the editor: We talked to every local primary candidate. Here’s why.
Not to brag, but I may be one of the most informed voters on Hamilton County's rolls. For a week straight, I sat in a conference room with Chattanooga Times editor Ben Sessoms and Free Press editor Clint Cooper while we interviewed 20 candidates set to appear on local primary ballots for Hamilton County Commission, school board and criminal court clerk. The election opens Wednesday with early voting, and Election Day is May 5.
Times Free Press to hold America 250 student essay contest: “What is an American?”
To mark the America 250 anniversary this year, Chattanooga area high school students are invited to submit essays responding to the question: "What is an American?" The definition of an American, and who is included in it, has morphed over the 250 years since the nation's founding. Debates over who qualifies as an American, and over what an American should be, continue today. To you, what defines an American? And how important is that label to you and the people in your life?
From the editor: We live in a quantum world. What does that mean, anyway?
Somewhere under the pile of press releases, sci-fi-looking graphics and announcements full of scientific jargon, quantum became a persistent object of great curiosity in the Times Free Press newsroom. Ellen Gerst is the public editor of the Times Free Press, where she oversees reader feedback, the paper's daily dual opinion pages and Sunday Perspective section.
From the editors: Ranters, let’s try the Rave
From the editors: Ranters, let’s try the Rave 17 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Photo by Sina Schuldt/picture alliance via Getty Images Several readers (including one Ranter last Sunday) have suggested we counter the ever-popular Rants with "Raves." These can be positive observations on life, gratitude for kind acts, appreciation for local businesses, workers or officials or notes on something that made you happy or gave you hope recently. So, let's try raving about our community.
From the editors: Times Free Press weekday single-copy paper sales ending
From the editors: Times Free Press weekday single-copy paper sales ending 5 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Ellen Gerst / A newsstand in the Times Free Press office displays weekday copies. Starting on Monday, Jan. 26, single copies of the Monday through Saturday Times Free Press papers will no longer be sold in any retail outlets in our market area.
From the editor: In the age of AI, let’s keep our opinions human
On Christmas Eve, a frequent letter writer sent me a gift. At least, it felt like one. "Tihis letter is an original, composed without plagiarism nor with AI assistance," he wrote. (Editor's note: I'm including his typos here because human mistakes, in the age of our seemingly infallible spellchecked artificial intelligence overlords, have become some of my favorite things). "How did he know?" I thought.
Opinion: The Times Free Press opinion pages are yours. Here’s how to join the conversation
I was there as a reporter to keep an eye out for news, following a growing movement of residents demanding a say in planning decisions and listening for any change in how Hamilton County would develop its unincorporated areas. But I became fascinated by the group itself. United by a common interest, they bickered, bargained and laughed with each other, growing more comfortable week after week.
Reeling from August rains, Chattanooga residents prepare for new flood insurance maps
A packed house gathered in Chattanooga on Monday night, eager to hear how new federal floodplain maps could affect them. Many of them came after getting cards from the city in the mail, notifying them that their property could now be considered at higher risk of flooding following an update from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Others, mainly Brainerd area residents, said they came after flash flooding in August tore through their neighborhoods.
After shutdown delay, federal subsidy for Chattanooga housing complex paid
The nearly $49,000 helps subsidize rents for the 136 units at Dogwood Manor, according to the Chattanooga Housing Authority. Tenants at the building were not affected by the delay, housing authority officials said. Because of the shutdown, workers at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development hadn't been able to send the renewal, Finance Director Curtis Lokey said. To cover the gap, the authority would have to float money from its central office reserves, Lokey said.
New apartments stabilizing Chattanooga’s ‘pressure cooker’ rental market
New apartments stabilizing Chattanooga’s ‘pressure cooker’ rental market 8 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / On Dec. 4, 2024, construction continues on an apartment complex at the intersection of Main Street and Central Avenue. The addition of thousands of rental units, like this building, in Chattanooga since 2020 has started to relieve pressure on the rental market, city officials say.
East Chattanooga, Alton Park lots again seeking affordable housing proposals
Chattanooga's land bank is trying again to get developers interested in six free pieces of land where they could build affordable homes. The city is also trying to sweeten the deal for developers with some extra money and looser affordability requirements, in an effort to make these projects financially doable. When the city's land bank authority sought proposals last year for seven parcels concentrated in Alton Park and East Chattanooga, just one received a bid.
What’s going there? Two large subdivisions in Hixson, East Brainerd
What’s going there? Two large subdivisions in Hixson, East Brainerd 6 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Abby White / On Oct. 28, 2025, the model home in the Davidson Meadows subdivision is pictured. Banner Built and Legacy South are building a large subdivision on Davidson Road in East Brainerd. A Nashville-based developer is entering Chattanooga's market with two large subdivisions adding more than 140 new homes in East Brainerd and Hixson.
Federal shutdown causing subsidy gap for one Chattanooga public housing complex
A contract for federal assistance at a Chattanooga public housing complex is set to expire this week. With the federal government shut down, staff at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development haven't been able to work on renewing the yearlong contract, said Curtis Lokey, finance director for the Chattanooga Housing Authority.
Tennessee ban on THCa products delayed until July 2026
A ban on Tennessee's most popular hemp products will be delayed at least six months, through the end of June 2026, a state board decided Thursday. That's to let current hemp licenses expire before a new regulatory body steps in to oversee Tennessee's industry, officials said. "It's a huge win," Kelley Hess, executive director of the Tennessee Growers Coalition, said by phone after the ruling. "It only gives everybody six more months, but any time is a win. Any extension is a win.
