Good morning, Longview.

In Longview, internet provider Sparklight was recognized by Ookla for its reliable connections in early 2025 and wealth advisor Shane Sherwood earned the Five Star Wealth Manager award, while Southside Bancshares representatives rang the opening bell on July 28.

Producers and agricultural experts will meet at the East Texas Forage Conference on Aug. 15 at Gold Hall and UT Tyler named Dr. Pamella Ochoa as dean of its College of Pharmacy — marking key local milestones in business and education.

UT Tyler’s Hibbs Institute newsletter reported that East Texas’ real GDP grew 32.4% from 2015 to 2023 and added about 26,000 jobs while overall growth varied with the pandemic and rebound.

The report also showed that manufacturing, healthcare, and mining drove economic output—wages in the region still trailed state averages.

On July 28, East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran (District 1) defended Texas’s redistricting plans during his NewsNation interview and dismissed out-of-state criticism from Gov. Newsom.

He said upcoming trade talks with Europe and the UK will help lower tariffs and give businesses more clarity (aiming for a fairer framework).

An East Texas judge ruled that Westlake Chemical’s pipeline easements in the Longview area are invalid because they conflict with older easements owned by Express H2O Pipeline - Express’s attorneys are asking the judge to order Westlake to stop operations and a hearing will be held on Sept. 15.

The Texarkana Rhinos beat the Piney Woods TimberHogs 8-6 on Saturday at City Park in Mid-America League action—locking the Rhinos into the playoffs.

The TimberHogs ended their season at 19-39 after playing a doubleheader on Sunday at 5 and 7 p.m.—closing out their campaign.

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.