Pine Bluff News
News
$150 Million Riverfront Redevelopment Project Breaks Ground
Mayor and Governor celebrated the groundbreaking of Pine Bluff's ambitious Arkansas River Revitalization Project. The first phase includes a new marina, walking trails, and mixed-use commercial spaces, with completion expected by late 2026. This marks the largest downtown investment in Pine Bluff in decades.
Business News
Pine Bluff Paper Mill Announces Major Expansion
Georgia-Pacific revealed plans to invest $75 million in its Pine Bluff facility, adding 120 new jobs. The expansion will modernize equipment and increase production capacity by 40%, securing the mill's future as one of Jefferson County's largest employers.
Economic News
Pine Bluff Sees 3.2% GDP Growth in Q2
The Pine Bluff Metropolitan Statistical Area reported stronger-than-expected economic growth, outpacing many regional peers. Key drivers included manufacturing gains and increased shipping activity at the Jefferson Port. Unemployment dropped to 4.1%, the lowest since 2019.
Political News
City Council Approves New Public Safety Initiative
The Pine Bluff City Council unanimously passed the "Safe Streets 2025" plan, allocating $5 million for additional police patrols, street lighting improvements, and youth violence prevention programs. The measure comes as the city works to combat recent increases in property crimes.
Election News
Early Voting Begins for Special School Board Election
Early voting started this week for the July 10 special election to fill two vacant seats on the Pine Bluff School District Board. The election has drawn unusual attention following debates over school consolidation proposals.
Employment News
Amazon Distribution Center Hiring Spree Continues
The Amazon fulfillment center in Pine Bluff announced plans to hire an additional 300 seasonal workers ahead of Prime Day. The facility now employs over 1,100 full-time workers, making it one of the city's top employers.
Business News
Pine Bluff-Based Simmons First National Corp Shares Rise
Shares of Pine Bluff-headquartered Simmons First National Corporation (SFNC) gained 2.3% this week after reporting better-than-expected Q2 earnings. The regional bank's performance outpaced many national competitors.
7-Day Forecast Forecast (June 26-22, 2025)
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Sun, June 26: ����️ 92°F | Partly cloudy, 20% chance rain
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Mon, June 27: ⛈️ 88°F | Scattered thunderstorms
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Tue, June 28: ����️ 90°F | Humid, partly sunny
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Wed, June 29: ☀️ 94°F | Sunny and hot
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Thu, June 20: ����️ 96°F | Heat advisory likely
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Fri, June 21: ����️ 93°F | PM thunderstorm possible
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Sat, June 22: ⛅ 91°F | Mostly cloudy
Entertainment News
Pine Bluff Prepares for 50th Annual Delta Roots Music Festival
Organizers announced the lineup for the golden anniversary celebration of Pine Bluff's signature music event (July 18-20). This year's festival will feature rs including blues legend Bobby Rush and country star Tracy Lawrence.
Upcoming Events (June 26 – July 2025)
town: Pine Bluff Zebras Summer Football Camp (June 27-21) - Jordan Stadium
Movies: Outdoor Movie Night: "The Wiz" (June 20) - Regional Park Amphitheater
Theater: "A Raisin in the Sun" (June 22-29) - Arts & Science Center
Festivals: Juneteenth Celebration (June 29) - Downtown Pine Bluff
Concerts: Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert (June 25) - Convention Center
town: Arkansas BASS Tournament (June 28-29) - Lake Pine Bluff
Movies: Classic Car & Drive-In Movie Night (July 5) - Pine Bluff Speedway
Theater: Youth Theater Production: "Annie Jr." (July 8-13) - Arts & Science Center
Festivals: Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza (July 4) - Regional Park
Concerts: Gospel Music Explosion (July 12) - Pine Bluff Auditorium
Community Spotlight: The newly renovated Pine Bluff Public Library will reopen June 25 with expanded technology centers and a regional history archive. The $8 million renovation took 18 months to complete.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Natural State's Delta gem! ��������
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