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Education

UAMS Celebrates 2023 with Openings of New Facilities and Programs

UAMS celebrated several openings and ground-breakings in 2023 detailed in this roundup of the year.

• Growth spurt: UAMS saw an expansion of facilities this year, including four-story hospital, urology, proton, and radiation oncology centers, and an Orthopaedic & Sports Performance Center in the works. 

• Achievements: UAMS clinical operations earned 5-star ratings and Gold Seals of Approval from reputed sources, along with many other recognitions. 

Read more about the year 2023 at UAMS HERE. 

Business

Elopak Announces $70 Million Investment in State-of-the-Art Production Plant in Little Rock

Elopak announced plans to build its first U.S. production plant in Little Rock with an investment of $70 million. 

• Growing presence: Elopak's first U.S. plant serves as a landmark investment for their global presence and is expected to create more than 100 permanent jobs in the region. 

• Green energy: Being located in Little Rock, the plant will benefit from an abundance of green energy, access to suppliers, and a great transportation network. 

Learn more about Elopak's new investment HERE. 

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Sports

Arkansas Razorbacks Unveil 2024 Football Schedule, Open at War Memorial Stadium

The 2024 Arkansas Razorbacks' schedule is out, and it's bringing something for everyone. 

• Travel buddies: They'll be hitting the road with a Little Rock opener against UAPB, plus trips to Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Texas A&M for a neutral site game in Arlington. 

• Home front: The later part of the season brings the Hogs back to Fayetteville, with 5 of the final 7 games in Razorback Stadium, including three in November. 

Check out the full schedule HERE.

Economy

Arkansas Jobless Rate Rises in November Despite Sectoral Gains

The jobless rate in Arkansas rose to 3.3% in November, from 3.1% in October. Employment numbers across various sectors increased despite a slightly rising unemployment rate. 

• Highest and lowest: Arkansas was one of the 26 states with an unemployment rate not significantly different from the US average of 3.7%, yet Maryland had the lowest jobless rate at 1.8%, and Nevada had the highest at 5.4%. 

• Most improved: The Construction, Education/Health Services, and Leisure/Hospitality sectors saw the biggest growth since November, with Construction posting a record high employment. 

Read the full story HERE. 

Little Rock Daily Picks

In other news…

• Hiring Boost: Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission appointed Brittany Nichols as marketing and social media coordinator, and Mike Simmons as outdoor coordinator, to promote outdoor activities and social media engagement.

• Sailing Dream: Olivia Wyatt, a Little Rock filmmaker, is seeking funding for the 2026 Golden Globe Race, a solo 30,000-mile sail. Fundraiser includes her documentary "Sailing a Sinking Sea," an art exhibition, and live music.

• QB Sneak: KJ Jefferson, former Arkansas QB, is transferring to UCF after a record-breaking career with the Razorbacks, looking to make the most of his final season following a challenging year.