Today
in Little Rock
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Insurance Department will host its second annual Insurance Day on Tuesday, September 23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Little Rock where insurance producers, regulators and legislators will discuss new laws, infrastructure challenges — including the I-55 Bridge replacement, and severe weather risks. A panel of insurance commissioners from several states will also review the FORTIFIED program aimed at supporting local contractors. ABC 7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Arkansas' unemployment rate rose to 3.8% in August from 3.7% since March. Officials said 1,683 jobs were added and 797 more Arkansans searched for work while nonfarm payrolls increased by 4,900 with the start of the new school year—further evidence of subtle shifts in the state's labor market. FOX 16
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Officials from the Arkansas Department of Education released school letter grades for the 2024-2025 school year on Friday, marking the first year that the updated accountability formula under the LEARNS Act was used. The report shows that 122 schools earned an A, 291 a B, 352 a C, 137 a D and 130 an F — a snapshot for planning future improvements. FOX 16
- ➤ Pulaski County Special School District Superintendent Jeff Senn said in an email on Friday that the district still needs 20 bus drivers above its current total of 96 as students wait longer for buses. Seven drivers are currently training, which will lower the shortage to 13—officials remain focused on recruiting more drivers for the over 6000 students who ride daily. FOX 16
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Arkansas Water approved a new trail expansion for Lake Maumelle that will add 13.5 miles of trail connecting Pinnacle Mountain to Rattlesnake Ridge—part of the Maumelle Pinnacles Project with a $500,000 budget. FOX 16
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. held a Friday news conference at the Museum of Discovery to update residents on the downtown master plan and proposed 30 Crossing park—city officials and the Downtown Little Rock Partnership joined the briefing to shape future development. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Today, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced two letters of intent with a Taiwan agricultural association to purchase U.S. and Arkansas products for $5.56 billion from 2026 to 2029—final terms will be negotiated directly between importers and U.S. suppliers. The agreement includes buying 7.5 million metric tons of corn and corn products valued at $2.12 billion and at least 6.5 metric tons of soybeans worth $3.44 billion. FOX 16
- ➤ A petition to trigger a recall election for Little Rock City Director Ken Richardson was filed with the city after he did not attend meetings for over a year (from Ward 2) (residents seek accountability). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State officials announced that health insurance premiums in Arkansas will increase by 22% starting Jan. 1, 2026 — Governor Sanders said the negotiated rates are 35.8% lower than initially proposed and many beneficiaries can lower costs through ACA subsidies. THV 11
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A reader asked for advice on planting seeds from her Empress Wu hosta which shows seed pods on its flower stems—she noted that the hybrid nature means the new seedlings may not match the parent. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas football team is set to play in Memphis today at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium — the temperature is expected to be in the low 80s at kickoff and near 90 by game end. The Razorbacks have won six games in Memphis — a record they hope to extend in a matchup that holds special meaning for some players. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Little Rock Princess Day
8 AM – 1 PM — Embassy Suites by Hilton Little Rock — Tickets required — Experience a magical day with beloved princesses at a fairytale ball.
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Cliff & Susan Live at Southern Tail Brewing
7 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Southern Tail Brewing — Free entry — Experience the dynamic sounds of Cliff & Susan, a musical duo blending piano, fiddle, and guitar.
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Hispanic Heritage Celebration
5-9 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Hispanic culture with live performances, food, and fun games.
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Cliff & Susan at River Bottom Winery
4-10 p.m. — River Bottom Winery — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the unique sounds of a married duo blending piano, fiddle, and guitar.
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2 Old Goats Pickleball Tournament
3 AM – 3 AM — Burns Park — Free entry — Dive into an exciting weekend of competitive pickleball with local enthusiasts.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
~ James Clear
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