Today
in Little Rock
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Faith Woodard and Brooke Buckner delivered Arkansas's top news on Jan. 8, including an update that a Buc-ee's location will open in Benton (this summer). Residents can expect more details as the opening approaches. THV 11
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lake View, originally Turkey Scratch, is known for its long-standing school funding case and historic legacy. Renamed in 1937 and once reserved for Black farm families under the federal Resettlement Administration, its past is celebrated by a card from Delta Heritage State Park. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ State Board of Education officials confirmed Thursday that they will review plans for Lee County schools, with a decision expected in the coming months. Officials (from the recent meeting) said the review could shape the district's future. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Lottery officials confirm that the record-breaking $1.8 billion Powerball winning ticket sold at a Murphy USA in Cabot remains unclaimed nearly two weeks after the Christmas Eve drawing, leaving the winner 180 days to choose between an annuitized payout and a lump sum (the state's second jackpot win since 2010). THV 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The bridge over McNeeley Creek on Highway 51 has been closed for repairs to its substructure after a routine inspection on Jan. 8. Local traffic is allowed, and detour routes (via Highway 53 and Highway 67) guide drivers to the opposite side. ABC 7
- ➤ Arkansas lawmakers will soon debate plans to curb credit card swipe fees that act as hidden taxes, costing local small businesses over $600 million each year — proposed reforms aim to ban fees on non-revenue parts of transactions and boost competition. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed Dardanelle Marina on Dec. 31, 2025 due to ongoing safety violations and unmet lease conditions. Boat owners have until March 7, 2026 to remove their vessels (items left after April 7 will be impounded). ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The OB unit at the Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden will close at 7 a.m. today, reducing local maternal care options and pushing patients to travel farther for delivery services (El Dorado is the nearest alternative). Hospital representatives say the shutdown is due to financial challenges. ABC 7
- ➤ The USDA report (2022 to 2024 data) found nearly 20% of households in Arkansas lacked consistent access to food; at The Watershed in Little Rock, volunteers distributed 215 boxes in one day while state officials expand programs to ease local food challenges. ABC 7
- ➤ Baptist Health in Little Rock is testing a new heart device, the BrioVAD Left Ventricular Assist System, to lower complications for patients with advanced heart failure. Doctors say the trial shows the hospital's ongoing commitment to advanced care. ABC 7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ H.O.M.E. offers vegan soul food in Little Rock with a menu featuring cauliflower wings & French toast sticks for those seeking a plant-based twist on comfort fare. The restaurant is located at 1523 MLK Drive, where Chef Elnora Wesley brings decades of culinary experience. THV 11
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Jan. 7, Razorbacks beat the Rebels 94 to 87 in Oxford as guard Darius Acuff Jr. was fouled on a driving layup by Ole Miss guard Eduardo Klafke, helping secure the win. 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
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
~ Chinese Proverb
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