Today is
Thursday July 23, 2026
TYLER — A man was arrested last month for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a Tyler apartment shooting in late August. According to his arrest affidavit, Xavier Young, 21 of Flint, is accused of jumping over the balcony of a woman’s apartment, who witnesses said is the mother of his three young children, and shooting her in the face and leg. Our news partner KETK reports, a witness told authorities, according to the affidavit, that on Aug. 26 she had received a Facetime call from the shooting victim and saw her face “was covered in blood,†then called 911 and drove to the apartment. The woman was found in her apartment on Old Bullard Road, and taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but was reported by local authorities at the time to be conscious and alert. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A Tyler based crimes intelligence center has prevented over $170 million in losses due to fraud in Texas, our news partner KETK reports. According to the Texas Department of Licensing Regulation (TDLR), the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) prevented $171,516,831 in losses due to fraud and recovered 445 credit card skimmers and 5,574 fraudulent credit cards in the last two years. The FCIC was created by the House Bill 2106 in the 87th Texas Legislature and is the first of its kind in the United States. The center operates as a partnership between the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. “When TDLR, Smith County, law enforcement and members of the Texas Legislature began discussing the need for a unit like the FCIC, we never dreamed that it would make the impact it has in such a short time,†said TDLR interim executive director Brian E. Francis. “This remarkable achievement shows the power of all of us working together to protect the people of Texas.†Read the rest of this entry »
HAWKINS — On Tuesday night, the Hawkins city council started the new year with personnel changes and approved the resignation of the first female mayor, Susan Hubbard, according to our news partner KETK. “There are certain pressures on her. There are certain citizens in our communities that don’t want to see the growth, the possibilities the good things,†said 21-year-old former mayor pro-tem Clara Kay. In the absence of a city leader, the mayor pro-tem steps in to fill the role of mayor. However, Kay resigned as well. “This was going to be my last term running anyway, so I thought this would be a good time with her going out anyway to kind of go out with her, almost like John Wayne riding into the sunset together,†said Kay. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) has been named the recipient of a $125,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program, according to a news release. “This grant will help further ETFB’s efforts in the community of fighting hunger and feeding hope in the 26 counties we serve in East Texas,†said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “This will allow us to feed more East Texans through our mobile pantries, resource centers and programs for seniors and children.†ETFB is one of 51 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2024 that are receiving a collective $5.48 million from Chick-fil-A, Inc. To be selected for a grant, organizations must work to address key issues that align with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for our Communities and Caring for our Planet. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department arrested three men after responding to a call of multiple people “waving around guns†at a Whataburger on Jan. 5 around 8:20 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a call of a witness claiming to observe people getting into and out of a white Chevrolet Traverse at the Whataburger on Loop 256. Officials said they have received multiple calls in recent months in the area and the Palestine Plaza, involving fights, drugs and weapons offenses. A detective with the Street Crimes Unit was the first to respond to the scene and located the vehicle in the parking lot that reportedly occupied several young males. The detective reportedly held them at gunpoint until back-up arrived. The detective allegedly noticed one of the passengers, Brenden Mathews, 17, was making “furtive movements†and was ordered multiple times to keep his hands up. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Sunday morning after officials said he barricaded himself in a County Road 165 residence on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they got a call on an open line where they could hear a distraught woman around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday night. Deputies responded to the 16500 block of County Road 165 and were able to get the woman out so she could be treated for her injuries. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman said a man in the house was armed. Trent Bright, 54, Tyler, was allegedly barricaded in the residence for hours. Officials said that Smith County Swat and negotiators arrived at the scene and by Sunday morning Bright had come out of the residence to turn himself in after hours of negotiation. Bright was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
TYLER — The Texas Rose Festival held an event on Thursday where they announced the 2024 theme, queen and royal court for the annual event, according to our news partner KETK. The theme for the 2024 Texas Rose Festival is Fanfare of Festivals. “We decided to celebrate a fanfare of festivals and so that’s going to be all over the world, the state of Texas and most of all the rich history of the Texas Rose Festival,†said coronation co-chair Chelsea Cooper. Inspiration will come from festivals all around the world, some coming from East Texas including the Tomato Fest and Syrup Festival. They also announced Frances Olivia Faulconer as the 91st annual queen, daughter of Galen and Renee Faulconer. “Being chosen as the Queen of the Texas Rose Festival is not just a distinction for me, it’s a testament to the pride and joy it brings to my entire family,†said Faulconer. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The TxDOT Tyler district encompasses eight East Texas counties and had a total of 24 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 alone, according to our news partner KETK. “Some of the leading causes of pedestrian fatality is driver inattention, unsafe speed, and pedestrians failing to yield the right of way to vehicles,†said Jeff Williford, TxDOT Tyler District Public Information Officer. TxDOT encourages pedestrians to use sidewalks, crosswalks, and be cautious of their surroundings. “We’ve seen over the past few years throughout the state that fatalities throughout the state have risen,†said Williford. Suggesting whenever people are out and about, whether that’s in neighborhoods or along busy highways, make sure they’re visible to drivers. “Make sure again, that you’re staying on sidewalks, if there is not a sidewalk available to walk on, we encourage to walk on the left side of the road,†said Williford. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A pedestrian crossing Loop 323 was hit by a car on Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said a pedestrian was crossing Loop 323, from First Christian Church to the French Quarter Shopping Center parking lot, around 6:45 when they were struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was not using a crosswalk. The vehicle reportedly remained at the scene to wait for authorities. Tyler PD said the pedestrian was awake and alert and was transferred to a local hospital but was in serious condition.
