Today is
Wednesday July 22, 2026
TYLER — The Tyler City Council and Texas Department of Transportation agreed on Wednesday to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Capital Drive.
According to our news partner KETK, a signal warrant in 2023 determined the intersection experiences enough traffic volume, especially with the Brookshire Grocery Company’s distribution center expanding near Capital Drive, to warrant a signal. The estimated total construction cost to the city is $314,453, which will be funded through the City’s Half Cent Sales Tax Fund.
The City of Tyler, TxDot and Brookshire Grocery will work with each other to install this signal and TxDot has plans to widen Old Jacksonville Highway to six lanes, with construction starting 2028.
TYLER — As the Tyler Police Department continues to mourn the loss of one of their own, several officers gathered at the place of his death to remember their fallen comrade. According to our news partner KETK, while off-duty on Friday afternoon, officer Sam Lively was killed after crashing his motorcycle on Troup Highway, just north of Loop 323. Lively had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.
On Tuesday, officers who attended the police academy with Lively along with several members of the Tyler PD gathered at the location where the crash took place in order to pay respect to their fallen brother. The remembrance was also attended by Lively’s family and friends where they placed flowers and a cross at the location.
A funeral service has been scheduled for Lively at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, Lively’s family has asked for contributions to be made to the Sam Lively Memorial Fund at Southside Bank, Lindale.
TYLER — Texas Game Wardens continue to investigate an accident on Lake Tyler East after a 19-year-old man fell off the boat and was found by divers Monday morning. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and our news partner KETK, game wardens are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident on the six-passenger boat that lead to the death of Eli Swinney on Sunday.
“The investigation could lead to possible criminal charges, but none have been filed at this time,” the department said. “One passenger was taken into custody that evening on unrelated charges.”
“As Texas Game Wardens, our mission is to help ensure Texans can enjoy the water safely and return home at the end of the day,” the department said. “While we actively patrol and enforce boating safety laws, we rely on boaters to practice safe boating when enjoying Texas’ waterways.” Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Senate approved changes Tuesday to the state’s strict abortion ban that both Republicans and Democrats say would clarify medical exceptions and has drawn support from women who were told they could not end their pregnancies despite life-threatening complications.
The unanimous passage of the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate — by a 31-0 vote — marked a rare moment of bipartisanship on an issue that for years has roiled the state Capitol as Texas Republicans have defended one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans and launched criminal investigations into alleged violations.
Under Senate-passed changes, Texas’ ban would specify that doctors are allowed to perform an abortion if a patient is experiencing a “life-threatening” condition capable of causing death, and “not necessarily one actively injuring the patient.” The bill would also require doctors to receive training on the revised law. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — An off-duty Tyler police officer has died following a Friday evening motorcycle crash. According to a release from the Tyler Police Department and our news partner KETK, at 6 p.m. officers responded to a crash on Troup Highway, just north of Loop 323. A preliminary investigation indicates that Officer Sam Lively, who was riding a motorcycle, was traveling south on Troup Highway in the outside lane. Another vehicle, also heading south in the inside lane, attempted to change lanes near Loop 323 and struck the motorcycle, officials said.
Lively was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the police department. He was off duty at the time of the crash. Lively had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.
“Officer Lively was an amazing young man who wanted to serve the Tyler community,” the department said in a statement. “He will be missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow officers.” Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — A man formerly imprisoned over the January sixth us capitol riot is running for Congress in East Texas. Three months ago, Ryan Taylor Nichols, of Longview, was pardoned by President Trump for his part in the January 6th US Capitol riot. Nichols, who was serving a five year prison sentence, is now running for congress. He is challenging two term Republican Nathaniel Moran.
SMU Political Scientist Cal Jillson says Moran is much more polished and has run successful campaigns. Jillson says Nichol’s January 6th history may appeal to some voters. Nichols sprayed pepper spray at police and entered the US Capitol through a broken window. He then egged on the crowd to get inside. Later, he put a message on social media says he stands for violence.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The repair project on I-20, near CR 2112 (Mile Marker 518, west of Canton) in Van Zandt County, has hit a snag after a paver issue last night. According to TxDOT, the contractor is working to fix the issue by this afternoon or evening. The westbound, outside lane will remain closed throughout Wednesday. The roadway is expected to reopen tomorrow morning, Thursday April 10, at 6 am. Drivers should expect lengthy delays.
