Pulaski County is investigating a suspected payment-diversion scheme involving approximately $1.9 million in public funds intended for medical services at the county detention center.

According to a statement released by the county and reported October 28, an email received June 19 appeared to come from an accounts-receivable representative for Turn Key Health Clinics LLC.

The message requested a switch to automated clearinghouse payments and provided new banking information.

The Pulaski County Quorum Court has voted 10–4 to override County Judge Barry Hyde's veto of an ordinance regulating data center developments.

The decision on October 27 followed months of debate about proposed large-scale projects and the county's authority to address their potential impacts.

The ordinance involves provisions covering matters such as noise, light pollution, water use, wastewater and fire prevention.

Arkansas farmers face mounting financial pressure despite dry weather that has helped many crops move quickly through harvest.

New University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture reporting shows 12 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in Arkansas during the third quarter of 2026, the highest count reported for any state in that period.

The state recorded 32 such filings through the first nine months of the year, according to the analysis.

The University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College has received a federal award of nearly $3 million to expand healthcare training.

According to a local report published October 22, the funding is intended to support educational programs, update facilities and improve services that help students complete their training.

The investment represents a new development in efforts to prepare workers for healthcare occupations in Central Arkansas.

Arkansas-based Forge Institute has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for a new utility cybersecurity training and assistance effort.

The two-year Secure Energy Defenders Program aims to help eligible rural and municipal electric utilities strengthen defenses against digital threats.

Participating utilities will have access to the program without paying for the covered training and assistance.

Some of Greater Little Rock's most meaningful community investments happen in buildings and places that already carry generations of history.

The Quapaw Quarter Association has announced recipients of its 2026 Greater Little Rock Preservation Awards, honoring work that protects local architectural and cultural heritage.

The awards were established in 1980 and recognize projects, preservation advocates and professionals whose efforts help historic places remain part of community life.

A downtown landmark finds renewed purpose

Pulaski Heights Middle School dedicated its gym to Coach Ramona McGee, the first female coach in the Little Rock School District to receive this distinction.

Saline County voters will decide in November whether to reduce the property-tax millage supporting their public library system.

The proposal would lower the library's rate from 1.7 mills to 1.1 mills after the Saline County Quorum Court voted in May to place the question on the ballot.

Supporters of a reduction argue that county population growth has increased tax collections and that the library can operate with a lower rate.

Floyd Brantley, a 101-year-old Navy veteran in Conway, is sharing his memories with Josh and Heather Scott for their nonprofit Memoirs of World War II film series.

A new coffee business in Benton has helped turn a local opening into support for children and families.

7 Brew Coffee donated $11,527 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Saline County following a fundraising event at its new Benton location.

The donation was reported October 28 and reflects the business's effort to connect with the community it now serves.

White Water Tavern and Vino's Brew Pub are planning Halloween cover-band shows October 30 at 8 p.m. The two Little Rock venues feature different tribute lineups.

From Beetlejuice and Halloween races to family festivals and illuminated zoo evenings, here are nine verified October 30–November 1 events across Central Arkansas.

The Hot Springs Poetry Festival runs November 1–8 with free readings, workshops, a poetry slam and a closing-day book fair. It offers a literary arts outing for Central Arkansas readers.

A free screening of A24's Club Kid is scheduled for November 4 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film starts at 6:30 p.m.

At ESSE Purse Museum in Little Rock, handbags and their contents tell the story of American women decade by decade. Explore this distinctive SoMa destination and its current exhibits.

Medicare open enrollment is underway through December 7, 2026, giving beneficiaries an opportunity to compare health and prescription drug coverage for 2027. Changes selected during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

New trail connections have opened within the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area near Pinnacle Mountain State Park, marking progress on a larger conservation and recreation plan.

ALDI plans to open a second North Little Rock grocery store at 11201 Maumelle Boulevard on October 29. The added location will expand shopping options in northern Pulaski County.

Southern Bancorp Bank has begun changing its name to Uplift Bank, marking a new identity for an Arkansas-founded financial institution focused on underserved communities.

The first phase of the transition was completed October 26, with additional phases planned into 2027.

The organization's holding company, previously Southern Bancorp Inc., is now Uplift Financial Development Corporation.

7 Brew Coffee has opened a second Benton drive-thru at 8200 Alcoa Road, with customizable drinks, extended hours and a special October 30 promotion.

New trail connections have opened within the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area near Pinnacle Mountain State Park, marking progress on a larger conservation and recreation plan.

Enjoy Central Arkansas fall scenery without climbing a mountain. This local guide highlights the Big Dam Bridge, downtown riverfront paths and North Little Rock's paved trails.