Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
LINDALE – 
Lindale Independent School District announced today that every campus within the district has earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2024–2025 school year, with the district as a whole also achieving an overall “A” rating. “This is a testament to the incredible teamwork that happens every single day in Lindale ISD,” said Stan Surratt, Superintendent of Schools. “Our students work hard, our teachers go above and beyond to provide engaging and rigorous instruction, and our families consistently partner with us to ensure success. We are grateful for a community that values and supports public education.” Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler, TX – 
For the 22nd year in a row, Tyler ISD has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) from the Association of School Business Officials International.
The recognition honors the district’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024. The COE is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, reflecting a tradition of accuracy, transparency, and accountability. “Tyler ISD is honored to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting for the 22nd year,” said Tyler ISD Chief Financial Officer Kasey Russell. “We are especially proud to have received the award without any comments or recommendations.”
The district credits this continued achievement to a shared commitment among its leadership, staff, and community to uphold the highest standards in financial stewardship.
CAMP COUNTY –
Our news partners at KETK report that a huge step was taken against the Grand Saline Creek Reservoir on Thursday as a local water planning group unanimously voted against the project. Canton residents pushback against Grand Saline Creek Reservoir For residents, it was a big win on Wednesday afternoon in Pittsburg. After a nearly 4-hour meeting, the Region D Water Planning Group representatives voted down the proposed Grand Saline Creek Reservoir as an alternative water source for the city of Canton. The board will also send a letter of opposition to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – 
Tyler ISD got their official TEA ratings today and the news is very good. For example, Moore Middle School jumped from a B (89) to an A (90). They also saw an increase at five other campuses. Click here to see the full chart.
LONGVIEW — 
Our news partners at KETK report that a motorcyclist is dead following a crash on Monday in Longview. The Longview Police Department said officers responded to a call after an SUV and motorcycle crash occurred on Monday at around 6:01 p.m. in the 3700 block of West Loop 281. The investigation revealed that the motorcyclist ran a red light that caused the crash. The biker was then taken to a local hospital, where the driver later died. Officials have not identified the driver of the motorcycle at this time.
MARION COUNTY — Marion County is now under a burn ban after Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, County Judge Leward J. LaFleur said the ban was issued out of of caution after Governor Abbott said 191 counties were under an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage due to increased fire weather conditions that began on Sunday. This means. all outdoor burning is now prohibited in the county unless the restriction ends earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service or the court. The order also mentions that any outdoor grill be above the ground, or enclosed. Fire rings, ground fires and open grills are prohibited. Anyone caught violating the order can receive a Class C misdemeanor or a $500 fine.
UPDATE: The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 13, 2025.
PREVIOUS STORY: RUSK — Due to a water line break in Rusk, the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company has issued a boil water notice for some customers on Monday.
According to RRWSC, customers on the following roads are currently under a boil water notice: FM 23, FM 1857, County Road 2202, County Road 2206, County Road 2207, County Road 2208, County Road 2209, County Road 2210, County Road 2211,County Road 2212, County Road 2213, County Road 2301 and County Road 2303.
Any households or businesses under a boil water notice should bring water for cleaning or consumption to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before use. RRWSC said customers will be notified when the notice is no longer in effect. To learn more, visit Rusk Rural Water Supply Company online.
TYLER – North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is asking drivers to be aware that starting Wednesday, August 13, Toll 49 will be closed at night from I-20, south five miles to CR 1150 for major road enhancements. The closure will be from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays during August and a few weeks into September.
“NET RMA is proud to be making these enhancements,” said Glenn H. Green, NET RMA Executive Director. “The material we are using, SuperPave, is a high performance-grade asphalt that will not only add strength, it also provides a smooth, quiet roadway for our customers. This is a new, highly skid-resistant surface that will last for years.”
The agency is requesting travelers find other routes during that time frame. For more information on Toll 49 visit, NETRMA.org.
