Today
in Little Rock
Monday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local leaders toured the 75,000 sqft Buc-ee’s facility in Benton on Wednesday as construction nears completion; officials say the new retail center will offer added convenience along Interstate 30 (a familiar drive-by spot for many). ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Little Rock church is holding a service to honor Art Porter and his 50-year legacy during Black History Month. The event celebrates his impact on local music and culture. THV 11
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas will require prospective teachers to finish a one-year supervised residency for licensure starting spring 2027. Educators say the measure will boost teaching quality and address shortages by offering candidates hands-on classroom experience. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Pulaski County Special School District has four open board seats, with three races in contested Zones 2, 3 (and 7) that voters will decide soon. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Since Jan. 1, the state has removed its grocery tax, saving shoppers about $1.25 for every $1,000 spent and returning nearly $10 million annually to the economy (state lawmakers like Rep. Kendon Underwood and Sen. Bart Hester supported the repeal). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ State Rep. Denise Ennett, a native of Little Rock who has prized library visits since childhood, was appointed to the Central Arkansas Library System board and fondly recalls going to the original library (700 Louisiana St.) as a young reader. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas women’s basketball will host Mississippi State today at Bud Walton Arena at 6:30 p.m. after a recent win by the Bulldogs spurred coach Sam Purcell to emphasize the need for hunger while Razorbacks coach Kelsi Musick believes a breakthrough is near. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Local businessman Alex Lieblong and his wife JoAnn celebrated a milestone as their horse Reef Runner won the Grade II, $2M Saudi race on Saturday with champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Their win marks a proud first overseas achievement in Arkansas racing on the Saudi Derby undercard. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ UALR beat Cal Poly 30-8 in wrestling Sunday at the Jack Stephens Center, winning 8 of 10 bouts with six decisions including wins by Matty Bianchi and Gunner Holland - the team will travel on March 6 to compete in the Pac-12 Conference Championships at Cal Poly's campus. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Billy Richmond scored a career-high 25 points and helped Arkansas win 88-75 last Saturday at Bud Walton Arena, with coach John Calipari praising his improved offense + energetic play that could boost the team in upcoming tough games. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said right fielder Kuhio Aloy missed Sunday's game against Texas Tech after experiencing hamstring tightness during the TCU contest. Van Horn noted Aloy might pinch hit while freshmen Christian Turner & Alexander Peck replaced him in the lineup. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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Cinderella Soirée and Ballet Performance
7:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — $50 per person — Experience a magical afternoon with teatime treats and a special performance by Cinderella and friends.
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John Mulaney Live in North Little Rock
7-9 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Tickets available — A night of laughs with comedian John Mulaney in North Little Rock.
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Dinosaur Adventure
9 AM – 12 PM — Arkansas State Fair — Family Friendly — Step into a world of prehistoric giants with life-sized dinosaurs that move and roar.
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Central Arkansas Soup Sunday
3:30-6:30 p.m. — Jack Stephens Event Center — Adult tickets $50, child tickets $10 — Enjoy a casual family-friendly atmosphere filled with delicious soup for a great cause.
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MJ Musical Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dazzling artistry of Michael Jackson in a Tony Award-winning musical.
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MJ The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Michael Jackson's artistry brought to life in a Tony Award-winning musical.
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Experience a Day as a Music Major
8 AM – 4 PM — Center for Performing Arts — Free entry — Explore the vibrant life of a UA Little Rock music major with auditions, classes, and more.
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Treaty Oak Revival Concert
6-8:30 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Tickets from $66 — Enjoy last-minute access to the Treaty Oak Revival concert in North Little Rock.
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Natural State Backyard Ultra
8 AM – 2 PM — Burns Park Soccer Complex — Registration cost applies — Experience an exciting ultramarathon event at the High School Ultramarathon National Championship.
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2026 American Farrier’s Association Convention
8:00 AM - 10:30 PM — Statehouse Convention Center — Registration fees apply — A comprehensive gathering for farriers and equine professionals featuring lectures, competitions, and an expo.
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 world is changed by people who get up early.
~ Reid Hoffman
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