Today
in Little Rock
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Officials from the Arkansas Foodbank will provide emergency food boxes and Kroger gift cards on Saturday, Nov 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Saint Mark Baptist Church to help federal and state employees (with valid government ID) impacted by the government shutdown. The supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. FOX 16
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ An ALDI store opened in Sherwood at 9215 Highway 107 after a grand opening ceremony held Thursday morning — the store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and adds to the chain's growing presence in central Arkansas. FOX 16
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Jacksonville businesses relying on spending from the Little Rock Air Force Base are struggling as the government shutdown created uncertainty with delayed federal pay, with active military expected to receive a reduced check on Nov. 1. Local owners such as those at Chicken Country are supporting their customers with free meals while consumer spending falls—further straining the regional economy. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Baker Elementary in Little Rock is hosting Touch-a-Truck Day as part of Red Ribbon Week+ students get a hands-on look at trucks during the statewide event. THV 11
- ➤ Childcare providers hope that changes recommended by the Early Childhood Commission will ease their funding challenges as the Department of Education decides before Nov. 1. The plan offers reduced funding cuts and lower copays for families (seen as a temporary fix) to help centers stay open a few more months. THV 11
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Michelle Furr encountered a mountain lion while hunting near Little Rock and recorded the animal quietly grooming itself for three hours until her husband approached — her video has since drawn over 1.2 million views online. FOX 16
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Waterways Commission awarded $4.6M in grants for dredging work and capital improvements to four ports and one intermodal authority; Fort Smith Port Authority received $1.98M for a new warehouse and Osceola Port Authority got over $1.3M for retaining walls. The funds, drawn from taxes on river-shipped commodities, will help improve key waterways — supporting local jobs and commerce. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Hayden Balgavy visited The Spot at SoMa this week on Eat It Up — the local eatery is known for its massive menu that stuns visitors. THV 11
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cody Gardner, a veteran sprint car driver from Benton, won a Trophy Cup preliminary race on Oct. 17 at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare and now prepares to compete today and tomorrow at the 38th Short Track Nationals at Texarkana 67 Speedway — where the main event offers $20,000. He has earned 3 wins in 20 starts this season and will face top drivers from the region. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas women's basketball dominated its sole exhibition win by defeating UA-Fort Smith 100–42 as guard Taleyah Jones led with 21 points and guard Bonnie Deas added 10 points and 7 rebounds—the team will host Louisiana Tech Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network. FOX 16
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wii Play
4-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free entry — Challenge your friends to some Nintendo Wii fun at the library.
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Color & Paint Workshop
3-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and make new friends while exploring art at the library.
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