Good morning, Little Rock.

After 19 months renting space in Hillcrest, Hope Church purchased a property on Brookwood Drive in Riverdale.

The church, which broke away from Immanuel Baptist, now owns the site (formerly Easterseals Academy).

Little Rock Zoo will host Glo Wild New Year's Eve featuring a DJ, dance party, hot cocoa and more than 40 handcrafted lanterns.

The family-friendly event is set at the zoo on New Year's Eve.

2025 brought mixed headlines for our community as residents remembered longtime meteorologist Ed Buckner, saw the abrupt closure of Little Rock's Amazon facility, and welcomed a new Razorback coach after an early win.

The groundbreaking for Arkansas' first Buc-ee’s near I-30 signaled fresh growth & optimism for the future.

Local cultural events feature a free Kwanzaa celebration Tuesday at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at 501 W.

Ninth St. — the African Children's Choir performs in Hot Springs Friday and in North Little Rock Jan. 18, and art exhibits open at UA's Windgate Center Jan. 20.

Chad Maupin's fourth comic book zine features rants about the paranormal that show his strong belief in unusual phenomena (capturing local interest).

The release offers readers a fresh look at his unique style.

Retired FBI agent Jerry Spurgers from Little Rock released his true crime book Murder at Midnight that recounts a four-year investigation starting in October 2016 in Malvern involving a missing informant + a local drug culture.

He spent three years writing the book while continuing his current job.

Arkansas lawmakers mandated Holocaust education for grades five to 12 in public schools, with the final full week of January set aside for Holocaust Education Week (the AHEAD Fund will award $5,000 grants to top educators).

Horace Walters, a longtime LRPD captain and former Chief of Police in Alexander, was honored with a police procession to St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock after his passing earlier this month.

Family members remembered his trailblazing role in challenging racial discrimination and his lifelong dedication to service.

UAMS expert Alyssa Frisby advises families to build lasting healthy habits for the new year — planning balanced meals and involving everyone in the kitchen can help make changes stick.

Her advice debunks detox myths and focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes.

NFL players with Arkansas roots have updated their performance numbers in games before Week 17, showing varied results on offense, defense and special teams.

Corrections or additions can be sent via email ([email protected]).

Arkansas State hired Vanderbilt quarterbacks coach Garrett Altman as offensive coordinator after a staff shakeup, with starting quarterback Jaylen Raynor reportedly set to enter the transfer portal on Jan.

2, while Arkansas is targeting ASU special teams coordinator Dakota Tillman and safety Miguel Mitchell may also transfer.

Reports indicate college football programs may face higher fees in the upcoming transfer portal season as increased costs tied to revenue sharing and name, image and likeness rules weigh on recruiting budgets.

Analysts say the change could shift recruiting strategies for local teams.

Today, local golfers impressed at a tournament with Bobby Cheatwood (No. 13) hitting a 105-yard 9-iron shot at Maumelle Country Club, Bobby Ellis (No. 8) recording a 113-yard pitching wedge, and Irving Henderson (No. 16) making a 144-yard 9-iron at Rebsamen Park Golf Course.

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.

Time Travel Half Marathon and Fun Run

Time Travel Half Marathon/10K/5K — 9 a.m. — North Little Rock, Arkansas — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the New Year with a fun-packed running event for all ages featuring various distances.

Arkansas Contractors' Auction

8 AM – 9 AM — Blackmon Auctions Complex — Auction fees apply — Bid on a variety of trucks, trailers, and construction equipment at this extensive public auction.