Today is
Tuesday July 21, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes is set to be the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs well into the next decade.
The Chiefs and the two-time MVP agreed to a restructured contract Wednesday that adds two years to his deal and pushes the total compensation past a half-billion dollars, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Chiefs do not disclose financial terms of their contracts.
The Chiefs later posted a photo of Mahomes signing his extension on social media.
Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020 that set a benchmark not only for the quarterback position but for any football player. The latest extension ties the two-time MVP to the Chiefs through the 2033 season, when Mahomes will be 38, and it comes in at $504.75 million, with incentives and escalators that could push the value $522.25 million. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — As a proposed expansion to Toll 49 takes shape, contractors and officials have presented changes and adjustments at the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) meeting on Tuesday, after East Texans’ voiced concerns for safety. At Longview’s Mod Cobb Convention Center, locals gathered for the NET RMA’s public information meeting to hear about the expansion project, which would stretch from State Highway 110 to US 271 and give drivers another option for traveling east from Tyler.
This was the second part of the public meeting — the first half happened in Tyler on June 2 — as the project undergoes an Environmental Impact Statement study. Some residents have raised concerns regarding the road’s proximity to schools, such as the Save Kids from Loop 49 advocacy group, which looks to keep school children safe from the effects the expansion may have.
Since the first public hearing, changes have already come about, moving the route farther from the elementary school. Despite the approved reroute, some still think the project is too close to schools and highly populated roads. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – An investigation has been launched after one person was discovered to have drowned at Lake Cherokee on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department and our news partner KETK, firefighters were dispatched to the north side of Lake Cherokee at around 12:40 p.m. after receiving reports of a missing person.
Once on the scene, firefighters began searching the area and it was reported that the missing individual was last seen on a boat dock 45 minutes prior to when emergency personnel arrived at the lake. The individual was later discovered to be dead in the water, according to the fire department.
The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation following the death and any further information regarding the incident will be released when deemed appropriate.
“At this time, the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” the fire department said.
JACKSONVILLE — The annual Jacksonville Tomato Festival is back for its 42nd year this Saturday, set to take over downtown with festivities. The festival will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and continues the debate on whether a tomato is a vegetable or a fruit, according to our news partner KETK. The event is set to feature a variety of attractions for all ages in the heart of Jacksonville, including a car show, farmers market and more. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon at East End Boulevard South.
At around 3:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of a collision involving a pick-up truck and a passenger vehicle. When officers arrived, they determined the driver of the car had died at the scene. The driver and the passengers in the pick-up truck were not injured.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The crash remains under investigation by the Marshall Police Department.
JACKSONVILLE – The faith-based nonprofit Highway 69 Mission announced on Monday that it will be permanently closing at the end of this summer.
According to our news partner KETK, the Highway 69 Mission, based in Jacksonville, was founded in 2018 and has always tried to provide spiritual, psychological and social assistance to those seeking refuge. The mission also provides outreach services to homeless people along with those suffering from mental illnesses, substance abuse and PTSD.
The organization said the decision to close was made after seeking God’s guidance along with much prayer and thoughtful consideration. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Residents may notice some unusual city employees gathering information this summer to enhance safety on trails and sidewalks. Daxbot robots will collaborate with Kimley-Horn to gather accessibility data for pedestrian facilities in Tyler’s public rights-of-way and trails beginning on June 10. These robots can yield to humans. The city of Tyler states that they only gather data about pedestrian infrastructure. Personal data is not stored by the robots. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Tyler residents will be able to vote in this year’s mayoral election between candidates Stuart Hene and John Nix.
There were 6,777 in-person and mail-in ballots cast during early voting. That is more than the 5,415 early votes cast in the May 2 Tyler Mayoral Election. There are 67,097 eligible voters for this election. You must be registered and reside in the city limits of Tyler to be eligible to vote in this election.
