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LONGVIEW – The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is asking for the public’s help finding whoever trapped four cats in a crate and dumped them along Cargill Long Park Trail. According to the center, the bright pink cage the cats were zip tied was first reported to the center by walkers on the Cargill Long Park Trail on Friday morning. Adoption center officers found the crate in a ditch off of the trail in an area between Hollybrook Drive and Eden Drive.

The crate was found upside down and locked shut with a zip tie. The four cats were cramped inside with no way out, leaving them covered in their own waste, according to the adoption center. The center said two of the cats are around a year old and the other two are around eight months old. The cats, which are now named Ginger, Sporty, Baby and Posh, are currently receiving medical care are not available for adoption yet. Continue reading Cats found trapped in crate, dumped

MARSHALL — Peregrine Energy Solutions is building a battery energy storage facility in East Texas. The $400 million facility will be built on 42 acres near the intersection of 3251 and Fyffe Cutoff near Marshall. Peregrine will also provide specialized fire safety training for local first responders.

According to our news partner KETK, Marshall Economic Development is touting the project as one of the largest private investments in county history.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and operations are slated to begin in 2028.

Although the project is outside Marshall’s city limits, Peregrine’s property tax contributions will support Marshall ISD. Continue reading $400M battery storage project planned

TENNESSEE COLONY – Five staff members from the George Beto Unit state prison near Tennessee Colony have been relieved of duty after a recent altercation left a prisoner injured. According to our news partner KETK and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), an inmate allegedly assaulted a correctional officer on Jan. 6. After the assault, a second altercation occurred between staff members and the inmate.

The correctional officer assaulted was then medically treated at a facility outside of the prison while the inmate was given medical care from inside of the prison. The extent of those injuries was not publicly released. Five staff members from the Beto Unit were relieved of their duty after the incident, according to the TDCJ. The unit was not placed on lockdown following the altercation but the TDCJ did state that part of the prison restricted movement for a time.

WINNSBORO – The Winnsboro ISD school board met on Saturday and unanimously decided to place superintendent Aaron Nation on leave after he was arrested on Monday. Nation was arrested on Monday along with former Winnsboro ISD superintendent Brian Wilcox and former teacher Ashley Wilcox for allegedly neglecting to report child abuse and attempting to hide related allegations of child abuse involving educators and students.

According to our news partner KETK, Nation has been charged with failure to report child abuse with intent to conceal and tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair in connection to these allegations. The school board met at the Winnsboro Memorial Intermediate School Cafeteria on Saturday and unanimously agreed to place Nation on administrative leave. The board also voted to name Dr. Holloway as their newest interim superintendent. Continue reading Superintendent placed on leave after arrest

LUFKIN – A man and a dog died in a crash on College Drive in Lufkin on Saturday morning, according to our news partner KETK and the Lufkin Police Department. Demarcus Hadnot, 26 of Pollok, was driving west on College Drive near the Texas Bible College when a Mercedes crashed into Hadnot’s Kia at around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday. A passenger from the Kia has been flown to a local hospital to be treated for injuries while the 65-year-old driver of the Mercedes received non-life threatening injuries.

Lufkin PD added that a dog riding in the Kia also died at the scene.

TYLER — Residents across East Texas will have the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through marches, church services, educational programs and community gatherings. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of events taking place across East Texas, including dates, locations and what each event will offer. You can view that list here.

TATUM – Following a search that revealed drugs, including more than 60 grams of meth, two individuals were taken into custody in Tatum on Tuesday. A Ford Escape SUV with a damaged windshield was seen traveling south on North Hill Street when an officer made a traffic stop, according to the Tatum Police Department and our news partner KETK. A probable cause search was conducted after the officer reported smelling a strong marijuana odor coming from the vehicle during the traffic stop.
Continue reading Two arrests made in Tatum after car search

ANDERSON COUNTY – Following a recent altercation that left a prisoner injured, five employees of the George Beto Unit state prison near Tennessee Colony were relieved of their duties. According to our news partner KETK, on January 6, an inmate was accused of assaulting a correctional officer. Staff members and the prisoner got into another alltercation after the assault. While the prisoner received medical attention from within the prison, the assaulted correctional officer received treatment at a facility outside the prison. It was not made public how serious those injuries were.
Continue reading Staff members let go from local prison

RUSK – Rusk city officials announced on Friday that Police Chief Scott Heagney is no longer employed by the city. According to our news partner KETK, Heagney was placed on administrative leave twice in 2025, once in April after a complaint was filed against him and for the second time in December because of an “internal personnel matter.”

