By Glenn Miller GOD’S WORD: “The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” – 1 John 2: 9-11 Sometimes when I read certain posts on social media from those who profess to be Christians, there is something inside of me that causes me angst. It wasn’t until I was lying in bed last night did the Holy Spi ..read more

AAON sponsors book vending machine for Bailey Elementary School Story and photo by Joycelyne Fadojutimi AAON Jenni Law, Jarrod Ludlow, and Plant Manager Quannah Tushka Ludlow look on as United Way Executive Director Dr. Evan Dolive talks to students about their new Book Vending Machine. When AAON Plant Manager Quannah Tushka Ludlow learned about the book vending machine, he thought it was important for Bailey Elementary School to have one. “I knew right away that the book vending machine is a great program,” he said. “Getting books into the hands of children is very important.” Th ..read more

Black and Indigenous individuals have the highest overall cancer death rates of all US racial or ethnic groups. American Association for Cancer Research Community members gather with Dr. Scherezade K. Mama (second from right). By Joycelyne Fadojutimi “Black and Indigenous individuals have the highest overall cancer death rates of all US racial or ethnic groups,” American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has noted. The medical community’s response is clear and critical: “Our goal is to help people live healthier lives and reduce their risk of cancer,” says Assistant Professor of the H ..read more

By Glenn Miller GOD’S WORD: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14 My friend Jim is a very quick-witted man and one who posts on social media certain phrases that cause a chuckle or, more often than not, a rolling of the eyes. I call these “Jim-isms.” So today, to take a break from the usual mode, I’d like to just have some fun and share these with you in hopes to give you a grin across your face… or cause your eyes to roll: I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by; I kneaded the dough. I lost m ..read more

By Jim Kreidler Scams on Social Media. I won money and want to give you part of it. Don’t engage. It’s a scam. Say you’re scrolling through your social media feed, and you see a post saying, “I’m the winner of $600 million from the Powerball lottery. I’m giving away $50,000 to the first one thousand people to message me.” Would you answer? If you do, you could become the target of a scam. Scammers are impersonating lottery winners on social media, often using the names of real winners to make their posts sound legit. If you reply to their posts, the fake lottery winner might ask for your phone ..read more

Dr. Marla Sheppard tapped as Longview ISD Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools According to LISD press release, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees has announced Dr. Marla Sheppard as the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent, during a special meeting on Tuesday, May 21. Dr. Marla Sheppard brings extensive knowledge of public education and 29 years of experience. Dr. Sheppard is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Academic Achievement for KIPP Texas Public Schools where she has worked since 2021. A 29-year veteran educator who has served as a math and science teacher, assis ..read more

By Dr. Michael Guido Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was also the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. One of his other roles was as a Minister of the United States to France. When he went to France to serve America, he presented his credentials to the French premier. As he looked at them, the premier said, “I see you’ve come to replace Benjamin Franklin.” “No sir,” came his response. “I’ve come to succeed him. No one can replace him!” And that is true of each of us: No one can replace us or is equipped to do the work that God has plann ..read more

The Centurion Club honors its public servants in Gregg County I am thankful to have an event that is supported by the community and honors those in the law enforcement profession. Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone PHOTO: KLTV News Anchorwoman Anissa Centers and District 2 City Councilwoman Elect attend law enforcement banquet. Story and photos by Joycelyne Fadojutimi The city, county, family, friends, and well-wishers assembled at Maude Cobb to appreciate hometown heroes who keep citizens safe on the streets and in their homes. KLTV News Anchorwoman Anissa Centers emceed the event. Keyn ..read more

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers hasn’t gone up in over 30 years. Workers in several states are taking on the industry to change that. By Helen H. Abraha | April 24, 2024 MAIN PHOTO: Shutterstock Growing up I looked up to my father and aunt, who began restaurant industry careers after immigrating from Eritrea in the 1970s. When I started working, a restaurant job was a natural choice. While I took great pride in my work, I struggled with the conditions. I was often on my feet for 10-12 hour shifts six days a week, had no access to affordable health care, was wholly unaware of my wor ..read more

By Mechele Mills Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision. Whether you decide for yourself or a loved one, you want to find a new home that meets all your clinical, financial, and lifestyle needs. Here are BBB‘s tips for researching assisted living facilities and finding the best option for you. Tips for choosing an assisted living facility Get recommendations. Ask friends, family, and your doctor for recommendations. Ask friends to share personal experiences.  You can also use the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), to consult with your ..read more