Today
in Little Rock
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Little Rock. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fork, A Restaurant by Ira opened in August at 1900 W. Third St. across from the state Capitol—serving world cuisine with southern flair and reviving chef Ira Mittelman’s dishes like shrimp and grits, pork chop, and cioppino—and it features a modern dining space with a welcoming patio. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 49.4% of Arkansas businesses that started in 2019 were still operating through 2024 (nearly half met the five-year mark). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Little Rock Partnership will light the city's holiday tree at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the plaza on Capitol Avenue and Main Street — the event will feature a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, free cookies from Community Bakery and hot cocoa from Big Bad Breakfast and Hiland Dairy, and will announce the Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest winners. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ On Friday, Charlotte Taylor will perform at The Pizza Pub in North Little Rock at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Riley Green will headline Duckman Jam at Simmons Bank Arena at 6:45 p.m. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The library board voted not to renew the lease for the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in Argenta—citing rising costs and lost grant funding—and the space will close at the end of the year when the lease reverts to Winrock International. Some programs and equipment will move to other library branches to keep key services running. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ University of Arkansas at Little Rock researchers found that local raccoons show physical traits that suggest they are becoming more domesticated. THV 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Little Rock housing authority nonprofit board approved a refinancing deal for the Madison Heights apartment complex debt on Wednesday. The deal—which includes a potential loan of up to $5.1 million from Southern Bancorp to fund improvements—will be reviewed by the housing authority's board of commissioners today. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Arkansas Public Service Commission is reviewing 10 proposals for electric utility rate changes that will be decided by the end of the year or in 2026—officials noted the proposals are part of an ongoing regulatory review. The decision could affect future electric bills as utilities await the commission's assessment. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UAMS will launch the state’s first nurse-midwifery program next fall to train more midwives — a two and a half year hybrid course funded with $500,000 to help serve rural communities and improve care amid high maternal and infant mortality rates. The program comes as the state seeks better outcomes in pregnancy care. FOX 16
- ➤ UAMS reported positive momentum in early fiscal2026 after October became its best month in two years—CFO Amanda George noted the center saw increased cases and pharmacy sales, which helps it address its past financial headwinds. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents at Shorter College Gardens apartments who received housing vouchers recently are facing eviction notices that require over $700 in payments and threaten utility shutoffs — residents have 60 days to use their vouchers before the complex is set for condemnation in January. NorthBridge Housing Solutions clarified they only administer the vouchers as mandated by HUD. ABC 7
- ➤ The Regions Center — downtown Little Rock’s second-tallest building — was seemingly sold in an online auction on Wednesday. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Matt Jones and Anthony Kristensen discussed the Razorbacks' escape in a tight 84—83 win over Winthrop at Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday night as they reviewed key plays. David Eckert joined the discussion—previewing Texas football for this weekend. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said his resilient Longhorns will focus on preparation ahead of their Saturday 2:30 p.m. contest against Arkansas at Memorial Stadium in Austin. Arkansas interim coach Bobby Petrino said the Razorbacks will work to limit Texas’ pass rush and protect their quarterback as they learn from recent challenges. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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Henny Fest
2-7 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Check out Hennessy cocktails and food trucks while enjoying live DJ sets.
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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.
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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.
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Holiday Ornament Swap
'Tis the Season to Swap — 4-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free — Exchange your old Christmas ornaments with community members instead of buying new ones this holiday season.
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Mending Basics Workshop
4-6 p.m. — Laman Public Library — All materials provided — Learn various techniques to repair your favorite fabric items.
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Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
8 AM – 12 PM — Two Rivers Park — Registration required — Lace up for a festive run and work off that Thanksgiving feast.
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International Jaguar Day Celebration
10 AM – 12 PM — Little Rock Zoo — Included with admission — Celebrate and learn about the majestic jaguar with keeper talks and interactive activities.
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Brunch with Santa
11 AM – 2 PM — Rusty Tractor Vineyards — Free entry — Enjoy live music, delicious brunch from food trucks, and festive activities with Santa for the family.
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Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
3:00-4:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting sounds of the Vienna Light Orchestra this holiday season.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
All progress depends on the unreasonable person.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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