EAST TEXAS — Texas Rep. Cody Harris, of Palestine, appeared before the House Public Health Committee on Monday afternoon to present HB 3717, which would help fund clinical trials for ibogaine, a psychedelic compound that could treat opioid addiction. According to our news partner KETK, through this bill, Harris aims to take on the addiction with a particular focus on veterans. According to the National Institutes of Health, drug overdose mortality rates among U.S. military veterans rose by 53% between 2010 and 2019.
As opioid-related deaths continue to devastate families across the country, Harris said this legislation could be a crucial first step in offering new hope to those already battling the addiction.
“Funding a grant program for a ibogaine clinical trial isn’t just a policy choice,” Harris said on Monday. “It’s a lifeline, a chance to pull our neighbors, our heroes and our loved ones back from the edge.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a resolution on Tuesday, dedicating April 2025 as National County Government Month for Smith County government. According to our news partner KETK, this resolution will recognize the more than 900 Smith County government employees who work everyday to create safe and healthy communities. Officials encourage residents to learn more about the services that county governments provide such as veterans services, criminal and civil emergency courts systems, elections and public safety.
Smith County holds 29 elected officials and 16 department heads. They help figure out ways to keep systems running such as fire investigations, tax offices and the sheriff’s office in ways that are cost effective for the community.
There are currently 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans by protecting the peace and tranquility of their respective communities. Smith County encourages everyone across the county to learn more about the people who serve in local government.
SMITH COUNTY — The 2025 State of the County Luncheon was held in Smith County on Tuesday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, during the luncheon, a presentation by Smith County Judge Neal Franklin provided residents with several updates about the newest projects and events going on in the county. Franklin stated that the theme of this year’s event is collaboration, due to the countries’ efforts to work with others to achieve their goals.
“We have got a lot of things going with a lot of different entities and our goal is to work together and make these things happen,” Franklin said.
Franklin provided residents with an update about the new courthouse that is currently under construction. “The courthouse is going well, and we are getting to the point where we were almost off the ground,” Franklin said. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY –Several Smith County roads are closed due to high water crossings and trees and power lines down, according to a news release from the county. Roads closed for downed trees include: CR 1125, 1134, 313 west, 4129, 485, 4105, 4126, 423, 4127, 4106 and 4104. CR 313 east and 4126 (off of the CR 4106 side) are closed due to downed power lines. County roads closed because of high water include: CR 463, 411, 474 and 4129.
TYLER — A section of the Rose Rudman Trail in Tyler will be closed due to maintenance on Thursday and Friday. According to our news partner KETK, tree maintenance will be conducted on part of the trail that’s parallel to South Donnybrook Avenue next to Tyler Legacy High School. Until construction is completed, residents are advised to stay away from this part of the trail. Maintenance will begin starting on Thursday and will continue until midday Friday.
HENDERSON — The Panola County Sheriff’s Office said that drugs, a firearm and a stolen vehicle were recovered after a chase ended in Henderson on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office said that one of their deputies found a vehicle in Carthage that was reported stolen by the Bossier City Police Department in Louisiana. The deputy conducted a traffic stop but the vehicle’s driver allegedly refused to leave the vehicle and then fled on Highway 59 North, according to the sheriff’s office.
The driver took Highway 59 into Harrison County before heading westbound on Interstate 20 with deputies from Panola County and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office pursuing the vehicle along with a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck the county on Friday night, according to our news partner KETK. The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake happened at 10:05 p.m. on Friday night at a location 13 kilometers northeast of Wells near Lake Nacogdoches.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office and local volunteer firefighters checked on local residents as a precaution and luckily no injuries were reported. The sheriff’s office said that residents should be careful and turn off their gas if they suspect the earthquake has damaged their lines.
The earthquake was mostly felt near Nacogdoches but was also reportedly felt as far north as Henderson and as far south as Lufkin, according to the United States Geological Survey.