Here are the polling places in Smith County on Saturday, June 13th:
TYLER – According to arrest records, three individuals are suspected of robbing a minor at gunpoint on Monday afternoon at an apartment complex in Tyler. According to arrest affidavits, Jermiyah Mackey, Latayvion Cumbie, and Markieston Deshun Hill were all charged with aggravated robbery in connection with an incident at the Liberty Arms Apartments, located at 2601 N. Broadway Ave. Documents say, the three of them stole roughly $380 from the victim, who police identified as a minor, while pointing firearms at the victim. A witness attested to seeing several individuals carrying a handgun and a rifle. Read the rest of this entry »
ATHENS – After being discovered unconscious, an Athens man serving a life sentence for a 2010 murder died in a prison on Monday. Athens resident James Arlie Hampton, 54, was found guilty of killing Corey David on January 4, 2010. Judicial and appeal records show that he was given a life sentence. Hampton was discovered unconscious at the Lewis Unit in Woodville on Monday, June 8, according to a report from the Texas Attorney General. Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, he was declared dead at the hospital. The results of the autopsy are still pending. Read the rest of this entry »
RUSK COUNTY — A $1,000 reward is being offered for information after game wardens found an illegally shot alligator dead in Rusk County on Sunday, according to our news partner, KETK and game wardens. Officials received a call from a resident about a dead alligator spotted in Striker Creek. The 7-foot-long gator was found underneath the FM 839 bridge in Rusk County with a bullet hole between its eyes. Officials believe the alligator died between Wednesday and Sunday. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – A Smith County man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday following an investigation that revealed he was a member of a crack cocaine distribution network. According our news partner KETK and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, 64-year-old Charles Miller was found guilty of engaging in organized criminal activity following an investigation conducted by members of the Tyler Police Department.
During the investigations, which lasted for over 20 months, investigators utilized surveillance footage and search warrants to dismantle the drug trafficking organization, which led to the arrest of Miller and 11 others connected to the operation.
On Monday, Miller was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A woman has died following a reported drowning at Lake Tyler over the weekend. According to a Tyler Police Department news release, Shelly Snow, 35, of Whitehouse, reportedly went under the water around 4:45 p.m Sunday. A Texas Game Warden arrived at approximately 4:50 p.m. and assisted with CPR.
Snow was transported to a local hospital, were she was later pronounced dead.
The investigation is ongoing.
LONGVIEW – Longview ISD held a ceremony on Monday to swear in Benjamin Kemper as the first police chief of the newly developed district police department. Prior to joining the district’s police department, Kemper worked with the Longview Police Department for twenty-four years, where he most recently served as Assistant Police Chief. Over his career, he has led patrol operations, criminal investigations, support services and special operations, including service as SWAT Commander and Captain of the Operations Bureau.
Before joining Longview ISD, Kemper earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Oklahoma.
During the ceremony Kemper spoke about what his new job means and why he believes it is a important role in the community.
“It’s the commitment to protecting everybody within the school district. It’s not just the students or staff, it’s about making sure that we can create the safest learning environment we can for everybody,” Kemper said. “So our students can come to school every day without the fear of safety concerns.So our students can come to school every day without the fear of safety concerns. and they can come here to learn what our district is about.”
KILGORE – A pedestrian was killed on Monday morning at the CB Tire Shop in Kilgore after a truck left State Highway 135. According to the Kilgore Police Department, emergency services were sent out to the 700 block of State Highway 135 at around 8:07 a.m. on Monday because of a reported pedestrian crash. Upon arrival, responding personnel learned that a white 2024 Ford pickup truck was traveling south on State Highway 135 when the vehicle left the road and hit a pedestrian at the CB Tire Shop.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash. Kilgore PD said their preliminary findings show that the driver of the Ford had a medical emergency before their vehicle crashed off the road.
Kilgore PD is still investigating this crash.
TRINIDAD – The chief of police for the Trinidad Police Department has resigned as the Henderson County community continues to deal with ongoing water woes. Our news partner KETK News has learned from a Trinidad Police Department officer that Chief Charles Gregory has submitted his two-week notice to city leadership, notifying them that he’s resigning from his position.
This news comes as Trinidad community residents gathered at the Trinidad Community Center on Monday to discuss solutions to the city’s ongoing water issues, which have prompted frustration with the city’s leadership, two lawsuits and calls for new leaders. On Thursday, the Trinidad City Council met to discuss the water problems. At that meeting, city council members voted 3 to 1 to dismiss Municipal Judge Shella Bievens and the city attorney.
CHEROKEE COUNTY — A Cherokee County man was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for his role in a 2021 murder in New Summerfield that left four people dead. According to our news partner KETK, Jesse Pawlowski was sentenced to life in prison on Monday without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to the murders of John Clinton, Jeff Gerla, Ami Hickey and Amanda Bain.
