Ellen Gerst

Ellen Gerst is the breaking news editor at the Times Free Press. She has served as the paper's public editor, overseeing the opinion section, and covered crime, local news, growth and development since joining the paper in 2022. She previously reported on criminal justice and local government for the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming.

Contact Ellen Gerst at egerst@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6319.

4 Chattanooga police officers on leave after officer-involved shooting

by Ellen Gerst ·March 29, 2023

Four Chattanooga police officers were placed on leave after being involved in a shooting Sunday, Assistant Chief Glenn Scruggs said Wednesday.

Man charged with attempted homicide in Chattanooga Red Roof Inn shooting

by Ellen Gerst ·March 27, 2023

A man faces two charges of attempted homicide after allegedly shooting and injuring two people at a Chattanooga hotel Saturday.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Jalen Fusilier

Advocates say restoring voting rights for past felons in Tennessee is a discouraging maze

by Ellen Gerst ·March 25, 2023

Tennessee denies the right to vote to a higher share of its people than all but one U.S. state.

Staff Photo by Olivia Ross / Shane Terry poses for a photo at Camp Jordan on Feb. 21. Terry, who lives in Orchard Knob, restored his voting rights in 2020 after losing them due to a felony conviction.

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Chattanooga police reach high homicide clearance rate, decline for other violent crimes

by Ellen Gerst ·March 24, 2023

Chattanooga police say they cleared 92% of 25 total homicides in the city last year, while at the same time the department cleared fewer rape, aggravated assault and robbery cases in 2022 than in years before.

Staff photo by Tierra Hayes / The Chattanooga Police Department investigate near the 2100 block of McCallie Ave following a shooting on June 5, 2022, in Chattanooga, Tenn..

VIDEO: Police still searching for man in armed robbery at downtown Chattanooga bank

by Ellen Gerst ·March 22, 2023

Police are still searching for the suspect in an armed robbery at a downtown Chattanooga bank Monday.

Police search for man in armed robbery at downtown Chattanooga bank

by Ellen Gerst ·March 20, 2023

A man Monday reportedly fired multiple shots in an armed robbery at a downtown Chattanooga bank.

Chattanooga Police Department photo / The suspect from the robbery at Regions bank this morning is pictured. Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying this person.

Tennessee bills target gender identity and expression

by Ellen Gerst ·March 16, 2023

A string of legislation related to gender identity, transgender people and gender expression is moving through the Tennessee statehouse.

John Partipilo, Tennessee Lookout / At a "slay the hate" rally in Nashville last week, hundreds came out to oppose recent legislation they view as anti-LGBTQ. The event was sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign.

Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge not closing yet for repairs, despite CARTA post

by Ellen Gerst ·March 15, 2023

Chattanooga's iconic Walnut Street Bridge isn't closing for repairs anytime soon, according to the city.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / City officials have said the Walnut Street Bridge, shown on April 9, 2022, will likely close temporarily for repairs, but no date has been set for the closure.

Signal Mountain eyes cuts to fire protection, other services

by Ellen Gerst ·March 13, 2023

Facing a potential $1.5 million budget deficit, Signal Mountain officials are considering cuts to the town's Fire Department.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Signal Mountain's Fire Department is seen on Monday. The town may make significant cuts to the department, which it says is larger and receives more funding than others of its size.

Drag show law leaves Chattanooga area performers, officials confused

by Ellen Gerst ·March 12, 2023

Drag performers and venue operators in the Chattanooga area say they're confused and afraid after a bill was signed into law March 2 to regulate drag shows.