LONGVIEW — A Mega Millions ticket sold in Longview has won a $2 million prize after Tuesday night’s drawing. According to the Texas Lottery and our news partner KETK, the ticket was sold at the Murphy Express on E. Loop 281. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 18, 27, 29, 64 and the Mega Ball was 1. The ticket sold in Longview matched the five winning numbers, winning a $1 million prize, that was doubled with the Megaplier.
LONGVIEW — The Longview Municipal Court’s warrant amnesty program will be available from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2024, offering those with outstanding warrants an opportunity to resolve cases and save on their court fines. During the amnesty program, all warrant fees will be removed when someone voluntarily contacts the court to pay at least half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the remaining balance. An additional 20 percent will be removed from the fine amount for those who pay their balance in full. The discount only applies to the fine amount and does not include court costs. 239 people took advantage of the warrant amnesty program in 2023, resolving 381 warrants and saving thousands of dollars. The Longview Municipal Court encourages anyone with an active, outstanding warrant to seize this chance to save some money and get a fresh start. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE — A man is in custody after a standoff with police officers, where he allegedly claimed to have multiple firearms and a bomb. According to our news partner KETK and the Palestine Police Department, on Jan. 1 at around 4:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of St. Andrews Drive due to a disturbance. The caller reportedly had advised authorities that the man inside the house was armed. When officers arrived, they reportedly heard gunshots being fired inside the house and a short time after a female ran out of the residence and was taken to safety by officers. The suspect, Tin Phan, 26, of Palestine, was reportedly the only person inside the house. The PPD emergency team arrived at the scene. Officials said Phan came out of the house with a firearm and was wearing a military uniform. An attempt to negotiate with Phan reportedly failed and Phan ran back into the residence. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Phan and a search warrant for the residence. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Authorities in Longview are investigating after a woman was found dead on railroad tracks on New Year’s Day. According to our news partner KETK, officers were called to North Fredonia Street for an “unknown problem.†When they arrived, witnesses reported a woman lying on the railroad tracks in the area of North Second Street. Officers said it appeared that the unidentified woman was “struck by a moving train.†The Longview Police Department and the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department are investigating.
EAST TEXAS — A Carthage man was found guilty on Tuesday of several counts after waiving a jury trial in a Capitol riot case. According to our news partner KETK, the prosecution and defense agreed to a stipulated bench trial. A stipulated bench trial means that both parties agreed to present certain facts in court to a judge instead of a jury. Alex Kirk Harkrider, 36, was charged alongside Ryan Nichols, 32, of Longview, on several felonies in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Nichols pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers in November. Nichols will be sentenced in March. Harkrider’s sentencing is set for May 9.
