Roses are red, venues are expensive, and the economy impacted wedding plans for 85% of engaged couples in 2025. Will folks start ditching the wedding planner, the all-inclusive packages, and $13,000 venues for a down-to-earth wedding ceremony in their favorite park, on a local beach, or even in their backyard? To mark National Wedding Planning…

By Gabby Birenbaum and Jess Huff, The Texas Tribune February 26, 2026 When Jasmine Crockett’s friend suggested in 2006 that she move to Texarkana, the future congresswoman was unsure. Born and raised in St. Louis, the recent University of Houston law school student had only ever lived in big metro areas. Located in the far…

By Patrick Svitek, The Texas Tribune February 26, 2026 Attorney General Ken Paxton is bringing his family to his defense in the final days of a Republican primary for U.S. Senate where his personal life has become increasingly scrutinized. One of his four children, Mattie Hayworth, published an op-ed Thursday defending her father’s record and…

By Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune February 26, 2026 Six weeks after the spring semester began, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents met Thursday but did not publicly answer a central question facing professors: What, exactly, are they allowed to teach about race, gender and sexuality? The new chancellor, Brandon Creighton, upended longstanding…

By Carlos Nogueras Ramos, The Texas Tribune February 27, 2026 FORT STOCKTON — There aren’t many elected officials Ruben Falcon can think of that he remembers fondly. A former mayor in this oil town, he’s helped garner support for a revolving door of politicians. The West Texas Republican has learned to spot which ones are…

The Longview, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—encompassing Gregg, Harrison, Rusk, and Upshur counties—has shifted from a traditional oil and gas hub into a diversified center for manufacturing, logistics and advanced technology. The most significant impact in the Longview area has come from major household brands establishing massive regional hubs and existing anchors making “re-investments” that…

By Phillip Williams The 43rd Upshur County Health Expo will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28th, at the Yamboree Event Center at 181 Bob Glaze Drive in Gilmer. The theme of this year’s expo is ” Putting you on a Highway to Health,” and this year, the committee is excited to also host a tractor, truck,…

By Brett Kelman February 26, 2026 Last month, Justin and Amy Miller packed their vehicles with three kids, two dogs, a pet bearded dragon, and whatever belongings they could fit, then drove 2,000 miles from Wisconsin to British Columbia to leave President Donald Trump’s America. The Millers resettled on Vancouver Island, their scenic refuge accessible…

By Christine Mai-Duc February 26, 2026 COLUSA, Calif. — Early on, Jean Franklin got some career advice she followed religiously: “Pay yourself first.” So she did, socking away hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement savings by the time she became a stay-at-home mom at age 41. She and her husband, Charles, a former high…

By Colleen DeGuzman, The Texas Tribune February 25, 2026 A grand jury did not find probable cause to issue an indictment in the fatal shooting of a man last year on South Padre Island by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.  Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said his office presented the case on…