Polls have 2nd Congressional District Race as a ‘Toss-Up’
Lyon College to open Bad Boy Mowers Stadium on Saturday; Cheap Eats Alert; ASBTDC’s Graham gets State Star Honor in Orlando plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The North Little Rock School Board meets at 5:30 p.m. tonight for a special call meeting. The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: The Great Arkansas River Clean-up is this Saturday and scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed and those interested should meet at the Riverview Park Boat Ramp located on River Road in North Little Rock next to the Skateboard Park. Contact Randy Naylor at 501-350-8775 for more information. Or check out the flyer below.
Election 2026: Polls have 2nd Congressional District Race as a ‘Toss-Up’
Former gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones has officially entered the race for the Second Congressional District against incumbent U.S. Rep French Hill and there’s already polling in their potential matchup.
Jones, a Democrat, is at 40.0 percent support in a poll released by his campaign and conducted by John Zogby Strategies. Hill, a six-term congressman, is at 41.2 percent while 18.8 percent are unsure. The difference between Jones, below, and Hill is essentially in the margin of error.
“Arkansans are ready for someone who will fight for them — not Wall Street, not the powerful few,” Jones said in a release. “This poll shows that this is truly a battleground district and that change is already underway.”
Hill won the last election with nearly 60 percent of the vote but hasn’t been especially popular in his home county of Pulaski, the state’s largest. As a punishment, Republican state legislators further gerrymandered the state’s congressional districts and split Pulaski County between the 1st, 2nd and 4th. Despite the overwhelming opposition of Pulaski County’s elected municipal officials as represented by Metroplan.
So, while President Donald Trump has been ordering state legislatures around the country to redraw the maps to benefit Republicans, there’s not much that could be done to help the GOP locally.
Mostly the push has been because Trump and the policy positions put forth by the Republican Party are wildly unpopular but, much like NASCAR, if you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.
Jones, in the release, said, he is focused on building the “Next Arkansas” which he describes as “an economy that allows families to prosper, a democracy that reflects the people’s will, justice that treats everyone with fairness and dignity, and innovation that prepares us for the challenges ahead.”
Jones is an ordained minister and has a PhD in Rocket Science from the Masschusets Institute of Technology. Hill is a banker and worked in the Department of the Treasury under President George W. Bush.
Poll: The poll was fielded to a sample of approximately 400 adults by John Zogby Strategies on April 24-28. The margin of error for the poll was ±5.0 points.
TASTE OF THE BOULEVARD: An elegant evening benefiting the White Oak Bayou
The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy is proud to present the first Taste of the Boulevard: An Elegant Evening Benefiting the White Oak Bayou.
This signature event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Venue 10 in Maumelle.
This year's program will also feature Deputy Director Ben Batten from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as the evening's guest speaker. With extensive experience in conservation and natural resource management, Batten will highlight the importance of wetlands, wildlife, and community partnerships in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in Arkansas.
Spots are limited for this elegant evening. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, contact Kellie Wall at 501-851-9700, email Kelly French or visit https://www.whiteoakbayou.com/news-events.
Lyon College to open Bad Boy Mowers Stadium on Saturday
While the Arkansas and Arkansas State matchup dominated the headlines this past week, college football elsewhere continues to make news and such is the case with Lyon College in Batesville.
The Scots will host Arkansas Baptist College in the first game at the brand-new and on-campus Bad Boy Mowers Stadium, photo below, at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday.
The stadium will seat 600 and includes a press box, a digital scoreboard and bathroom facilities. The Scots had previously played their games at Batesville High School after Lyon brought football back a decade or so ago.
Batesville-based Bad Boy Mowers has deep connections to Lyon (nee Arkansas) College as company president David Brogdon played basketball at the school in the early 1990s and got the naming rights to the stadium, while the field will be named for Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials and another Batesville-based business.
Lyon also said other businesses making significant contributions include: Bank of Cave City, First Community Bank, and Merchants and Planters Bank.
Interim Vice President for Advancement Gina Garrett emphasized the importance of donor support in making the project a reality. Fundraising for future phases of the project is underway.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors,” Garrett said. “There are still opportunities to be part of this historic project and create your legacy of giving for Lyon College’s first on-campus stadium.”
For more information about Lyon College athletics, please visit LyonScots.com.
