Good morning, Little Rock.

Project Zero, in partnership with state human services & local community groups, hosted a festive event on Sunday, Dec.

7 that offered holiday food, music and decorations for 135 foster children waiting to be adopted in Little Rock.

At a Sunday meeting, members of Immanuel Baptist Church unanimously selected Kyler Smith (formerly senior associate pastor at Hickory Grove) as their 18th pastor.

He will start on Jan. 11 in Little Rock and aims to uphold the church's legacy (founded in 1892).

First Baptist Church on Main Street in North Little Rock is hosting the Sharing the Joy on Main Street event to distribute donated toys, clothing, and household items to families in need at 10 a.m. tomorrow at 2015 Main Street (with support from National Baptist Convention and World Vision and free food with community worship).

Little Rock officials may soon build a downtown park estimated to cost between $93 million + $128 million, based on the lead consultant’s master plan review of the site.

The project is part of the city’s effort to reinvigorate the area.

A couple dozen veterans and community members attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony yesterday at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock — with retired Navy officers and Mayor Terry Hartwick stressing the need to honor those who sacrificed on Dec.

7, 1941.

Rising filmmaker Corbin Pitts, who launched his production company as a child, will have the world premiere of his directorial debut Good Time Charley on Dec.

17 at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater.

Jurnee Taylor presented Arkansas’s top news stories on December 7 — featuring the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center celebrating the holiday season — in a roundup that focused on local cultural activities.

Homestead Academy in Pearcy was removed from the Education Freedom Account program on Nov.

18 for not providing a safe and structured learning environment, according to a letter from the Arkansas Department of Education; parents can use their funds with any eligible provider.

A federal report from the CDC finds that life expectancy at birth in Arkansas rose by 1.4 years in 2022, though it remains below pre-covid levels.

Sheridan football coach Kevin Kelley, known for developing Division I prospects, praises class of 2027 offensive lineman Eythan Cowden as an exceptional talent poised to make an impact at the next level.

Arkansas football announced that offensive line coach Eric Mateos will not return under head coach Ryan Silverfield.

Mateos, hired in December 2023 after three seasons at Baylor, coached a top-rated offensive line that developed several NFL players.

Freshman Isaiah Sealy played 10 minutes and scored eight points when Arkansas beat Fresno State 82-58 at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock on Saturday.

Coach Calipari said he will try to give Sealy more playing time if he shows improvement in practice.

The Signal Featuring Radiolab

6-8 p.m. — CALS Ron Robinson Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the fascinating intersection of science and storytelling in this live Radiolab show.

Christmas Trees for a Cause

The Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association is spreading holiday cheer with fresh Christmas trees at 2600 West Markham from 9 AM to 7 PM daily. Pick the perfect tree and help brighten the season for blind and visually impaired students across Arkansas.

Visit Santa at the Zoo

10 AM – 2 PM — Little Rock Zoo — Included with admission — Celebrate the season with a festive photo with Santa and enjoy all the magic the Zoo has to offer.

Spring 6, Spring Boot 3, and Spring REST Training

Mon-Fri, Dec 15-19 — Security Training Institute of Arkansas — Call for pricing — Dive into the essentials of Spring technology with an extensive multi-day training program.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele

8:45 p.m. — Albert Pike Memorial Center — Tickets selling fast — Experience the music of Adele under the glow of candlelight performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

The Toast: A Premier New Year’s Eve Celebration

8 PM – 2 AM — Little Rock Marriott — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 2026 with three levels of music, luxury, and a high-energy midnight countdown.