NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – The University of Texas Board of Regents approved $70 million in funds for Stephen F. Austin State University to construct their new 100,000-square-foot Lumberjack Crossing residence hall on Thursday.
The board’s also approved the design for new $70 million dorm which will be a four-story structure capable of housing 335 students in double-occupancy rooms, lounge and study spaces, offices and more.
Rendering courtesy of SFA.
The new hall will be located directly to the east of the current Lumberjack Landing residence hall and to the south of the new Pineywoods Dining Hall. The $70 million will also fund new campus cooling capacity by installing a new chiller.
Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2028.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced Thursday evening that he will seek another term, according to our news partner KETK. He shared the news during his 70th birthday celebration surrounded by family, friends, law enforcement officials and community members. Larry Smith is a veteran of more than three decades in law enforcement, beginning his career with the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office in 1976. During his eleven years there, he advanced from Criminal Investigator to Lieutenant and ultimately Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division.
He continued his service at the federal level as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration before joining the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 1989. Over the next 22 years, he served as a Criminal Investigator specializing in fire, explosives and forensic mapping, and worked as a Task Force Team Leader on national and international response operations. Throughout his career, Smith completed more than 8,200 hours of advanced investigative training in areas such as fire, homicide, explosives, sex crimes and management. He also provided over 1,200 hours of instruction to state, local, and federal agencies, teaching explosives post?blast procedures, fire investigation, interview techniques and clandestine drug investigation.
LONGVIEW – New guidelines for youth supervision have been added to the Longview Mall’s updated Code of Conduct. According to the mall, anyone under the age of 17 must always be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m. During the summer and holidays, those hours could change. The Longview Mall Code of Conduct states that unsupervised youth shoppers must either leave the mall by 4 p.m. or have a parent or other responsible adult join them right away. Proof of age, such as a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport, may be requested from minors or supervising adults. A photo and the date of birth must be included, and the identification must be impenetrable.
TYLER – The City of Tyler announced that Old Bascom Road in Tyler will be closed starting May 22, until June 25. The closure will allow for construction of the roadway and drainage improvements, the city said in release. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and should expect delays near the intersections of Old Omen Road and Old Bascom Road and Kent Drive and Old Bascom Road.
SMITH COUNTY – After entering a guilty plea, a man who was detained along with others for several alleged sexual assaults on a teenage girl in Tyler was given a 16-year jail sentence Tuesday.
In connection with crimes against a 15-year-old girl that took place last year, Lamarcus Hambrick, 32, entered a guilty plea to two charges of sexual assault of a child in the 475th District Court. According to arrest records, he was given a 16-year sentence for each offense, and his prior probation was overturned, meaning he would spend an additional two years in a state prison. The sentences will be carried out consecutively. Hambrick was discovered at a motel in September 2025 with the 15-year-old child. It was discovered by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper that Hambrick and the child had been having sex for around a week. Then after, Hambrick was taken into custody. Continue reading Sexual assault suspect sentenced
Kerry Washington of Onyx Collective's 'Unprisoned' poses for a portrait during the 2023 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on Jan. 14, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (JSquared Photography/Contour by Getty Images) | The book cover for 'What Remains.' (Blackstone Publishing, Inc.)
Kerry Washington has found her next TV role.
The actress is set to star in and executive produce a new thriller drama called What Remains, ABC Audio has confirmed. Hulu is developing the series that is based on Wendy Walker's 2023 novel of the same name.
What Remains follows what happens to Detective Elise Sutton (Washington) after she takes the life of a disturbed man in the line of duty.
Detective Sutton, who is known as "a devoted wife, loving mother, and cold case specialist — reels from the guilt of her actions," according to the show's official logline. "To convince herself that she did the right thing, she makes contact with a mysterious man that she saved that day, only to discover that he's not at all what he seems. She’s soon caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, following the clues he leaves for her and realizing that the only person who can stop him…is her."
A Million Little Things' Chris Luccy is set to write the adaptation while McG will direct it. Both are set to executive produce. The series hails from 20th Television and Kapital Entertainment.
USA Today bestselling author Walker is set to produce the series. Her psychological suspense novels have been translated into over 23 different languages.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News, Hulu and 20th Television.
JASPER COUNTY – No investi-gator needed for this capture. In Jasper County, a 9-and-a-half-foot alligator was captured after stalling traffic on 1013 West Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies can add “alligator catchers” to their list of accolades after successfully removing the alligator from the road. After being captured by deputies, the alligator was handed over to Texas Game Wardens and was safely relocated.
