Good morning, Longview.

Last week, the Chamber held its State of the Workforce presentation where chairman Andy Hill stressed that affordable childcare is a crucial issue affecting both employees and employers.

The Texas Workforce Commission and local partners are working to expand childcare options for working families amid ongoing demand.

The East Texas Literacy Council will hold its Scrabble with Friends fundraiser on Oct.

20 at 6 p.m. at the Event Center on Alpine, 2023 Alpine Road. The event features catered Mexican food, desserts, wine, a silent auction, and a guest speaker (tickets start at $65) to support literacy.

Tiffany Angus and her children traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for three federal bills meant to improve job training and community services for disabled citizens such as her 14-year-old son (Austin).

Veteran food columnist Barbara McClellan explained she will share her soup recipes only when temperatures remain at or below 70 for more than 30 minutes so that true autumn begins (signaling an end to fake fall signs) and cherished dishes like Mustard Custard and Gazpacho Blanco can be enjoyed.