Good morning, Little Rock.

Local organizations are offering food assistance to families facing rising grocery costs by providing food boxes, clothing, and groceries at designated pantries in Little Rock & community fridges available 24/7.

Residents should check each program's hours and eligibility requirements before visiting to ensure they receive the help they need.

Child poverty in Arkansas increased to 14% between 2022 and 2024 and is above the national average, up from 8.9% in 2019—2021 as reported by the Annie E.

Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot. Government programs like tax credits and SNAP kept rates 15 percentage points lower than the 30% that would have affected about 104,000 children.

Arkansas food banks warned that SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1 if the government shutdown continues (affecting 240,000 Arkansans).

Food Bank of North Central Arkansas will expand mobile and pantry hours (a move to support growing need) as officials push for a swift government reopening.

FHLB Dallas awarded affordable housing grants that included a $6,675,000 allocation in Arkansas to develop or rehabilitate 267 units in Batesville, Bull Shoals, Clarksville, Harrison — and Hope.

The funds were announced on Oct. 22 and support rental, owner-occupied and transitional housing as part of a $73.5 million program across six states.

With the shutdown now in its fourth week, USDA announced that SNAP benefits will end after Nov.

1, leaving over 200,000 Arkansans without food assistance. Congressman Steve Womack said he supported a continuing resolution to reopen the government and protect essential services.

Little Rock will install a new public art display on West Ninth St. as part of its Downtown Master Plan after it receives a $25K grant and $20K in technical assistance issued Monday (from Smart Growth America) that will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists and honor the area's historic Black community.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received nearly $4 million in a federal grant to launch its HEART Moms program to reduce maternal health problems in Ashley and Union counties — the initiative will use mobile clinics, group care, and digital services and will begin in 2026 after a planning phase this fall.

Tag Ridings finished second at the Simmons Bank Championship at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock on Sunday amid soggy conditions, which moved him into 22nd place in the Charles Schwab Cup standings and gave him full status for next year's PGA Tour Champions—boosting his local recognition. He earned two top-five finishes in the tour's playoff events and impressed local golfers with his strong play—drawing praise from nearby supporters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cafe Mondays

4:30-5:30 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free coffee and tea — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with free drinks for teens every Monday during the school year.

Figure Drawing Workshop

12-4 p.m. — Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts — Cost varies — Explore figurative techniques with a guided gallery view and expert instruction.

Elf The Musical

1-2:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of holiday cheer with this live theatrical adaptation of the beloved film.