Good morning, Longview.

The city is holding its Holiday Decorating Contest with voting open until Dec.

21 + residents can vote online or in-person at Visit Longview Marketplace at 109 W. Tyler St. Local businesses and residences have joined the contest to showcase their Christmas spirit.

The HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show will be held Jan.

17-18 in Longview, offering an educational section where kids and adults can see exotic animals up close while food trucks serve meals both days.

The Gregg County Historical Museum has unveiled a revamped exhibit on the 1894 Dalton Gang bank robbery near the historic VeraBank tower.

The interactive display features photos and audio tracks (which bring the event to life) and dedicates a section to volunteer Larry Courington.

Longview is rolling out task force recommendations to aid homeless services by designating an LPD officer and training four nonprofits + Hiway 80 Rescue Mission, Newgate Mission, Salvation Army, and Longview Community Ministries to use HMIS while also boosting volunteer recruitment for the upcoming PIT count.

Texas Health and Human Services reports 5,124 influenza hospitalizations in Longview this month, up 2,000 since Nov.

15. Local specialists note many patients have both flu and COVID-19 and stress early treatment+good hygiene to slow spread.

LeTourneau women's basketball defeated the College of Biblical Studies Ambassadors 88-52 at Solheim Arena on Saturday afternoon, with key contributions from Mariana Espinosa, Fayth Fry, and freshman Madeline Underwood.

They will host a rematch with the Millsaps Majors (3 p.m. Thursday).

The Kilgore College Rangers won 72-68 over Blinn in Region XIV action Saturday at the Kruse Center, with Antoine Shannon scoring 12 of his 19 points in the second half and Antonio Shannon adding 13 early.

The team now has a three-game winning streak before breaking for the holidays.

The Kilgore College Rangers edged Blinn 72-68 Saturday at the Kruse Center; Antoine Shannon led with 19 points as Blinn fell to a 7-5 record.

The team will resume play on Jan. 3 at Masters Gymnasium after a holiday break.

Tyler Lions won the 39th Annual Great East Texas Shootout championship with a 55-49 win over Bishop Gorman at Brownsboro High School + they now prepare for Tuesday's league play against the Jacksonville Indians at John Alexander Gymnasium.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.