Good morning, Little Rock.

Historian Ben Johnson of El Dorado explains how shifts in Arkansas since 1960 have transformed urban centers and rural areas.

His analysis connects rising cities and falling farmland with Little Rock’s continued role as the state’s political and financial hub.

Longtime Elvis fan Joyce Joyner Hightower, 88, recalled meeting Elvis at Barnyard Frolics (Robinson Memorial Auditorium in Little Rock) in 1955 as she described backstage encounters that led her to serve as an Elvis fan club president.

Her story highlights a cherished piece of local music history.

Barry Brandt, KATV’s longtime meteorologist, has chosen to stay in Little Rock because of great tap water and strong family and church ties.

He has been on air for over 30 years and continues his career despite opportunities elsewhere (he recently discussed plans to retire).

Little Rock’s Historic Arkansas Museum held its Frontier Fourth event on Saturday, July 4, where reenactors marched as 1830s militias to mark America’s 250th independence anniversary and Arkansas’ statehood.

Volunteers offered cake signing and historical demonstrations to bring past traditions to life.

On June 14, twelve students earned $2,000 scholarships as part of the Edwin L.

Hawkins Scholarship Program & Cooking for College Buffet held at the Family Life Center at Greater Center Star Baptist Church. The event featured keynote speakers and a soul-food buffet from over 30 food donors.

Jason Wiles, a Syracuse University biology professor from Ash Flat and an Arkansas graduate, has received the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teaching Award from the Society for College Science Teachers.

It honors his dynamic, student-focused approach that promotes active learning and critical thinking — a model for science education.

After Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Arkansas LEARNS in 2023 to overhaul the education system, statewide test scores in 2026 show a significant rise in student proficiency and a drop in struggling performance.

The program increased teacher pay + expanded early learning, resulting in clear improvements.

Little Rock’s Sustainability Office has kicked off Plastic-free July with an event at Green Corner Store in SoMa while a plastic-free party is set for Sunday, July 26 at Southern Tail Brewing.

The Water Reclamation Authority has launched a new podcast that features local infrastructure stories.

Little Rock is appealing a jury verdict that ordered $20,000 plus fees after a pit bull adopted from the city shelter attacked a pet 17 months later, with the ASPCA filing a friend-of-court brief urging judges to shield shelters from liability (to avoid a chilling effect on adoptions).

Carla Koen and Reade Mitchell celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary today while working at HD Homes and rebuilding their home after last year’s fire (their decades-long bond began in Pine Bluff and grew after a memorable Glen Campbell concert).

Claurice, a blonde Pyrenees/shepherd mix (estimated born Feb.

14, 2026) is featured as Pet of the Week by the Humane Society of Pulaski County today. This shy puppy warms hearts with her quiet charm and awaits a loving home.

Today, four building permits were approved at 5 Allied Drive in Riverdale, with commercial projects valued from $300,000 to over $4 million.

Additional permits for residential and commercial work across Little Rock are being issued for projects over $75,000.

The Hatcher Agency Busch Softball Classic saw high scoring games begin Friday and storm delays and a brief altercation affect play Saturday at Burns Park (North Little Rock) and Dupree Park, with title games scheduled for Sunday.

Freshman offensive lineman Ben Mubenga has adjusted well to life in the U.S. after moving from the Congo and excelling in football with the Hogs following high school success in Buford — his strong conditioning and teamwork set him apart.

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.

Shaun Jones Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Loony Bin Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Shaun Jones as he takes the stage.