Today
in Little Rock
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ F.A.I.T.H., a foster care and adoption nonprofit, held its launch event at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ on Apr. 8; Lashanna Bruce was interviewed by Channel 7's Cayla Christian before the event. ABC 7
- ➤ World War II veteran Troy Pike celebrated his 99th birthday with a bowling event today at his local alley where he shared his passion for the game and his commitment to helping others. THV 11
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Iriana’s Pizza at 201 E. Markham St. in downtown will close on April 17 after 39 years in business. The restaurant’s Facebook post hints at future plans (celebrating its legacy). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Main Street between Fourth and Fifth in the Argenta Arts District (North Little Rock) will shut down Friday and Saturday for Dogtown Throwdown, featuring outdoor dining, live music and family-friendly Cajun activities as restaurants serve crawfish and themed food. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Following the Iran ceasefire, experts at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock say gas prices could drop within 48 hours by a few cents per day + remain above pre-conflict levels after a surge raised the national average to $4.14 per gallon amid supply concerns. ABC 7
- ➤ Arkansas’ labor force reached a record high of 1,451,310 in January as employment increased by 1,205 and the unemployment rate moved up to 4.4 percent from 4.3 percent in December, officials said in a report. The figures also revealed a seasonal drop in nonfarm payroll jobs. ABC 7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ During her State of the State address, Governor Sanders promoted education while lawmakers debated the rising cost of Education Freedom Accounts, which may soon total $379 million and prompt discussions on funding other priorities at the Capitol. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking local residents to send comments on its billion-dollar proposal for an AI data center in Little Rock (feedback will help shape the plan). THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Melinda Mayo, a trusted broadcaster for 39 years, is stepping away from KATV to focus on her health after receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and spasmodic dysphonia. She emphasizes rest and treatment as she embarks on a new chapter while sharing her journey to help others. ABC 7
- ➤ The state Department of Health reported one flu death last week in Arkansas as flu activity stayed minimal while 81 flu deaths have occurred this season; hospitalizations and school absenteeism were also low (data reflect the current reporting period). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas men's basketball assistant coach Chuck Martin is leaving to become North Carolina’s associate head coach (CBS Sports reported this move); he worked with coach John Calipari at Kentucky and later at Arkansas. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ During Tuesday's spring practice, first-year coach Ryan Silverfield dedicated extra time with the offensive line to install his favorite pin-and-pull play (a scoring play) before the team prepares for practice No. 8 on Thursday amid forecast winds from the south. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
-
Wicked
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Explore the untold story of the Wicked Witch and her complex relationship with Glinda the Good.
-
Pirate 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon in Little Rock
Event Title — Time Range — Two Rivers Park — Cost — Test your endurance in a scenic race setting with distances for all levels.
-
Wicked: A New Perspective on Oz
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket pricing varies — Explore the untold story of the witches of Oz in this Broadway blockbuster.
-
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Arkansas Little Rock Trojans Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Gary Hogan Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience exciting collegiate baseball as the Panthers take on the Trojans.
-
OUTLAST - Trail Challenge in Little Rock
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — North Little Rock, AR — Register now — Compete in a unique 6-hour trail challenge completing a 5K each hour.
-
Vaqueros vs Trojans Baseball Game
6-8 p.m. — Gary Hogan Field — Tickets available online — Witness an exciting college baseball matchup between the Little Rock Trojans and UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
-
Arkansas Travelers vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
6:35-9:35 p.m. — Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting baseball matchup between local favorites and visiting competition.
-
4th Annual Rock Cities Book Crawl: A Spectrum of Stories
7 p.m. — Beautywood Books — Free entry — Explore independent bookstores and collect unique rewards throughout the Rock Cities.
-
Dukes & Boots Festival
3-6 p.m. — Arkansas State Fair Grounds — Tickets from $118 — Experience an unforgettable live event with music and entertainment in Little Rock.
-
Morehead State Eagles vs. Arkansas Little Rock Trojans Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Gary Hogan Field — Secure your seats now — Enjoy the excitement of collegiate baseball in Little Rock.
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
The smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
~ James Clear
About Today in Little Rock
Welcome to the Today in Little Rock, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Little Rock, Arkansas community. If you like the Today in Little Rock, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Little Rock.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Little Rock and across Arkansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Little Rock
A free Little Rock community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinlittlerock.com/sitemap