Good morning, Longview.

Spectrum launched fiberoptic internet service on July 31st to more than 17,000 homes and small businesses in Van Zandt County—covering towns like Ben Wheeler and Canton.

The service offers download speeds of up to 1 gigabit or 500 megabits and is part of a $7 billion nation-wide effort to boost rural connectivity—providing faster access for residents and small businesses.

Trinity Trank Car, Inc. announced that its Longview facilities at 708 Jordan Valley Road and 140 Shady Brook Lane will close on Sept.

30—this restructuring will lay off 170 workers.

UT Tyler School of Medicine welcomed its third class of 40 students with a White Coat Ceremony on July 31—new med students received white coats and a Humanism in Medicine pin during a presentation by UT Health East Texas.

Ninety percent of the students come from East Texas counties, which supports the school’s goal of training local doctors.

Back-to-school details for schools in Gregg and Smith counties have been released—classes start from August 5 to August 21 with various orientations and meet the teacher sessions planned—so families can plan for the 2025-26 school year.

The 18th annual East Texas High School Football Preseason Dream Team was named by a panel that includes a reporter from the Longview News-Journal, with Carthage quarterback Jett Surratt repeating as offensive MVP and Carthage linebacker DaQuives Beck earning defensive MVP honors (the team features players from several local papers).

The Longview High tennis team opened its fall season with a 10–9 win over Lindale on Wednesday — a tight match that set the season in motion.

The Lobos hosted Texas High on Thursday — the game rounded out an intense start to their schedule.

Longview FGHT Prayer Brunch

10 AM - 12 PM — Holiday Inn Longview - North by IHG — Free entry — A morning of prayer, fellowship, and delicious food awaits participants.