TYLER — Grandy’s at 1226 S Beckham Ave in Tyler has permanently closed down, according to a sign posted on their door and drive-thru window obtained by our news partner KETK. The sign states that the store was closed permanently on March 23. The Tyler Grandy’s was one of more than 45 Grandy’s locations across the country. The Grandy’s chain started in 1972 and currently has it’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.
TYLER — One person is dead following a car crash on Friday afternoon on Highway 31 west, near Bellwood Lake Road. According to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh and our news partner KETK, the crash happened around 3:00. Erbaugh said both drivers were taken to a hospital, where one of them died. Additional details were not available.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A 43-acre battery energy storage facility started construction in December, but soon, that work could be brought to a halt. According to our news partner KETK, the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal has issued an order to Taaleri Energia, the company behind the Amador Energy Storage project, to follow all state fire codes or face the consequences.
Shane Lane’s ranch borders the land the battery facility is being built on, and he is currently suing the Finnish-owned company over safety concerns.
“We run a cow calf operation and they don’t have any type of evacuation, they don’t have any plans for anything, there’s no safety protocol whatsoever for this facility,” Lane said.
Before construction started at the end of December, the county sent Taaleri Energia a letter requesting the documents required for the facility to be built, but they didn’t receive a response until February. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY — The Greater Longview United Way, LANFest and CableLynx Broadband are teaming up to host the inaugural East Texas Gamer Con this Friday and Saturday, according to our news partner KETK.
“Gaming has the power to bring people together, and through ETX Gamer Con, we’re channeling that connection into meaningful community support,” said Dr. Evan Dolive, the executive director of the Greater Longview United Way. “When you participate in this event, you’re not just playing games – you’re helping provide meals to families in need, supporting after-school programs for our youth, and ensuring our neighbors have access to vital health services.”
The convention’s lineup consists of the following exciting activities: Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The University of Oxford Somerville College Choir concert at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler Tuesday night has been canceled. Due to the fire at Heathrow Airport last week, the group was not able to make their flight.
EAST TEXAS — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed a new 62nd Judicial District court judge who will cover cases in Delta, Franklin, Hopkins and Lamar counties. According to our news partner KETK, William “Bill” Harris of Paris is the current County Court Judge for Lamar County and Abbott has selected him to fill the 62nd Judicial District court judge seat for a term that will last till Dec. 31, 2026.
His appointment as the 62nd Judicial District court judge will have to be approved by the Texas Senate before he can fill the role. If confirmed, Harris will fill the role until a permanent replacement for former judge Will Biard is elected. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Health is hosting a hiring event in Longview on Thursday for healthcare professionals who want to start or further their career. According to CHRISTUS Health and our news partner KETK, the event will take place at 2005 Tolar Road inside El Sombrero from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for people to interact with hospital leaders. On-the-spot interviews will be conducted for opportunities to discover diverse career paths, along with food, refreshments and giveaways. Full-time and part-time schedules will be available for candidates ready to achieve their personal and professional goals.
“We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our faith-based ministry and provide the best, compassionate care in the region,” CHRISTUS Health Manager of Talent Acquisition Michaela Ahlfinger said.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Longview is celebrating their 90th anniversary this year and recently broke ground on the CHRISTUS Cancer Center which opened in January. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN — A former Lufkin ISD superintendent spoke against House Bill 3 during a House Committee meeting on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Roy Knight, who was in the education industry for over 40 years, testified against HB 3 that would use state funds to pay for private schools, homeschooling and other educational services. The bill would also create more flexibility for parents to choose their child’s education.
“This bill is a skunk that we’re trying to pass off as a kitty cat,” Knight said.
The bill argues that directing funds toward private schools will enable competitive pay for public school teachers. However, Knight contends that Lufkin has remained competitive with other schools for years. He also stated that public school teachers are frustrated by the implication that they have not been working hard until private schools became more popular. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The 37th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, Stars Over Texas, is scheduled for June 7, 2025, at the Texas Rose Horse Park, home of the event for the past seven years. Whitney Cain and Kimberly Taylor, 2025 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs, announced the headliner entertainer is Wade Bowen. Tickets go on sale at the end of March.