LONGVIEW — Authorities report that a motorcyclist has died following a crash on Monday in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Department sent officers to an accident location at West Loop 281 near the O.K. Paper Center. They found a collision between a SUV and a motorcycle. An LPD investigation revealed the motorcyclist ran a red light that caused the crash. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to a hospital, where the driver died. Officials are withholding the name of the deceased at this time.
NACOGDOCHES — 
Our news partners at KETK report that a Nacogdoches father and grandmother were arrested Saturday after a 3-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition due to ingesting THC gummies. According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, around 10:20 a.m., police and EMS responded to a home on West Main Street, where a 3-year-old was in medical distress after eating THC gummies. Officials said the toddler was transported to a local hospital, but then life-flighted due to being in critical condition. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS – With classes beginning in most school districts, CHRISTUS Health reminds parents about required immunizations needed. State law requires children to be vaccinated against several diseases before attending school, including Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis A and B, and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis among others.
“In the simplest of terms, immunizations are helping the body build an immune response,” said Dr. Evelyn Chou, family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Vaccines help your body understand what is dangerous and needs to be fought so that if you come across that illness in the future, your body knows what to do.”
Parents who may have questions about the vaccination status of their child are encouraged to speak to contact their family doctor as well as local school districts regarding any vaccination requirements that they have.
TYLER – UT Health Tyler and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital have confirmed that parts of their facilities are running on generator power. According to our news partner KETK, the power outages happened on Wednesday after a power line was cut when a gas company doing maintenance work.
UT Health East Texas said in a release, “Our emergency generators are fully operational for affected areas, and all critical systems, including life-support equipment and patient monitoring systems, are functioning without interruption. Patient care and safety remain our highest priority. At this time, essential services are continuing, and our clinical teams are closely monitoring all areas of the hospital.” Read the rest of this entry »
RUSK COUNTY — A pipeline explosion has been reported near a church camp in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez said the explosion was beside the Whispering Pines Church Camp. Valdez said the camp was not operating at the time of the incident. Henderson Fire Department and three volunteer fire departments were at scene early Wednesday evening. Rusk County ESD#1 Spokesperson Patrick Dolley said a person was working in the area of the pipeline. They hit it, causing a fire. The fire was contained and no injuries were reported.
TYLER – BlueCross BlueShield of Texas announced on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement with CHRISTUS Health, ensuring patients can continue to receive in-network care. The insurance company said all CHRISTUS Health doctors, hospitals and other facilities will remain in their network.
CHRISTUS released the following statement Wednesday on the agreement:
“CHRISTUS Health is pleased to announce that we have reached a new contract agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, ensuring that patients can continue to receive in-network care at our hospitals, clinics and health facilities. Our priority has always been to provide compassionate and high-quality care to all who may need us. We’re proud to offer that care without disruption to our patients covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.”
UPDATE: According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Abby Grace Morales has been found safe and is in the process of being returned to her family
TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a runaway from the Bullard area. She is 15-year-old Abby Grace Morales. Abby was last seen around 11:00 p.m. last night, July 26, leaving her residence on County Road 173. She is described as a Hispanic female, 5’7, 170, with brown hair, and brown eyes. Abby was last seen wearing a gray shirt and shorts. There is a possibility she left using an Uber. Abby does not have any physical or mental issues.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Abby , please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.
SMITH COUNTY — 
Our news partners at KETK report that a Smith County father was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after he was arrested for abusing a three-month-old baby in January. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, around 6 p.m. on Jan. 8, a deputy responded to a Tyler hospital, where they were informed by hospital personnel that a three-month-old baby had received significant injuries that looked like child abuse. While the infant was undergoing CT scans and X-rays, the attending nurse informed the deputy that the baby was lethargic, weak and had bruises on their face and neck. An investigator then spoke with the baby’s mother, who told officials that her baby had just returned home after spending several days with his father, Zachray McGinn, at a home located near Whitehouse.