Chlöe's worlds of music and acting unite in the upcoming Peacock film Strung.
She plays Laila, "a talented violinist [who] takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family," according to a press release.
A recently released trailer for the film shows Laila considering the position after being approached by the family matriarch, played by Lynn Whitfield. "We need somebody, a full-time live-in music tutor for my granddaughter," Lynn's character says while giving Laila a tour of the home.
"The type of money they paying, it's the perfect opportunity," Laila says as decides whether she should take the job.
Things take a turn when she's introduced to the gifted Zuri, who emerges with a mask on her face and warns, "The Zulu believe if you die in your dreams, you die in real life. Be careful what you dream."
"As she becomes entangled in their opulent world, unsettling secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question her safety, her dreams, and even her sanity," the press release says of Laila.
"Something is wrong in that house," Chlöe says in the trailer.
Strung premieres June 26 and also stars Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods.
"i’m fighting for my life!!!" Chlöe wrote on socials when announcing the film's trailer.
In a statement, director Malcolm D. Lee said he was drawn to "the script's twists and turns," adding that the film combines "lush visuals, captivating performances and a riveting soundtrack that captivates viewers" designed to keep viewers on edge.
He then concluded with a tease: "Prepare to be Strung…"
Chlöe's worlds of music and acting unite in the upcoming Peacock film Strung.
She plays Laila, "a talented violinist [who] takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family," according to a press release.
A recently released trailer for the film shows Laila considering the position after being approached by the family matriarch, played by Lynn Whitfield. "We need somebody, a full-time live-in music tutor for my granddaughter," Lynn's character says while giving Laila a tour of the home.
"The type of money they paying, it's the perfect opportunity," Laila says as decides whether she should take the job.
Things take a turn when she's introduced to the gifted Zuri, who emerges with a mask on her face and warns, "The Zulu believe if you die in your dreams, you die in real life. Be careful what you dream."
"As she becomes entangled in their opulent world, unsettling secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question her safety, her dreams, and even her sanity," the press release says of Laila.
"Something is wrong in that house," Chlöe says in the trailer.
Strung premieres June 26 and also stars Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods.
"i’m fighting for my life!!!" Chlöe wrote on socials when announcing the film's trailer.
In a statement, director Malcolm D. Lee said he was drawn to "the script's twists and turns," adding that the film combines "lush visuals, captivating performances and a riveting soundtrack that captivates viewers" designed to keep viewers on edge.
He then concluded with a tease: "Prepare to be Strung…"
Chlöe's worlds of music and acting unite in the upcoming Peacock film Strung.
She plays Laila, "a talented violinist [who] takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family," according to a press release.
A recently released trailer for the film shows Laila considering the position after being approached by the family matriarch, played by Lynn Whitfield. "We need somebody, a full-time live-in music tutor for my granddaughter," Lynn's character says while giving Laila a tour of the home.
"The type of money they paying, it's the perfect opportunity," Laila says as decides whether she should take the job.
Things take a turn when she's introduced to the gifted Zuri, who emerges with a mask on her face and warns, "The Zulu believe if you die in your dreams, you die in real life. Be careful what you dream."
"As she becomes entangled in their opulent world, unsettling secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question her safety, her dreams, and even her sanity," the press release says of Laila.
"Something is wrong in that house," Chlöe says in the trailer.
Strung premieres June 26 and also stars Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods.
"i’m fighting for my life!!!" Chlöe wrote on socials when announcing the film's trailer.
In a statement, director Malcolm D. Lee said he was drawn to "the script's twists and turns," adding that the film combines "lush visuals, captivating performances and a riveting soundtrack that captivates viewers" designed to keep viewers on edge.
He then concluded with a tease: "Prepare to be Strung…"
Do you like your photos to look, not so perfect? Find David Rancken’s App Of The Day. It’s called Vintage Camera: M10 Simulator. You can get Vintage Camera: M10 Simulator in the Apple Store.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Democratic leaders are trying to prevent Maureen Galindo, a candidate who has repeatedly expressed antisemitic views, from winning their party’s nomination in next week’s Texas runoff, and they’ve accused Republicans of propping up her campaign.
Galindo faces Johnny Garcia in the runoff for the Democratic nomination in the state’s 35th Congressional District, which is located in the San Antonio area. The district was redrawn by Texas Republicans to boost their party’s chances of holding onto the seat in this year’s midterms.
Democrats have become alarmed since Galindo received the most votes in the March 3 primary. She earned 29% while Garcia had 27%. They believe the seat could remain competitive, despite redistricting, if their party has a strong year politically, and they’re eager to avoid being saddled with a candidate’s inflammatory rhetoric.