Walnut Street apartments to resume tax payments
Walnut Street apartments to resume tax payments 7 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Abby White / On Oct. 21, 2025, the exterior of the Walnut Commons is pictured. The tax incentives for building on Walnut Street are set to expire at the end of 2025. With a 15-year tax deal for a downtown Chattanooga apartment building expiring this year, the owner is exercising its right to buy the property back from city ownership.
Chattanooga board OKs two affordable housing tax incentives
Ellen Gerst covers growth, development and the future of the region for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She joined the paper as a reporter covering crime and local news in October 2022, and previously covered crime and local government for the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming. She holds a degree in communication from Boston College.
First hour free parking paying off for CARTA
A pair of public parking garages in Chattanooga have seen an uptick in usage nearly a year after the city launched a program to make the first hour of parking there free, officials said Thursday. "I think people are drawn to the fact that it's safe and free parking," Charles Frazier, chief executive of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, said at a board meeting.
Chattanooga housing inventory continues to normalize
Chattanooga housing inventory continues to normalize 37 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Ellen Gerst / A home is seen Oct. 17, 2025, for sale on Flynn Street near downtown Chattanooga. The home is listed for sale at $365,000. Chattanooga's housing market is tipping in buyers' favor as it continues to stabilize, according to the Greater Chattanooga Area Realtors. Ellen Gerst covers growth, development and the future of the region for the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Amid steady growth, Hixson’s water district is adding hundreds more customers each year
Amid steady growth, Hixson’s water district is adding hundreds more customers each year 44 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff Photo by Ellen Gerst / On Oct. 15, 2025, Greg Butler, general manager of the Hixson Utility District, speaks to the Friends of Hixson at Clear Creek Church. Steady growth and a crop of large new subdivisions are bringing hundreds of new customers a year to Hixson's water provider, General Manager Greg Butler said Wednesday.
What’s going there? Old East Chattanooga church building could hold new condos
What’s going there? Old East Chattanooga church building could hold new condos 42 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Abby White / The exterior of Cathedral of Praise. Former Cathedral of Praise on Wilcox Boulevard has been rezoned and set for demolition as of Wednesday, October 15, 2025. After sitting vacant for decades, an old church building on Wilcox Boulevard could soon hold up to 60 condos.
Rules for developing in Chattanooga’s floodplains could change. Here’s how
How and where developers can build in Chattanooga's floodplains could be changing soon, following severe flooding in August. Planning commissioners said Monday they need more time and information before voting on a pair of recommended changes, which city staff said could eventually give more people discounts on flood insurance.
What’s going there? 5 things to watch on Chattanooga planning agenda
What’s going there? 5 things to watch on Chattanooga planning agenda 23 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst 148 Films / An aerial photo shows the site of Erlanger Park and the foundry district in Chattanooga's South Broad area. Hamilton County planning commissioners are set to review projects that include plans for the area around the new Lookouts stadium, an old church building that could be converted to housing and more at their Monday meeting.
State reviewing Hamilton County Planning Commission training after residents complain
State reviewing Hamilton County Planning Commission training after residents complain 20 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Abby White / The Regional Planning Commission gather in the Hamilton County Commission room for their meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025. State officials are reviewing training hours completed by Hamilton County planning commissioners after receiving complaints from county residents.
Schoolyard at East Side Elementary expands park access for neighbors
Schoolyard at East Side Elementary expands park access for neighbors 51 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / On Oct. 10, 2025, East Side Elementary School Principal Greg Wilkey talks during a tour at the school of the new outdoor area. At the corner of Lyerly and East Main streets, an expanse of mottled grass outside East Side Elementary used to sit quiet and, aside from the occasional field day, unused.
Land swap rules out industry at McDonald Farm, promises growth at Enterprise South
A land swap announced Wednesday will end the possibility of industrial development at McDonald Farm, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said.
Chattanooga Mayor Signals Interest in Waymo Self-Driving Taxis
Kelly said he asked driverless taxi company Waymo about its interest in Chattanooga at a Google event earlier this year. "They are very much working their way down the list of major markets," Kelly said in an interview following a panel about autonomous cars at the Chattanooga Connect conference Tuesday. "I still hope they come here at some point." (TNS) — Mayor Tim Kelly wants to see autonomous cars on Chattanooga's streets.
Chattanooga mayor tries to court Waymo self-driving taxis
Chattanooga mayor tries to court Waymo self-driving taxis 14 minutes ago by Ellen Gerst Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speaks during a panel discussion, “The Road Ahead: Policy, Partnerships, and Pilots in Autonomous Vehicle Deployment,” during the Chattanooga Connect event at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Mayor Tim Kelly wants to see autonomous cars on Chattanooga's streets.
What can Hurricane Helene teach Chattanooga about flood readiness?
When Asheville, North Carolina, was finishing its business contingency plan in the fall of last year, Chamber of Commerce President Kit Cramer said leaders thought their biggest problem downtown was going to be angry protesters. Then Hurricane Helene came. That storm was supposed to come through Chattanooga, said Joel Houser, with the Open Space Institute. "We were spared that one in this region," Houser said.
Tanks off Chattanooga highways to help stop sewer overflows during heavy rain
Three large structures going up near Chattanooga highways should help keep local wastewater systems from overflowing during heavy rain, officials said. Right now, depending on where you spot them, they may look like a mountain of scaffolding or the skeleton of a Roman amphitheater. But once completed, they will be equalization tanks, meant to store millions of gallons of stormwater in an effort to stop overwhelming Chattanooga's sewer system, said Mark Heinzer, city wastewater director.
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