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HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Gun Barrel City man for possession of child pornography, according to jail records.

According to our news partner KETK, an investigator with the sheriff’s office received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTip about a child pornography video on Feb. 26. The video appeared to show a girl under 18-years-old in a sexual act with a boy under the age of 10. This video was reported as being uploaded to reported user’s Snapchat. The investigator then connected the user’s IP address to a physical address in Gun Barrel City after a subpoena was submitted to Optimum, which is the user’s internet service provider, the arrest document stated.

The investigator then got search warrants for Snapchat and Google which linked the user to the Gun Barrel City address and contained photos and videos of a man that the arrest affidavit identified as Justin James Langley, 26 of Gun Barrel City. Continue reading Henderson County man arrested for child porn possession

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, Lance Phillips, the son of Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and former Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips, has been found guilty of assaulting a peace officer. Lance was found guilty by a jury verdict in the 7th District Court in front of Judge Kerry L. Russell at around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Lance told KETK that he plans to appeal this verdict.

Lance’s guilty verdict comes after he was arrested for multiple charges on April 2, 2024 for an incident during a Smith County commissioner’s court meeting.

“If I lose and then I will immediately file my appeal to the higher court and go as high as necessary to get the rule of law to be enforced,” Lance told KETK after he testified on Thursday. “And there will tons of case law that has Lance Phillips vs Neal Franklin of Smith County. And the result will help 35 million Texans who may want to speak in a public meeting.” Continue reading Lance Phillips found guilty of assaulting peace officer

HUNTINGTON – According to a report from our news partner KETK, an Angelina county affidavit reveals that a Huntington man was arrested Wednesday after he sexually assaulted a child at his friend’s home in late April.

On April 23, Justin Allen Brooks-White, 18 of Huntington, and a friend were picking up the minor and her friend when Brooks began kissing and touching the victim in the car on the way to his friend’s house. Brooks continued touching the victim once they got to the house and sexually assaulted her on three separate occasions that day, the document said.

“The victim said she told Brooks she did not want to do this and told him to stop several times,” the affidavit said. “Brooks would stop, then start doing it again as if pushing boundaries.”

Brooks was arrested on Wednesday for sexual assault of a child and posted a $3,000 bond the following day.

UPDATE: A legal representative for Smith County has issued a statement following the press conference on Tuesday:

“Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call for help from a local business alleging that a disgruntled former employee might return to his former workplace and potentially commit a violent act. When officers went to the former employee’s home, he eventually came to the front door with a gun. Upon seeing the former employee holding the gun and recognizing a significant threat, the deputy fired. Unfortunately, the former employee died. The deputy who fired was cleared of any criminal charges by a grand jury.

Smith County, Sheriff Smith, and the deputy look forward to presenting all evidence to the court and are confident that the evidence will show that the deputy acted correctly when faced with a difficult, rapidly evolving set of circumstances.”
Continue reading UPDATE: Smith County issues statement in deputy-involved shooting

KILGORE — A CHRISTUS emergency medical services unit was traveling in Kilgore when their ambulance became submerged in floodwater. According to our news partner KETK, the EMS crew immediately exited the vehicle after they found themselves in rising floodwater. No patients were in the vehicle at the time and nobody was harmed. The crew is being evaluated and CHRISTUS EMS operations will proceed as usual.

ARP — The City of Arp’s tornado siren failed to go off during Monday’s severe weather, prompting their police chief to push for their siren to be relocated to City Hall.

According to our news partner KETK, the transformer that allows the siren to sound off, stopped working a couple weeks ago. Arp Police Department used Facebook to warn residents about a possible tornado on Monday morning prompting residents to voice their concerns on not having a reliable tornado siren.

The city’s electrical company that usually handles these issues, could not fix the transformer because the ground around the transformer is too wet. This is not the first time the siren has failed to do its job and Keegan said this problem could also stem from the siren having public access. Keegan told KETK the transformer was built on Arp ISD property around 10 years ago with the ability to be turned off if needed. Continue reading Arp tornado siren failure prompts relocation plans

TYLER – Severe weather has hit several East Texas counties Monday and Tuesday morning, electricity utilities and cooperatives are reporting around 11,796 power outages in East Texas homes as of 6:20 a.m. To find a county breakdown, our news partner KETK has a running list here.

LUFKIN — St. Luke’s Health has awarded $1.5 million in grants to 23 nonprofits from all across Texas, including $134,016 in grants to three nonprofits here in East Texas.

The grants are funded by the Common Spirit Health Community Health Improvement Grant program, a program committed to building healthier communities and providing recipients with improvements for their health. The grants will help fund programs that address issues like mental health, food insecurity, safe shelter and housing, violence prevention and human trafficking.

“The Community Health Improvement Grants program is vital to our mission,” St. Luke’s Health market president for East Texas and Brazos Valley Monte Bostwick said. “It allows us to extend our vision of a healthier future beyond hospital walls by collaborating with organizations that share our same values.”

Full list of the 2025 agencies awarded grants can be found here.

TYLER — East Texas will benefit from $8.5 billion in new state money once House Bill 2 is signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

“The new legislation is a huge win for East Texas,” Tyler ISD’s Superintendent of Schools, Marty Crawford said after HB2 passed the Texas Senate on Friday.