Arrest affidavits revealed, that Pawlowksi along with with Dylan Welch and Billy Phillips planned to meet Clinton at his trailer home and attempted to steal a handgun from him. After receiving a report of a dead body near the home, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office found that Clinton had been shot in the head. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – Phase one of Marshall’s water stabilization project which beganMonday, meaning temporary loss of water for some residents. The shut off started at 4 p.m. around U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 43. Affected areas are said to include the Scenic Loop area between Pinecrest Drive and Bell Street. Water should be back on for all residents by 10 p.m. Tuesday night, according to the City of Marshall website.
Authorities say the water will be shut off while contractors tie into the newly repaired 16-inch water line that runs under the highway. This outage is required to complete the connections and place the infrastructure into service.
As well as a water shut off, the City of Marshall has issued a boil water notice for the same area.
UPSHUR COUNTY – Law enforcement officials broke up an unauthorized private party with over 60 minors in attendance on Sunday.
According our news partner KETK, and the Upshur County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, social media posts were circulating promoting a party for minors that was supposed to happen off of Wren Road, in rural Upshur County on Sunday. The posts caused local law enforcement to be concerned that drugs or alcohol at the party.
Officers from the Upshur County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office went out to the party on Sunday and found more than 60 juveniles gathered at an unauthorized private property off of Wren Road.
They also discovered alcoholic beverages at the scene along with several juveniles who were apparently intoxicated. Drivers at the party were given Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and several minors were given citations for consumption of alcohol.
Law enforcement then dispersed the crowd of minors after they helped collect trash from the scene.
KILGORE – Authorities are reporting a pedestrian was killed on Monday morning at the CB Tire Shop in Kilgore after a truck left State Highway 135.
According our news partner KETK and the Kilgore Police Department, emergency services were sent out to the CB Tire Shop on Highway 135 at around 8:07 a.m. on Monday because of a reported pedestrian crash.
Upon arrival, first responders learned that a white 2024 Ford pickup truck was traveling south on State Highway 135 when the vehicle left the road and hit a pedestrian at the tire shop.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash. Kilgore PD said their preliminary findings show that the driver of the Ford had a medical emergency before their vehicle crashed off the road. Kilgore PD is still investigating this crash.
Tyler – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is pleased to announce the naming of it’s new Chief Development Officer. He is Tyler-native and veteran communications specialist Mike Landess.
Mike has served on the Smith County Habitat Executive Board for the past 6 years and is a volunteer with their construction teams.
He and his wife, Maddie, moved back to Tyler in 2019 after his highly successful, multi-decade career in broadcast journalism. That career began here in Tyler as a high school senior.
RUSK COUNTY – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for a man wanted in connection to a crash that happened on Highway 79 on Friday. According to the sheriff’s office, a two-vehicle crash happened at around 6 p.m. on Friday on Highway 79 near County Road 341 in Chapman. Dispatchers were told that two people fled from the crash scene on foot.
The Texas Department of Public Safety was able to locate one of those suspects from the crash scene but one man wasn’t found during their search on Friday. The sheriff’s office identified that man as Derek Laningham. On Saturday at around 8 a.m., a resident called the sheriff’s office from County Road 341 because a man had entered his home and took his car keys and clothes. The sheriff’s office said this man was also identified as Derek Laningham.
Deputies searched the area near the caller’s home on foot and in ATVs but they still haven’t found him as of Saturday night. Laningham now has a warrant out for his arrest and the sheriff’s office asked residents to call them at 903-657-3581 if a suspicious person is spotted near County Road 341.
ATHENS – An 18-year-old man was arrested recently in connection to a February fatal crash that left one woman pedestrian dead on FM 2709 near Athens. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and our news partner KETK, Martha Anette Belcher, 73 of Athens, was walking along the westbound lane of FM 2709 near Highway 19 at around 7 a.m. on Feb. 25, when she was hit and killed by a gray Chevrolet Silverado.
Texas State Troopers then investigated to try and identify the vehicle and driver involved in the hit-and-run crash. A DPS press release identified 18-year-old Alexis Davila of Athens as the driver of the Chevrolet. DPS officials said Davila fled the scene of the crash and never reported it to law enforcement. He was arrested on May 29 for collision involving death and tampering/fabricating physical evidence.
Davila was released from the Henderson County Jail on May 30 after posting a $30,000 bond.
MARSHALL – A man is wanted after police said he kidnapped his ex-girlfriend in Marshall on Saturday, before fleeing to Louisiana. According to our news partner – KETK – and Marshall police, dispatch received a call requesting a welfare check at a property in the 1300 block of East Pinecrest Drive at around 7:29 a.m. Officers responding to the scene, met a woman, who said she had just been kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend.
