Good morning, Little Rock.

Arkansas DCFS director Tiffany Wright will run 160 laps covering over 50 miles around the state Capitol on Nov.

2 to raise awareness for foster children waiting for permanent homes; Project Zero will host a one-mile walk and 5K on Nov. 7 to support the cause.

On Thursday, a memorial service at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock laid World War II POW Corporal Delmor Erwin to rest after 84 years.

Family members received his identified remains and medals (purple heart, silver star, and bronze star), bringing long-awaited closure.

Providence Park received a surprise $25,000 gift from the Blue & You Foundation on Thursday during its 25th anniversary celebration in Little Rock.

The housing development offers permanent housing and support services for residents and plans to build 400 tiny homes.

The Arkansas State Fair opens today in Little Rock with food contests + rides, live music, and family attractions.

Running through Oct. 25, the event also features football games, discovery exhibits, and strict security checks.

Little Rock School District will close Western Hills, McDermott and Mabelvale elementary schools after the current school year due to financial challenges and a student enrollment drop — part of its LRSD Forward plan.

Community members offered feedback during public meetings in recent weeks.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board recommended a slight funding boost for colleges in fiscal 2028 after institutions received $783 million in fiscal 2027.

Lawmakers will review the board’s proposal for increased support for four-year and two-year schools when the session begins Jan. 11 (set in July).

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture said 25 counties are at extreme wildfire risk from persistent drought and dry vegetation; red flag warnings and burn bans are in effect in 50 counties (risk is expected to persist).

Residents must avoid outdoor burning to stop sparks from igniting large fires.

The Department of Health confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2026-27 season in Pulaski County this week (the overall flu activity remains minimal with 22 hospitalizations across several counties).

Fire safety experts urge residents during National Fire Prevention Month to check extinguishers for proper pressure and have them professionally serviced.

They advise using extinguishers only for small fires and knowing the PASS method (pull the pin, aim, squeeze, sweep) for safe emergencies.

Doctors are warning local families as more children get respiratory illnesses.

They advise parents to watch for symptoms and seek care quickly if a child feels very sick.

At SEC Media Days on Wednesday, Arkansas coach John Calipari praised Jeremiah Wilkinson for his scoring and defense after his move from Georgia — a transfer he is expected to leverage as the Razorbacks guide their young team ahead of the Jan.

19 game in Fayetteville.