🌱 Patch AM: What could West Ninth Street look like after a 2026 transformation?

Good morning Little Rock! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What could West Ninth Street look like after a 2026 transformation?
• Why two Little Rock homicides are shaking neighbors this week
• How Trump’s marijuana order really affects Arkansas patients and providers

Also on today's calendar: 90s Country New Year - Vol. 4.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Very warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 60 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 73, low: 61.
• Friday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 77 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. For this historically Black street in Little Rock, new hopes abound (arktimes.com) — Community leaders and residents are working to reimagine West Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock, aiming to reconnect the historic Black corridor severed by I-630. Backed by a national grant, a temporary “Beyond the Divide” streetscape with art, events, and safer walkways is planned for spring 2026 to showcase long-term possibilities.
   

2. Two killed in separate violent incidents less than 24 hours apart in Little Rock (kark.com) — Two men were killed in separate stabbing and shooting incidents less than 24 hours apart in Little Rock, rattling neighbors at Eagle Nest Apartments and along East 17th Street. Police have arrested suspects in both cases, even as city leaders recently touted falling violent crime. Investigations continue, and anyone with information is urged to contact Little Rock police.
   

3. Here's how Trump's marijuana order impacts Arkansans (thv11.com) — Little Rock officials are clarifying that President Trump’s new order to reclassify marijuana at the federal level will not change Arkansas’s existing marijuana laws or legalize recreational use. State leaders say the biggest impact for Arkansans, including over 113,000 medical marijuana cardholders, will likely be expanded research opportunities rather than changes at local dispensaries.
   

4. Shorter College Garden Apartment tenants to get moving help as utility shutoff looms (katv.com) — Shorter College Gardens tenants in North Little Rock are getting federal help to move out just as utilities are set to be shut off and Christmas approaches. A relocation contractor is placing families in temporary housing and helping them find permanent homes. The city is moving to condemn the complex, and the Arkansas Attorney General is investigating the owners.
   

5. Police Officers Capture Elf on a Shelf Following ‘Scooter' Joyride (weareabilene.com) — A playful holiday moment in the Little Rock area made the rounds after Bryant police filmed an officer returning “Snowflake,” an Elf on the Shelf, to a young girl whose family lives in the Little Rock suburb. The lighthearted video shows the officer explaining how she found the elf riding a scooter near the local high school before reuniting it with its relieved owner.
   

📸 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

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 27

• KATV Pet of the Week
  Humane Society of Pulaski County , 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd , Little Rock
  8:25 am

Wednesday December 31

• 90s Country New Year - Vol. 4
  The Hall , 721 W 9th St , Little Rock
  10:00 pm

Friday January 2

• KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Little Rock
  Riverdale 10 VIP Cinema 2600 Cantrell Rd Little Rock, AR 72202
  1:00 pm

📣 Little Rock Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• City Offices Closed for Christmas
  Benton City Hall , 410 River Street , Benton
  12:00 pm
• New Journeys Recovery
  Mayflower Senior Citizens Building , 1 Ashmore Dr , Mayflower
  7:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Leads Group Meeting - Network Champions
  Sherwood Chamber of Commerce , 7510 Hwy 107 , Sherwood
  8:30 am
• Senior Activities
  Mayflower Senior Citizens Building , 1 Ashmore Dr , Mayflower
  9:00 am

Friday December 26

• Cosmic Bowling
  Strike Zone Bowling Alley , Bxtra Access Rd , Jacksonville
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• reformer foundations
  Pilates Social , 3519 Market Pl Ave Suite 300 , Bryant
  11:00 am
• Mat Pilates - All Levels
  Pilates Social , 3519 Market Pl Ave Suite 300 , Bryant
  1:00 pm
• Shaw Revolver (Regional/National)
  Malys Family Entertainment Center , 1040 Maly Curv , Conway
  8:00 pm

Sunday December 28

• reformer foundations (level 1)
  Pilates Social , 3519 Market Pl Ave Suite 300 , Bryant
  3:00 pm

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• This cat has been showing up at my house on Mellon St.
  the last few days and I’m really hoping she has a home. She is friendly and sweet, and she has a blue collar. If you know where this cat lives,… (Nextdoor Midtown Little Rock)
• My car is parked outside of Michael’s and planet fitness on markham in LR.
  Is there anyone with a code reader or battery tester nearby? Or any mobile mechanics available to meet? (Nextdoor Leawood)

• Envoy Air, Inc. posted a job opening for Part Time Ramp Agent in Little Rock. Apply here.
• JA Riggs Tractor Company posted a job opening for Service Coordinator 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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