Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of July.
Good morning, Little Rock.
Little Rock Catholic High School Head of School Steve Straessle shared a WWII account on July 4 that recounted Major Preddy’s rescue of a falling bombardier, linking a heroic act with a lasting family legacy + showing how chance and courage can connect generations.
A severe drought allowed Arkansas loggers to access wet bottomlands, which led mills to reduce prices on hardwood sawtimber from about $50 per ton to under $40 and on pulp pinewood from $5 to $4 per ton (market conditions have shifted due to the surplus).
Between 2024 and 2025, international student enrollment dropped at three Arkansas universities, with UALR falling from 579 to 372 while UA-Fayetteville maintained steady numbers amid tighter visa rules.
A local horticulture expert noted that a 25-year-old crape myrtle shows signs of Asian ambrosia beetle infestation with tiny, toothpick-like sawdust protrusions, meaning the tree will likely die.
She recommended removing the affected tree to curb the spread and spraying nearby trees with permethrin.
The Arkansas GOP filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission about Chris Jones’ campaign signs missing a proper disclaimer box — Jones said he is fixing the error while focusing on local issues.
Little Rock officials will consider renaming the dog park at MacArthur following a $100,000 donation for a new shade structure shaped like a giant Frisbee; the board measure set for Tuesday would rename the park in memory of a donor’s late son.
This week, the Arkansas National Guard flew helicopters over downtown, the USS Razorback, and Northwest Arkansas in a series of flyovers ahead of America's 250th birthday.
Officials said the displays (including assets from the 77th) let communities see the unit’s readiness.
Saline Memorial Hospital started open enrollment for its Always Safe Sleep Project, giving families a free HALO SleepSack that promotes safe sleep for newborns.
A six-month follow-up visit will offer extra guidance, and North Arkansas Regional Medical Center will join the program later this month.
Hot, dry conditions in July challenge local gardeners in Little Rock as less than an inch of rain has fallen over the past two weeks.
Expert Janet B. Carson advises watering deeply + checking container plants daily to keep them thriving.
Today, the Hatcher Agency Busch Softball Classic will start at Dupree Park and Burns Park (the event venues) with games beginning at 8 a.m. across several divisions in a double-elimination format.
Full match details are available on the official site.
Defensive tackle Danny Beale, a four-star recruit, committed to the Razorbacks on Dec.
1 with coach Ryan Silverfield urging him to join and boost the defensive line. He worked up the practice roster this spring and aims to meet his target weight while earning game time (343 lbs).
Arkansas baseball pitching coach Matt Hobbs is coaching pitchers for Team USA during a three-week commitment (concluding with World Collegiate Baseball Championship games in Taichung City, Taiwan on July 11-15).
He finds it special to wear red, white and blue on the nation's 250th birthday.
Louisiana Krewe vs Little Rock Rangers Soccer Match
6-8 p.m. — War Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch Louisiana Krewe take on Little Rock Rangers in an exciting USL League Two showdown.
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Evening — Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a dazzling musical rendition of the beloved Biblical story with diverse musical styles.
Junk Journaling Workshop
4-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free entry — Discover the joy of screen-free creativity while transforming paper scraps into unique art.
J & The Causeways Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack — $10 cover — Experience an evening of original soulful tunes with J & The Causeways.
Evanescence 2026 World Tour
7-10 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Discount tickets available — Experience the haunting sounds of Evanescence alongside Spiritbox and Nova Twins on the 2026 World Tour.
Meditative Sundays
2-3 p.m. — Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts — Free entry — Experience meditation, sound baths, and yoga led by mindfulness specialists in an enriching environment.
Summer Art Club: Create Your Own Amulet
2-3 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Registration required — Craft your own amulet using metal tooling techniques for charm and protection.
Terror Tuesday: Tremors Screening
7-9 p.m. — Ron Robinson Theater — Free parking available — Experience the cult classic 'Tremors' with laughs, thrills, and timeless storytelling.
The Comedy of Errors
7 p.m. — Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts — Ticket required — Experience a fast-paced, interactive production of Shakespeare’s classic filled with humor and live music.
Little Rock Photo Expo 2026
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock — $30 off with code USEDPHOTOPRO — Sell your pre-loved camera gear and explore innovations in photography at this engaging expo.
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