Good morning, Longview.

Longview will resume swim lessons at Ingram Pool at 1400 N 10th St on July 7 after a five-year break caused by COVID-19 and staffing issues.

The classes for children as young as 6 months will run in two sessions from July 7 to 17 and July 21 to 27 with three morning time slots, costing $60 per student+each class is limited to five students to ensure personalized instruction+ registration is open until July 2 for the first session and June 30 for the second.

East Texas will host a range of Fourth of July events featuring fireworks, parades, live music and family activities from Saturday, June 28 through Saturday, July 5, with celebrations planned in towns including Bullard, Tyler, Palestine and Longview.

Local organizers have arranged free community gatherings as well as ticketed events—each offering unique ways to celebrate Independence Day.

The Adult Summer Reading Club will host an Adult B-I-N-G-O game day on July 5 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with free cards, chips, and colorful prizes for participants aged 18 and older (seating and cards are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis).

BBB Serving Central East Texas advises local business owners to reassess their January goals and adjust strategies for a stronger finish in 2025—emphasizing team reviews and performance checks.

The organization also recommends measuring key business metrics to guide improvements for the second half of the year.

Jose Mercedes Saucedo-Guerrero, a twice-deported man illegally living in Longview, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on June 23 after police found nearly 3,000 grams of meth during a Kilgore traffic stop on May 2—federal authorities led the charge against him.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote that Texas law HB 1181, which requires adult websites to verify users are over 18 when over a third of their content may harm minors, is allowed.

Attorney General Ken Paxton said he will enforce the law to keep kids safe while some groups worry it may hurt privacy and free speech.

CHRISTUS Health was named one of the nation’s most socially responsible health care systems by the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, which gave an A grade to nine of its facilities for strong health equity, patient outcomes and care value.

The group spent nearly $110 million on charity care and community services in East Texas last fiscal year— and it will award funds to 10 local organizations through its Community Impact Fund.

City of Longview Fireworks & Freedom Celebration

4-10:30 p.m. — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a free concert and the biggest fireworks show in East Texas.

Bags & Bling Bingo Night

5:30 p.m. — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Individual tickets $50, tables for eight $400 — Win luxury handbags, boots, and jewelry while supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Dog Dock Diving Trials

8 AM — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Free entry — Watch canine athletes jump and dive for the prize in exciting dock diving competitions.

LONGVIEW Trail Runs - Summer

7-10 a.m. — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Buy Tickets — Participate in exciting trail races including 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K.

Garden Yoga and Sound Bath Experience

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — $15 for Members, $20 for Non-Members — Experience a soul-nourishing blend of Vinyasa yoga and immersive sound therapy beneath majestic pines.