Today
in Little Rock
Sunday, October 12th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 12th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, the 85th annual Arkansas State Fair opened with 49,170 visitors, marking the second-largest opening day ever, organizers said. Children 12 and under got free admission on Saturday and the fair will run until Oct. 19—offering rides, food and shows. FOX 16
- ➤ Casey Jo Clark learned she had breast cancer and her friend Maegan Waldrip found out she had a miscarriage on the same day—both are now co-chairing Monster Bash ’25 to help Home for Healing. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Little Rock chef Jennifer Maune, who helped as a sous chef at MasterChef All-Stars Live! in 2021 while studying at UA-Pualski Tech College, is returning to the show ahead of opening her first restaurant. She will use her on-stage experience to start her new business. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is hosting Architects of Being, an exhibit that pairs works by Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina until Jan. 11—this is the first time their art is shown together and the show will travel to other museums later in 2026. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Multiple entertainment events are scheduled this week – Tina Turner Musical will play at Reynolds Performance Hall on Thursday at 7 p.m. and the revival of Rocky Horror runs through Oct. 31 with a special midnight show on Oct. 26; additional shows include Neil Diamond Musical at Walton Arts Center, NWA Ballet’s Dracula on Oct. 24 in Fayetteville, the GhosArt exhibition opening Tuesday at Laman Library, and Anne Keene’s author talk at ASU-Mountain Home on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas has improved its tracking of student learning in the tutoring program by verifying 98% of student data following a call by a state staffer—this update helps the state measure academic progress since the program began in 2023. The department will update its system for the 2025-26 school year to connect interim assessments with end-of-year tests. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The University of Arkansas System reported a fall headcount of 71,705 students—about 2,000 more than last fall. Most campuses noted modest enrollment growth as the academic year began. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A couple in Saline County received an award for cleaning up a local river—helping keep the water clear and the surroundings safe. THV 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Sanders’ reelection campaign raised over $1 million in the quarter ending Sept. 30 and reported holding about $5.5 million in cash on hand, the campaign announced Friday. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas state agencies reported that food assistance programs have enough funding through the end of October, but the services remain at risk if the federal government shutdown continues. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas won the coin toss and scored an 11-yard touchdown on a 9-play drive to take a 7-0 lead at 10:10 in the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Interim head coach Bobby Petrino led the Razorbacks as they face 12th-ranked Tennessee in Knoxville—further play is expected as the contest continues. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ NFL players with Arkansas ties—including those active, on injured reserve, practice squads, or inactive—have posted updated stats ahead of Week 6, with the list covering players like Hunter Henry of the Patriots and Bo Nix of the Broncos from recent matchups. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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Emily Fenton Live Performance
8 PM – 12 AM — White Water Tavern — Not specified — Experience the captivating mix of folk and country melodies from local artist Emily Fenton.
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