Good morning, Little Rock.

Walmart has recalled over 800,000 Ozark Trail 64-oz water bottles after reports show that a faulty screwcap lid ejected forcefully when opened, causing multiple injuries including two cases of permanent vision loss.

Consumers can return the affected bottles to Walmart for a refund.

Authorities in Carroll County said first responders found 19-year-old Alexzander Drake Bernhardt dead in a northern Oak Grove road at 10:37 p.m. Wednesday and are investigating his death as a homicide — they ask anyone with information to call 870 423 7373.

Arkansas lawmakers on Thursday questioned prison officials after convicted murderer Grant Hardin escaped from Calico Rock Correctional Facility in May.

Officials said Hardin exploited an hour of unsupervised kitchen duty (using a marker and kitchen items to change his appearance) and two correctional officers were fired over the lapse.

Officers arrested four people in Pulaski, Saline, Marion, and Sebastian counties for making, sharing, and using child sexual abuse material — a 26-year-old in Benton faces over 3,000 counts after more than 6,500 digital items were found, while a 31-year-old in Yellville, a 17-year-old in Fort Smith, and a 39-year-old in Sherwood were also taken into custody after tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced over $735,000 in funding yesterday for 12 county projects that will improve road systems and protect water quality.

The projects in counties such as Benton, Calhoun and Dallas will upgrade drainage and manage stormwater as part of the Unpaved Roads Program—efforts led by county judges and road crews.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a new farm-to-school pilot program that will launch for the 2025 to 2026 school year in the Marion School District — inmates at a Newport facility will grow produce like tomatoes and kale for school meals while extra servings go to local food pantries. The initiative, led by the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives in partnership with state departments, is expected to help tackle childhood hunger across the south.

On Thursday, advocates and lawmakers met in Little Rock at the Red and Blue Events Center to review the legislative session’s impact on families and honor leaders like State Sen. Clarke Tucker and State Rep. Howard Beaty for co-sponsoring Act 449.

Presenters covered issues from education to health — and the event previewed another meeting in Fort Smith on July 28.

The Delta Regional Authority awarded nearly $900,000 to three workforce development projects in Arkansas as part of a $7 million disbursement across seven states announced Thursday — the grants are expected to support job training and enhance local workforce skills.

Officials say the funding will help boost employment prospects in the state.

DCI - Drum Corps International

7:30-9 p.m. — War Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful performances of youth drum corps and support arts education.

One Night Only - A Tribute To The Bee Gees

7:30-9 p.m. — Robinson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the harmonies and beautiful falsetto voices of the Bee Gees with a full band performance.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Live

7-10 p.m. — Revolution Music Room — Ticket info not provided — Experience the reflective tunes of Jason Boland and the Stragglers as they perform from their latest album.

David Tribble Live Acoustic Show

3-9 p.m. — The Oyster Bar — Free entry — Enjoy amazing food and live music with Texarkana's own David Tribble.

AI Meetup with John Eddy

5:30-7 p.m. — The Flying Saucer — Free entry — Explore the transformative potential of AI in a casual setting with industry peers.

Guitar Wars III: Revenge of the Riffs Registration

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Ron Robinson Theater — Free registration — Secure your spot for Guitar Wars III and snag a free pack of guitar strings.

Arkansas Kennel Club Dog Show

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Arkansas State Fair — Free admission — Discover an array of dog breeds and specialty vendors at this charming canine showcase.

The Amen Corner Performance

3-6 p.m. — Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a compelling live theater performance at one of Little Rock's premier venues.