Today
in Little Rock
Friday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country singer Eric Church will bring his Free The Machine Tour to Simmons Bank Arena in February+ tickets will go on sale to the general public next Friday, October 3 at 10 a.m. with arena box office sales starting Monday, October 6. ABC 7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Metroplan released its report showing central Arkansas grew at an annual rate of 0.7% from 2020 to 2025 as more people moved in—Benton grew by 8% and Ward by 19%. The study also forecasts 14,900 new households by 2030 and an 867,000 population by 2050 along with a rise in single-family housing starts, including an 88% jump in Bryant. FOX 16
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Parents in the Pulaski County Special School District say overcrowded buses—where up to five students share a seat and some sit in the aisles—are a major safety hazard as buses have often been 30 minutes late. Superintendent Jeff Senn said the district is training new drivers although it remains 13 drivers short, and one parent is urging authorities to step in. ABC 7
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Education says that starting October 1 it will cut childcare reimbursements by 36% and add a new co-pay rule—providers and families worry the move will force rate hikes and staff cuts. Providers stress that the changes may make care less affordable while state officials say the plan is needed to keep the program running. ABC 7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas Game and Fish has set up free testing for chronic wasting disease in deer as archery season begins on Sept. 27, using 101 freezers & 36 taxidermists across the state to collect samples. Hunters must drop off the deer’s head with a portion of the neck and remove antlers before submitting the sample for testing by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. FOX 16
- ➤ Archery deer hunting season begins tomorrow and hunters will have access to 101 freezers statewide for free testing of chronic wasting disease. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has arranged for 36 taxidermists—experts who help collect deer samples—to assist and promptly share test results via phone and a secure website. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Regulatory Division seized nearly 6,000 illegal hemp-derived THC products from retailers since mid-July—agents visited 2,800 locations and made two felony arrests after the court upheld the state ban. ABC 7
- ➤ North Little Rock council member Nathan Hamilton raised concerns about the Main Street Viaduct in the Argenta District as he noted visible flaws like falling concrete and exposed rebar—he called the structure the most dangerous bridge in Pulaski County. He explained that the nearly 100-year-old viaduct, which carries 19,000 cars a day, may need a $70 million replacement while current funding remains at $7.8 million—Hamilton urged greater budget transparency. ABC 7
- ➤ The city of Little Rock is asking residents to share feedback on design options for 30 Crossing Park, a space set under the Interstate 30 bridge between President and East 2nd Street. Residents can view draft renderings and submit opinions in a survey open until Sept. 28—ensuring the design team uses community input to shape the park. FOX 16
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ During a Wednesday tour in Springdale, hospital leaders said Arkansas Children’s Northwest’s $82.7 million expansion project is progressing steadily as new spaces add capacity for outpatient and inpatient care—helping reduce the need for families to travel to Little Rock. Officials said the project, which began in 2024, will add more beds and 50 new health care providers to meet growing demand. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Matt Jones hosted a Razorback football panel at the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club where he was joined by Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports and Christina Long and Ethan Westerman of WholeHogSports.com, and they discussed Arkansas football. The event brought together local sports fans and expert viewpoints on the latest team news. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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HarvestFest 2025
4:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. — Hillcrest Neighborhood — Free entry — Celebrate the community with music, a dog show, and family-friendly activities at one of Little Rock's biggest festivals.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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