Today
in Little Rock
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Little Rock Partnership will begin phase zero work on 30 Crossing Park later this Spring, laying gravel paths & pollinator gardens to transform a former Interstate 30 cloverleaf into a family-friendly park as further funding is secured. THV 11
- ➤ Potluck Food Rescue launched a new app today that lets volunteers rescue food directly from their smartphones in Little Rock. The service works like a ride-share app and offers community service hours for students, building on an effort that recovered 1.4 million pounds of food last year. ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Funky Stretch Pizza nears its opening in North Little Rock’s Argenta District at 500 N. Magnolia St and will offer island and Italian-inspired pizzas to bring a fresh dining option to the area. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Disfarmer: Portraits of Rural Arkansas is on display with a free reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Old State House Museum; the exhibit runs through June. Movie Tavern will screen Met Live’s I Puritani at noon Saturday for a local art experience. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas’ unemployment rate climbed to 4.1% in November (up from 3.9% in September) as the labor force grew by 8,633, while nonfarm payroll jobs fell by 700 even as Trade, Transportation and Utilities added 2,500 positions with the holiday season starting soon. ABC 7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Landowners can apply by Feb. 6 for the AGFC Conservation Incentive Program, which offers up to $20,000 for managing properties (min. 10 acres) using forest management, prescribed burning or invasive tree removal; a $650,000 U.S. Forest Service grant supports the program to improve native wildlife habitats. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new Arkansas law now requires insurance companies to cover vital bariatric surgery including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revisions, with follow-up visits covered; experts say the measure could save lives while rates remain unchanged. ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Little Rock Zoo closed its Tropical Bird House to the public after confirming avian flu cases in Faulkner + Prairie counties amid a nationwide outbreak. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Defensive end Charlie Collins and tight end Jaden Platt announced that they will return for the Razorbacks' season under Coach Ryan Silverfield. Collins, a Pine Bluff native, overcame a bone bruise after missing three games, and Platt, a transfer from Texas A&M, helped form a strong receiving duo. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Yesterday, the Razorbacks and Rebels traded scoring runs in their SEC opener in Oxford as Arkansas built early momentum with plays by Nick Pringle and Ilias Kamardine (the contest showcased tight defensive stands). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Time Travel Half Marathon and Fun Run
Time Travel Half Marathon/10K/5K — 9 a.m. — North Little Rock, Arkansas — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the New Year with a fun-packed running event for all ages featuring various distances.
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Arkansas Contractors' Auction
8 AM – 9 AM — Blackmon Auctions Complex — Auction fees apply — Bid on a variety of trucks, trailers, and construction equipment at this extensive public auction.
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Justin Furstenfeld Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — The Hall - Little Rock — Tickets starting at $63.68 — Experience the emotional storytelling of Justin Furstenfeld, the frontman of Blue October, in an intimate one-man show.
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Some Guy Named Robb Concert
6-10 p.m. — The Oyster Bar — Enjoy a night of music with Arkansas native Robb McCormick as he graces the stage.
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The Magic of Motown
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — $ — Experience the #1 Motown show in the country featuring all your favorite hits.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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