Today is
Tuesday June 09, 2026
TYLER — Peaceful protests have been taking place across East Texas for over a week and Tyler has been no different. According to our news partner KETK, residents have been gathering on the downtown square, but Thursday night they decided on a different location at the corner of Broadway and Rice Road. Demonstrators were seen holding signs and wearing t-shirts, shouting “No Justice, No Peace.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler police are investigating two incidents in downtown Tyler after Gentry Donuts was robbed and Andy’s Frozen Custard was vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, investigators are reviewing security tapes. At Gentry Donuts, the drive-thru window was smashed and a cash register was stolen, along with food and drinks. Andy’s Frozen Custard on the square had multiple front windows smashed. Tyler Police said the two cases are not related.
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Jail had its yearly inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, TCJS, found the facility to non-compliant on two issues. The jail was deficient on physical education and nutrition. Sheriff Larry Smith addressed both issues with KTBB on Wednesday,”We are installing lights on top of the roof of the jail so we can do recreation at night. The second and third floors are the only ones we were deficient, and that happens as a result of logistics of physically moving prisoners on those levels to recreation on the roof of the jail.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler firefighters put out a large fire at Ye Olde City Antique Mall on Locust Street in the downtown area. Fire Marshall Paul Findley was on with our news partner KETK, “Thankfully this building as old as it is, has got some fire walls in it, and that has assisted us tactically in being able to get a handle of it.” No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
TYLER — The coronavirus has taken another local favorite, this time El Charro on the Ridge, a popular Mexican restaurant in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the owner of El Charro, Manny Vela, released the following statement on their Facebook page: “First of all, I want to thank all the support, and prayers, not only during this COVID 19 crisis but for years of patronage and friendship. Our hearts and prayers go to all the victims of this worldwide crisis. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Peaceful protesters in Longview showed up at the police department over the weekend, holding signs and a moment of prayer. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop was among those in uniform. The chief said, “Our officers and our agency are just as appalled as the community as to what occurred with Mr. Floyd.” Chief Bishop continued, “We want the citizens to know that we respect their right to peacefully protest.” Many people in the crowd we asking for more insight into diversity training for East Texas officers. The gathering ended with a moment of silence for George Floyd. Longview Mayor Andy Mack said in a post on Facebook, “People are welcome to have peaceful protests at any time in our City.”
SMITH COUNTY — A teenager is dead following a shooting in Smith County. Smith County deputies responded to a home on Holiday Hills Road, north of Tyler, around 3:15 Thursday morning. The victim was found in the driveway and was pronounced dead at a Tyler hospital. According to our news partner KETK, family members identified the victim as Zane Collier, 17. Collier was a senior at Chapel Hill High School. No word on any arrests. Smith County Deputies are still working the scene.
TYLER — Two staff members at The Heights of Tyler senior living facility have tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, both staff members have been away from the facility for more than one week and are doing well at home. “At this time there is no indication the virus is spreading in our center, and our residents and staff are doing well,†a center spokesperson commented. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON — Police in Henderson are investigating a Homicide. It was reported around 5:00 Sunday on Wilson Street. According to the department’s Facebook page, officers responding to a shots fired call found the body of Sabrien Walton, 45. An arrest warrant was issued for Gary Jordan Jr. , 29. Officers said he is considered armed and dangerous. Jordan was driving a tan 1998 Chevy S-10 single cab pickup with Texas License Plate MTZ5120. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henderson Police Department: 903-657-3512.
TYLER — Tyler ISD says schools will begin lessons online Monday through virtual learning. According to our news partner KETK, students and teachers will work through a portal with a grade-specific curriculum. TISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said he and district educators understand that “this is not a sprint.†He said the pace of learning will change under this new system, but that the district is doing what it can to keep education at the forefront. The system is new for everyone, and all will have to practice patience as they navigate through it. Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE — The city of Kilgore has issued a shelter in place order. While Gregg County issued a shelter in place on Wednesday, March 25, parts of Kilgore fall out of the jurisdiction. That prompted Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin to issue his own executive order of shelter in place for residents. The order went into effect Thursday, March 26 at 11:59 p.m. and ends on April 9. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Due to the coronavirus, many non-essential businesses have been shut down. This has caused companies to reduce employees’ hours and lay off workers. According to our news partner KETK, to help with unemployment, Workforce Solutions in Tyler is helping. The organization helps people apply for benefits and helps laid-off workers find new jobs. The office is closed to the public, but you can call (903) 561-8131 or visit their website. With unemployment reaching an all-time high, they are receiving a large number of calls. “We’ve had over 500 calls in a day,†said manager Stephen Lynch. East Texas workers dealing with job losses are adjusting to their new challenges. Workforce Solutions say the best way to apply for benefits is online. If you make a call to the call center, remember to be patient and persistent.
SMITH COUNTY — The City of Hideaway has issued a shelter in place order for residents after a confirmed case of coronavirus. According to our news partner KETK, the order was issued on Wednesday by Mayor Ray Hutcheson and will limit activities within the city over the next seven days until April 1. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY – Gregg County area officials will host a news conference at 1:00 today to discuss the current status of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Gregg County and related community preventative actions. The news conference will be live streamed on the City of Longview’s Facebook page. As of Monday afternoon, Gregg County has reported one case of COVID-19 in the county. Read the rest of this entry »
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is seeking $3 billion from Congress to top up the country’s strategic petroleum reserves, potentially propping up U.S. oil producers after crude prices crashed globally. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette denied Thursday the move was about propping up prices for U.S. oil giants. Brouillette says it makes sense to fill up the national petroleum supplies at a time of cheap oil. Oil producers Russia and Saudi Arabia have stepped up pumping, threatening the market share of U.S. oil. Congress has to approve the money for the purchases. The administration must overcome opposition from some Democratic lawmakers.