Good morning, Tyler.

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler put down Cricket, a kind giraffe with a long illness in her feet, after many treatments did not work — staff tried four major treatments — to save her.

Zoo officials also completed a planned hoof procedure on another giraffe — they said the lessons learned will help care for the animals later — and noted Cricket will be missed for her gentle grace.

Black Friday shoppers flooded Broadway Square Mall in Tyler—seeking big savings while a new store drew heavy attention.

Texas parents of qualifying pre-K children can use a $10K school voucher for private preschools in the 2026-27 school year—after final rules were issued by the Texas Comptroller’s Office—by applying starting in February.

The voucher program covers children from low-income households, homeless families, English language learners, and those with an active-duty military parent.

An East Texas doctor +urges residents to get lung cancer screenings+ during Lung Cancer Awareness Month as lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and early detection is key for saving lives.

East Texas Christmas tree farms are open this week, giving families a chance to choose from trees like Norway spruce, Douglas fir, Virginia pine, or Arizona cypress.

Many farms offer both pre-cut options and full holiday experiences — wagon rides, hot chocolate and a Santa visit — so readers should check farm websites for pricing and updates before trees sell out.

The Union Hill Bulldogs beat the Aquilla Cougars 82-32 in the third round of Texas high school football playoffs held in Tyler — the win moves them forward in their season.

The Joaquin Rams won the third round playoff game by defeating the Elysian Fields Yellowjackets 74—21.

Their strong performance propelled them further in the Texas high school football season.

Fort Bend Crawford Chargers defeated Pine Tree Pirates 48-10 in the third round of the high school football playoffs in Tyler.

The Chargers' win secures their advancement in the playoffs—highlighting a strong season performance.

The Tyler Turkey Trot held yesterday near Racquet & Jog drew 3,000 runners to kick off the holiday season.

Race officials said 2025 saw a record-breaking turnout for the event.

The Carthage Bulldogs beat the Pleasant Grove Hawks 34-20 in the third round of the Texas high school football playoffs in Tyler — the win advanced them to the next stage.

The Mount Enterprise Wildcats beat the Overton Mustangs 74-46 in the third-round playoff game of the 2025 Texas high school football season — the game was played under lights and showed a strong performance that sets the team up for the next round.

The Holiday Showdown

6:45-11:15 AM — Rose Rudman Park — Registration fee applies — Compete in a festive run with custom holiday finisher medals to mark your achievement.

2025 Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show

6:30-11:59 p.m. — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium — $1.00 or one canned food item — Experience the festive fun of the Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show with a theme of ‘Unite For Good’.

Season's Greetings Running Event

8:00 a.m. — Southside Park — Free entry — Run or walk in a friendly atmosphere with multiple distance options and medals for all participants.

Chanukah Klezmer Concert

7-9 p.m. — True Vine Brewing Company — In-person only — Celebrate Chanukah with joyful Klezmer music from the Tyler Klezmer Ensemble.

Holiday Lights in the Garden

5-8 p.m. — Tyler Rose Garden — Free admission — Experience a dazzling display of thousands of holiday lights in a festive wonderland.

A Dickens' Christmas Celebration

4 PM-8 PM — East Texas State Fair Administration Office — Paid parking — Experience a charming Olde English Christmas town with hot cocoa, carolers, and festive vendors.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — The SportsZone Bar and Grill — Tickets available online only — Celebrate the season in your ugliest sweater with games, contests, and festive cheer in Downtown Tyler.

The Rider Open Mic Night

6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. — Texas African American Museum — Affordable tickets include refreshments — Share your talents or enjoy a night of music and poetry.

Angela Owen Live Comedy Show

7-10:15 p.m. — Rose City Comedy — Tickets from $74 — Enjoy a night of laughs with the talented Angela Owen in Tyler, TX.

Holiday Lights in the Garden

5-8 p.m. — Tyler Rose Garden — Free admission — Experience a spectacular holiday display of twinkling lights and festive music in a beautiful garden setting.