“The City does not comment on personnel matters. However, City officials emphasize that the decision was made following appropriate administrative review and in the best interests of the City and the community it serves,” Rusk city officials said on Friday

The City of Rusk said public safety services will continue and that they’re trying to keep leadership stable after Heagney’s departure. Rusk officials added that they’ll release more information when it’s appropriate.

TYLER – Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 10, the intersection and sidewalk at West Elm Street and South Bois D’Arc Avenue will be closed. Oncor crews will be working in the area to improve the electrical infrastructure to the Fair Building at 109 West Elm Street. 

Traffic control signs and devices will be in place. Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the area.  

GILMER – Congressman Wesley Hunt of Houston made a campaign stop in Gilmer on Thursday as he runs for U.S. Senate. Hunt is running in the March 3 Republican Primary against incumbent Senator for Texas John Cornyn and fellow candidate Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General. If Hunt wins the Republican Primary, he’ll face the winner of the Democratic Party Primary in November. Our news partners at KETK had the chance to interview Hunt which you can watch here.

TYLER – Hundreds of Smith County business leaders met on Thursday to discuss the state of Tyler’s economy as the new year begins. The report was provided by renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman.

Perryman reports that since May, the state has lost 10,000 jobs, while the nationwide average is 50,000 jobs per month. East Texas has remained stable in providing career opportunities for residents. Currently, Tyler’s unemployment rate is trending below the state and national rates, as the city is projected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs a year over the next five years, with health services, mining and construction leading this growth. Creating not only opportunities for Texans, but for foreign workers, as well.

“The jobs in the East Texas area have basically stayed stable,” Perryman said. “So, it’s not like there’s been a whole lot of growth taking place compared to the state; it’s outperformed.” Continue reading Economic outlook predicting a job increase

RUSK COUNTY — American Rapper Finesse2tymes and his girlfriend FNG Shugga have been arrested in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Ricky Hampton was arrested on Thursday on three charges, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and having a prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. His girlfriend, Halle Mona Buckingham, whose stage name is FNG Shugga, was arrested on Wednesday on five charges including: Tampering or fabricating with physical evidence with intent to impair, Possession of marijuana, Possession of a controlled substance, Weapon Offence, U.S. Marshal Detainer.

This now marks Hampton’s third arrest in East Texas. In September 2025, Hampton was arrested in Smith County after officers smelled marijuana while conducting a traffic stop and spotted a hand-rolled paper cigar in the ashtray. Continue reading Rapper, girlfriend arrested again

SMITH COUNTY — A multi-vehicle crash is causing traffic delays at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Loop 49 on Thursday. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office and multiple fire units are working to clear the area. Four to five vehicles were involved in the crash, with at least one vehicle rolling over. Traffic is currently backed up at the location, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

TYLER — A former Tyler ISD staff member was arrested on Wednesday night on a sexual assault charge, according to our news partner KETK. Arrest documents from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reveal that a Tyler police officer was patrolling the area of Fun Forest Park around 9:20 p.m. when they witnessed two people who “were clearly nude” in the back of a vehicle.

Officers approached the vehicle and identified the woman as Anahi Arellano, a former instructional aide at Bell Elementary, along with a male companion. Initially, the male provided false information regarding his age, but it was later verified that he is 16 years old.

Arellano allegedly admitted to officers that she and the minor had “sexual intercourse” in the back of the vehicle, prompting her arrest. She was booked into Smith County Jail on Wednesday night, facing a sexual assault charge. Continue reading Former TISD aide arrested for sexual assault

TYLER – City offices will observe the following schedule on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall – City Hall offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19. Tyler Water Utilities- The Water Business Office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19. The deadline for delinquent accounts will be extended to Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m.