According to officials, the mother explained that she had been in contact with McGinn and his mother, Brittany Mackey, on Facebook Messenger while her child was away. “The mother further explained that on Jan. 8, both McGinn and Mackey dropped off the infant at her residence,” the sheriff’s office said. “It was at this time that the mother observed the lethargic manner of her child and the bruising to his face. Shortly thereafter, the mother took the infant to the emergency room in Tyler.” Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department was able end a three hour standoff Sunday, triggered by a domestic disturbance. According to our news partner KETK, LPD and SWAT responded to a call at an apartment on Montrose Street. Officers found 20-year-old Francisco Farfan of Lufkin, threatening to shoot himself.
After initial conversation with police, and Farfan not coming out of the apartment, gas canisters were used. After another hour, SWAT used their truck to push in the front door of the apartment. However, Farfan pushed the door closed. At this time, the SWAT team opened the door and hit Farfan with 40-millimeter foam baton round, knocking him down and letting officers gain control of the situation. Francisco Farfan was booked into the Angelina County Jail for aggravated assault, with the possibility of more charges to be filed.
UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in a sting operation that led to the arrest of a man who was allegedly communicating with a minor online.
According to our news partner KETK, law enforcement believed David Palmer had online communications with a minor in order to meet them in person. However, Palmer was in reality talking to an undercover officer. That officer, directed him to at a meet location in Gilmer. After arriving at the location, Palmer was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor. He is in the Upshur County Jail, with his bond set at $75,000.
TYLER – On Monday, Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham announced that they’re joining a nationwide effort to eliminate certified artificial colors from their ice cream by 2027. According to our news partner KETK, Blue Bell is joining other dairy companies in the International Dairy Foods Association’s Ice Cream Commitment to end the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 by Dec. 31, 2027.
The IDFA said in press release, “As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love. Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations.”
Blue Bell’s announcement noted the fact that many of their classic flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream, Homemade Vanilla and Rocky Road already do not use artificial coloring. To learn more about all of their flavors and products, visit Blue Bell Creameries online.
Kilgore — Kilgore College has terminated their assistant football coach after finding out about criminal charges in another state. According to our news partner KETK, 41-year-old Forrest Mazy, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an Oklahoma high school. Pittsburg County, Oklahoma authorities said that Mazey is accused of “fraudulently appropriating the sum” of more than $4,600 that belonged to McAlester Public Schools. He has pleaded not guilty earlier this month and was released on a $1,000 bond.
According to the Kilgore College website, Mazey, who was listed as the teams offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was fired after college officials found out about the charges in Oklahoma. Mazey was the head coach at McAlester High School from 2019 to 2025, where he also served as the dean of students. He also spent four seasons as the head coach at Poteau High School, where he led the Pirates to two undefeated seasons.
TYLER – Southside Bancshares, Inc.,the parent company of Southside Bank, will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, July 28th. This to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Southside Bank. Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, along with members of the Company’s management team and board of directors, will participate in the ceremonial bell ringing.
Mr. Gibson said in a press release, “We are honored to ring the NYSE opening bell to commemorate Southside’s 65th anniversary. Since we first opened our doors in 1960, we have remained committed to helping people and businesses of our Texas communities thrive and prosper. This significant milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team members and our longstanding dedication to our customers, communities, and shareholders.”
The bell ringing ceremony begins at at about 8:25 a.m. Monday and can be streamed here.
TYLER – According to a press release from the Tyler Police Department, on July 13th Tyler Police responded to a residence in the 1700 block of N. Fannin Ave in Tyler on report of a homicide.
The victim has been identified as Juan Ramon Meza, a 39-year-old male. Tyler Police Detectives investigating this case were able to identify a suspect identified as Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, (pictured), a 49-year-old male. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murder, a 1st degree felony on Vega with a $1,000,000 bond.
“This was not a random act of violence,” police said. “If you have any information on the location of Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.”
