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Hi Tyler, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A candlelight tribute to Queen and The Beatles, an MLK spoken word showcase, a wedding extravaganza, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Policy shifts and funding updates: Smith County Commissioners Court approved measures last week, including backing state legislation to exempt county travel from hotel occupancy tax, an internship program, and $399,757 to replace Sheriff’s Office radios — see what commissioners approved.
Local reaction and fiscal outlook: A new Texas law now in effect raises the business equipment tax exemption to $125,000, and a Tyler hardware owner says it could ease costs for small businesses here — read the full story.
Celebrating unsung community service: Women in Tyler announced its 2026 honorees at the McClendon House, recognizing quiet community leaders. The official celebration will be March 26 at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler — get all the details.
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 its 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.
*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:
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🫶 We got your back
Industry insights for field pros: East Region AgriLife Conference and Expo happens tomorrow, Jan. 16, at Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Tyler. Registration starts at 7:15 a.m., with TDA applicator sessions at 9:15 a.m. It serves parks, turf, landscape, pest control, and ag pros. $10 online, $20 onsite. Get all the details.
A quick pine reset: When you need a no-fuss nature fix, Tyler State Park serves up a 64-acre spring-fed lake, 13-plus miles of trails, and the CCC-built Whispering Pines Nature Trail. Plenty of fresh air to hush the group chat.
Fresh fade energy: Whether you need a sharp taper, beard cleanup, or a full reset with a hot towel, Eze Cuts Barbershop delivers modern fades, straight-razor precision, and clean hair design from a crew that cares. Walk out crisp and confident. Your mirror will thank you.
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).
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📆 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.
🗣 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.
🥏 21st Annual Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament @ Lindsey Park | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Bundle up and chuck some plastic at Lindsey Park for the 21st annual Ice Bowl, benefiting East Texas Food Bank and Parks Department. Play a round, bring canned goods, and help the drive top 1,000 pounds, with cardio, community, and bragging rights included.
💍 East Texas Wedding Extravaganza @ Tyler Rose Garden Center | Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 PM – Take a break from errands and swing by the Rose Garden Center for East Texas’ biggest wedding expo, a one-stop shop for real vendors, exclusive deals, and cake samples. Whether you’re newly engaged or just here for the frosting, you’ll tame the to-do list fast.
🦥 Sloth Snuggles Family Painting @ Pinot’s Palette | Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 PM – Gather the crew for a $30 family painting session starring the snuggliest sloth in town. Bring the kids or the grandkids, paint a cuddly face, and call it quality time. Low stakes creativity, high fridge door glory, and a pace your inner sloth appreciates.
🌸 Shimmering Cherry Blossoms Paint and Sip Workshop @ Pinot’s Palette | Sunday (1/18) at 5:00 PM – Trade your to-do list for a paintbrush and a glass, and learn an Asian-inspired piece where soft fog sets the mood and cherry blossoms do the flirting. It’s equal parts calm, warm, and wine-friendly. No art degree, just good taste and petals.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Tyler locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
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📻 Tyler report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 43. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This 5-bedroom, 3 full and 2 half-bath home offers 3,600+ square feet on nearly 1.7 acres outside the city limits in Tyler ISD, minutes from South Tyler. A circular drive and columns lead to a den with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The quartzite kitchen adds an island, gas cooktop, double ovens, and a scullery. The primary suite features a spa bath and closet-to-laundry access.
Three main-level guest rooms include one ensuite, plus an upstairs bedroom and flex room. Foam insulation boosts efficiency, including in the garage. A fenced yard, porch, gazebo, pool, and a 1,500 sq ft shop with loft and insulated office complete it.
Take a peek inside →
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