Today
in Little Rock
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The renowned Halloween event Big Boo!seum Bash will be held on October 30 in Little Rock and features nine interactive locations where trick-or-treaters and families can collect game card stamps for a drawing for Meta glasses or a goody bag. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—admission is free and costumes are encouraged. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Officials from CARTI announced the 49th Festival of Trees will return Nov. 6-8 at the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center — the event will include the Sugar Plum Ball, Festival of Fashion, Tux ‘n Trees gala and a silent auction to support CARTI’s Patient Assistance Program. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday. FOX 16
- ➤ Little Rock locals mourn Norma Kristie—a drag pioneer crowned Miss Gay America in 1973 who owned pageants and helped during the AIDS crisis—who died at 79. Many say her work changed lives and will keep inspiring the community. FOX 16
- ➤ K Hall & Sons, a longtime family business in Little Rock, was named among the winners of the 2025 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame during Monday's induction by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, and the award honors cherished local restaurants including The Ohio Club and Taylor’s Steakhouse. FOX 16
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall declared the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District fully unitary—meaning it is now desegregated—after it built two new elementary schools and replaced two older ones to meet a federal court order. The court will supervise the district until April to resolve a fee dispute. THV 11
- ➤ Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva announced Tuesday that proposed reimbursement cuts to early child care were paused for 30 days—providers said they received short notice. The decision comes after strong pushback from local centers and allows extra time to review the policy. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Monday new appointments to state boards—Charlene Fite to the Educational Television Commission (term through March 23), Stephen Brannon to the Ethics Commission (term through Dec. 31), Aaron Holwick and Ferguson Stewart to the Psychology Board (terms through Dec. 31), and Kelley Dunlap to the Children’s Catastrophic Illness Grant Program Committee (term through May 1). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Brenda 'B.J.' Wyrick, the Ward 7 city director and vice mayor, announced Tuesday her intention to run for mayor in November 2026 and said she loves Little Rock and wants to fix long-standing issues. She has served the city since 1995—her candidacy comes as Little Rock faces a crossroads. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Governor Sanders sent a memo to her cabinet this morning to guide state agencies on furloughs and suspensions if a federal government shutdown occurs on October 1. The memo directs agencies to consult with the DFA and SAS to decide which services needed for public health, safety, and welfare will keep running—others will be paused for the duration. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ In 7A high school football, the balance between West and Central has shifted over the years—Central teams broke a history of early West dominance with consecutive state titles, and early season games now show West teams as strong contenders. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas golfers led day one at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational at Blessings Golf Club on Monday — the Razorback men's team shot a 5-over 293 to take a six-stroke lead while the women's team posted a 2-over 290 to lead by seven strokes. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Three players—Adam Auston, Carnell Jackson, and Ari Slocum—reopened their recruitment after Arkansas fired head coach Sam Pittman and three assistants following a 56-13 loss to Notre Dame. This change brings the number of defensive recruit renewals to five and leaves the team with 18 commitments for the 2026 class as Bobby Petrino serves as interim head coach and is a candidate for the full-time job. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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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.
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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.
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Trey Songz Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Arkansas State Fair — Tickets from $68 — Catch the R&B sensation Trey Songz live in concert at Barton Coliseum.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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