SHUTDOWN FALLOUT: FOOD CRISIS LOOMS

SHUTDOWN FALLOUT: FOOD CRISIS LOOMS

Oct 31, 2025

Mayor Kristin Ishihara calls for immediate community action, urges support Story and photos by Joycelyne Fadojutimi/ETR As the government shutdown continues to impact families across East Texas, local leaders and nonprofit organizations are sounding the alarm about a growing food crisis. During a

Read More
ETCOG Board of Directors to Consider $86M Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

ETCOG Board of Directors to Consider $86M Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

Sep 18, 2025

108th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting Held on September 18th Henderson, Texas: East Texas Council of Governments held its 108th semi-annual Board of Directors meeting at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center & Arena in Henderson, Texas. The Board considered, among other items, the

Read More
STAAR IS OUT

STAAR IS OUT

Aug 29, 2025

Senate Greenlights Overhaul of Texas School Testing ETR Staff Report Three shorter exams to replace STAAR by 2027, reshaping instruction and reducing student stress A New Era for Texas ClassroomsIn a landmark vote Wednesday night, the Texas Senate approved sweeping changes to the

Read More
TEXAS SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

TEXAS SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Aug 21, 2025

Panel hears from families of terrible flood victims By Richard Lee/ Special to ETR Families of the 25 young girls and two counselors who died in the July 4th floods at Camp Mystic in Kerr County spoke in favor of reforms to camp

Read More
Consumer Alert!

Consumer Alert!

Jul 8, 2025

AG Paxton warns Texans of scammers amid catastrophic flooding in the state. AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert to protect Texans against bad actors looking to take advantage of the devastating flooding in Texas by perpetrating scams. “There are

Read More
Governor Abbott signs Property Tax Relief Laws in Denton

Governor Abbott signs Property Tax Relief Laws in Denton

Jun 16, 2025

DENTON — Governor Greg Abbott today signed House Bill 9, Senate Bill 4, and Senate Bill 23 into law to provide lasting property tax relief for Texans at a bill signing ceremony at Robson Ranch Clubhouse. “When I became Governor, the homestead exemption was $15,000,” said Governor Abbott.

Read More
Governor Abbott Signs Strongest Bail Reform Package In Texas History

Governor Abbott Signs Strongest Bail Reform Package In Texas History

Jun 6, 2025

HOUSTON — Governor Greg Abbott today signed into law the strongest bail reform package in Texas history at Crime Stoppers of Houston. Joined by dozens of bail reform advocates and families of victims, the Governor signed Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, House Bill 75, and Senate Joint

Read More
Senate approves sweeping Education Funding Bill

Senate approves sweeping Education Funding Bill

May 29, 2025

This is not just a funding bill, it’s a long-term commitment to the future of public education. Conroe Senator Brandon Creighton By Richard Lee/Special to ETR The Senate gave final approval to an agreement negotiated between both chambers on how to deliver $8.5

Read More
Bail Reform: Sophie’s Story

Bail Reform: Sophie’s Story

Apr 30, 2025

Governor Abbott’s #1 priority is to keep Texans SAFE – that’s why he started this legislative session declaring bail reform one of his Emergency Items outlined in his State of the State Address. Texas must pass bail reform to put an end to

Read More
CERT Founder Recognized with Citizen of the Year Award

CERT Founder Recognized with Citizen of the Year Award

Apr 11, 2025

Jason Boyd exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism. His passion, his selflessness, and his unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others have left a lasting mark on Smith County. Dr. David Scott – Director of Special Projects, ETCOG Smith County Emergency

Read More