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It’s Friday, Tyler! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Dachshund races, the Final Showdown Auto Show, and Peppa Pig: My First Concert + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

New stage for young musicians: UT Tyler’s Cowan Center is now home to the East Texas Youth Orchestra, adding practice space and resources for over 150 students. The next concert there is on May 9 — get all the details.

Care system sets new standard: UT Health East Texas earned top honors from parent Ardent Health, including the Ardent Cup, for leadership, clinical quality, and performance across the region, highlighting achievements in Tyler and Athens — get all the award details.

A family’s milestone moment: Smith County’s 321st District Court finalized 11-year-old Alexander Kaine Johnson’s adoption on February 21, as his family and a fifth grade class looked on during a joyful ceremony — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Shop, eat, and enjoy dachshund races
• Bosses box to empower young leaders
• Join the special needs Easter party
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Treats without trade-offs: Joyful Bites is a locally owned, entirely gluten-free cafe-bakery offering real-deal vegan options, sweet and savory, made with care and often organic ingredients. Expect tasty choices that fit your routine, from pastries to hearty bites, so indulgence and intention can share the same plate.

Three floors, endless stories: Tyler’s downtown keeps surprising us, and The Loft Downtown Mall Tyler packs 60+ local vendors into a multilevel treasure hunt, from mid-century finds to quirky nostalgia. It’s where “just five minutes” turns into finding the piece your shelf didn’t know it needed.

Low-maintenance glow, unlocked: Skip the daily brow-fiddle and wake up ready. At Artistry Ink By Laura, get tailored brows, soft liner, and lip blush built to outlast gym runs and surprise rain. Your morning routine gets an upgrade with looks that stay polished and natural, from first coffee to last meeting.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

✂ Ribbon Cutting @ Las Lomas | Friday (3/6) at 10:30 AM – Tyler’s getting a ribbon to snip at Las Lomas, a new home community, and yes, the Tyler Chamber brings the big scissors. Swing by for light bites, drinks, and guided tours, then stay long enough to judge countertops, swap gossip, and pretend you planned this.

🎨 Matinee Wildflower Vista Paint and Sip Workshop @ Pinot’s Palette – Tyler | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – This $25 matinee paint and sip is serving up mountain wildflowers, moody clouds, and a sunset you can actually take home. Bring your favorite wine, skip the cardio, and enjoy a trail view where the only uphill is choosing colors.

🎶 Faculty Recital: Anna Larson @ UT Tyler Braithwaite Recital Hall | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Trade the usual noise for a polished evening at UT Tyler’s School of Performing Arts, where faculty violinist Anna Larson takes center stage with special guest Dr. Kaden Larson at the piano. Virtuosic runs, warm acoustics, and no smoke machines, just music with hometown polish.

🚗 Final Showdown Auto Show @ Millennium Plaza | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Think your ride can steal the spotlight? Car Show Cruizers’ Final Showdown at Millennium Plaza has judged classes from muscle to EVs, 60+ trophies, and five grand in prizes for the SmokeSlinger winner, with only 200 spots, pre-register by calling or texting like it’s 2005.

🏃 Fresh 15 Race Day 2026 @ FRESH by Brookshire’s | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Whether you chase PRs or want an excuse to beat the grocery crowd, the 13th Annual FRESH 15 serves up a 15K, 5K, and Lil’ FRESHie 1K, all starting and finishing at FRESH by Brookshire’s. Run, sweat, then reward yourself with produce, pastries, and satisfaction.

🥞 Sunday Brunch @ Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse – Tyler | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Sunday reset calls for brunch, live tunes, and someone else doing the dishes. TXM Tyler has Sean Fuller setting the vibe, no cover, so your wallet can concentrate on coffee, mimosas, and that extra biscuit you swore you wouldn’t order.

🐷 Peppa Pig: My First Concert @ UT Tyler Cowan Center | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Bring the littles to a live orchestra in Tyler where Mozart meets muddy puddles. Peppa, George, and the pig clan lead kids 18 months and up through instruments, show tunes, and a chance for tiny maestros to join in. Consider it culture with training wheels.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Faculty Recital: Anna Larson @ UT Tyler Braithwaite Recital Hall – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Josh Weathers @ Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Brandon Michael @ Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse – Tyler – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Saturday Night Karaoke @ Summerfield’s Grille and Bar – 4:00 PM
• 3/7 Live @ Sky Bar @ SKY BAR & GRILL – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Patrick James @ Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse-Tyler – 7:30 PM
• 3/8 Peppa Pig: My First Concert @ UT Tyler Cowan Center – 2:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Tyler report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 83°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 33%

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 86%

Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

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It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

This 2022 South Tyler home sits minutes from Broadway Avenue, Target, Toll 49, and new shopping and dining. The 4-bed layout includes a private mother-in-law suite and a split floor plan for quiet corners. An open living, kitchen, and dining hub anchors the home. A dedicated office, a flexible bonus room, and a 3-car garage add everyday ease.

Take a peek inside →