Good morning, Little Rock.

Arkansas Rep. French Hill led a hearing in New York Friday calling for clear rules for digital assets + lawmakers urged that the Senate pass the CLARITY Act to assign oversight to federal agencies, aiming to boost U.S. digital finance.

Hallie Shoffner held a town hall in Stuttgart on Thursday to address the worsening farm crisis as local rice cooperative Riceland considered closing drying facilities.

With former Senator Blanche Lincoln's endorsement, she stressed that updated federal policies could give struggling farmers a chance to grow more profitable crops.

Columnist Philip Martin explains how his hearing loss reshapes everyday life in noisy spots like local restaurants where voices and clatter mix.

His hearing aids help sort sound from noise and allow him to enjoy the quiet peace that follows when they are removed.

Today, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 26 cases of Cyclospora in Little Rock, up from one earlier this week.

Officials advise patients to drink water and eat freshly washed produce while investigations continue into an outbreak linked to pre-cut iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell (supplier in Mexico).

Gardening columnist Janet Carson noted that four o'clock (Mirabilis) blooms open in the late afternoon and multiply each year.

She advised against treating deer with an off-label tick medication and warned that crape myrtle bark scale may weaken trees over time.

Two new hotels are coming to downtown North Little Rock near Simmons Bank Arena & the Argenta Arts District.

Tempo by Hilton will open mid-2027 with 134 rooms and a rooftop restaurant, while Aloft, set to debut Fall 2027, will add 90 rooms and a 7,000-sqft event space.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be broadcast at local venues.

Fans can start arriving as early as 2 p.m. for specials — including deals at sports bars and restaurants — before kickoff at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Luke Cornett of Drasco led the Maumelle Classic at Maumelle Country Club on Friday with an 8-under 64 that included seven birdies over eight holes, and second-round play will begin at 8:00 a.m. Saturday.

Kuhio Aloy signed with the New York Mets for $220,000 and Wills Maginnis signed with the Boston Red Sox for $250,000 on Friday in Fayetteville, joining other local MLB draftees to secure professional contracts (both have strong ties to Arkansas baseball).

Colton Yarbrough, a freshman defensive lineman, is building his strength for Arkansas football at the Razorbacks center in Fayetteville.

He said Friday workouts, where teammates push a 1,200-pound sled, are tough but help him get stronger.

Arkansas men's basketball commit Davion Thompson is reclassifying to play for the Razorbacks next season after committing on June 10.

He is a 6-foot-2 point guard (rated No. 21 for the 2027 class) who considered offers (Michigan, Vanderbilt, Baylor).

Reporters discussed the Razorbacks’ first season under coach Ryan Silverfield (50 days until kickoff) and noted that improved quarterback play and late game performance in preseason practices aim to boost the team beyond last season’s 2-10 record.

Kids In The Kitchen: Dino Nugget Dioramas

10-11 a.m. — North Little Rock Public Library — Free entry — Kids get creative and culinary in this fun summer workshop featuring edible dino dioramas.

Lunch Bunch Book Club: The Anthropocene Reviewed

11 a.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free entry — Discuss the intriguing insights of John Green's 'The Anthropocene Reviewed' while enjoying your lunch.

Some Guy Named Robb LIVE!

6-10 p.m. — Deer Creek Fire & Stone — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance from Arkansas singer-songwriter Some Guy Named Robb.

Christmas In July Craft Market

9 AM — Faith United Methodist Church — Free entry — Shop early for unique gifts in a cool, festive atmosphere.

Norteño Sax Concert

12-10 p.m. — Tavern 65th — Tickets required — Enjoy a lively performance of Norteño Sax in the heart of Little Rock.

Floss The Mack Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Awareness Center, Inc. — Limited tickets available — Experience a night of nonstop laughter with Floss The Mack and a stellar lineup of comedians.