“We are so thrilled to have Wade Bowen performing at the Ball, said Kimberly Taylor. “We invite you to join us on June 7h at the Texas Rose Horse Park.” “Our East Texas Community has united to raise over $18 million for the American Cancer Society. This incredible achievement is a direct result of the generosity of our donors, supporters, and volunteers,” said Whitney Cain.
The Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball is the primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society-Tyler. To support the Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball, click here or call 903-570-8126. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A former accountant at a Tyler nonprofit has been accused of stealing nearly $100,000. According to our news partner KETK and an arrest affidavit, a manager at Hand Up Network alerted officials to a fraud alert from their work bank after a debit card for the organization was used twice at a casino in Lake Charles, La. The manager told officials that the card was used by their accountant, Dawn Pitcock. When confronted by the manager, she reportedly said she had used the card by mistake and paid the organization back.
However, the manager then became suspicious and began reviewing the bank account where he found 283 transactions to Apple.com since March 2024 totaling $96,826.58. When confronted, Pitcock said she believed that he was the person making those transactions, hence why she never questioned them. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person has died after a tree fell on an RV in Van Zandt County on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said a woman died after the tree fell on her RV at the Reserve RV Park on County Road 4914. Bridger said her body was recovered from the RV and officials are working to notify her family. Additional information was not available.
MINEOLA — Texas Republicans are making moves that they say will protect teachers. A bill filed by State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, would give protection to school workers who are facing complaints from transgender students, upset over being misidentified in the classroom. He says teachers should not be pressured to support something that conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs.
The bill faces opposition from several civil rights groups, which testified at a hearing this week. They fear it will lead to bullying in the classroom.
EAST TEXAS — As severe weather hits East Texas, several school districts have announced that they will be closing or delaying classes on Tuesday to ensure students and staff remain safe. Click here for the list.
TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety Tyler District reported a 22% decrease in fatal accidents in 2024. According to TxDOT and our news partner KETK, since Nov. 7, 2000, 87,000 people have died on state roadways and there hasn’t been a single day without a fatal accident since. TxDOT is working to end that streak and said the results are paying off. The report focused on five of the top factors found to contribute to accidents. The top two factors include drivers who fail to drive in a single lane and speeding.
“There were 164 total fatalities. Although that number went down from 209 in 2023, it’s still too many fatalities,” TxDOT Tyler District Public Information Officer Jeff Williford said.
TxDOT hopes to see fewer fatalities but said 2025 is already off to a bad start.
“Unfortunately, 2025 is starting off worse than 2024 did so far. Through the first 50 days, we’ve seen a handful of more fatalities so far and more crashes than we did in 2024 at this time of year,” Williford said.
GLADEWATER — A 24-year-old pilot is being treated at a local hospital after his plane missed the runway Monday night in the midst of an apparent mechanical failure. According to the Gladewater Mirror, first responders from multiple agencies were called to the scene about 10:15 p.m. Feb. 17. Personnel from Texas Department of Public Safety are spearheading the investigation alongside Gladewater firefighters and police officers.
“The airport is going to be shut down pending the investigation,” Gladewater Fire Chief Mike Simmons said. “Based on what the pilot stated, he took off and lost power on takeoff, circled back to land at the airport and landed in the grass just on the side of the runway.”
It’s unclear what time the crash occurred. Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN — East Texas State Representative Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, has been appointed to serve as the Chair of the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs. According to our news partner KETK, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows appointed Hefner to lead Homeland Security committee and he also appointed him to serve as a member of the Committee on Transportation and the Committee on Redistricting.
“The Texas House stands ready to address the most pressing issues facing our state, and I have full confidence Chairman Hefner’s leadership of the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee will greatly contribute to the success of the 89th legislative session,” Burrows said. “Every Texas House committee serves an important role guiding the policies that shape our state and ensuring proper oversight of the legislative process. Chair Hefner is a proven champion of conservative policies that leave a positive impact on the lives of all Texans, and I look forward to our collaboration to deliver another monumental conservative session for Texans.” Read the rest of this entry »