Today
in Little Rock
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host its 12th annual 'Say It Ain’t Say’s Sweet Potato' pie contest on November 9 (1-4 p.m.), where bakers from across the Natural State will compete for the title and a People’s Choice Award. Contestants must bring a new, unopened toy to support the Robert ‘Say’ McIntosh STOP the Violence Toy Drive. THV 11
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A definitive feasibility study filed by Smackover Lithium shows that construction for the lithium carbonate project will start in 2026 and production will begin in 2028; the project has strong support and is set to be the first commercial Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) operation in the United States. THV 11
- ➤ Bank OZK posted a third-quarter profit of $180.5 million, or $1.59 per share, setting a record and showing a 1.9% increase from last year's figure while also reporting record net interest income of $413.9 million and deposits—shares fell 6.9% to close at $47.02. Managers hold a conference call today at 7:30 a.m. to review the data. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Royal Cuts Two Barbershop stays open as community members mourn owner Anthony King, who was shot during his birthday party and died in hospital weeks ago, while his family and staff honor his work to help at-risk youth — 19-year-old Markell Wiley now faces first-degree murder charges. ABC 7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Several high school students received $18,500 in scholarships after finishing the Arkansas Rice Reps program on Sunday at Sterling Market—Kirkley Ann Rawls from West Helena won the $5,000 grand prize. FOX 16
- ➤ Pulaski Technical College launched Arkansas’ first avionics program on Thursday at its Aerospace Technology Center at North Little Rock Airport to train aircraft electronics technicians. The program is funded by a $2.5 million grant— and partners with industry leaders like Dassault Falcon Jet and Arcturus Aerospace to offer hands-on training in aircraft wiring, troubleshooting, and repair. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ UA Pulaski Technical College and the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance launched a new avionics training program yesterday at the UA PTC Aerospace Technology Center in North Little Rock, backed by a $2.5 million workforce grant. The program teaches students to become Certified Aircraft Electronics Technicians through hands-on lessons (with support from industry partners) and offers internships for future aviation technicians. FOX 16
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission passed emergency catch-and-release rules that will require anglers to release any trout caught from Bull Shoals Dam to the boat ramp at Norfork Access for the next 120 days—measures designed after a severe drop in hatchery production and intended to protect a fishing resource with nearly $500 million in local impact. Anglers must also follow daily catch limits at designated tailwaters, including allowing only two trout per day in certain areas. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ A protest called No Kings Protest 2.0: Unity March will be held this weekend in Little Rock to challenge what protesters say is authoritarian leadership—organizers claim the event aims to unite local voices for political change. THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report released Thursday shows that Arkansas’ adult obesity rate dropped slightly last year—yet the state still ranked as the fifth most obese nationally. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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Jazz Night Jam Session
7-10 p.m. — Trio's Restaurant — Enjoy a night of live music — A bi-weekly jazz jam session featuring the region's finest talents.
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Fall Tour at Moss Mountain Farm
10 AM – 2 PM — Moss Mountain Farm — Ticket required — Experience the beauty of fall at P. Allen Smith’s enchanting Pumpkin House, adorned with pumpkins and gourds.
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Vamp Out Alz
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hall — Fundraiser for Alzheimer's Arkansas — Enjoy a Halloween-themed concert with live music and a silent auction.
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Cliff & Susan at River Bottom Winery
3-8 p.m. — River Bottom Winery — Cost info not provided — Experience the energetic marriage of music with Cliff & Susan bringing piano, fiddle, and guitar tunes.
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English as a Second Language Class for Beginners
5-6 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library — Registration required — Build your English language skills in a seven-week beginner-friendly course.
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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
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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