Good morning, Little Rock.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.