Good morning, Tyler.

Masons held a ceremony at the Smith County Courthouse to mark an important building milestone, a tradition rooted in the practice of laying each stone by hand (a custom from the Middle Ages).

The Alto Police Department launched its first-ever toy drive to ensure every child gets a gift this Christmas.

The drive is part of an effort to support local families during the holiday season.

Three businesses in a Crosswater office complex collected nine boxes of donations for Toys for Tots last week, supporting children in need under the Marine Corps Reserve program.

Renicker Wealth Management, Legacy Trails Dental + Hammond Law Firm organized the drive to give back to the local community.

Families across East Texas celebrated connection at the annual Texas Special Children's Projects Christmas Party held at a local venue (organizers offered inclusive activities).

Neighbors came together in a festive setting to honor special needs inclusion.

Mountain Lodge’s HOA held a Griswold-themed decoration contest that encouraged residents to light up the community and later threatened a family with a fine, raising concerns about the event's consistency.

The commissioners approved a 10-year tax abatement for a multi-million boutique hotel downtown yesterday.

The Valencia Hotel Group will build a 140-room hotel with almost 90,000 sqft and a 5,700 sqft meeting area that will create 60 full-time jobs with a $2 million annual payroll.

Bullard ISD’s search for a new superintendent is underway after the board hired a search firm in November and met with trustees last month.

The district posted the job on Dec. 12 and will begin interviews in February with a finalist expected by month’s end.

Four-year-old Hazeleigh thrived after Dr. Andrea Glaser at Christus Trinity Clinic diagnosed her with celiac disease (supported by Children's Miracle Network).

A Tyler doctor warns that a new strain of norovirus, also called winter vomiting disease, is causing rising cases amid the holiday season.

He urges residents to wash their hands thoroughly and avoid crowded gatherings to help prevent the virus from spreading.

UT Health East Texas is gifting festive logo stockings to babies born this month as keepsakes for families.

The hospital said the mementos will be cherished for years.

The Tyler Legacy Raiders will hit the road to face defending state champion Martin’s Mill Mustangs in a high-flying basketball game scheduled for later.

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.

Marshmallow Pop Making

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Tyler Public Library — Free entry — A sweet family activity creating tasty marshmallow treats.

Live Music Night with Los Huracanes Del Norte & Friends

7-10 p.m. — LaFe Disco Tyler — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of regional music with Los Huracanes Del Norte and more.

Sy-5K

5:50-7:45 p.m. — Rose Rudman Park — Registration fee applies — Experience a science fiction themed run with both 5K and 2 mile options.