Good morning, Little Rock.

David Jones, former KARK general manager, president and owner, died at 94—he began his career at KARK in 1956 and later partnered with Jerry Jones to purchase the station while also helping build a faster local ambulance system, with the MEMS training center named for him in 2019.

His work changed local broadcasting and emergency response in our community.

This year’s Trammell Shelton Day will be held on October 5 at the new pavilion and playground at Boyle Park on 2000 Boyle Park Road in Little Rock—honoring Shelton, a 26-year-old man fatally shot in a 2021 drive-by on John Barrow and West 36th Street.

The event will offer free food, live entertainment, bounce houses, dancing, game trucks, voter registration, and financial literacy resources, uniting neighbors while remembering his legacy.

Goldman Sachs celebrated 33 Arkansas entrepreneurs at the Robinson Center last Friday as part of its 10,000 Small Businesses program — which provided a $20 million boost in capital through CDFI Hope Enterprise Corp.

Local business owners praised the program for giving clear guidance and plan to use its tools to grow their companies.

Argenta Contemporary Theatre sent a news release after former staff who left to form Stage 13 filed a court document accusing the theatre of financial misconduct.

The theatre said the filing made misleading and false claims—claims that led to a permanent injunction order.

On Friday, the University of Arkansas System board of trustees approved a new Workforce Development Center at UALR and a strategic plan for the Agriculture Division—steps that will guide job training and agricultural programs in the future.

The measures will shape how the university meets local workforce needs.

Local sportsmen and volunteers, including Manila School District students, cleaned trails, boat lanes, and parking areas at several state wildlife management areas by using chainsaws and four-wheelers to remove fallen trees.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said another cleanup will take place on Oct. 4 at the University of Arkansas Pine Tree Experimental Station Wildlife Demonstration Area in Colt—volunteers can call for more details.

Gov. Sanders announced a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat left after Sen. Gary Stubblefield died on Sept.

2 — the primary will take place on March 3, 2026 with a runoff on March 31 if needed, and the special election is set for November 3.

A federal judge in Little Rock held a hearing Friday that kept in place the injunction from August 4 blocking changes to the state organ donation law, which would let an organ donor’s relatives or guardians stop a donation.

Judge James M. Moody Jr.—the presiding judge—ordered further briefing by Sept 29 as he takes the case under advisement.

William Hamilton, a Jefferson County constable, will retire after a traffic stop controversy that led to extra police involvement — his resignation letter, dated September 23, states his retirement is effective December 31.

The Arkansas Senate confirmed 43 appointees on Friday including two to the Board of Education, six to the Library Board and eight to the Towing and Recovery Board—nominations by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for state boards, commissions and posts.

Fisher House opened Thursday near the John L.

McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital to provide short-term housing for veterans’ families and caregivers + offering essential support for those in need.

The Arkansas Legislative Council approved $131.9 million in state restricted reserve funds for the new Arkansas State Crime Laboratory building in North Little Rock on Friday — the funds will cover construction costs for the facility.

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.

2 Old Goats Pickleball Tournament

3 AM – 3 AM — Burns Park — Free entry — Dive into an exciting weekend of competitive pickleball with local enthusiasts.

Arkansas Rasta Fest and 5K & 10K Run/Walk

9 AM – 6 PM — Julius Breckling Riverfront Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate culture and fitness at this vibrant festival featuring races and festivities.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance with iconic rock hits set against a stunning candlelit backdrop.

2nd Friday Art Night

5-8 p.m. — Rock It! Lab — Free entry — Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and art in an engaging monthly gathering.

Swap Con® Little Rock

10 AM – 6 PM — Statehouse Convention Center — Free entry — Discover vintage treasures and collectibles at the Biggest BUY-SELL-SWAP®️ Convention in Arkansas.

Arkansas State Fair - Gate Admission

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Arkansas State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Arkansas State Fair with fun rides, games, and food.

October: Drink & Discuss - The Ghost Writer

6-8 p.m. — Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack — Free entry — Embrace spooky season while engaging in lively discussions about 'The Ghost Writer'.

Travursity Travel Showcase

5-8:45 p.m. — Movie Tavern Little Rock — Registration required — Engage with travel suppliers and enjoy a unique cinematic showcase.

Arkansas Times Pig & Swig 2025

6-9 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Earlybird tickets $30, General Admission $40, VIP $100 — Indulge in delicious pork bites and whiskey samples while enjoying live music at this popular local event.