Governor Abbott sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on October 15, 2026, requesting federal disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding that began on July 14, 2026.
$Abbott requests temporary suspension of federal tax filing and payment deadlines and waiver of late fees and penalties for taxpayers in all 62 counties affected by July storms.
Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas; Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brought his re-election campaign to Tyler on Wednesday, the final stop of his Rural Texas Bus Tour. Patrick is seeking re-election while being challenged by Democratic State Rep. Vicki Goodwin in the lieutenant governor's race.
Dan Patrick, Texas Lieutenant Governor, re-election campaign participant; Vicki Goodwin, Democratic State Representative, challenging Patrick for lieutenant governor
Vice President JD Vance held a rally in Tyler on October 13, where he spoke in support of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and criticized Democratic opponent James Talarico. Multiple state and federal officials attended and spoke at the event hosted by Trump 47 Committee Inc.
JD Vance, Vice President; Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and 10 more
Vice President JD Vance announced that the Trump administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to expand the Delek oil refinery in Tyler. The expansion aims to produce millions of gallons of commercial-grade and military-specification fuel beyond current production levels.
JD Vance, Vice President; Trump administration, Announced use of Defense Production Act authority; Delek, Oil refinery operator in Tyler
Vice President JD Vance held a midterm campaign rally in Tyler on October 13, 2026. He announced a Trump Administration agreement with Delek Refinery for an expansion under the Defense Production Act and endorsed Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate.
JD Vance, Vice President; Delek Refinery, Tyler refinery entering expansion agreement; Ken Paxton, Republican Attorney General, endorsed for U.S. Senate and 3 more
Kevin McCormick, the Green Party's nominee for Texas lieutenant governor, outlined his policy proposals on Monday in Tyler. He criticized state tax and education policies and advocated for rural investment, Medicaid expansion, and transportation changes.
Kevin McCormick, Green Party nominee for Texas lieutenant governor; Greg Abbott, Texas governor (referenced in criticism)
The Texas Rose Festival kicks off its 93rd year Thursday in Tyler with four days of "Celebration of the Season"-themed events. The festival officially begins with a ribbon cutting and morning prayer service at the Rose Garden Center.
Claire Ann Malone, Queen; Brynn Eve Ballard, Princess; Emmy Elizabeth Brewer, Duchess of the Rose Growers and 3 more
The University of Texas at Tyler School of Health Professions, Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, and UT Health East Texas announced the opening of an expanded Neuropsychology Clinic to provide comprehensive care for patients and families affected by memory disorders. The clinic is located at the Alzheimer's Alliance headquarters in Tyler.
University of Texas at Tyler, Partner organization opening clinic; Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, Partner organization opening clinic; UT Health East Texas, Partner organization opening clinic and 4 more
Robert Roberson's lead attorney Gretchen Sween filed court documents with Smith County District Judge Austin Reeves Jackson requesting an evidentiary hearing date "as soon as possible." Sween cited the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals' September 24 rejection of Melissa Lucio's bid for relief, arguing the decision shows the necessity of live testimony and witness presentation in evidentiary hearings.
Robert Roberson, death row inmate seeking evidentiary hearing; Gretchen Sween, Roberson's lead attorney; Austin Reeves Jackson, Smith County District Judge and 2 more
The East Texas Food Bank donated three pallets of cat litter to the SPCA of East Texas. The SPCA Executive Director said the supply will keep the organization stocked for several months.
East Texas Food Bank, Donor; SPCA of East Texas, Recipient; Emily Heglund, Executive Director of SPCA of East Texas and 1 more
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation sealed a deal Thursday to purchase a 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine in Henderson County. The property will eventually become a Texas state park, with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department expected to purchase it from the foundation in late 2027.
$more than $10 million for purchase price of property
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Purchaser of property; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Will purchase property in late 2027; Anne Brown, Executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and 4 more