Good morning, Little Rock.

On May 24, Tamer Knight presented Arkansas’s top news stories, featuring plans to revitalize key areas in Little Rock — projects expected to enhance local community spaces.

State education officials said the final count of third graders retained under new LEARNS Act reading and writing standards will not be known until after retesting closes June 30.

In Little Rock schools, 30% of third graders scored at Level 1, prompting summer literacy programs—an effort to boost proficiency.

At Ferncliff Camp, organizers announced on Thursday a plan to remove the dam on Ferndale Creek as part of their Transform Capital Campaign Stream Renovation Project.

The dam will be dismantled between June and August to restore natural water flow and allow fish passage.

Little Rock mayor Frank Scott Jr. proposed new data center rules that would include Google's upcoming facility at the port in the new standards for water use, noise, and cooling efficiency.

The draft regulations, shared on May 19, will be voted on June 2 & require compliance from the developer.

UAMS reported a strong turnaround with positive income and increased patient volumes while launching new initiatives including a Razorback Research Catalyst proposal for GLP-1 studies, an NCI cancer center application, and a streamlined Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program set to ease entry into the workforce in fall 2027.

UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute is expanding mental health care in Little Rock with a coordinated program for initial psychosis, advanced depression treatment, and a new Women’s Mental Health Program.

A free one-day event (as part of Mental Health Awareness Month) will inspire local youth to explore careers in behavioral health.

On Sunday, the No. 7-ranked Razorbacks posted a 3-under par score at the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California — joining the top 15 teams to advance to Monday’s final round of stroke play.

Former 4-star center Maper Maker has committed to play basketball at Arkansas after an official visit to Fayetteville on May 8-9.

Maker, an ESPN prospect (ranked No. 18 nationally), will bolster the Razorbacks' 2026 class.

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.

K-POP Warriors Live Show

4-8 p.m. — Wally Allen Ballroom — Tickets required — Experience a high-energy, family-friendly show filled with K-Pop music and dance battles.

Buena Vibra Fest

12-10 p.m. — Tavern 65th — Tickets available — Experience Little Rock's biggest Latin day party with live music, dance classes, and more.