The kiosk at the drive-through offers 24/7 access for water utility customers with its ability to accept checks, money orders, credit/debit cards and cash payments. Those choosing to pay with cash should be aware that no change will be given.

Anyone wishing to make a payment may also use one of two available drop boxes. One box is located in front of the Water Business Office at 511 W. Locust St. The other is a drive-up box located in the Brookshire’s parking lot on the corner of South Broadway Avenue and Rice Road. Payments will be credited on the next business day. Please do not drop cash into these boxes. Payments may also be made online at CityofTyler.org, over the phone by calling (903) 531-1230, or at one of many businesses in Tyler that accept water utility payments. For a list of participating businesses, please visit the City’s website. Continue reading Tyler city schedule for MLK Day

LONGVIEW– A Longview man who was arrested last May after firing shots at police officers was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK.

Jory Keith Sadler was arrested after the Longview Police Department received reports of an armed person firing a gun on the 2900 block of McCann Road. Once authorities arrived on the scene, Sadler allegedly fired multiple rounds at their patrol vehicle, and in return, he was shot by an officer. After recovering in a local hospital, Sadler was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and was booked in the Gregg County Jail.

According to court records, Sadler was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Wednesday after he was found guilty of aggravated assault.

TYLER — Several roads in downtown Tyler have seen an increase in traffic and an impact on parking due to ongoing construction. According to our news partner KETK, College Avenue and Erwin Street are the busiest roads downtown, while Elm Street, near The Foundry, is also closed. This has removed dozens of parking spaces and has made getting to restaurants like Heritage East and Moocho Burrito challenging.

Multiple businesses within the square are reporting dips in sales. Good Vibez Nutrition reports a 20% loss over the past year, Crema reports a 20% decrease, and Heritage East reports a 15% decline in bar revenue. Downtown restaurants and retail say the road projects have affected parking, equipment deliveries, and overall attendance.

Good Vibez Nutrition has started thinking of the resources needed to keep businesses up past this rebuilding period. Continue reading Lack of parking impacting businesses

TYLER – As election day approaches and campaign signs take over yards and roadsides, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reminds people of sign placement guidelines. According to our news partner KETK, as Candidates are preparing for the primary election on March 3, but TxDOT advises campaigners to be aware that placing political signs on public lands is illegal.

“We want to remind everyone that TxDOT has guidelines regarding placing signs in the right of way,” Jeff Williford, the public information officer for the TxDOT Tyler District, said. “We know that a lot of signs will start showing up as we get closer to election day, but if a political sign is placed in the right of way, we are required to remove it without notice.”
Continue reading TxDOT enforces campaign sign laws

UPDATE: According to ESD2, the fire is nearly extinguished and residents are allowed to return to their homes.

TYLER — Crews are responding to a grass fire off County Road 219 in Smith County on Wednesday. Since then, residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County ESD2 said several crews responded to the fire on Haverhill Road off CR 219, but no structural damage was reported due to barriers placed around surrounding houses. Officials confirmed no injuries were reported.

The fire is believed to have quickly progressed due to windy conditions. Earlier, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office urged residents to refrain from burning as winds are predicted to be 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts possible.

SMITH COUNTY – The large industrial fire at Four Seasons Containers LLC in November began in a dumpster and spread to the building, Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported on Wednesday, January 14.

“The fire originated in a roll-off dumpster where waste from the recycling process conducted at the business was disposed of on a regular basis,” Hogue said. “The fire spread from the roll-off dumpster to the building, resulting in the destruction of the approximately 24,000-square-foot building. The exact cause of the fire within the dumpster was undetermined.”

The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office was aided by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a thorough investigation to determine the fire origin and cause, Hogue said.
Continue reading Four Seasons Containers fire update

SMITH COUNTY – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20, and Commissioners Court will be held at its normal time, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Smith County Annex Building, located at 200 E. Ferguson St. in Tyler.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) announced on Monday that construction of the Old Jacksonville Highway expansion project will be pushed back for a few more years.

