Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The AMFA museum opens its art exhibit A Month of Sundays until Sept. 6 and hosts Family Fest — a free event with yoga, drawing challenges, weaving and printmaking demonstrations — from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The airport will introduce new nonstop Southwest flights to Orlando starting June 6 and Nashville starting March 5 — its $54 million passenger improvements include a $4.1 million canopy project designed to protect travelers from inclement weather. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Parents at Scott Charter School are growing anxious as officials hold a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Maumelle Charter to decide if the school should close amid $700K in debt and dwindling enrollment—families fear long bus rides and teacher job impacts. ABC 7
- ➤ UALR plans to launch a new bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence this fall. The Board of Trustees approved the program last month — UALR now awaits final approval from the state education department before classes begin. ABC 7
- ➤ Four candidates are contesting school board seats as the board will reduce from nine to seven members in March — the shift leaves key positions up for grabs. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Little Rock School District is holding public meetings this week to discuss proposed budget cuts, and community members are invited to share input (details from LRSD). THV 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Feb. 13, the first class of Governor Sanders’ Recidivism Reduction Pilot Program graduated at UA-PTC Future Fit as all 18 participants earned certifications in advanced manufacturing. The program links graduates to reentry support — housing, employment and more — to help them succeed in the community. ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Shane Broadway draws on his heart attack experience, during which he received bypass surgery and completed cardiac rehab, to encourage local residents to get regular checkups. He stresses heart health is key (his brother suffered a fatal heart attack before he took preventive measures). THV 11
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas men’s basketball moved up one spot to No. 20 in the AP Top 25 on Monday after wins over LSU and Auburn. The Razorbacks will face Alabama Wednesday and host Missouri Saturday. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas guard Darius Acuff was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday for a record seventh time. The No. 20 Razorbacks will face Alabama Wednesday and host Missouri Saturday. 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
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
~ Ryan Holiday
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