If you have any information on the location of Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.
TYLER – 
After just one week, the nation’s average price of gasoline has reverted to a decline, falling 1.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.09 per gallon, according to GasBuddy® data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. The national average is down 11.5 cents from a month ago and is 37.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.693 per gallon. Read the rest of this entry »
Update: The City of Longview spoke with KTBB late Friday afternoon. Center, Fredonia, Horaney and the 500 block of Center Street are still blocked by the derailment.
LONGVIEW – A train derailment late Thursday afternoon in downtown Longview has cut access to multiple streets. According to our news partner KETK, Fredonia, Center, Horaney and the 500 block of East Cotton Street are closed to traffic. Longview PD reports that no injuries have been reported, and no hazardous materials were involved. Workers are at the derailment scene, working to remove the train. Authorities ask that drivers avoid downtown Longview while crews continue their work.
Tyler – The City of Tyler said in release Tuesday, that crews will be replacing the traffic signal pole at the intersection of Highway 271 and East Northeast Loop 323, Wednesday, June 16. Drivers can expect lane closures and delays all day. Officials ask that you use other routes and caution while traveling in this area, because workers will be present.
TYLER – 
The Tyler Police Department has confirmed that a man died on Saturday after a vehicle fell on him according to our news partners at KETK. The Tyler Patrolman’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police lodge for Tyler officers, said that officers responded to assist EMS at a property on South Palace Avenue on Saturday. According to Tyler PD, the man was under his car when a jack failed, causing the car to fall onto him. The man was freed by officers and EMS took him to a local hospital where Tyler PD confirmed that he died. The Tyler Patrolman’s Association said the Tyler PD Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the man’s death.
Tyler – 
Discovery Science Place welcomes East Texas educators to its annual Educator Open House on Friday, July 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This free event is designed exclusively for teachers and school staff, offering a preview of educational programming for the upcoming school year, along with hands-on STEM fun and networking.
The Open House, held inside the Discovery Science Place Museum at 308 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Tyler, is for adults only and open to anyone working in education. Attendees will enjoy museum access, classroom activity ideas, free food from Jucy’s Tacos, and the chance to win door prizes. The evening is also an opportunity to learn about field trip offerings and in-school programs designed to bring science to life for students of all ages.
“This event is our way of saying thank you to educators and equipping them with tools to make science education even more engaging,” said Bradley Lindsey, Director of Education at Discovery Science Place. “We want teachers to leave inspired, connected, and excited about the resources we can offer them throughout the school year.”
Peltier Chevrolet serves as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Educator Open House. Additional support is provided by East Lake Medical, Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers, Cooperative Teachers Credit Union, VeraBank, Sinclair Law Office, and Cavender’s Boot City.
Admission to the event is free. Learn more at http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org/educator.
TYLER — 
Bishop of Tyler Gregory Kelly has announced a special collection at Masses this weekend to raise aid for those affected by the Central Texas flooding, according to our news partners at KETK. According to Kelly, the special collection will occur on July 12 through July13 and support efforts will be coordinated through the Catholic Charities of East Texas. Those who attend are encouraged to consider donating financial aid by participating in the special collection. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — 
Our news partner KETK reports that after the Texas House and Senate approved House Bill 1481, which bans students from using cell phones during school hours, school districts across East Texas are now working to update their policies to comply with the new law. H.B. 1481 now requires public schools to develop a plan to implement these new regulations. The bill passed the House on April 24 with 128 votes in favor, and the Senate approved it a month later with a unanimous 31 votes. Electronics now banned include telephones, cell phones (such as smartphones or flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, and any other device capable of telecommunication and digital communication. Read the rest of this entry »
News Alert: Trump surveys flood damage in Texas — President Donald Trump is in Texas for a firsthand look at the devastation caused by catastrophic flooding that has killed at least 120 people, and another 170 missing. Read the rest of this entry »