According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, during their open house, the organization said they would hold construction until 2030, two more years than anticipated, as they wait for tech stock to buy the property needed and “move the utilities that’s going to be involved with the project.”

“It’s just taking a little bit more time than was originally forecasted. So that is really what is kind of pushing this project back a little bit, but it is definitely still moving forward, and we still see it happening,” MPO Director Michael Howell said.

The project is set to widen the highway from four to six lanes, affecting Loop 323 and FM 2813 in Gresham. Continue reading Highway expansion project delayed

HENDERSON COUNTY — An Athens traffic stop led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive and the seizure of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug distribution tools on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, a Henderson County narcotics investigator and K-9 deputy conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation and detected an odor of marijuana from the vehicle at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 500 block of West Corsicana Street on Monday.

The deputies identified the driver as 32-year-old Armond Jamal Roberts, who kept giving different names due to being a wanted fugitive from the sheriff’s office. While conducting a search of the vehicle, deputies located a large gallon bag that contained marijuana along with small bags and scales that are commonly used in narcotics distribution. Additionally, the deputies found two plastic bags containing several small, bright-colored pills, which tested positive for suspected methamphetamine.

Roberts was arrested and booked into the Henderson County Jail is being held under a $104,285 bond for manufacture or delivery controlled substance and his warrant

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court voted 4-1 Tuesday to submit an application for the Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant. Our news partners at KETK report that Senate Bill 8, which instructed the Texas Comptroller to create a grant program to support sheriffs in counties with fewer than a million residents that take part in the 287(g) program, is the source of this grant. This grant is provided directly by the state. The $100,000 grant is available to Smith County, which has a population of over 200,000. If granted, the funds must be used within two years.

Commissioner for Precinct 4 Ralph Caraway Sr. voted against the application, but County Judge Neal Franklin, Commissioners Christina Drewry, J. Scott Jerod, and John Moore voted in favor of it during the commissioners’ court meeting on Tuesday.

AUSTIN (AP) – Several appeals in some of Texas’ highest-profile capital punishment cases are set for 2026 as the state continues to maintain a historically low number of executions.

2025 marked the second year Texas was not the leading state in executions in a single year, but the state is still the overall leader nationally in the death penalty. Harris County alone, which handed down its 300th death sentence last year, accounts for more executions than any other state.

But Texas’ executions have gradually declined in the last decade, and in 2025 the low number of executions was in part fueled by two last-minute stays. Their resolutions, however, along with a third successful appeal for another death row inmate, may still ultimately result in executions.
Continue reading Death row appeals loom in 2026

KILGORE — An East Texas theater company has been awarded a $25,000 grant for its 2026 season as a part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration. According our news partner KETK, the Texas Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College was one of 50 arts projects across the country to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as a part of the federal initiative, “Celebrating America250: Projects Honoring the National Garden of American Heroes.”

The National Endowment for the Arts was named a key partner in developing the National Garden of American Heroes, an executive order dedicated to recognizing notable historical figures.

The grant is awarded to arts projects in any discipline that celebrates the contributions to American history of one or more national heroes. Continue reading Shakespeare Festival awarded $25K

WINNSBORO — A former and a current Winnsboro Independent School District superintendent were arrested Monday on charges related to failing to report child abuse. According to our news partner KETK, Brian David Wilcox, Ashley Wilcox and Aaron Nation were booked into the Wood County Jail on Monday, the school district on Monday.

Wilcox is charged with two counts of failure to report child abuse with intent to conceal and remains in the Wood County Jail on a $30,000 bond. Nation faces charges of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and failure to report child abuse with intent to conceal. His bond was set at $40,000 and has since been released. Wilcox previously served as Winnsboro ISD superintendent before resigning in September 2025 to take another school position. Nation has served as the district’s interim superintendent since Wilcox’s resignation and was named the district’s new superintendent on Jan. 6. His arrest comes just a week after his appointment. Continue reading Winnsboro superintendents arrested