Good morning, Hot Springs! In today’s edition: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ new board appointments, a parking meter backlash, a mountain bike festival shake-up, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Who’s on the roster: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced appointments to state boards and commissions effective Jan. 1, 2026, including Kerry Shuffield and Vicki Howard, plus members for the State Police Retirement System board — see the full appointee list.

Policy debate hits storefronts: Downtown Hot Springs business owners say year-old parking meters are hurting sales and deterring locals. The city says revenue will fund a garage and may remove meters if no fix — see what officials are considering.

Big changes behind the scenes: Hot Springs’ Gudrun-Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival will move to October and join the Arkansas Enduro Series this year, aiming for better weather and less conflict with hunting season — learn what’s new for 2026.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week:

• Hear performances, then try the instruments
• Scientots read On the Moon
• Guess which one-acts are AI
• Volunteer at CMS Homecoming merch table
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 50% off

🫶 We got your back

Bird enthusiasts help chart course: Hot Springs is planning the first Birding Festival of the South for October 8-10, timed with fall migration. It will welcome beginners through serious birders and include bird-inspired arts events. An input meeting is today at the Hot Springs Convention Center, as birding’s popularity and economic impact grow. See how to get involved.

Curated vintage refresh: From MCM credenzas to quirky mirrors and redesigned classics, Mariposa brings a well-edited mix spanning Art Deco through Victorian, sourced by a small vendor collective. Perfect for brightening a corner or finally landing that just-right statement piece.

Sips with your slice: Beer not your thing? SQZBX Pizza Joint pours a crisp Arkansas-made cider alongside hand-tossed pies and house brews, so you can sip something bright while your IPA friends nerd out. Easy weeknight win without leaving downtown.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

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

This week

🏀 Basketball vs Bethel-Bryant @ Lakeside School District | Tuesday (1/6) – Bethel-Bryant comes to town for a full slate, girls and boys from 7th and 8th to Freshman, JV, and Varsity. Expect packed bleachers, snack bar diplomacy, and that classic squeak of sneakers that somehow makes your coffee taste better.

📷 Tim Ernst: My 50th Anniversary @ Garland County Library | Tuesday (1/6) at 6:00 PM – Local photo legend Tim Ernst returns to show off Arkansas waterfalls, starry skies, naked trees, and Buffalo River bluffs. He’s marking 50 years behind the lens with all-new images, plus books and a 2026 calendar. Bring your wallet, not your hiking boots.

💃 Line Dancing @ Oaklawn center on aging | Wednesday (1/7) at 9:30 AM – Dust off the boots, stretch the hips, and practice your grapevine, it is line dancing with actual humans who know left from right. Low-pressure, toe-tapping fun, perfect for date night, friend night, or flying solo. Spots fill fast, so call to reserve.

This weekend

🏆 Fountain Lake Cobras vs Malvern Elementary School @ Fountain Lake School District | Saturday (1/10) – Come cheer on the Fountain Lake Cobras as they take on Malvern Elementary, a small-town matchup with varsity-level enthusiasm and pint-sized jerseys. Expect proud parents, spirited bleacher banter, and concession-stand classics. Bring a chair, your loudest clap, and your best neighborly patience.

🚙 Winter Wheeling @ Hot Springs Off Road Park | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Winter wheeling at Hot Springs, honest mud, big views, and no hand-holding. Roll with NTX Overland, choose Green, Blue, or Black, knock out badge trails at your pace, regroup for lunch, then camp in the nearby National Forest with a proper campfire and better stories.

💃 The Winter Wonderland Ball @ The Barrett Center | Saturday (1/10) at 6:30 PM – This winter ball turns the Barrett Center into a snow globe, thanks to Donna Brinkley’s wizardry. Dress up or don’t, enjoy a free River Waltz lesson, then ballroom, Latin, and swing with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a humble $15 donation. All levels welcome.

🦞 Sunday Brunch @ The Local Seafood & Oyster Bar | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Sunday calls for cozy brunch, full menu, and forgiveness for ordering both. Start saintly with a Ginger Apple Fizz, then let a Rock Town Basil Vodka Bloody Mary with Bloody Darn Good Pickle Mix, moonshine pickle, olives, lime, and a boiled shrimp do the talking.

Live music & entertainment:

• 1/9 Solo @ Sam’s Pizza Pub – 6:00 AM
• 1/10 Live Piano @ The HEIST – 7:00 PM
• 1/16 Man vs. Machine @ Vapors Live – 7:00 PM
• 1/16 Aaron Owens @ Oaklawn – 8:00 PM
• 1/17 Kathleen Madigan @ Oaklawn – 7:00 PM
• 1/18 Man vs Machine @ Vapors Live – 3:00 PM
• 1/23 The AO Acoustic Show @ The Blitzed Pig – 7:00 PM
• 1/24 Live Piano at The HEIST @ The HEIST – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Hot Springs report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 71°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny. High near 71, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West northwest wind around 0 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 3%

Partly sunny. High near 69, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. East southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

This house is wild

Set on a quiet cul-de-sac inside Diamondhead’s gated community, this octagonal retreat pairs striking architecture with wide water views. The 2-bed, 1.5-bath layout opens to a 3/4 wraparound deck for effortless outdoor time. Large windows frame the scenery and keep every room bright.

A covered boat dock keeps gear shaded, and a separate fishing and swim dock sets the stage for lazy afternoons on the water. There is a private entry gate at the property, plus the community gate for added peace of mind. Short term rentals are allowed, creating flexibility for getaways and income potential. It is quiet and secure, and it is positioned for shoreline sunsets, morning coffee on the deck, and low stress living.

Take a peek inside →