Cheap Eats Alert (And also Breaking News)
Costco has Cokes now and The Root Cafe launches Happy Hour
Costco, the much beloved national warehouse store, announced last year that the in-store cafes would be replacing its Pepsi products with Coke products but it wasn’t clear on when the change would occur.
Well, on a recent visit to the west Little Rock location, it was observed that the soda fountain was now displaying Coke logos so not sure on the when, but it has finally happened and we already knew that the hot dogs were delicious but as a life-long Pepsi avoider, we’ve never partaken of the combo special. That changed last Saturday and can confirm that a hot dog and Coke Zero is one of the best meal deals in central Arkansas, coming in at $1.50 before tax. Because we like to eat, we added a chicken bake and it checked in at $6.01
.In these inflationary times, good deals can be hard to find, but it was easy enough.
Two notes: we know that with the membership cost, the combo is actually a little bit more when that cost is factored in. We don’t care. Also, the hot dog and diet Dr Pepper combo at the cafe in Sam’s Club is also $1.50 and also a spectacularly good deal. Diet Dr Pepper is actually superior to Coke Zero and, truth be told, we have memberships to both warehouse stores because having both is a requirement to be middle-aged.
The happiest of Happy Hours
In press release news you can use, the Root Cafe at Breckenridge Village announced that they were launching Happy Hour this week and in super special double bonus news, it is broken up into two chunks. Tuesday through Saturday, the first Happy Hour runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. then a second Happy Hour from 7 p.m. to close.
The best deal? The very good hamburger there can be had for $10. For the day drinkers, and we know who you are, local draft beer is coming in cold at $5 while the very fancy cocktails are $7. The press release also said draft wine is $6 and we assume that just means wine by the glass but maybe they got a big ol’ box of wine at the bar and you just dip your glass in and go?
The mind wobbles.
The Root Cafe Breckenridge is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m, Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sundays are breakfast and brunch only. For more information, you can call 501- 353-1971 or view the menu online at www.therootcafe.com/breckenridgevillage.
ASBTDC’s Graham gets State Star Honor in Orlando
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center congratulates Karissa Graham, below, on her selection as State Star.
The State Star award recognizes outstanding individual achievement and is presented annually to one person from every Small Business Development Center network in the country.
"Our State Stars represent the best of America's SBDC Network. They are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to help small businesses succeed," said Charles "Tee" Rowe, America's SBDC President and CEO.
The 2025 State Stars were honored at a private reception at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with the America's SBDC 46th Annual Training Event Sept. 2-5.
Based at the lead office at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Graham is ASBTDC finance manager. She joined the program in 2019 and was promoted to her current role in 2022. Her skillful management of complex financial and grant processes keeps services to Arkansas small businesses and entrepreneurs running smoothly.
“Karissa is the kind of colleague every team hopes for — positive, steady, and supportive," said State Director Laura Fine. "She quietly ensures our staff and partners have what they need to succeed, offering trusted financial leadership in federal awards and daily operations with professionalism and a smile. We’re proud to see her honored as Arkansas’s State Star.”
Graham is a 2013 graduate of UA Little Rock and previously worked in the university's Financial Services department. She and her husband Brandon live in Little Rock and have two children.
ASBTDC assists emerging, existing and expanding small businesses through a statewide network of offices. Learn more at asbtdc.org.
Sports
Friday Night Lights
The dud theme continued into Week as both Maumelle and Central Arkansas Christian lost last week, while North Little Rock had the week off.
Maumelle
Last week: Parkview 42, Maumelle 14
This week: Maumelle (0-2) hosts nearby Vilonia (1-1) in the last non-conference game of the season.
What to expect: The Hornets enter the game ranked No. 10 in Class 5A by hootens.com while Vilonia, in the 5A-West, is unranked. Vilonia lost last week to Sylvan Hills, 46-14. while Maumelle lost to the Bears 55-54.
For the roster, click here.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Sylvan Hills 55, Maumelle 54
Thursday, Sept. 4 … at Parkview 42, Maumelle 15
Friday, Sept. 12 ... vs. Vilonia ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Sept. 26 ... vs. Beebe* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 3 ... ... vs. Pine Bluff* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Watson Chapel* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Jacksonville* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 24 ... at White Hall* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31 ... vs. Searcy* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Thursday, Nov. 6 ... at Robinson* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
North Little Rock
Last week: North Little Rock had the week off.