TYLER — The former Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler Bishop, Joseph Strickland, is speaking out over an historic ruling at the Vatican., our news partner KETK reports. On Monday, in a landmark decision, Pope Francis gave formal approval for priests to bless same-sex couples as long as they do not appear to endorse their marriage. “It’s really the first time that there’s been any sort of opening to blessing same sex couples,†said Father James Martin. Members and supporters of the LGBTQ community and traditional Catholics are both reacting differently to the change. Now, Strickland has shared his reaction to the news. “We really simply need to be a united voice saying ‘no, we will not respond to this, we will not incorporate this into the life of the church,’ because we simply must say no.†Strickland said to LifeSiteNews. Strickland has been critical of the Pope in the past and has kept a low-profile since his removal by the Pope on Nov. 11. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A man was sentenced to one year in prison for his role in an attempt to sell elephant tusks. According to our news partner KETK, Dusty Caudill was sentenced to one year in prison and three years supervised release on Tuesday for conspiracy to transport wildlife in interstate commerce. Caudill was charged alongside two other men. Their federal indictment claimed Caudill posed with the African elephant tusks in Ardmore, Oklahoma for photo and video recordings to promote the sale of the tusks. Another man then sent three photos and two videos to an undercover United States Fish and Wildlife special agent to negotiate the sale of the tusks. Prosecutors said that the tusks had been stolen in a burglary of a home in Ardmore in late 2020. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — Texas senators are ranked from most liberal to most conservative in a new study. The Texas Tribune bases the rankings on the 31 senators’ votes during this year’s regular session and four special sessions. Among the Republicans, Senator Bryan Hughes (pictured), of Mineola, is ranked as the most conservative. Senator Robert Nichols, of Jacksonville, is the most liberal Republican, but he’s still more conservative than the most conservative Democrat, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, of McAllen. Senator Sarah Eckhardt, of Austin, and Senator Roland Gutierrez, of San Antonio, who is running in the primary next year for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Ted Cruz, are the most liberal Democrats.
TYLER — Nicholas Pet Haven is raising money to buy a transport van that can take some of their animals in Tyler to their partner shelter in Chicago. According to our news partner and Nicholas Pet Haven, their partner shelter has agreed to accept some of their long timers and that will allow Nicholas Pet Haven to help Smith County Animal Control and Tyler AC by taking in some of their urgent pets while they also continue to manage their own strays. Illinois has a mandatory spay and neuter law so they don’t have as many strays as Texas, meaning their shelters sometimes have room to take other state’s dogs. Nicholas Pet Haven said that they’ll easily be able to send their partner all of their puppies and cats and they plan to send a van load of animals every other week once they get the van. Click here to visit Nicholas Pet Haven online.
HARRISON COUNTY — A Harrison County Sheriff’s Office deputy and his family reportedly lost their house to a fire, according to our news partner KETK. “Tragedy struck the HCSO family this morning when Deputy Maguire woke up to his home on fire. Unfortunately, ESD crews did all they could but the structure and its contents were a total loss. We’re asking for your prayers during this family’s time of need,†said the sheriff’s office. The Texas Municipal Police Association shared a fundraiser that was made for the Maguire family. The association said the family of nine, lost everything including their Christmas gifts. “Your donations will help them rebuild and provide some comfort during the holiday season,†said the TMPA. Click here to donate.
TYLER — The Salvation Army in Tyler is spreading Christmas cheer to this year’s 2023 Angel Tree families. According to our news partner KETK, Angel Tree recipients began showing up on Friday morning for their appointments to get their gifts. “Thank God for the people that care enough to help people that are struggling,†said Gwen Smith, a Salvation Army Angel Tree recipient. Smith picked up gifts for her four grandchildren. “Oh my goodness it just means the world to me, you know it’s been very supportive for my family because I am struggling,†said Smith. Thanks to donations from big corporations, small businesses and community members, the organization is helping 2,500 children and senior angels this holiday season. “You know when people come up there to adopt an angel and you know there is even little kids that will come up adopt an angel,†said Dyane Garner, a Salvation Army volunteer. Garner has been volunteering for about 20 years. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — In a release, UT Health East Texas announced on Wednesday that all non-emergent surgeries have resumed. UT Health East Texas said that their teams are working directly with patients who were affected by the ransomware attack to reschedule appointments and receive care. “We continue to make progress following last week’s restoration of our Epic electronic medical records and other clinical systems, with new systems coming back online daily. We sincerely regret the frustration this incident has caused many patients. Our teams continue working around the clock to restore access to all systems as quickly and safely as possible. While this process will take time, we look forward to sharing more progress soon.†– UT Health East Texas. They advise people to visit the Ardent Health website for updates on the ransomware attack.
