Good morning, Tyler! In today’s edition: Tax bill on tips and overtime, a Bob Dylan concert, a candlelight tribute to Queen and The Beatles, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

July bill shifts earnings: New tax rules this season will change how tips and overtime are deducted and could lower taxes for workers. Keep pay stubs and tip records. Seniors get a new deduction — see what the bill changes.

A night with a legend: Bob Dylan will perform at UT Tyler’s R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center on April 29. Some tickets remain, and the concert will be a phone-free experience — get all the details.

A meaningful name and milestone: Tyler’s first baby of 2026, Zinnia Hendrix, was born at UT Health Tyler on New Year’s Day, weighing 9 pounds and measuring 21.5 inches, to parents Elizabeth and Devon — read the full story.

Local dining scene shifts: Roma Italian Kitchen & Bar in Tyler has announced its closure after five years of service, citing “circumstances.” The company did not provide further details — read the full story.

Peer-led wellness support planned: Smith County Commissioners approved a $45,000 mental health grant application for the sheriff’s office, supporting the Checkpoints program. If funded, the program could launch by the end of 2026 — learn how the program works.

Beloved chain expands locally: A second Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Tyler will open on Earl Campbell Parkway, serving steakburgers, fries, custard. Franchise owner Ron Oberg says he is proud to serve Tyler — read the full story.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🥾 Wild Wander @ Pinot’s Palette | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for brushstrokes at Wild Wander, a paint and sip night right here in Tyler. No experience needed, just a sense of humor, a steady-ish pour, and a friend who won’t judge your trees. It’s relaxed, chatty, and surprisingly therapeutic.

🚒 Firehouse Face-Off @ Tyler Indoor Pickleball | Thursday (1/15) at 2:00 PM – East Texas firefighters are trading hoses for paddles in a Tyler pickleball face-off, serving up fast rallies, friendly jabs, and big bragging rights. Expect plenty of heat, minimal sirens. It’s $15 to play, just scan the QR and prove your dink game.

🎤 Mavis Staples and more @ UT Tyler Cowan Center | Thursday (1/15) at 7:30 PM – Call the sitter and treat yourself to Mavis Staples with Shemekia Copeland, two voices that shaped American roots music. Expect goosebumps, grit, and some joyful truth telling. Tickets are moving, and you deserve seats that aren’t in the rafters.

🗣 MLK Spokenword Showcase & Open Mic @ The Foundry Coffee House | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 AM – Nothing beats a mic, a brave voice, and a room that actually listens. The Annual MLK Spokenword Showcase, contest, and open mic brings powerful pieces, soulful performances, and real community energy, honoring Dr. King without the platitudes. Bring your snaps, friends, and your inside voice.

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster @ Gotcha Covered | Friday (1/16) at 11:00 AM – Swing by Gotcha Covered and let Cousins Maine Lobster upgrade errands with Maine and Connecticut rolls, tacos, bisque, and whoopie pies. New England meets East Texas, enjoyed between shopping for backyard upgrades and pretending you planned dinner. Preorder in the app, earn rewards.

🕯 Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles @ Liberty Hall | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats hearing Queen and The Beatles by candlelight in one of Tyler’s prettiest rooms. Think soaring strings, flickering glow, and goosebumps, not stadium noise. Grab a seat, hum along quietly, and pretend we all still hit those high notes.

🔔 The Hunchback of Notre Dame @ UT Tyler Braithwaite Recital Hall | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Think you know Quasimodo from Saturday morning reruns? This Hunchback pairs Stage Notes Academy with UT Tyler’s performers for a legit musical with soaring choral work, big feels, and zero gargoyle souvenirs. Local talent, Victor Hugo drama, and Disney melodies, all under one roof.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Tyler report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 55°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. East wind around 0 mph.

Most popular house this week

In gated Crown Point Estates in South Tyler, this builder’s personal estate spans 6.5 acres and is excluded from the HOA. A grand staircase, vaulted ceilings, and four fireplaces including one in the primary bath set the tone. It offers six ensuite bedrooms, two half baths, a study, formal dining, two laundry rooms, and a fully outfitted media room.

A 2,155 square foot mancave adds a built in bar, media system, and a fireplace. Outside feels resort level with a gunite pool, swim up bar, spa, waterfall, fire bowls, and a fire pit. A sport court, five car attached plus an eight car workshop, and whole house Generac seal it.

Take a peek inside →