Today
in Little Rock
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ North Little Rock Public Library System will host free family Halloween events from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31 at both the Laman and Argenta Libraries. The schedule includes concerts on Oct. 28 and 29, a movie night showing Hocus Pocus on Oct. 30, and a carnival with trick-or-treat on Oct. 31—library officials detailed the plans. FOX 16
- ➤ The Little Rock city board upheld a vote allowing a mental health group home called The Gardens to move into the Pecan Lake subdivision despite strong local opposition—neighbors urge board members to reconsider the decision by persuading absent directors and those who voted against the community. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. outlined that the board may revisit the decision if residents rally enough support. ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ ALDI in Sherwood has announced a new grand opening set for 8:45 a.m. on Oct. 30 at 9215 Highway 107. The first 100 customers will receive a gift bag and a gift card, and shoppers may enter a sweepstakes for a $500 ALDI gift card. FOX 16
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Camille Thurman performs with the Darrell Green Quartet at 7:30 p.m. at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (501 E. Ninth St.) as she brings her celebrated blend of singing and saxophone skills after becoming the first woman to join Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Actor Craig Allen Smith, who began imitating Mrs. Doubtfire as a teenager, is now on tour in Little Rock with four performances Friday—Sunday at Robinson Center Performance Hall, and his show will also visit Fayetteville Dec. 19—21. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that child poverty in Arkansas increased 5.6%, with rates rising from 8.9% during 2019–2021 to 14.5% during 2022–2024. Policy experts say adding a state-level earned income tax credit may help lift children out of poverty — a measure they argue would improve long-term outcomes. FOX 16
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ward Central Elementary School held its third annual taste test event on Oct 22 using produce from its school garden — school counselor Jenie James and students worked with local farmers and businesses to prepare recipes. The school received a $1,000 award, a garden award, and an Egg Hatching Educational Grant to support a new chicken coop and greenhouse. FOX 16
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said youth deer hunters can get free tags for the first youth hunt on Nov. 1 and 2; hunters must update their mobile app to download the tags. Hunters (aged 6 to 15) are required to check harvested deer within 12 hours and must have a licensed mentor if they have not passed the Hunter Education Course. FOX 16
- ➤ Saline County emergency management warned that dry leaves and low humidity are making fall conditions ripe for wildfires — 87% of which are caused by humans — and urged residents to call 911 at the first sign of smoke. Officials added that cooler mornings quickly turn to dry afternoons, making it critical to report small fires early. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The federal government shutdown is putting Arkansas daycares in jeopardy as UAMS said its six Head Start and Early Head Start centers—serving 446 children and employing 130 staff—may close on November 1 if Congress does not pass a funding bill. Private centers are also facing rising tuition as families worry over dwindling childcare spots and unexpected costs. FOX 16
- ➤ UAMS announced that due to a government shutdown the agency will temporarily close six Head Start/Early Head Start locations in Pulaski County on November 1—130 employees are furloughed as Congress has not passed the needed funding. The program serves 446 children and their families and officials said they will update the community when more details are available. FOX 16
- ➤ Arkansas DHS warned SNAP recipients that delays in receiving November benefits may occur due to the government shutdown — officials coordinated with local food banks and community partners to prepare for a potential surge in food aid requests. FOX 16
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A recall issued last week has expanded to include two egg brands — Kenz Henz and Black Sheep Company — after FDA inspectors found salmonella in 40 samples at a Walnut Ridge facility, and consumers are urged to check and discard or return affected eggs. FOX 16
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today at 3:31 p.m., Christina Long and Ethan Westerman discussed ESPN's ranking of the Power Four coaching vacancies to show where Arkansas stands nationally—Anthony Kristensen previewed Razorback basketball exhibition games against Cincinnati and Memphis. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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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Adulting 101: Food Fundamentals
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free entry — Master basic knife skills and air-fryer techniques in a fun, hands-on cooking class.
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Arkansas Research & Computing Stakeholder Forum
10 AM – 5 PM — Little Rock Marriott — Free entry — A cross-sector forum to share best practices and explore strategies for supporting Arkansas's research community.
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