Good morning, Longview.

The Texas Education Agency released the 2024 and 2025 school ratings for Longview districts, with Longview, Spring Hill and Pine Tree ISDs earning mostly A, B and C marks.

District leaders said the ratings show progress and planned help for students—more support is on the way.

Power outages in Longview forced city offices like the Development Services office and school centers such as LEAD Academy to close operations and cancel afternoon classes after students were dismissed at 10:15 a.m.—SWEPCO expects power to be restored later today.

Longview City Council approved the 2025—26 budget and will vote on the proposed tax rate of 56.19 cents per $100 valuation today at City Hall at 9:30 a.m.—the unchanged rate is set to raise more revenue as higher property appraisals boost collections.

Drivers in East Texas should be alert as Texas DPS deploys new ghost units — low-profile patrol vehicles with subtle markings and fewer lights designed to catch unsafe drivers.

The move is part of DPS’s broader efforts to improve highway safety by addressing speeding, distracted, and impaired driving.

Texas State Representatives passed House Bill 27 during a Natural Resources Committee hearing on Thursday; the law will shut down production & export permits for 16 months while the Texas Water Development Board studies East Texas aquifers.

Gov. Greg Abbott said the measure will protect water rights and it will next go to the House Calendars Committee for a floor vote.

Longview quarterback Haynes King—one of five East Texans on the 13th Annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List—was named on the list announced by Cindy Smoak on Wednesday.

The Watch List will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and then to five finalists in December before the winner is announced at the banquet on Jan. 21.

Gregg County Fair

6-11 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — $6 General Admission — Experience the vibrant community spirit at the annual Gregg County Fair with fun activities for all ages.

Medal Madness 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon

8 AM – 12 PM — Paul Boorman Trail Park — Registration required — Compete in a variety of races and earn your medal at this local running event.

Barrels & Brews with ShopOrama

10 AM – 5 PM — Maude Cobb Convention Center — No tickets needed to shop — Enjoy craft brews, live music, and unique shopping for a great cause.

East Texas CASA Superhero 5K & Fun Run

7-10 a.m. — Triple Creek Shopping Center — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a fun morning of fitness and community spirit while supporting children in foster care.