This week: North Little Rock (0-1) at Benton (0-1)
What to expect: Benton lost the annual Salt Bowl to Bryant two weeks ago and the Panthers, ranked No. 3 in Class 6A by hootens.com, look to get back on the winning track against the unranked ‘Cats.
For the roster, click here.
Friday, Aug. 29: Rogers 41, North Little Rock 3
Friday, Sept. 12 ... vs. Benton ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Sept. 19 ... vs. Catholic ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Thursday, Sept. 25 ... at Pulaski Academy* ... 7 p.m. (Game to be televised on KARZ)
Friday, Oct. 3 ... vs. Conway* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Little Rock Southwest* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 24 ... ... vs. Central* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 31 ... at Bryant* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... at Cabot* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
CAC
Last week: Stuttgate 48, CAC 14
This week: CAC (0-2) travels to Harding Academy (0-1)
What to expect: CAC hits the road for Searcy for the CofC state championship game at Harding Academy, ranked No. 15 in the Class 5A poll by hootens.com.
For the roster, click here.
Friday. Aug 29: DeWitt 38, CAC 8
Friday, Sept. 5 ... vs. Stuttgart 48, CAC 14
Friday, Sept. 12 … at Harding Academy … 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26 … at Heber Springs … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3 … at Riverview … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10 ... vs. Hall … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 17… at Lonoke … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 ... vs. Bald Knob … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 31 … at Mills … 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... vs. Forrest City … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
Sports
SEC Games: Week 3
SATURDAY
Wisconsin (2-0) at Alabama (1-1, 0-0 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 84
Oklahoma (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at Temple (2-0): 11 a.m. • ESPN2/SiriusXM: 81
South Alabama (1-1) at Auburn (2-0, 0-0 SEC): 11:45 a.m. • SEC Network/ SiriusXM: 161/190
Georgia (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at Tennessee (2-0, 0-0 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 81 - 84
UL-Lafayette (1-1) at Missouri (2-0, 0-0 SEC): 3 p.m. • SEC+/ESPN+/SiriusXM: 160/191
UTEP (1-1) at Texas (1-1 0-0 SEC): 3:15 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 161// SiriusXM: 146/201
Arkansas (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at Ole Miss (2-0, 1-0 SEC): 6 p.m. • ESPN/SiriusXM: 390 - 139/192 } Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
Vanderbilt (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at South Carolina (2-0, 0-0 SEC): 6:45 p.m. • SEC Network/ SiriusXM: 391 - 161/190
Eastern Michigan (0-2) at Kentucky (1-1, 0-1 SEC: 6:30 p.m. • ESPNU/SiriusXM: 81
Florida (1-1, 0-0 SEC) at LSU (2-0, 0-0 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • ABC/ SiriusXM: 82 – 84
Texas A&M (2-0, 0-0 SEC) at Notre Dame (0-1): 6:30 p.m. • NBC/SiriusXM: 85
Tickets on sale for Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
Tickets for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens – a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event – are now on sale to the public. For a complete listing of ticket options or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament website at simmonsbankchampionship.com.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club , Little Rock with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions' annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
"There's so much momentum heading into this year's Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens," said Freddie Black, Tournament Chair of Simmons Bank Championship. "Being selected for the PGA Tour Champion's Player Award last year – a recognition voted on by the players themselves – speaks volumes about the experience we're building here. We can't wait to welcome fans back this fall for another incredible week of golf."
General admission ticket options include daily Friday, Saturday or Sunday tickets for $30, Good Any One Day tickets for $35 or $85 weekend tickets for all three days of competition rounds. Children ages 15 and under will receive free general admission access with a ticketed adult. An upgraded 15th green shared hospitality ticket is also available to purchase for $300 per day or $850 for the weekend and provides access to an open-air venue with ballpark style food, beer, wine and seltzers. Liquor is available for purchase.
Active, reserve, and retired military will receive two (2) complimentary Good Any Day tickets (single use ticket good for one of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with an option to purchase up to four (4) discounted Good Any Day tickets. In order to checkout, military status will be verified through GovX. Complimentary military tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.
For more information, visit the simmonsbankchampionship.com or contact sales@simmonsbankchampionship.com.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
Upcoming Travs games
At Tulsa, Sept, 9-Sept. 14
Health
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health didn’t update the state’s dashboard this week, again, and deaths still total 532 for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either and the virus has now killed 14,162 Arkansans since the pandemic began then. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds