Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new startup partnership could change Little Rock city services.

Be sure to catch Armed Forces Kids Glow Run on the Little Rock Patch calendar

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Hello again Little Rock! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new startup partnership could change Little Rock city services.
  • Why are big-city professionals suddenly choosing Little Rock as home?
  • Little Rock Central athletes under review: what's behind the staff suspensions?

Also on today's calendar: Little Rock Community Day and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 85 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sun, temps: high: 86, low: 63. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Chance for a thunderstorm, with a high of 86 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Little Rock One of First Cities Selected for Government Startup Program (arkansasbusiness.com) — Little Rock has been chosen as one of just three cities in a new Kapor Center program that pairs local governments with startups tackling issues like housing, healthcare, education, and financial stability. Over the next few years, city leaders will work with mission-driven entrepreneurs to identify local challenges and test innovative solutions that could shape everyday services for residents.
   

2. Metropolitan professionals moving to Central Arkansas for affordability, job opportunities, chamber report says (arkansasonline.com) — Central Arkansas, especially Little Rock, is drawing hundreds of professionals from big cities like Phoenix, St. Louis, and Houston, boosting local jobs and tax revenues. New data show strong job growth, rising labor participation, and a surge in housing permits around Little Rock. Officials say the city's lower costs and diverse employers are raising incomes across Pulaski County.
   

3. Two Little Rock School District employees placed on leave during investigation into students' athletic eligibility (arkansasonline.com) — Two Little Rock School District employees are on paid administrative leave while officials investigate whether some students met athletic eligibility requirements, according to Little Rock Central High's principal. The district says it's following established procedures but can't share details because of privacy rules. Families are being assured the concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately.
   

4. Supporters of Little Rock's Watson Elementary urge school board to keep it open as district faces budget cuts (arkansasonline.com) — Watson Elementary families packed Thursday's Little Rock School Board meeting, urging members not to close their majority-Hispanic community school as the district weighs $4–$7 million in budget cuts. Detailed consolidation options show possible closures and rezoning across several elementaries, while a newly approved $387 million budget attempts to stabilize LRSD's sharply declining fund balance and enrollment.
   

5. 'It's neighbors helping neighbors,' Arkansas Foodbank encourages folks to help fight hunger with Central Arkansas Restaurant Week (kark.com) — Central Arkansas Restaurant Week is underway in and around Little Rock, with more than 100 restaurants teaming up with Arkansas Foodbank, KARK, and FOX16 to fight hunger. With one in five Arkansans and one in four children facing food insecurity, organizers say proceeds from select menu items will help families struggling with rising living costs. Residents are encouraged to participate or donate online.
   

📸 Around Little Rock

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Little Rock

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Little Rock Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I GOT ORIENTATION TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!
    IM BOUT TO BE START WORKING VERY SOON PROBABLY MONDAY MORNING THANK ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT IT REALLY MEANT A LOT TO ME TRULY . COME SEE ME… (Nextdoor Bass Pro)
  • Found dog!
    Anybody seen this baby before? It looks like she's been out for a while, but she's super sweet and seemingly trained. (Nextdoor Markham Rodney Parham)
  • American Logistics Authority posted a job opening for Transportation Support Coordinator (Remote) $865$1,195 per week in Little Rock. Apply here.
  • Ideal Staffing, Inc. posted a job opening for Medical Receptionist 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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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