Happy Friday, 501!

What Little Rock landmark was named by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe as “La Petite Roche”?

Little Rock baseball opens historic Super Regional 

UA Little Rock baseball is stepping onto one of the biggest stages in program history today.

The Trojans are playing in their first-ever NCAA Super Regional after winning the Hattiesburg Regional, a breakthrough postseason run for the Little Rock program.

Little Rock faces Troy in Game 1 today, Friday, June 5, with first pitch set for 4 p.m. The game is listed for broadcast on ESPNU.

The matchup opens a best-of-three series, with the winner advancing to the College World Series. For Little Rock, the moment marks the deepest NCAA Tournament run in program history and gives Central Arkansas a major college baseball storyline to follow this weekend.

The historic run has turned the Trojans into one of the biggest local sports stories of the week, giving students, alumni, baseball families, and fans across the area a reason to rally around Little Rock baseball.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Data center debate grows in Little Rock and Pulaski County

Data centers are becoming one of Central Arkansas’ biggest local government issues, as Little Rock and Pulaski County consider how to manage large-scale projects.

In Little Rock, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. has proposed stronger city rules for data centers, including limits on where they can be built and added buffer requirements from certain surrounding uses. The proposal comes as major technology infrastructure projects raise questions about utilities, land use, noise, and neighborhood impact.

Pulaski County has also been weighing its approach. A proposed countywide data center moratorium recently drew attention after a vote review found the emergency ordinance did not pass. The moratorium would have temporarily paused new data center development while officials considered additional rules.

The debate is likely to continue as Central Arkansas looks at the potential economic benefits of data centers alongside concerns about power demand, water use, infrastructure needs, and how close large facilities should be to homes, schools, and other community spaces.

For residents, the issue is not just about technology. It is about how fast-growing infrastructure projects fit into local communities and what safeguards should be in place before they move forward.

Little Rock Zoo adds capybara art sculptures ahead of capybara return

The Little Rock Zoo has added a new reason for families to explore the grounds this summer: 22 interactive capybara art sculptures.

The sculptures were introduced as part of the lead-up to the return of live capybaras through Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined, the zoo’s larger improvement effort. The art pieces give visitors a preview of the capybara excitement while adding a playful, photo-friendly feature throughout the zoo.

Capybaras, known as the world’s largest rodents, are social animals often recognized for their calm personalities and semi-aquatic habits. Their planned return gives the zoo a fresh animal attraction to build around as it continues updating exhibits and visitor experiences.

The sculpture trail pairs especially well with a family zoo visit, giving kids and adults something extra to spot while walking the grounds.

Little Rock Community Day at the Zoo is Saturday

Little Rock residents can visit the Little Rock Zoo at a reduced rate this weekend during Community Day at the Zoo.

The event is set for Saturday, June 6, with admission available for $2 and parking for $1 for City of Little Rock residents who show proof of residency. Children 2 and under are free.

The discounted admission makes it an easy family outing, especially with summer break getting underway. Visitors can explore the zoo, check out the new capybara art sculptures, and spend the day outside without the usual full-price admission cost.

Residents should bring proof of Little Rock residency and plan for normal zoo hours, parking, and summer weather.

SoMa After Dark and Main Street Mile bring Friday-night energy downtown

Little Rock’s South Main district is set for a busy Friday night with SoMa After Dark + Main Street Mile on June 5.

The event is listed from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and brings together two downtown favorites: a lively South Main evening and a community running event along Main Street.

For runners, the Main Street Mile offers a chance to take part in a short, energetic race through one of Little Rock’s most walkable neighborhoods. For everyone else, SoMa After Dark gives visitors a reason to explore local shops, restaurants, bars, and neighborhood spots as the weekend begins.

The event is a good fit for anyone looking for a downtown night out that does not require a full itinerary. Come for the race, stay for dinner or drinks, and spend a summer evening supporting South Main businesses.

The Runarounds play The Hall on Saturday night

Little Rock music fans have a Saturday-night concert option this weekend as The Runarounds come to The Hall on June 6.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show scheduled to start at 8 p.m. The Hall has become one of Little Rock’s go-to venues for touring acts, local crowds, and weekend live music.

The show gives Central Arkansas an easy night-out option after a busy day of local events, from Community Day at the Zoo to downtown activities and family outings.

Tickets and event details are available through The Hall’s official calendar.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park stands out as a favorite escape for Central Arkansas residents seeking a quick reset.

Located just west of Little Rock, this scenic park features summit hikes, family-friendly trails, river views, and well-equipped picnic spots.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, boating, and engaging nature programs—all easily accessible for a morning adventure, after-work stroll, or weekend outing.

The mountain’s signature silhouette rises above the Arkansas River Valley, rewarding hikers with sweeping views, while families can opt for gentle trails or peaceful arboretum walks.

Pinnacle Mountain also serves as the eastern gateway to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which stretches over 200 miles to Oklahoma, making it central to Arkansas’ outdoor scene.

Visitors should stay prepared for the heat and keep pets leashed. Whether after stellar vistas or simple nature breaks, Pinnacle Mountain State Park remains a top local getaway.

CareLink helps older adults and caregivers find support

CareLink is one of Central Arkansas’ main resources for older adults, homebound seniors, and family caregivers.

The organization connects residents with services such as Meals on Wheels, home care, senior centers, caregiver support, fitness and wellness programs, Medicare counseling, pet care assistance, legal referrals, and ombudsman support.

For families helping an aging parent, neighbor, or loved one, CareLink can be a practical starting point for figuring out what services are available and how to access them. The organization serves Central Arkansas and can help connect seniors with support designed to keep them safe, independent, and connected at home.

Interesting Facts

Dave & Buster’s opening first Arkansas location in Little Rock

Dave & Buster’s is bringing its first Arkansas location to Little Rock this month.

The dining-and-entertainment chain is set to open at the Outlets of Little Rock on June 13, adding a new option for arcade games, food, drinks, and group outings in the city’s southwest retail corridor.

The opening gives Central Arkansas a new indoor entertainment spot for families, date nights, birthday parties, work gatherings, and weekend plans. It also adds momentum to the Outlets area, which continues to serve as a shopping and entertainment destination near I-30 and Bass Pro Parkway.

Dave & Buster’s is known for combining a sports-bar style restaurant with arcade games, large-screen TVs, and prize-based entertainment. Once open, the Little Rock location will give Arkansas residents an in-state option instead of having to drive to nearby markets for the experience.

The new location is expected to open just as summer schedules pick up, making it a timely addition for families and groups looking for indoor activities during the hottest months of the year.

Arkansas IDs now available in Apple Wallet

Have a local event coming up?

The “Little Rock” rock formation along the Arkansas River

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