Today
in Little Rock
Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 85th Arkansas State Fair opened today at the fairgrounds where local officials reviewed safety measures and visitors enjoyed games, food, and bacon treats from Sue Sue’s Concessions—providing a behind-the-scenes look at the event. ABC 7
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Philander Smith University confirmed freshman student athlete Taariq Conner died in a single-car accident near Redfield on October 9—officials reported one fatality and one injury in the incident. ABC 7
- ➤ The Arkansas Game — Fish Commission released necropsy results for the bear that fatally attacked 72-year-old Vernon Patton in Franklin County in September, showing the animal was malnourished and had neurological abnormalities that likely affected its behavior. FOX 16
- ➤ Philander Smith University said freshman Taariq Conner, 18, died in a car crash Thursday night that injured three other students and that the school has offered counseling to support those affected. FOX 16
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jonathan K. Merritt, a beloved church organist, will perform his farewell concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church as he steps down after 27 years of service. The free event offers the community a chance to say goodbye before he continues his music career in California. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Today, the Arkansas State Fair officially opens—welcoming local visitors to enjoy various attractions and mark the start of a much-anticipated fall celebration. THV 11
- ➤ The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame is honoring six outstanding Arkansans this year, with three inductees living on the same street in Little Rock—they are recognized for transforming their communities. The event spotlights local leadership and celebrates the impact of these individuals. THV 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Agriculture selected 10 schools for its Shade Tree on Playgrounds program, which will provide up to five native shade trees, mulch, watering supplies and planting guidelines for each school. Ten additional schools will receive a potted tree and educational resources, and all participants must attend a virtual STOP workshop and hold a tree-planting ceremony. FOX 16
- ➤ Downtown Little Rock’s B. Finley Vinson Plaza will start its second renovation phase Monday, Oct. 13 as announced by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau—expanded green areas, improved lighting, extra seating and a live performance space will be added near the Robinson Center. Construction is expected to finish by spring. FOX 16
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Transportation confirmed a $2.7M project with Quarterhill Inc. and the Highway Police to modernize sorter systems at freight entry points near Lehi and Marion — the project will use AI and sensors to boost safety and help keep goods moving efficiently. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas State Parks honored four lifesavers after camper Bubba Noakes suffered cardiac arrest during a family camping trip on Petit Jean Mountain last month – the ceremony at Mather Lodge, led by Law Enforcement Section Chief Ed Thomas, awarded former paramedic Ken Ekenseair, nurse Keri Adaire, and rangers Josh Baker and Levi Koch with Director’s Lifesaving Commendations. Their quick use of CPR and AED equipment highlighted how vital emergency preparedness is for saving lives. FOX 16
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Earlier today, Matt Jones and Ethan Westerman discussed Week 7 SEC matchups including Arkansas-Tennessee and shared football predictions — Bruiser Flint, special assistant to John Calipari, joined Ethan at the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club to discuss Razorback basketball. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will leave the Ohio Valley Conference and join the United Athletic Conference on July 1 as approved by the University of Arkansas System board on Friday—this move fits the school’s southern focus. Chancellor Christina Drale said the change will bring fresh energy and stability to Trojan athletics. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
7-10 p.m. — Robinson Center — Tickets required — Experience the epic journey of Aang with a live orchestra performing the iconic soundtrack.
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Open Access Lunch & Learn: Unlocking Scholarship
12-1:30 p.m. — Ottenheimer Library — Free entry — Explore key topics in Open Access during International OA Week with informative talks and a buffet lunch.
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