Good morning, Little Rock.

Arkansas Symphony principal oboist Leanna Renfro will take center stage at this weekend's Masterworks concerts—she looks forward to stepping into a leading role on stage.

Area dogs will march in the Barkus on Main Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Block Party on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. along the Downtown Little Rock Creative Corridor, starting with a parade at 2:30 p.m. at Sixth and Main — admission is free and prizes will be given for best dressed and owner/pet lookalikes.

Hendrix College graduates Jeff and Katherine Arnold Johnson have pledged $1 million to help students with financial need attend the college.

Their donation will fund scholarships to support more affordable higher education in our state.

The Little Rock City Board voted Tuesday night to renew its contract with ShotSpotter — a gunshot detection system used since 2018 — after reversing its February 4 decision to cancel the $188,000 deal.

Local residents protested the move and said the system is inaccurate and unfair to some communities.

An Arkansas State Police unit received multiple awards on Tuesday for its work in 2024+ including the seizure of more than $32 million in illegal narcotics, the agency announced on Wednesday.

The Arkansas House passed House Bill 1004 on Monday, extending Medicaid post-partum care from six to 12 months using funding from the Children's Health Insurance Program; the bill now awaits review in the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee—its next step in the lawmaking process.

The Arkansas Senate approved a bill on April 2nd (Wednesday) that would deepen penalties for people who live in or enter the state illegally and commit violent crimes (a measure designed to toughen state law enforcement).

Governor Sarah Huckabee's proposed pay raises for state executive branch employees passed the state House — the measure now moves to her desk for signature.

Kazzabe and Joss Suazo Live

9 PM – 1 AM — Ay Caray Sports Bar & Mexican Restaurant — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of lively music with Kazzabe and Joss Suazo in an energetic atmosphere.

Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run/Walk

6-9 p.m. — Two Rivers Park — Registration required — Lace up your shoes to support Ronald McDonald House Charities during this fun-filled community event.

Cliff & Susan Concert

3-5 p.m. — River Bottom Winery — Free entry — Experience a unique duet blending piano, fiddle, and guitar from this local duo.

Pop Evil Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an electrifying evening with the rock band Pop Evil as they light up the stage.

Ouachita Trail 50 Mile Run

6 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Big Maumelle Pavilion — Registration required — Experience breathtaking scenic views and challenging terrain at Arkansas' iconic ultra marathon event.

Fly the Ford Tri Motor in North Little Rock

9 AM – 5 PM — North Little Rock Municipal Airport — Book your seat — Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly in a vintage airliner and perhaps even take the controls.

Jekalyn Carr Concert

7-10 p.m. — 2400 Wright Ave — Tickets required — Experience the powerful vocals and inspiring message of Jekalyn Carr live in concert this Good Friday.

Fly the Historic Ford Tri Motor

7 p.m. — North Little Rock Municipal Airport — Book your ride — Experience a thrilling flight in the vintage Ford Tri Motor airliner.

Marcus Smith Live Comedy Show

8 PM – 12 AM — Loony Bin Comedy Club — Tickets support a cause of your choice — Enjoy a night of laughter while contributing to a charitable cause.

Marcus Smith Comedy Show

10-11 p.m. — Loony Bin Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with Marcus Smith while supporting a cause of your choice.