The district will be able to get more money for teacher incentive payments to make sure that their students are getting the very best educators once HB2 becomes law.

“It’s been a lot of work, and we’re very appreciative of everything they’ve done down there in Austin,” Crawford said. “We’re very excited and very appreciative of the work that they’ve done to get us to this point. We think that what they’ve been able to do for us is to carve out some efficiencies for us internally here locally, that we’ll be able to handle it appropriately as we go on.” Continue reading Tyler ISD reacts to $8.5 billion for education

TYLER – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the average gas price in Texas has fallen by five cents since last week and is down 39 cents when compared to this time last year.

“Lower gas prices will be welcome news for the record number of drivers heading out of town for the long holiday weekend,” AAA said in a press release on Thursday. “Gas prices haven’t been this low over Memorial Day since 2021 when the statewide average was $2.71. A record 3.2 million Texans are expected to drive 50 miles or more for leisure, this Memorial Day weekend.”

According to AAA’s weekend gas watch, Longview’s gas prices are down 40 cents from last year, Texarkana’s gas prices are down 42 cents from last year and Tyler’s gas prices are down 36 cents from this time last year. AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said East Texans can thank supply and demand for these low prices. “Supply and demand are playing a role in this year’s lower pump prices as crude oil supply is currently surpassing demand,” Armbruster stated.

To learn more, visit AAA’s gas resources page online.

HOUSTON COUNTY – The Houston County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve arrested two additional suspects wanted in connection to the death of 16-year-old Michael Ortiz.

According to our news partner KETK, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service’s fugitive task force arrested two adults who are believed to be involved in Ortiz’s murder. The sheriff’s office said that one adult was arrested in Montgomery County while the other was arrested in Ellis County.

Two adults and two minors were arrested on May 6, just four days after Ortiz’s body was found dead on County Road 4020, outside of Crockett, on May 2. The two adults arrested, Emmanuel “Manny” Mata and Edgar Hernandez, were charged with murder and are being held on bonds of $2 million each. An arrest affidavit revealed details of how Ortiz was killed. Continue reading Additional suspects arrested in Houston County murder

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the Tyler Police Department has stepped up their STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) for Memorial Day weekend.

With traffic expected to increase over the holiday weekend, the Tyler PD is encouraging residents to be alert for drunk or intoxicated drivers on the road or while boating. Through Monday, the department will have extra officers out in the city and at Lake Tyler, specifically to look out for drunk drivers.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive,” the Tyler Police Department said. “We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!”

On Monday, the Texas Department of Transportation launched their annual ‘Click It Or Ticket’ driver safety campaign which means they’re also increasing their efforts to keep drivers safe.

MOUNT PLEASANT – According to our news partner KETK, Mount Pleasant city manager Kimberly Meek has resigned from her position, citing unexpected family matters out of the state.

“After considerable reflection and due to unexpected personal family matters out of state, I write this letter to notify you that I am resigning my position as City Manager of Mount Pleasant, effective immediately,” Meek said to the Mount Pleasant City Council on Friday.

Meek has only served as the city manager for just two months but she said she values all the relationships she’s made in Mount Pleasant. Continue reading Mount Pleasant city manager resigns from office after two months

UPDATE: Officials with Smith County Emergency Services District 2 have confirmed that the body of a 14-year-old juvenile reported missing on Friday night has been recovered from Hideaway Lake according to our news partner KETK. ESD2 said divers were searching the lake for the juvenile’s body but have since stopped their search after his body was found, hours after he was reported missing while swimming in the lake. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is investigating the 14-year-old’s death.

HIDEAWAY LAKE – Law enforcement is currently looking for a 14-year-old juvenile who went missing at Hideaway Lake on Friday night.
Longview man located by Gregg County officials

The juvenile was swimming with friends in Hideaway Lake when he got separated from his friends, according to Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Teams are currently on the water and diving in the lake looking for the juvenile, ESD2 officials said.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Cherino man following a crime spree early Friday morning, according to our news partner KETK.

Shortly after 5 a.m., deputies were called to a residence in the 16800 block of Farm-to-Market Road 95 S. in reference to a busted window which triggered an alarm.

About 30 minutes later, officials were called to reports of a vehicle on fire on County Road 486. The shed where the car was parked was also on fire. During the investigation, deputies observed suspicious vehicle marks in the yard along with a buttstock to a weapon that did not belong to the homeowner.

Less than 10 minutes later deputies were called to Cherino ISD, where a witness reported the police vehicle that is parked at the district was on fire. The witness was also able to give a description of the vehicle they said left the scene, which was a black Honda CRV. Continue reading Man arrested after early morning crime spree

GREGG COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who was last seen on Wednesday at his home in Longview.

According to the sheriff’s office, Morgan Brady Smith was last seen wearing jeans, a white -sleeved, collared button-up shirt, and skater shoes. Smith’s vehicle is a black 2007 Honda Coupe with the the front bumper missing, Texas license plate: SFX3672

If anyone has information about Morgan’s whereabouts or have seen the car described, they are asked to contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at 903-236-8400 or call 911.

