Today
in Little Rock
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Little Rock business leaders are moving ahead with several revitalization projects as part of a broader plan to improve local spaces. The efforts aim to boost economic growth and enhance community areas (further details are expected). THV 11
- ➤ Italian manufacturer CEP USA Inc. opened its first U.S. facility in North Little Rock on Tuesday — a ceremony hosted by local officials — and is partnering with SMA America and Mountain Ridge Energy Service while investing nearly $1 million and creating 27 jobs over five years. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ In December, Pine Bluff School District officials wired $3.2M to scammers posing as a campus contractor, and after recovering over $1.1M, the district has added new safeguards + a verified phone protocol while investigations continue. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Philander Smith University received nearly $4 million from the Windgate Foundation on Monday to boost need-based scholarships, including a $3.75 million endowed gift + a $150,000 bridge grant for immediate aid. The donation aims to ease financial barriers for current and future students in Little Rock. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas Imagination Library, backed by the Walton Family Foundation, launched a two-year initiative in Jefferson and Phillips counties to boost early literacy; the program will deliver over 73,000 books and training for pre-K educators and aims to enroll 80% of eligible children (ages 0 to 5) by May 2028. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Friends of Arkansas PBS received $500,000 from major local foundations, bringing the station's PBS campaign within $272,000 of its goal to maintain programming after disaffiliation July 1. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised leaders (Barbara Pryor and Gay White) and promised further efforts. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Conway Regional Health System CEO warned state lawmakers Tuesday that nearly 40% of hospitals are operating at losses, putting rural centers at risk as low reimbursements hamper future care & lawmakers are now considering policy changes to stabilize local healthcare. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bryant guard Terrance Cochran, class of 2027, showed resilience at Little Rock Central—returning after a suspected ACL injury—by contributing in scoring and rebounds. His coach said he is expected to be cleared for play at the start of next season. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ UALR baseball enters the OVC Tournament as the No. 4 seed and faces Southern Indiana today at 7:00 p.m. at Mountain Dew Park in Marion (Ill.). Last season, the Trojans made a surprising run to the NCAA Tournament and now aim to extend that success. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield told fans at The Star in Frisco during the All In Roadshow that the team will pursue rigorous summer conditioning to build toughness for fall contests. Players praised spring practice routines for sparking stronger competition after a challenging season. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander—formerly a volunteer assistant in Arkansas—is set to face the Razorbacks today at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, with first pitch at 4:30 p.m. His appointment marks another instance of former Arkansas staff returning against their old team. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
-
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.
-
Steel Magnolias
7:00 p.m. — Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Tickets from $25 — Experience heartwarming humor and deep friendships in a Southern classic.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Home for Healing Golf Classic Tournament
11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Chenal Country Club — Registration fee required — Swing for a cause in this charity golf tournament supporting patients and caregivers.
-
38 Special Concert
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the legendary Southern rock sounds of 38 Special live in concert.
-
The Big Kahuna 5K & 10K
Run Series Pick of the Month — Saturday — North Little Rock, Arkansas — $10 off entry with code — Grab your shades and lace up for a fun community race featuring multiple distances and a kids run.
-
Brunch, Laughter & Vibes with Lance Gross
3-5 p.m. — The Nut House Comedy Lounge — Free brunch — Enjoy an afternoon of laughter and great food with actor Lance Gross at Arkansas' first black-owned comedy club.
-
Multi-Vertical Business Networking
6-8 p.m. — Bark Bar & Grille — Limited Tickets — Network with professionals across various industries and make valuable connections.
-
The Dink Minor League Pickleball
Time TBA — Little Rock Athletic Club — Cost varies — Compete and have fun on 7 courts with friends and fellow pickleball enthusiasts.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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