Good morning, Little Rock.

The 7th Annual Lift Against Leukemia benefit powerlifting competition is taking place today at WorkHarder gym from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It honors Blake Wilson’s memory and supports 5-year-old EJ Jackson battling B-ALL, while professionals and amateurs can compete or watch.

On Friday, Dec. 12, members gathered their belongings as North Little Rock’s Innovation Hub closed to the public — marking the end of the makerspace’s role as a community resource.

This week on Southern Fried Podcast, Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields discussed Northeast Arkansas's economic upswing and higher education challenges, explaining his move from UA and the need for learning about AI and cybersecurity with host Rex Nelson.

The episode offers fresh insight on regional academic innovation.

Local reporter Ashley King delivered the week’s top headlines, featuring a local mayor investigation, potential aid for farmers, and immigration crackdown measures noted from Dec.

8.

Entergy Arkansas advises residents to winterize their homes, gather emergency supplies, and check the Storm Center website — it is strengthening grid systems and preparing for colder weather.

The company also detailed steps like insulating equipment and trimming vegetation to prevent outages.

Arkansas has nearly 500 whooping cough cases reported, and officials urge vaccinations and proper hygiene to protect vulnerable infants.

The state faces its highest surge since 2013.

The Capital Hotel (a historic landmark) hosts annual family visits as Arkansas residents celebrate the Christmas season downtown.

The hotel remains a favorite destination for locals enjoying holiday traditions.

Local gardening advice recommends cleaning and air-drying pumpkin seeds (around Halloween) before storing them in a paper bag until planting in late May to early July.

At the 20th annual Arvest Hoopfest on Thursday evening at Dr. Marlin Berry Arena, the Rogers Mounties built a double-digit lead and secured a 58-57 win over Conway, thrilling local fans.

High school basketball teams posted scores and shared tournament schedules.

Girls and boys teams will compete at community venues from today through the week, with championship games and round-robin contests planned (official schedules list scores, times, and matchups).

Fans enjoyed a 65° opening day of live racing at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort on Friday when 15,000 gathered for 10 races and outdoor viewing areas (with many planning to try other entertainment as cooler weather is expected this weekend).

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.