Little Rock

Little Rock has been included in a national startup initiative, according to regional reporting from Arkansas. The move positions the Arkansas capital alongside other US cities in a programme aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. Local observers see it as a step toward raising the city's profile in the national technology and business community.

Listeners are currently playing and recommending Sick, a track by Australian duo Mannequin Death Squad, known for their loud garage-punk and electro-rock sound. The song is circulating among music fans sharing what they are listening to, giving the band a fresh wave of attention. Little else is known about the spike beyond the listening activity itself.

NOAA Ocean Exploration is spotlighting 'Life on a Rock,' a look at the organisms that thrive on underwater rock formations such as seamounts and rocky reefs. These hard substrates act as oases in the deep sea, hosting corals, sponges and fish that gather around elevated terrain. The topic is drawing attention as deep-ocean expeditions and seafloor mapping efforts continue to reveal little-known marine ecosystems.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has opened a new hospital in Saline County, Arkansas, expanding access to medical care for residents of the rapidly growing area south of Little Rock. The facility marks a significant healthcare investment in the region, and local coverage is highlighting what the addition means for patients who previously had to travel for hospital services.

Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 thriller 'North by Northwest' is being screened Tuesday at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette highlighted the showing in its 'Great Movies' opinion series, which spotlights classic films for local audiences. The event gives film fans a rare chance to see the Cary Grant spy classic on the big screen.

The Vortex Arcade is marking 45 years since the release of Donkey Kong, the 1981 Nintendo classic that helped launch the arcade era, while hosting the 16th edition of its Kong Klash tournament. The event brings together competitive players for classic high-score play, and Little Rock Public Radio covered the celebration.

Meteorologists with the Arkansas Storm Team are forecasting rainfall headed for Arkansas, describing it as much-needed precipitation for the state. The forecast was released by Little Rock NBC affiliate KARK. Dry conditions have been a concern in parts of Arkansas, and the expected rain is likely to be welcomed by farmers, gardeners and residents watching drought or fire-risk conditions in the region.