Hey Tyler!

It's been an interesting week around here — and we've got a lot to cover.

South Broadway just fell off Texas's most-congested roads list (yes, really), TJC dropped news of a $167 million bond election, only the fifth in the college's 100-year history, and Governor Abbott was in town as early voting kicked off ahead of the March 3 Republican primary. Oh, and there was a tragic road rage shooting at Grande and Paluxy that still seems to have a lot of unanswered questions. We have the details on all of it below.

On a lighter note: this week's event calendar is stacked. The legendary Count Basie Orchestra rolls into the Cowan Center tonight, there's a 10k/5k race, stand-up comedy, jazz brunch, and more happening through the weekend and beyond.

Let's get into it.

South Broadway Ave. Drops Off Texas's Most-Congested List
Hard to believe, but South Broadway from Loop 323 to Toll 49, once among the most congested roads in Texas, has fallen to around 120th in the statewide ranking. All supposedly thanks to infrastructure investment and traffic improvements. Read more

Fatal Road Rage Shooting Shakes Tyler
A 29-year-old Whitehouse man and Marine veteran, Trevor Julian, was killed at the intersection of Grande Blvd. and Paluxy Drive on February 13, with Dayton Alexander Morgan, 23, charged with murder. A tragic story that still seems to be unfolding. Read more

Gov. Abbott Rallies in Tyler as Primary Early Voting Begins
Governor Abbott keynoted the Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner in Tyler as early voting opened for the March 3 Republican primary, with AG Ken Paxton also holding a campaign rally at Republic Icehouse. Read more

And Speaking of Voting… Early Voting Locations Announced in Smith County (Feb. 17–27)
Smith County has five early voting locations open through February 27 across Tyler, Lindale, Noonday, and Whitehouse — here's where to go.

TJC Calls $167.3 Million Bond Election for May 2
The TJC Board of Trustees unanimously approved a bond election — only the fifth in the college's 100-year history — to fund three new campus facilities focused on workforce training, student services, and campus safety. Early voting runs April 20–28, with Election Day on May 2. Read more

The January 2026 Smith County Housing Report is out.

The median home price in Smith County was $300,500, up 10.8% from January 2025.
A strong sign that home values continue to appreciate.

We’re currently sitting at 5.9 months of inventory, which analysts consider a balanced market for both buyers and sellers.

This is great news for anyone thinking about making a move in 2026. As the weather warms up and spring approaches, now is the time to start planning.

Curious what homes are selling for in your area?

Get your free home valuation and market report here.

ACCELERATE Business Expo (31st Annual B2B Expo)
W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler | February 19 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Learn more

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
UT Tyler Cowan Center | February 19 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Trivia Night
True Vine Brewing Co | February 19 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Darrin Morris Band Live
The Grove Kitchen & Gardens | February 19 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Karaoke Thursdays
Bricks Bar & Grill | February 19 | 8:00 PM | Learn more

Sunset Hike
Tyler State Park | February 20 | 4:00 PM | Learn more

Karaoke Night
Daiquiris America First Wings & Grill | February 20 | 5:30 PM | Learn more

Star Party
Tyler State Park | February 20 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

Barbie the Movie (Screening + Photo Booths)
Liberty Hall, Tyler | February 20 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Heather Shaw (Stand-Up Comedy)
Rose City Comedy, Tyler | February 20 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Unwed Sailor Live in Concert
Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ | February 20 | 8:00 PM | Learn more

Studio Nights at TPL: Black Light Painting
Tyler Public Library | February 20 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Parents Night Out: Glow Dance Party
The Little Gym of Tyler | February 20 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

Realign 2026 Conference
South Spring Baptist Church | February 20 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

Drifted Harmony at the South Tyler Speakeasy
South Tyler Speakeasy | February 20 | 9:00 PM | Learn more

Take Heart 10k & 5k
Spinout Boutique at Swann Plaza | February 21 | 9:00 AM | Learn more

Junior Ranger Academy
Tyler State Park | February 21 | 2:00 PM | Learn more

Plant Swap
Rose City Community Center | February 21 | 10:00 AM | Learn more

Heather Shaw (Live Stand-Up)
Rose City Comedy | February 21 | 8:30 PM | Learn more

Saturday Night Live: Quentin Moore
The Grove Kitchen & Gardens | February 21 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Low Brass Day at UT Tyler
UT Tyler Music Building | February 21 | 9:00 AM | Learn more

All Texas Shop Hop Saturday Retreats
The Quilt Kitchen | February 21 | 9:00 AM | Learn more

Black Wellness Expo 2026
Tyler Junior College (West Campus) | February 21 | 10:00 AM | Learn more

Sunday Brunch with Live Music (John Curry)
The Grove Kitchen & Gardens | February 22 | 11:00 AM | Learn more

Sunday Brunch with Scotty G
Texas Music City Grill | February 22 | 12:00 PM | Learn more

From Tyler to the Trenches: Stories and Souvenirs
Goodman-LeGrand Museum | February 23 | 10:00 AM | Learn more

Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tyler Public Library | February 23 | 4:30 PM | Learn more

Baby Storytime
Tyler Public Library | February 24 | 10:30 AM | Learn more

Club Read
Tyler Public Library | Feb 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Learn more 

Public Meeting for Faulkner Park
Glass Recreation Center | February 24 | 5:30 PM | Learn more

Recraft Your Story Writing Group
Tyler Public Library | February 24 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

DRUM TAO
UT Tyler Cowan Center | Feb 24 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Trivia Night
ETX Brewing Co. | February 25 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Learn more

Wednesdays with Second Childhood
ETX Brewing Co. | February 25 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

Destination Paris: Family Night
The Hamptons | February 25 | 5:00 PM | Learn more

Texas Rose Spring Kick Off I
Texas Rose Horse Park | February 26 | All Day | Learn more

Studio Nights
Tyler Museum of Art | February 26 | 5:30 PM | Learn more

Gene Watson "Live"
Liberty Hall | February 27 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Refresh26 Women's Conference
Rose Heights Church | February 27 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Final Day of Early Voting
Various Smith County Locations | February 27 | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Learn more

That's your week, Tyler!

Whether you're lacing up for Saturday's Take Heart 5k, catching a show at Liberty Hall, or just keeping tabs on what's happening around town — we hope this edition helps you make the most of it. If you've got a tip, an event we missed, or something you think the community should know about, hit reply and send it our way.

Support local. Stay curious. And we'll see you in your inbox next week.

Eric
From Tyler

P.S. Got a tip, event, or local story we should cover? Hit reply and let us know!