Good morning, Longview.

Emily Willadson, a Pine Tree student from Longview, became the area's only National Merit Scholarship semifinalist after scoring 1560 on the SAT and excelling in math and science events (she learned this during the week of Sept.

8) and she will wait for final scholarship results in spring while planning to study biostatistics in college.

East Texas Regional Airport received a $10 million state grant to fund future improvements.

State Rep. Jay Dean worked with Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows—and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt—to secure the matching grant that will have the Texas Department of Transportation pay 90% of project costs while the county covers 10%.

DETCOG is asking East Texans to share opinions on rural broadband by attending meetings in San Augustine, Woodville and Groveton or joining an online session—part of a USDA Rural Development Broadband Technical Assistance Program award.

The Council will use feedback to improve internet speeds and lower costs across the region.

ETCOG will hold its 108th Board meeting on September 18 at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena in Henderson to consider the agency's largest budget ever, totaling $86,053,366—up by $642,472 due to rising childcare service demand.

Local officials will review funding for aging, public safety, transportation and workforce and economic development for the fiscal year beginning October 1.

UT Health East Texas said it will stop accepting Ambetter Insurance for routine care if a new agreement is not reached by November, and its providers will be out-of-network for Ambetter customers on Jan 7 if no deal is made after the new year.

Ambetter customers can still get emergency services at in-network rates and are encouraged to review other available health plans during open enrollment from Nov 1 to Jan 15.

Tuesday, the Longview Lady Lobos lost 3-1 to Forney in District 10-6A play as Triniti Jackson led with 17 kills plus other teams secured wins in hard-fought district matches.

Several contests featured strong plays from local athletes and rivals in games that shaped the district standings.

Bosston Johnson and Rashadd Wofford earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors for the Pine Tree Pirates after key plays in their win over Dallas Carter—while Marshall’s Alton Henderson was named Offensive Player of the Week for his strong performance in a win over Tyler Legacy in high school football.

The Tatum Lady Eagles won district games last week to remain undefeated and extend a win streak of 21 games under coach Leven Barker.

Kamdyn Scott (44 kills, 20 digs) and Kaysen Foster (32 kills, 30 digs) earned Player of the Week honors from Longview News-Journal for games (Sept. 8 to 13).

Week 4 of the high school football season will feature top teams from Class 6A/5A/4A as Carthage faces Chapel Hill and Pleasant Grove plays Kilgore—Longview now sits at number 5 after losing to Dallas South Oak Cliff.

The Pine Tree volleyball team under new coach Kaitlyn Orren beat Chapel Hill at the Pirate Center Tuesday.

The win came four days after a loss to Gilmer and improved the team’s season record as it works on building stronger chemistry.

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.

Neal McCoy Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Belcher Center — Tickets from $69 — Enjoy a night of country tunes with Neal McCoy in Longview.

#TheNinaEffect 5k & Fundraiser

3-5 p.m. — 20148 FM 449, Longview, TX — Registration Fees — Participate in a 5K nature trail run and dog walk to support community pets through essential funding.

Monster Truck Wars

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Longview Rodeo Arena — Tickets starting at $80 — Experience the thrill of massive trucks battling it out in an unforgettable showdown.

"Pink Heals" for Breast Cancer

Honoring all breast cancer survivors with a pink rose presentation and opportunity to sign your name on the Pink Heals Firetruck. From 11:00-1:00 with a light lunch served at noon, Women's Health Boutique, 605 N Sixth St, Longview, call 903-758-9904 for reservations.

Ruthie Foster Live Performance

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Longview Museum of Fine Arts — Tickets required — Experience the eclectic and vibrant musical journey of Ruthie Foster in an intimate setting.