The runoff comes at a moment of heightened concern about the spread of antisemitism across the political spectrum and questions about how to handle candidates with extreme beliefs.
Galindo’s comments included calls for imprisoning “American Zionists,” and transforming a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility into a jail for that purpose.
“She’ll turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking,” Galindo’s campaign Instagram account said. It added: “(It will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles, which will probably be most of the Zionists).”
Galindo is supported by a political action committee called Lead Left PAC that bills itself as opposed to President Donald Trump. However, Democrats argue that the group is funded by Republicans, and the New York Times reported evidence of potential links.
“House Republican leadership must immediately cease propping up this antisemitic candidacy,” Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement.
The National Republican Congressional Committee did not address Democrats’ claims about supporting the Lead Left PAC, but criticized the Democratic candidates for “embarrassing fundraising numbers, zero grassroots energy, and no real support from Texans.”
In an email, Galindo said her proposal was “NEVER for Jewish Zionists — it’s for BILLIONAIRE Zionists.” She said national Democrats sought to inflame her comments.
Democrats have disavowed Galindo’s language. In addition to DelBene and Jeffries’ statement, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, called it “disgusting” and said it shouldn’t be near “our politics.”
Representatives Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Jared Moskowitz of Florida said in a statement Wednesday that if Galindo were to win election to Congress, they’d force votes to expel her “every single day we are here.”
Garcia said in a video posted on social media that the comments have no place in the race.
“We should be bringing people together, not spreading hate, division or dangerous rhetoric,” he said.
Lead Left PAC did not respond to requests for comment.
Lily Collins on set of the sixth and final season of 'Emily in Paris.' (Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix)
Au revoir, Emily in Paris.
Netflix has announced that the popular romance series will end after its upcoming season 6. The sixth and final season has just started production in Greece.
Lily Collins once again stars as the titular American marketing executive who moved overseas for work. She shared a video message with fans of Emily in Paris after the news broke that the show was coming to an end.
"After six unforgettable years of playing Emily Cooper, I'm here to share that this upcoming sixth season will be our final. Season 6 will bring you everything you love about the show and serve as the final chapter in Emily's adventure of a lifetime," Collins said in the video. "Our entire cast and crew are pouring our hearts into making this a fantastic farewell season, which we're now filming. I can't wait for all of the magic ahead, and to celebrate our final season with you in the most chic way yet. We're so incredibly grateful and we love you all. A bientot!"
The video video shows off many of the series' stars, including Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Lucien Laviscount, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie and Eugenio Franceschini.
Darren Star created the show, which he also executive produces and writes for.
"Making Emily in Paris with this extraordinary cast and crew has been the trip of a lifetime. As we embark on the final season, I am so grateful to Netflix, Paramount, and, most importantly, the fans who have taken this incredible journey with us," Star said. "We can’t wait to share this last chapter with you. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives, inspiring your dreams of travel and your love of Paris. We will always have Emily in Paris!”
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County will have 19 voting centers open for the Primary Runoff Election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
Statewide runoff races are on the ballot.
U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Railroad Commissioner and Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3, Judge are on the Republican ticket. The Democratic ballot will have runoff races for U.S. Representative, District 1, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.
The City of Tyler Mayor Runoff Election is not on the current ballot. That election is set for June 13, with early voting beginning June 1.
These polls are open for the Primary Runoff Election Day: *Arp Community Center: 108 E. Longview Street, Arp *Bethel Bible Church: 17121 Highway 69 South, Tyler *Cameron J Jarvis Library: 102 S. Georgia Street, Troup *Chapel Hill Fire Department: 13801 CR 220, Tyler *First Christian Church (Christian Life Center): 4202 S Broadway Ave., Tyler *Glass Recreation Center: 501 W. 32nd Street, Tyler *Greater Life Church: 2751 FM 344 East, Bullard *Heritage Building: 1900 Bellwood Road, Tyler *Hideaway Members Services Building: 101 Hide-A-Way Lane, Hideaway *The Hub: 304 E. Ferguson Street, Tyler *Lindale Kinzie Community Center: 912 Mt. Sylvan Street, Lindale *&Noonday Community Center: 16662 CR 196, Tyler *Old Tyler Airport: 150 Airport Drive, Tyler *St. Louis Baptist Church: 4000 Frankston Highway, Tyler *St. Violet Baptist Church: 14129 FM 2767, Tyler *Three Lakes Middle School: 2445 Three Lakes Parkway, Tyler *Tyler Senior Center: 1915 Garden Valley Road, Tyler *Whitehouse City Center: 109 E. Main Street, Whitehouse *Winona Community Center: 520 Dallas Street, Winona
For more information about voting locations, times and what is on the ballot, or to use our interactive map, go to the Smith County Website.
