Today
in Little Rock
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Central Arkansas charities are asking for donations ahead of the holiday season as rising food and shelter needs strain resources — Little Rock Compassion Center expects record Thanksgiving crowds while the Salvation Army and Arkansas Foodbank report dangerously low supplies. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Little Rock Zoo is launching a $12 million expansion to boost revenue after 2024 revenue of $2.9 million fell far short of the nearly $7.9 million in spending—requiring a $4.9 million city transfer—and zoo officials hope the new exhibits for capybaras, anteaters and tortoises will attract more visitors. Construction began this summer and will finish fall 2026 as leaders work to close the gap between income and costs. FOX 16
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Little Rock School District and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock announced on Monday a new initiative that lets high school students earn enough college credit for an associate degree—providing them a head start on higher education. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The state cut funding to the School Readiness Assistance Program and set new copays that will force several daycares to close, making childcare unaffordable for many low-income families. Providers warn that without quick budget changes—closures could lead to job losses and more disruption for children and teachers. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas ambulance services face slower emergency responses as Medicare claims halt during the federal shutdown, causing payment disruptions and potential staffing cuts in rural and super rural areas. Ken Kelley, president and CEO of ProMed Ambulance, warned that the funding gap may force some services to scale back operations — leaving communities at risk. THV 11
- ➤ Arkansas ambulance services face payment disruptions due to the federal shutdown (Medicare claims have halted) which may slow emergency response (EMS providers warn of delays). THV 11
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas has launched a new website — ARDrugTakeBack.org — that will direct residents by zip code to medication drop off sites and provide safe disposal practices for National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, maintained by the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership and the state Office of the Drug Director. FOX 16
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Health—joined by the CDC, EPA, and HUD—will host a series of lead poisoning prevention events in Little Rock starting Friday, October 24 to raise awareness of lead exposure risks; activities include a health fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Big Boo!seum Bash on October 30, and a community event on November 1. ABC 7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Each October, five pumpkin patches in Central Arkansas open as Halloween theme parks offering pumpkins for carving jack-o'-lanterns and kid-friendly activities—inviting local families to enjoy seasonal traditions. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas wrestling community mourned former WWE star Bobby 'Mo' Horne who died at 58 from a severe blood infection and pneumonia. Friends and fellow wrestlers remembered him for his mentorship and kindness — a legacy that will continue to inspire future talent. FOX 16
- ➤ Events are underway ahead of Friday's Simmons Bank Championship opening round at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. Gates will open at 6:45 a.m. Friday and digital tickets for admission and parking are available online — shuttle service and other key details are posted on the championship website. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Top seeds dominated in Monday's state overall tennis tournament at Burns Park Tennis Center in North Little Rock as boys No. 1 Michael Homsi of Pulaski Academy beat Keaton Law 6-0, 6-1+ girls No. 1 Caroline Jones of North Little Rock defeated Monica Bobo 6-1, 6-1 to move into the semifinals. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Razorbacks will host Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11:45 a.m. on the SEC Network at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium as both teams try to win their first SEC contest this season—Auburn leads the overall series while Arkansas won two of the past three matchups. THV 11
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Open Access Lunch & Learn: Unlocking Scholarship
12-1:30 p.m. — Ottenheimer Library — Free entry — Explore key topics in Open Access during International OA Week with informative talks and a buffet lunch.
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Jazz Night Jam Session
7-10 p.m. — Trio's Restaurant — Enjoy a night of live music — A bi-weekly jazz jam session featuring the region's finest talents.
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Fall Tour at Moss Mountain Farm
10 AM – 2 PM — Moss Mountain Farm — Ticket required — Experience the beauty of fall at P. Allen Smith’s enchanting Pumpkin House, adorned with pumpkins and gourds.
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Vamp Out Alz
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hall — Fundraiser for Alzheimer's Arkansas — Enjoy a Halloween-themed concert with live music and a silent auction.
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Cliff & Susan at River Bottom Winery
3-8 p.m. — River Bottom Winery — Cost info not provided — Experience the energetic marriage of music with Cliff & Susan bringing piano, fiddle, and guitar tunes.
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English as a Second Language Class for Beginners
5-6 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library — Registration required — Build your English language skills in a seven-week beginner-friendly course.
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Art For Two: Halloween Brooches Workshop
6-9 p.m. — Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts — Cost TBA — Create a unique Halloween brooch under the guidance of a skilled glass artist.
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Maumelle Food Truck Festival
11 AM – 12 PM — Lake Willastein Park — Free entry — Enjoy a day of food trucks, contests, and family-friendly activities in a vibrant community setting.
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Quilting 101: Basting Techniques
3-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library — Free entry — Explore the art of basting quilt layers while crafting with fellow quilting enthusiasts.
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Spark! Gala
6:30-9 p.m. — Museum of Discovery — Ticketed event — Delight in hands-on science activities, fine food, and a premier silent auction while supporting local STEM initiatives.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first rule of any kind of progress: showing up.
~ Ryan Holiday
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