Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas National Guard Foundation is working to help local veterans and their families by providing scholarships — including a survivor program. The nonprofit will offer additional support services for those who served. THV 11
- ➤ A bus of NAACP members left for Mississippi today to join the Southern Day of Action. The group (including community members, faith leaders, and students) aims to protect democracy and fair representation while rallying support for justice. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts opens its 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition with a free tour Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 501 E. Ninth St., while UCA unveils its 2026-27 Public Appearances season featuring Broadway shows & musical acts at Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, May 19, the U.S. Forest Service announced that Blanchard Springs Campground is closed until further notice due to flood stage water levels at the creek crossing — group campsites, caverns and the day-use area remain open. Officials will monitor conditions to see if reopening is possible for the holiday weekend. ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rolly Hoyt and Jurnee Taylor delivered yesterday’s top news, noting that Arkansas leaders warned about rural healthcare access — a concern affecting local communities. Local viewers were advised to use the THV11 app for streaming the report on their phones. THV 11
- ➤ Boots and Alan Warrick have donated $5 million to expand CHI St. Vincent’s heart program with a new cardiac care center at the Infirmary (opening in 2027); the gift complements a matching contribution from Isabel and John Ed Anthony. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Luce Italian Kitchen at Pleasant Ridge Town Center serves classic Italian dishes with local twists in an inviting upscale setting. Open Monday-Thursday from 3-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 3-11 p.m., the restaurant offers private dining rooms and a full bar. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported that the spring turkey season ended May 10 with hunters checking 13,591 turkeys (an 85% increase over recent years), marking the best record for mature gobblers since 1982. Changes in staggered zone openings boosted harvest on each opener day. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Christina Long and Tom Murphy explain coach Ryan Silverfield’s 'All-In Roadshow' and outline Arkansas football offseason plans on the WholeHogSports Daily Podcast—offering local fans clear insights into future team moves. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Today at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the Razorbacks face the Volunteers in the SEC Tournament while fans follow live score updates & analysis. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Multi-Vertical Business Networking
6-8 p.m. — Bark Bar & Grille — Limited Tickets — Network with professionals across various industries and make valuable connections.
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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.
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