Houses with a 'For Sale' sign in a small new neighborhood in Gunnison, Colorado 6/18/20 (Nathan Bilow/Getty Images)
(NEW YORK) -- U.S. Treasury yields soared in recent days as the Iran war stoked inflation fears, threatening to drive up borrowing costs for everything from mortgages to credit cards to auto loans.
The yields on 30-year bonds – the amount paid to a bondholder annually – touched their highest point since 2007. Ten-year Treasury yields peaked at about 4.69% on Tuesday, marking a roughly three-quarter percentage point jump from the start of the war on Feb. 28.
The yield on 10-year Treasuries retreated on Wednesday, registering at 4.58%. Still, yields exceed the level reached during a bond selloff in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs in April 2025.
Since bonds pay a given investor a fixed amount each year, the specter of inflation risks higher consumer prices that would eat away at those annual payouts. In this case, a global oil shock has pushed up energy prices which in turn has trickled into other costs, such as groceries.
As a result, bonds have become less attractive. When demand falls, bond yields rise.
“It’s really all about the Iran war and its inflationary impact,” Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, told ABC News.
High bond yields make borrowing more expensive for average Americans because Treasury rates influence the rates offered by lenders.
Long-term Treasury yields help set interest payments for mortgages, credit cards, car loans and just about any other type of borrowing, Patrice Carrington, a professor of real estate at New York University, told ABC News.
The reason for the rise in borrowing costs is that regulated lenders are required to hold reserve assets, often made up in part by U.S. Treasuries, Carrington added. When Treasury yields rise, it raises the costs incurred by banks holding Treasuries on their books. Lenders, in turn, offset those added expenses with higher borrowing costs.
“The bank will pass along that higher cost of capital to any consumer loan,” Carrington said.
The onset of this pain for consumers is exemplified by the housing market, where the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage stands at 6.72% as of Monday, Mortgage News Daily data showed. Mortgage rates have climbed three-quarters of a percentage point from pre-war levels.
“That’s a really big jump,” Rossman said.
Each percentage-point rise in a mortgage rate can impose thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in additional costs each year, depending on the price of the house, according to Rocket Mortgage.
Credit card rates, by contrast, have remained flat over the course of the Iran war, though at heightened levels, Rossman said.
The average credit card interest rate stands at 19.57%, just slightly below where it stood before the war began, Bankrate data showed. At the start of 2026, futures markets expected the Fed to likely cut interest rates at least once by the end of the year, which would put downward pressure on credit card rates.
As the Fed weathers a renewed bout of inflation, however, markets estimate about a 50% chance of interest rates remaining unchanged over the course of the year and a 37% chance of a rate hike, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, a measure of market sentiment. Markets peg the odds of a rate cut this year at less than 2%.
As a result, credit card rates "are staying higher for longer" than many observers anticipated, Rossman said.
Analysts differed in their recommendations for consumers weighing whether to move forward now with securing a loan or wait for a potential decline in interest rates.
Liu Lu, a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, said mortgage rates are unlikely to decline substantially in the near-term, meaning borrowers who can afford a loan at current rates may as well take the plunge.
“I wouldn’t bet on trying to catch the opportune moment,” Lu told ABC News.
Carrington, on the other hand, counseled patience for loan seekers.
Eventually, the economy will falter and the Fed will cut interest rates, pushing down borrowing costs, according to Carrington.
“We’re long overdue for a downturn,” Carrington said. “I absolutely think borrowers should wait.”
In the meantime, the impact of elevated bond yields on consumers isn't entirely negative. The trend means better returns for investors who place their money into financial instruments such as money market funds or high-interest savings accounts, which are historically safer investments than the stock market.
RUSK — A former corrections officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is awaiting a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to conspiracy to assault an inmate in custody.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and our news partner KETK, in his plea agreement, Samuel Thomas acknowledged that while he was on duty as a correctional officer, he opened the door of an inmate’s cell and allowed others to strike and injure the inmate. The inmate suffered bodily injury as a result of the actions, the DOJ said.
After pleading guilty on Tuesday, Thomas can now face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and could be forced to pay a fine of up to $250,000. Thomas’ sentence will be determined by a federal judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Continue reading Former jailer facing prison time
