Jen Austin

The first baby born in 2013 in Tyler came into the world at 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Trinity Mother Francis Hospital.

Who was the lucky Mom?

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Every year, Michigan's Lake Superior State University asks people which words and phrases have been so overused that they should be essentially banished from the English language.

Tired of the phrase "Fiscal Cliff?" That makes the new list. What about "boneless wings?"

The new list was released Monday, and we'll post all of the words that should be banished, according to Lake Superior State University. See if you agree.

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Maybe it's not just the effects of the New Year's Eve drinks that you're feeling today. Many people in East Texas are sick with something other than the "brown bottle flu" right now.

Flu cases are up in Texas. Emergency rooms from Dallas to Tyler to Houston are saying they're seeing more flu cases right now, with fevers of 102 to 103 and that yucky, awful, achey feeling. And of course the other pleasantries associated with the flu that we don't need to mention.

With flu cases on the rise, what can be done?

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Seriously. The name Hashtag is on the list of baby name possibilities in 2013, according to one website.

I did grow up in Nebraska with a boy named Tag. Perhaps Tag's parents were just ahead of the curve, and knew that someday Twitter would keep conversations going with that # symbol, and the hashtag would reach new heights in popularity. They just decided to shorten it.

What about Android? Would you give your child that name?

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Got your fireworks yet? There are just two opportunities each year to buy fireworks in Texas – near the 4th of July, and new New Year’s Eve. Business is good right now at local fireworks stands with the holiday fast approaching. Our own Leslie Reynolds offered tips on where to get the fireworks in a recent blog.

Even though there has been some recent moisture, it’s been another dry year and we shouldn't let the recent rain and snow give us a false sense of security, according to Texas A&M Forest Service officials. Fireworks and piles of dry leaves don’t mix.

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By Monday and Tuesday we'll be sitting comfortably around the Christmas tree, sipping egg nog with family and trying to figure out how in the world a Furby really works.

In the meantime, it's a big ole traffic jam! Today and tomorrow are two of the busiest travel days of the year.

Triple A estimates 7.7 million Texans will be traveling more than 50 miles from home between Saturday and January 1. Millions of packages are on their way too, but they may not get here by Christmas.

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Have you driven by a Tyler gas station lately and done a double take to make sure you're not seeing things? Prices at some stations have dropped below the $3 mark. It seems odd to cheer for gas, but it kinda makes ya wanna say, "Woohoo!" Especially if you're traveling for Christmas.

In mid to late November, gas prices in East Texas were about 15 cents higher than they are now. A gallon of gas averages about $3.10 in Texas, down from $3.25 around Thanksgiving.

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Most students right now are thinking about Christmas break, but one Tyler school is thinking about its new classes, and an upcoming expansion.

The Tyler charter school, Cumberland Academy currently serves K-6th grade students, and just announced plans to open a middle school in fall 2013.

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BabyCenter has released their list of the most unusual baby names of 2012, and there are a few dandies on the list.

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The amount we fork over for Christmas gifts has gone up every year since 2008.

The iPads, flat screen TVs, and video game must-haves ain't cheap! When you add up the hot electronics, the ugly sweaters, and the popcorn tin gift sets, we're spending just shy of a thousand bucks on Christmas.

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Police say a Longview man is in jail after pouring lighter fluid onto his roommate as he slept, and setting him on fire.

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