Good morning, Little Rock.

THV11 is partnering with Kroger and the Arkansas Food Bank to collect turkeys and sides for neighbors in need this Thanksgiving season.

Arkansas High School students built 10 bookshelves—delivered to five elementary schools on Thursday—as part of the Reading in the Rock project to boost literacy.

The shelves are expected to encourage reading by letting students take home selected books during breaks.

Students in the Arkansas Delta learned about civic engagement when they visited the Capitol in early February, met with state education leaders and experienced government in action as they led their Student Lighthouse Team—an effort managed by educator Courtney Vickers-Ball.

Dr. Barbaree, superintendent of the Pine Bluff School District, and Dr. Davis-Hunt, dean of the UA Pine Bluff School of Education, spoke this week on KARKFOX16’s Make It Make Sense show about the challenges of recruiting, preparing and keeping teachers—explaining that support programs and teaching residencies are key to motivating new educators.

A Hackett man won a $550,000 prize from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery on Nov.

4 (he purchased the winning ticket at Hugs and Biscuits in Hackett). Lottery officials said he plans to save part of his winnings.

Arkansas Foodbank reported that full November SNAP benefits were distributed late Wednesday night into Thursday morning—easing weeks of uncertainty after the shutdown forced thousands to depend on local pantries.

Director Kate Jenkins said that nearly half of the 220,000 SNAP users in their 33‐county area are still catching up on payments and that demand remains high as government workers are also affected.

Spas in Arkansas are now adding health and wellness treatments along with luxury services to meet growing customer demand.

Brandy Kyle of The Spa at Rockwater in North Little Rock said her spa— the only one in an apartment complex— is leading the trend with its new health-focused offerings.

The University of Arkansas will face LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.—the Razorbacks are expected to use two quarterbacks—and LSU plans to use a dual-quarterback system to test Arkansas' defense.

University of Arkansas men's basketball coach John Calipari signed top recruits JaShawn JJ Andrews from Little Rock Christian and Abdou Toure—a 4-star prospect from West Haven—during the early signing period that began Wednesday, making his class the nation's best per On3.com.

The signing period lasts until November 19 so more players are expected to join soon.

Evening of Wishes

6-10 p.m. — The Venue at Westwind — Tickets not yet available — Enjoy a dazzling evening with dinner, auctions, and entertainment to benefit local children.

Cafe Mondays for Teens

4:30-5:30 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free coffee & tea — Enjoy a cozy space with free beverages every Monday during the school year.

Mood Swings

8-11 p.m. — Brandon House Cultural & Performing Art Center — Free Food & Hunch Punch while it lasts — A bi-monthly open mic night featuring live performances, art, and community vibes.

Tween Tuesdays

4:30-5:30 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free entry — Come for the vibes, leave with a cute new bookmark to use.

Cricut Monogram Decals Workshop

5-6:30 p.m. — Laman Public Library — Free entry — Learn to create personalized monogram decals using a Cricut machine with all materials provided.

Wyld Belonging Retreat: Friendsgiving Edition

5 p.m. — Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center — Cost varies — Celebrate gratitude and connection in nature with friends.

Argenta Art Walk

5-8 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free entry — Experience the largest Art Walk of the year with local artists and family-friendly activities.

Henny Fest

2-7 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Check out Hennessy cocktails and food trucks while enjoying live DJ sets.

Cafe Mondays

4:30 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Free coffee & tea — Relax after school with a warm beverage in a welcoming space for teens.

English Language Skills for Beginners

5-6 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Laman Public Library — Registration required — Build your English language skills in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment during this seven-week course.