Today
in Little Rock
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Little Rock’s Dunbar Community Center shelter (1001 W. 16th St) will open at 8 p.m., and North Little Rock’s shelter (2700 N. Willow St) will open at 6 p.m. Saturday to offer pet-friendly overnight refuge from extreme cold with lows near 19°F and gusty winds. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is launching an MLK Challenge to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, inviting community members to join reflective activities (more details will be shared soon) at the historic venue. THV 11
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas lawmakers approved an extra $32 million for the Educational Freedom Account program on Friday + total funding now reaches roughly $309.4 million to serve about 44,100 students in their first year of universal eligibility. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Third grader Alex Chen (Don Roberts Elementary) won first prize at the district-wide spelling bee held Friday morning at Southwest High School. He will face his sister Sara in the upcoming Pulaski County spelling bee scheduled for late February. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission shared updates on planned renovations at Lake Conway aimed at improving outdoor activities (details pending). The improvements are expected to boost local recreational efforts as the project moves forward. THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas animal health officials are tracking rising bird flu cases impacting commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks as wild migratory birds spread the virus. The University of Arkansas Extension will host workshops on identifying symptoms and improving biosecurity for small flock owners beginning January 20 at 6 p.m. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former top recruit Walker White committed on Jan. 11 to play football for UCA in Conway - he returns home to work under coach Nathan Brown and aims to win a championship. His move brings him closer to family and supporters from his Little Rock roots. THV 11
- ➤ John Howse IV, a transfer safety from Middle Tennessee, committed to Arkansas football last Friday after an official Fayetteville visit; he stands (6-1, 194 pounds) and logged 13 tackles in 2025 to become the eighth defensive back for the team. He chose Arkansas for its SEC challenge and winning culture. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Dial Up - 90's Party Band at Black Hearts Ball
8-11 p.m. — 721 W 9th St, Little Rock, AR — Check ticket prices — Arkansas’ favorite 90s party band returns to make Valentine's Day fun and memorable.
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
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
~ Benjamin Franklin
About Today in Little Rock
Welcome to the Today in Little Rock, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Little Rock, Arkansas community. If you like the Today in Little Rock, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Little Rock.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Little Rock and across Arkansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Little Rock
A free Little Rock community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinlittlerock.com/sitemap