Today
in Little Rock
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Texas man discovered a 2.09-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park while visiting with his family during the holiday season; he used Siri for directions and plans to consult experts about the gem. THV 11
- ➤ Bethlehem United Methodist Church — a 109-year-old landmark in Lonoke — faces a long rebuilding process after a fire on Monday destroyed its worship sanctuary. THV 11
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A historic postcard from 1907 shows an outing on Cache River with a puzzle hint on the back — efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to straighten the river in the 1970s ultimately gave way to it becoming a wildlife haven. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Leaders in Washington County (local economic reports back the claim) say Tyson's decision not to renew poultry contracts threatens hundreds of jobs, with the ongoing dispute potentially worsening the area's poultry industry as negotiations continue. THV 11
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unveiled a new conservation license plate featuring a painted bunting amid spring greens that is now available for purchase at revenue offices and online for $25 (designed by artist Greta James). The plate supports programs that have raised over $21 million since 2000. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Highway Police now use work zone cameras (a new technology) that detect handheld device use while driving, and officials say the upgrade will help reduce distractions and boost safety across construction zones. THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hayden Balgavy and Karen Fuller presented Arkansas's morning headlines on January 6, highlighting new funding to improve rural healthcare access. THV 11
- ➤ The Little Rock Zoo closed its Tropical Bird House on Tuesday due to two confirmed avian flu cases near the zoo. It also partially shuttered the Arkansas Heritage Farm exhibit with flamingos, chickens and geese, and officials said they will continue monitoring the situation. ABC 7
- ➤ Community Blood Center of the Ozarks warns that rising flu cases are lowering blood donations in the region and is running its 'Extra, Extra' promotion with rewards for donors. It held a blood drive in Lowell yesterday, is hosting one in Bentonville today, and will hold another in Fayetteville Thursday. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ CALS Children's Library and UAMS hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic where children brought their favorite bears to be checked by medical professionals in a friendly setting. THV 11
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bryant Lady Hornets earned a 57 to 55 win over Little Rock Christian Tuesday night at Warrior Arena by switching to a zone defense that slowed star Whitley Rogers, who finished with 33 points. Coach Eric Teague said the strategy helped the team stay focused in the second half. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Time Travel Half Marathon and Fun Run
Time Travel Half Marathon/10K/5K — 9 a.m. — North Little Rock, Arkansas — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the New Year with a fun-packed running event for all ages featuring various distances.
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Arkansas Contractors' Auction
8 AM – 9 AM — Blackmon Auctions Complex — Auction fees apply — Bid on a variety of trucks, trailers, and construction equipment at this extensive public auction.
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Justin Furstenfeld Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — The Hall - Little Rock — Tickets starting at $63.68 — Experience the emotional storytelling of Justin Furstenfeld, the frontman of Blue October, in an intimate one-man show.
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Some Guy Named Robb Concert
6-10 p.m. — The Oyster Bar — Enjoy a night of music with Arkansas native Robb McCormick as he graces the stage.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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