Officers determined the woman had escaped from her ex-boyfriend, who fled from the scene before they arrived. Police identified the ex-boyfriend as Jamichael Brown.
Brown’s vehicle was later found abandoned in Greenwood, La. Marshall police joined with the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force, the Waskom Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office to conduct a joint search of the area near his vehicle, but were unable to locate Brown. Read the rest of this entry »
CAMP COUNTY – Camp County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently searching for a man who was last seen near FM 556 and FM 1519 W. Richard Spence is listed as a white man with brown hair and a goatee who’s about 5-foot 6-inches to 5-foot 8-inches tall and weighs between 120 to 140 pounds.
Spence was last seen wearing a brown t-shirt with yellow print on the front and blue jeans while he was in the area of FM 556 and FM 1519 W.
Anyone with information about Spence’s location or disappearance is asked to call Lt. Randy Huggins at 903-856-6651.
BROWNSBORO – 1 person is dead and two people have been injured after a three-vehicle crash happened on Highway 31 between Brownsboro and Chandler on Saturday.
According to Brownsboro Fire Rescue and our news partner KETK, the crash happened at around 9:42 a.m. on Saturday when an 18-wheeler, a pickup truck and a white car crashed in the 19251 block of Highway 31 near Rock Hill Baptist Church.
Brownsboro Fire Rescue told KETK News that one person died in the crash while two others were injured and have been transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Chandler Volunteer Fire Department and Brownsboro Fire Rescue both responded to the crash scene and they’re diverting traffic to the middle lanes of Highway 31.
CHANDLER, Texas (KETK) – The Chandler City Council voted to hire a new city attorney in a meeting discussing the city’s leadership on Thursday night. During the meeting, city council discussed the conduct of City Administrator Kalon Rollins and Chandler Police Department Chief Johnny Foster. The city’s agenda for Thursday’s meeting included discussion of improper spending, bond issues, social media policy and hiring policy under Rollins and Foster.
The city council members also voted to hire Ronald D. Stutes, 67 of Tyler, as the new Chandler City Attorney during Thursday’s meeting. Stutes is a member of the Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith law firm and has represented both the City of Palestine and the City of Dallas.
Ultimately, no formal action was taken against either Rollins or Foster at Thursday’s meeting.
PANOLA COUNTY – Charles Seth Alexander, 38 of Timpson, was captured by the US Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Taskforce in Nacogdoches County on Friday. Alexander was a wanted fugitive out of Panola County and was the subject of a manhunt on Wednesday before he left the area.
According to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, multiple agencies actively searched the vicinity of County Road 198 and County Road 176. Deputies were assisted by tracking dogs, horses and drones as they work through heavily wooded terrain.
Officials had asked the public to stay clear of the search zone, lock their homes and vehicles and secure outdoor pets until the situation is resolved. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the fugitive or what led to the search.
CHANDLER, Texas (KETK) – Chandler city administrator Kalon Rollins issued his resignation on Friday, saying it’s in his best interest to remove himself from a “toxic atmosphere” in the city’s government. Rollins’ resignation comes after a Thursday city council meeting where Chandler city council members considered taking action against Rollins and the current Chandler Police Chief Johnny Foster for improper spending, bond issues, social media policy and hiring policies.
“There comes a point when all efforts have failed, a change is required. With much thought and prayer, I have decided it is in my best interest to remove myself from the ongoing toxic atmosphere within the city government,” Rollins said on Friday. “I respect the fact that a newly elected council can bring new ideas and potential changes in city government procedures, and in some cases new ideas from newcomers can often contribute to an increase in a city’s abilities.”
“I believe a few of the current council members have the best intentions in mind to bring positive change to the city, but only time will tell if they have the fortitude to make the needed changes,” Rollins said. “With that being said, however, I do not see a positive path forward under the current circumstances. If a city council does not have trust in their administrative staff or conversely staff in the council, there can be no way to move and grow in a positive direction.” Read the rest of this entry »
ATHENS – Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened in February. Alexis Davila has been charged in the death of Martha Belcher, 73, of Athens. The wreck happened in the early morning hours on FM 2709, when Belcher was walking along the westbound lane, and was struck and killed by a vehicle. Investigators determined the gray Chevrolet Silverado – driven by Davila – fled the scene. Troopers said Davila did not report the crash. He is charged with failure to stop and render aid involving death, and tampering with physical evidence.