VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013, making him the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Known for his humility, progressive tone, and focus on social justice, Francis leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the global Catholic Church in significant ways.

The Vatican announced his death early Monday morning, citing complications from ongoing health issues that had increasingly limited his public appearances in recent months.

Reaction to Pope Francis’ death poured in from around the world, including from Arkansas leaders.

“Our prayers go out to Catholics in Arkansas and across the world,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Rest in peace.”

Francis visited the United States in 2015 and maintained strong diplomatic ties with countries around the globe. He was widely praised for efforts to address poverty, climate change, and the global refugee crisis, though his papacy also navigated intense scrutiny over the Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals.

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Arkansas is home to more than 130,000 Catholics, many of whom gathered for prayer services across the state Monday morning in remembrance of the pontiff. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock is expected to issue a statement and lead a memorial Mass later this week.

Funeral arrangements will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with international dignitaries and religious leaders expected to attend.

EL DORADO – After a dry start to the workweek, Arkansas residents should brace for a shift in the weather beginning mid-week, as rain and thunderstorm chances increase across the state.

According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Monday and Tuesday (April 21–22) are expected to remain mostly dry statewide. However, beginning Wednesday, April 23, an unsettled weather pattern will bring multiple opportunities for rain and thunderstorms through the end of the week.

Forecast models show a noticeable uptick in precipitation probabilities from Wednesday afternoon into Friday across key areas including Batesville, Harrison, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Monticello, and surrounding communities. By late Thursday into Friday, rain chances are projected to exceed 60% in many areas.

Despite the dry conditions at the start of the week, a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Ouachita River at Thatcher Lock and Dam, impacting Bradley, Union, and Calhoun counties. Minor flooding is expected along the river, which includes locations such as Jones Mill DCP, Arkadelphia, and Camden.

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Residents are encouraged to monitor river levels and use caution in flood-prone areas, especially as additional rainfall later this week could exacerbate ongoing flood risks.

Stay with South Arkansas Now for continuing coverage and updates on the developing weather pattern throughout the week.

EL DORADO – Residents are encouraged to show their support for local business at the upcoming Cash Mob event happening this Saturday, April 19, at Gabe’s Cave, located at 2101 N College Avenue in El Dorado. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving shoppers a chance to rally around one of the city’s most unique and community-driven small businesses.

A “Cash Mob” is a grassroots event aimed at boosting small businesses by encouraging residents to spend locally. Shoppers are asked to commit to spending at least $25 at Gabe’s Cave during the event—and in return, they’ll be eligible for door prizes just for showing up.

This event is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a community celebration. Attendees will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny between 10 a.m. and noon, making it a perfect stop for families with young children. The store will also have plenty of Easter basket fillers, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise available for purchase.

Organizers hope the event will provide a strong show of support for Gabe’s Cave, a local favorite known for its comics, collectibles, and welcoming atmosphere.

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“Whether you’re a comic book fan, a collector, or just someone who loves to shop local, this is your chance to help a small business thrive,” said event organizers. “It’s easy, it’s fun, and it truly makes a difference.”

Mark your calendars and come be part of something that directly impacts the El Dorado community. Support small business. Shop local. Make a difference.

For more information, visit the Gabe’s Cave Facebook page.

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EL DORADO – The National Weather Service in Little Rock is warning residents across South Arkansas to stay weather-aware this Sunday, April 20, as a powerful storm system moves across the region. Forecasters say the system could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the NWS’s latest Severe Weather Outlook map, much of Arkansas—including El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, and surrounding communities—falls under a Level 2 (Slight Risk) for severe weather. The risk is part of a broader area of concern stretching across central and northern Arkansas, where the chances for significant weather activity are even higher due to the proximity of an upper-level disturbance and frontal boundary.

“While the more organized severe weather threat is expected across northern Arkansas, South Arkansas is still under the gun for severe thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service stated. “This system has the potential to produce hail up to one inch in diameter, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.”

The storm system, described by meteorologists as “compact but powerful,” will pass to the north and west of the state on Sunday, dragging with it a trailing cold front. This front will interact with warm and unstable air across Arkansas, helping to trigger storm development throughout the afternoon and into the nighttime hours.

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Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially as storms are expected to linger into the evening. Outdoor events or church services planned for Sunday afternoon could be affected by rapidly changing conditions.

Emergency officials are urging residents to review their severe weather safety plans, secure outdoor items, and stay tuned to South Arkansas Now  throughout the weekend.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the city’s newest coffee destination, 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the new location at 2100 N. West Avenue and is open to the public.

Founded in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, 7 Brew has quickly become one of the fastest-growing drive-thru coffee chains in the nation. Known for its energetic service and expansive menu of over 20,000 customizable drink combinations, 7 Brew offers a unique coffee experience designed for speed, friendliness, and flavor.

The company was launched with a mission to “cultivate kindness” through both customer service and community involvement. With locations now spread across multiple states, 7 Brew continues to grow through a combination of franchising and corporate stores, all built around its signature double-lane drive-thru model.

The grand opening will feature a formal ribbon cutting, and local officials and community members are encouraged to attend and support the launch. The event will highlight 7 Brew’s arrival as part of El Dorado’s ongoing commercial growth.

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For more information on the event, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.