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🌱 Patch AM: Arrest made after downtown Little Rock condo fire damages three units

And check out Your Weight Matters Little Rock on the Little Rock Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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What's up Little Rock! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Arrest made after downtown Little Rock condo fire damages three units
  • See what Little Rock Zoo's $1.2 million upgrade will include
  • How a former volunteer rose to lead at Little Rock Zoo

Also on today's calendar: Your Weight Matters Little Rock and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Record-tying temperatures, with a high of 100 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Very hot, temps: high: 99, low: 73.
  • Saturday: Record-tying temperatures, with a high of 100 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Arrest made in connection to Sept. 9 Little Rock condo fire (arkansasonline.com) — An arrest has been made after a Sept. 9 condo fire damaged three units in downtown Little Rock, with investigators calling the blaze arson. A 54-year-old man with a prior reckless burning conviction was taken into custody using security camera footage, has pleaded not guilty, and is scheduled for a November court date as the case moves forward.
   

2. Arkansas Zoological Foundation gives $1.2 million to Little Rock Zoo (ktlo.com) — Little Rock Zoo is getting a major boost, with the Arkansas Zoological Foundation committing $1.2 million toward its ambitious Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined. Combined with more than $11 million in voter-approved bonds, the funding will create new animal habitats, guest feeding experiences, and amphitheater upgrades, with fundraising continuing ahead of a planned spring 2027 grand opening.
   

3. Little Rock Zoo names new assistant director (kark.com) — Little Rock residents have a new leader helping shape the future of their zoo, as longtime volunteer and academic Jessica Scott has been named assistant director of the Little Rock Zoo. She'll oversee operations, education programs, conservation work, and long-term planning, bringing two decades of experience with primates and environmental studies back to the place where she first volunteered as a student.
   

4. UAPB, Bowen mentor prospective law students (pbcommercial.com) — Students in and around Little Rock have a new pathway into law school thanks to a recent mentoring visit from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law to UAPB. Law school leaders and alumni offered guidance on applications, financial aid, and legal careers, aiming to build a stronger, more supportive pipeline from UAPB to Bowen for aspiring attorneys.
   

5. Piper's Purpose Foundation turns tragedy into legacy (kark.com) — A Little Rock family is honoring 18-year-old Piper Goodwin, who died from leukemia in April, by launching Piper's Purpose to help others. The foundation offers nursing scholarships and practical support for Arkansas Children's Hospital families facing medical bills, food, and housing needs, allowing Piper's compassion and story to continue touching lives even after her passing.
   

📸 Around Little Rock

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Little Rock, AR, has been safely reunited with their family after 11 hours, 1 minutes. Message from Finder: "This sweet… (Nextdoor Goldenhood)
  • Does anyone recognize this baby?
    Picked up by the intersection of Colonial Glen and stagecoach at 6:30am. I drove around the nearby neighborhoods and looked for someone outside… (Nextdoor Westwood Western Hills)
  • Dollar General posted a job opening for ASST STORE MGR in LITTLE ROCK, AR S13012 in Little Rock. Apply here.
  • Chili's Grill & Bar posted a job opening for Line Cook - Little Rock Relo Chili's in Little Rock. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Little Rock here.

Ok Little Rock! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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