Today
in Little Rock
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ World Services for the Blind hosts its 'Lights Out, Dining in the Dark' fundraiser at Trio's Restaurant, 8201 Cantrell Road, at 6 p.m. Monday. Tickets cost $150 (all proceeds support local life skills programs), and Bordeaux Rendez-Vous offers exclusive wines at Rusty Tractor Vineyards on May 15. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Little Rock Zoo announced its cheetah boarding school program will see two mature males leave and four young males join this spring — a conservation effort that mirrors the cheetahs’ natural life cycle. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Transportation flagged over 500 commercial driver’s license schools as shams because they showed improper training practices. Some Arkansas locations (including in Little Rock) have received warnings to improve safety measures. THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State legislators ended the session without extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers beyond 60 days, leaving Arkansas as the only state with this limit — a decision that health advocates say leaves mothers without crucial recovery care. They warn that extended coverage would support better health outcomes after childbirth. ABC 7
- ➤ An Arkansas family is asking lawmakers to increase funding to cut the long Medicaid waitlist after their toddler with a rare disorder needs special equipment to stay safe, and the Department of Human Services said it would follow up about the waiver process. THV 11
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local brunch spots plan Mother's Day meal specials and encourage diners to reserve a table + ensuring a smooth, stress-free celebration for families, with various options available at participating venues. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The former SO Restaurant & Bar in Hillcrest will soon become 1916 Chop House & Spirits, set to open in mid-May with a menu featuring steaks, brisket and game and historic photos celebrating Pulaski Heights. Heights Corner Market has closed and plans for a cornbread festival are underway. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Thursday's Class 5A State Track and Field Championships in Van Buren, Jordan Barron set a state record in the boys 100 after he thought he finished second. Officials later confirmed his record-breaking time. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The WholeHogSports Daily Podcast previewed Arkansas baseball’s upcoming Top 25 series against Oklahoma this weekend, with hosts Matt Jones + Bubba Carpenter offering local insights to help Little Rock fans follow the game. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Fifth-ranked Razorbacks and third-ranked Crimson Tide will face off in an SEC Tournament quarterfinal today at 1 p.m. Central on SEC Network — the game starts 35 minutes after Auburn and Florida finish on the same field, with the winner advancing to Friday’s semifinal. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari said he opposes the NCAA Tournament expansion, arguing that added spots should go to non-Power 5 teams + mid-major programs. He stressed that the focus remain on fixing transfer rules to keep the tournament fair. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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70th Year Block Party
12-5 p.m. — Lindsey's Hospitality House — Free entry — Celebrate seven decades with live music, food, and a classic car show in a 50s-70s themed atmosphere.
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The Laundry Summit
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Little Rock Marriott — Attend for a unique experience — Explore laundry business strategies and network with industry experts.
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Southeast Missouri State Redhawks vs. Arkansas Little Rock Trojans Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Gary Hogan Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting baseball showdown between regional rivals at Gary Hogan Field.
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6th Annual Pulaski County Fair
5 PM – 11 PM — The Pulaski County Fair — Small gate admission — Enjoy carnival rides, local food, and nightly live entertainment by the Arkansas River.
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Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets in Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Robinson Center — Enjoy a magical musical experience as the film comes to life with live orchestration.
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Tech N9ne Live in Little Rock
8-11 p.m. — 721 W 9th St — Cost not specified — Experience the unique sounds of Tech N9ne, a pioneer in independent hip-hop.
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Montana 700 Live Performance
9-11:59 p.m. — Shooters Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a live set from Dallas artist Montana 700 over Memorial Day weekend.
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Steel Magnolias
7:00 p.m. — Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Tickets from $25 — Experience heartwarming humor and deep friendships in a Southern classic.
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Southern Soul Lovers Tour
7-10 p.m. — Robinson Center — Discounted tickets available for students and seniors — Enjoy an evening of Southern soul music featuring Sir Charles Jones and friends.
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Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k
Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k — All day — North Little Rock, AR — Entry fee required — Run through the scenic roads of North Little Rock with various distances available for all ages.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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