Little Rock leaders are preparing to consider a temporary pause on permits and approvals for hyperscale data centers, a proposal that puts the city's growth strategy under a new spotlight.

The October 20 City Board agenda lists an ordinance proposing a six-month moratorium for this particular category of large data facility.

The proposed ordinance is not a final decision, and residents should distinguish an item scheduled for consideration from an enacted city rule.

Director Webb is identified as the sponsor of the measure on the city's published agenda.

The measure would require municipal impact studies and public disclosures addressing water supply, wastewater, noise, emergency infrastructure, zoning rules and monitoring practices.

Arkansas entrepreneurs secured more venture deals in 2025, but they had a smaller overall pool of venture dollars to share.

A new Arkansas Capital Scan released by the University of Arkansas tracks $197 million in angel, seed and venture funding across the state.

Within that total, venture capital investment fell 33% to $184.3 million, reaching its lowest level in five years.

At the same time, the number of venture deals rose 47% to 28, an important distinction in understanding the headline decline.

Three Little Rock police officers have been relieved of duty following an internal review of the department's automatic license plate reader system, putting questions about privacy and oversight at the center of a growing city discussion.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr. addressed the matter publicly on Tuesday, October 13, after the department identified searches that may have violated its rules for using the technology.

The system, commonly associated with Flock Safety cameras, records license plate information that law enforcement agencies can search as part of investigations.

The latest developments raise an important distinction: a tool designed to help solve crimes also requires safeguards against unauthorized use.

What has happened?

One of Central Arkansas's familiar nightlife names is getting ready for a new stage, this time on the North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River.

Willy D's Rock & Roll Piano Bar is targeting a December 3 opening for its new location in Argenta, according to an October 8 update.

The move will take the longtime entertainment destination from Little Rock's River Market District to a mixed-use development beside Simmons Bank Arena.

The project is part of a reported $25 million development led by Nabholz Properties of Conway.

For Argenta, the arrival represents another addition to a neighborhood that has been steadily building an identity around restaurants, entertainment and downtown activity.

Friendly Frights at the Shoppach House in Benton offers families a sensory-friendly Halloween experience with playful characters and no intense scares.

Events are planned for October 16–17 and 23–24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 503 North Main Street.

Children can explore at their own pace, skip activities and take breaks.

Check the organizer's current ticket information before attending.

Saline County residents who qualify for food assistance have two upcoming opportunities to receive USDA commodities through the Central Arkansas Development Council.

The agency has announced distributions on Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22, 2026, at locations in Bryant and Benton.

At the Bryant Senior Activity Center, distribution begins at 8 a.m. at 6401 Boone Road, Suite 3, in Bryant.

At the Benton Senior Activity Center, distribution begins at 9 a.m. at 1800 Citizens Drive in Benton.

The published notice identifies the two sites and their start times but does not assign a separate date to each location, so residents should confirm the applicable day before traveling.

Central Arkansas has a full calendar of fall outings from Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, with options for families, music fans and anyone ready to enjoy a neighborhood tradition.

Friday, October 16: Music Around Little Rock

Country singer Lauren Alaina is scheduled to perform at The Hall on Friday evening.

Cody Hibbard is also scheduled at Stickyz for an 8 p.m. performance.

The Old Mill in North Little Rock looks like a nineteenth-century landmark, but this beloved attraction was built in 1933 as a tribute to Arkansas pioneers.

Discover the artistry behind its rustic bridges and benches, the genuine historic pieces incorporated into the site and its surprising appearance in the opening scenes of Gone With the Wind.

Located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, it remains a special local destination for history, photographs and a peaceful outing.

October 15 marks the beginning of a decision-making season for millions of people enrolled in Medicare, including older adults across Central Arkansas.

Medicare's annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026.

Changes selected during this window generally take effect January 1, 2027.

This is the time to review next year's coverage, even if your current plan has worked well.

What can change?

A comfortable, familiar home can be a wonderful place to grow older, but small hazards can become more consequential as balance, vision or mobility change.

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and taking practical steps can reduce the risks.

For older adults across Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton and surrounding communities, fall prevention often begins with an ordinary walk through the house.

Start with floors and walkways

Clear loose clutter, cords and other trip hazards from hallways, bedroom paths and frequently used living areas.

Central Arkansas businesses are on the move, with a new Riverdale restaurant, a downtown doughnut shop closing, and a Chick-fil-A relocation planned near Park Plaza.

Also in this roundup: Halsey Real Estate's Little Rock expansion, The Croissanterie's larger home and Loca Luna's return after renovations.

October is pumpkin-picking season across Central Arkansas, and families have several options for trading an ordinary afternoon for hayrides, farm animals and fall photographs.

Whether you are taking grandchildren out for a weekend or planning a day with friends, these three farms offer different versions of the autumn tradition.

Motley's Pumpkin Patch | Little Rock

At 13724 Sandy Ann Drive in Little Rock, Motley's combines pumpkins with tractor rides, a cow train, farm animals, play areas, a maze and a giant slide.

Visitors can choose pumpkins in different sizes and shapes, along with gourds and seasonal decorations.

Autumn is an excellent time to trade the weekday routine for a drive into the Arkansas River Valley, and Petit Jean State Park offers a memorable destination near Morrilton.

The park's sandstone formations, wooded slopes and expansive overlooks make it rewarding even for visitors who are not interested in a demanding hike.

Although fall foliage does not arrive on an exact timetable, October is a good time to explore the landscape as the season begins to change.

Start with a scenic mountaintop drive

Arkansas Highway 154 leads visitors through the Petit Jean landscape, connecting park facilities with scenic stops and historic features.