TYLER – Starting on Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th, the Tyler Police Department will be adding additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). With increased traffic in the city and at Lake Tyler for the Memorial Day weekend, these officers will be specifically watching for impaired or intoxicated drivers. They want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – Our news partner KETK reports that the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a 16-year-old girl who was last seen at work on Thursday in Sulphur Springs.

According to the sheriff’s office, 16-year-old Evelyn Vazquez was last seen working at the McDonald’s in Sulphur Springs.

Officials said Vazquez could be with 25-year-old Angel Daniel Garduno, who has a 2010 tan Chevy Malibu.

TYLER — Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-TX, said “House Republicans delivered on the promises we made to the American people” in a statement on Thursday after the Texas House passed President Donald Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’.

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a fiscal package bill from Trump with the goal of cutting $1.5 trillion from the the government’s budget in an effort to establish different tax laws, overtime pay and more. According to our news partner KETK, Moran released this message in statement following the bill’s passage in the Texas House.

“With today’s passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, House Republicans delivered on the promises we made to the American people,” Moran said. “This legislation puts working families, small businesses, and rural communities back at the center of our economic future—right where they belong.” Continue reading Rep. Moran reacts to passing ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

TYLER– Texas Civil Rights activists said in Thursday press conference that they demand the resignation of the police chief, the termination of the officers involved in the incident and others in the department. According to our news partner KETK, Civil Rights activists Quanell X and Candice Matthews were deeply disturbed watching the video of Brianna Erwin’s arrest on Mother’s Day.

X and Matthews called for Chief Jimmy Toler’s resignation, the termination of the officers involved and Toler’s leadership team.

Chief Toler stated he supports the actions of his officers. He added that his officers are trained to increase restraint when a suspect increases their resistance.

Tyler PD said during the struggle, Erwin managed to fire a gun shot from the holster of the officer. Toler said to deescalate the situation the officer was seen giving Erwin a “closed hand strike.” Continue reading Civil Rights activists call for Tyler Police resignations

TYLER – It was a packed house Thursday at the W T Brookshire Conference Center, as Mayor Don Warren addressed the 900 attendees about Tyler today, and it’s future. Warren said, “One of the best decisions I ever made was coming back home to Tyler. This city raised me, and I’ve spent the last 11 years on Council and as Mayor working to ensure that every part of Tyler has the chance to thrive.”

He explained that the city is creating a foundation for long-term success. He gave examples of park upgrades to fixing city streets. Also, a new downtown parking garage is complete. A new courthouse is under construction and construction will soon begin on a complete streetscape redesign. The redesign, includes wider sidewalks, roundabouts, restored two-way traffic, and more room for outdoor dining. The City is also working closely with the Valencia Hotel Group on a proposed 144-room full-service hotel.
Continue reading Mayor Warren gives state of Tyler address

LONGVIEW – A 19-year-old has been arrested in Longview after allegedly robbing a business on Tuesday evening, according to our news partner KETK.

Officers from the Longview Police Department arrived at the 1500 block of Pine Tree Road after receiving reports of a robbery. Officers learned that the suspect had demanded cash from the clerk. The suspect was believed armed with a deadly weapon, according to officials.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Bryson Lewis from Longview, who was subsequently arrested on Wednesday. Lewis was charged with aggravated robbery and is being held on a $90,000 bond.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County inmate has died after experiencing a medical emergency while working with a road repair crew on May 12.

According to our news partner KETK and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, Andrew Mark “Tubby” Harris of Grand Saline had a medical emergency and was immediately given CPR before dying at a hospital soon after. Harris was a “trustee” inmate working with Van Zandt County’s Precinct 3 Road repair crew while under supervision.

An investigation is underway and the cause of death has not been announced.

UPDATE: Tyler PD arrested 34-year-old Joshua Isiah Malina on Tuesday for the murder of 28-year-old Karsen Lynn Stewart. Malina is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $2 million bond.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is seeking answers following the murder of a 28-year-old woman on Saturday.

According to our news partner KETK, officers arrived on the scene in the 400 block of S. Confederate Ave in Tyler after receiving calls regarding a homicide. According to officials, the victim was Karsen Lynn Stewart from Mineola and her family has been notified. Tyler PD said Stewart had multiple stab wounds and was found in the roadway near her car.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

CHANDLER – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a man was hospitalized after being hit by a train on Tuesday in Chandler.

Chandler Police Department Chief Kalon Rollins said the man driving a truck was attempting to cross the tracks into a private driveway area when he was hit by the train. Rollins said the man got out of his truck with minor injuries before being taken to a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

HAWKINS – The Hawkins mayor was booked into the Wood County Jail on Wednesday after tampering with government records, arrest documents show, according to our news partner KETK.

After only being the Hawkins mayor for a little over a year, starting in February 2024, Deborah Lynn Rushing of Hawkins was arrested and charged with tampering with governmental records on Wednesday.

In recent months, this East Texas town with a population of less than 1,300 people, has been rocked by resignations, calls to disband the police department, a lawsuit and now an arrest of the current mayor. Continue reading Hawkins mayor arrested for tampering with government records