TYLER — On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council approved changes to the Unified Development Code. Some of the updates to the UDC affect new tobacco, vape and smoke stores as well as bail bonds, auto repair, tire shops and self-storage businesses in the Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District). “We’re committed to reviewing City ordinances regularly to ensure that they align with development practices and the changing needs of our community,” said Planning Director Kyle Kingma. Now, as part of the UDC, new tobacco, vape and smoke stores opening in the City will have to be located 300 feet from sensitive land uses such as schools, child care centers, hospitals, churches and City parks. The proposal will also establish a 1,000-foot spacing requirement from other vape and smoke shops. These types of stores will also now be able to operate in areas of Tyler in industrial zoning. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Smith County Animal control has transformed its shelter to host “A Who-Ville Grinchmas†event on Saturday, December 16. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the holiday event will offer free dog adoptions and a visit with the Grinch! As Cindy Lou Who says, ‘No one should be alone on Christmas.’ Let’s give these loving dogs new families for the holiday season and to ring in the new year,†Smith County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said. As of Wednesday, December 13, there were 59 dogs and 25 puppies in the shelter who need homes. Throughout December, dog adoptions have been reduced to $12 for the “$12 Strays of Grinchmas,†to continue the Grinch theme at the shelter. But during Saturday’s event, adoptions will be free. Each dog adopted also comes with a voucher to pay for spay or neuter costs. The shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson St. in downtown Tyler and can be reached at 903-266-4303. To view what dogs are available for adoption, click here.
TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities will soon begin a water meter replacement project for customers. The Tyler City Council approved the $3.45 million project with Core & Main on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Water meters are used to measure the amount of water delivered to a customer’s tap. The current water metering system was installed in 2005. Over the last several years, 27 percent of the existing meters have faced issues in accurately reading water usage at the meter, not registering consumption and not communicating the information to the Water Business Office. “Technology has advanced, and we know there’s a better solution for our customers with meters that aren’t working properly,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz. “Replacing those meters will allow our customers to rest easy and know that their water bill is accurate.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Fair Plaza Parking Garage at 208 S. College Ave. will be closed for maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 17. All vehicles must be removed from the parking garage by 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. Vehicles not removed will be subject to towing. The Main Street Department is working with drivers who reserve spaces and need overnight parking. The parking garage will be power washed to prepare for the restriping of the parking spaces and directional arrows. It will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 18. Once the garage is dry, the restriping process will begin and individual levels will be closed one at a time to allow drivers to park on other levels during the project. “We are excited about this project as it will allow markings to be easily identifiable and create a safe environment for those parking in the garage,” said Main Street Director Amber Varona. The project is anticipated to take about a week.
LONGVIEW — Tuesday morning, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital employees and patients gathered out front for a Christmas event that had been paused for the last few years. According to our news partner KETK, Longview SWAT, including a Blue Santa, rappelled down the side of the hospital for all to see. “[It] brings the city together, shows the police department and fire can all work together and all make the city better,†said Lyle Potter, a Longview Police Department Patrol Officer. Fittingly named Operation Christmas Cheer, it’s a way to bring the holiday spirit to those who spend a lot of time in the hospital. Once they land, the SWAT team hands out gifts and candy canes. “This is the first time they’ve done it since 2019, so I think it’s especially important today,†said Todd Hancock, CEO of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office has closed early after an employee noticed water outside the building. On Tuesday afternoon, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber reportedly noticed water coming up through the pavement in front of the tax office building on Front Street and notified the City of Tyler Water Utilities Department. The City said they shut off water to the Cotton Belt Building and Barber shut down the office. The Lindale, Noonday and Troup substation tax offices remain open. The Cotton Belt Building is expected to reopen Wednesday morning, officials said.
GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County authorities say there is no evidence of foul play in connection to the death of an inmate at their North Jail facility on Tuesday. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, jail staff were conducting observation floor walks when they saw a 64-year-old inmate unresponsive in his cell. “Jail staff along with jail medical staff began immediate lifesaving procedures,†the statement read. “The inmate was transported to a local hospital by EMS personnel where he was later pronounced dead.†The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office notified the Texas Commission on Jail Standards about the death. Per policy, the Texas Rangers were notified and are investigating. The inmate’s identity will be released after his next-of-kin has been informed.
PALESTINE — The City of Palestine announced a water outage in some parts of the city for Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the water outage will occur on East Park Ave from Lakeview Ave to East Neches Street on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until repairs can be completed. Officials said if the public has any questions or concerns to contact public works at 903-731-8423.
TYLER — A post office has been damaged after a man allegedly crashed into the building before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK and Andy Erbaugh, the Public Information Officer for Tyler PD, it is suspected that the man was parked at front of the Azalea Post Office on 2627 S. Broadway Ave. when he put the car in drive instead of in reverse. The driver damaged the front of the building, going through the glass walls. No one inside was injured, but the driver sustained injuries due to the airbag opening, Erbaugh said. The post office reportedly remains open.