Today
in Little Rock
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Officials with the Arkansas State Fair announced a new traffic pattern for the 85th annual event starting October 10 to improve safety and ease congestion; they said vehicles will no longer pass the Main Gate to loop under the bridge and guests must follow revised directions — eastbound on Roosevelt for the North Lot and westbound on Schiller Street for the South Lot — to help keep arrivals smoother. FOX 16
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Last weekend, two backpackers camping near Salt Fork Creek fended off an aggressive black bear on the Ozark Highland Trail, and the Ozark Highland Trail Association shared safety tips including keeping food out of tents & away from camp. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The historic Castleberry building in Salem was built in 1904 by brothers W.M. and B.H. Castleberry and is now being restored by new owners. It once housed Fred’s Dollar Store in the 1970s—its storied past makes it a local landmark worth visiting. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Education launched the ACA250 website in partnership with the Arkansas250 Commission to help students, families, and teachers explore the nation’s 250th anniversary and learn about Arkansas history. The website follows a Journey Across America theme—connect, celebrate, and contribute—to offer easy-to-use resources for studying American heritage. FOX 16
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas250 Commission launched the Arkansas Celebrates America250 website—designed to help students, families and educators learn about the Declaration of Independence and Arkansas history. The site will lead to statewide programs as the semiquincentennial celebrations build up to 2026. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is urging Arkansans to practice the Great Shakeout Drill on Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. Over 24,000 residents have registered—joining millions worldwide—and officials advise checking emergency plans and securing loose items to be ready for earthquakes from the New Madrid Fault. FOX 16
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced yesterday that more than $20 million was awarded to 67 projects to improve sidewalks—bike lanes, signals and lighting for pedestrians and bicyclists across the region. The grants through the Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Programs will support new and upgraded non-motorized travel routes. FOX 16
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ This October, Claire Brown with Little Rock PowerWomen explained early breast cancer warning signs and shared local resources—providing guidance on when to seek care—and helped readers understand crucial steps for their health. THV 11
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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.
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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 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.
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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'.
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Travursity Travel Showcase
5-8:45 p.m. — Movie Tavern Little Rock — Registration required — Engage with travel suppliers and enjoy a unique cinematic showcase.
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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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Ghouls and Games Masquerade Gala
6-9 p.m. — Old State House Museum — Donation requested — Enjoy an enchanting night of masked intrigue, games, and a silent auction supporting mental health resources in Arkansas.
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Miss Quince Arkansas Expo
10 AM - 10 PM — GSA Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty and elegance of quinceañeras with an extravagant fashion showcase.
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Arkansas State Fair - Gate Admission
11:59 p.m.-1:29 a.m. — Arkansas State Fair Grounds — Ticket required — Experience one of the top local events at the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock.
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EmPOWER Arkansas Conference & Expo
12 PM – 1 PM — Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock — Registration details varying — Discover energy innovations and workforce opportunities at this key local conference.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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