Good morning, Little Rock.

Residents in Little Rock can get free, warm Thanksgiving meals at several local venues later this week—Canvas Community on November 24 and 26, St. Mark Baptist Church on November 25, Jericho Way on November 26, Riverfront Pavilion, Mosaic Church, and Little Rock Compassion Center on November 27—offering essential support amid ongoing financial challenges from the government shutdown.

Nell's Hairstyling & Boutique closed its doors this week after serving North Little Rock for over 60 years, marking the end of an era for a local icon—Mayor Terry Hartwick honored Ms. Nell Elliot by proclaiming November 19th as Nell Elliot Day—celebrating her long service.

A University of Arkansas Little Rock professor, William Cox—an Air Force veteran—is developing new tools to help visually impaired students learn more efficiently.

He has received over $50,000 in university support and is testing features that could reduce the extra time required by these students to complete assignments.

Stuart Flynn, dean of academic affairs at Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences & the Arts, will serve as interim executive director beginning Jan.

1 while the school searches for Corey Alderdice's replacement.

The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion celebrated its 75th anniversary Thursday night with a red-carpet reception, fireside chat, and speeches that brought together current and former governors, their spouses, and state leaders.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders – who raised her children in the mansion – and former Gov. Mike Huckabee shared personal memories that honored the home’s legacy, and the celebration continued Friday with more events.

Arkansas got an F grade on the March of Dimes Report Card for how moms and babies are doing, with 12.1% of births too soon and an 8.2% baby death rate, ranking the state 47th for preterm births and 51st for infant deaths—while hospital care improvements have lowered other risks.

The Benton Panthers defeated Mountain Home 63-49 Friday night as quarterback Drew Davis scored 9 touchdowns (3 rushing and 6 passing) to help his team overcome every challenge.

Little Rock Parkview rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to beat Harrison 21-17 in Friday's Class 5A playoff quarterfinal at War Memorial Stadium—scoring two touchdowns and stopping a key play that ended Harrison's drive.

The Patriots will face Hot Sprngs Lakeside in the semifinal—hoping to build on their comeback win.

Arkansas interim football coach Bobby Petrino credited coordinators Kolby Smith and Chris Wilson with keeping the Razorbacks together despite an 0 to 5 start and six one-possession losses.

The team will face No. 17 Texas today at 2:30 p.m. in Austin & seek its first win there since 2003 as questions about long-term staffing continue.

On Friday, the Bryant Hornets beat the Fayetteville Bulldogs 42-0 at Hornet Stadium in the Class 7A playoffs and built a 35-0 first-half lead to secure their win.

Senior quarterback Jeremiah Motes threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, and the Hornets will play in the semifinals.

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.

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.

Mending Basics Workshop

4-6 p.m. — Laman Public Library — All materials provided — Learn various techniques to repair your favorite fabric items.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Little Rock Wind Symphony: Holiday Holidays

7:30-9 p.m. — Pulaski Technical College The Center for Humanities and Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive evening of holiday classics with choral and dance performances.

Home for the Holidays Celebration

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Albert Pike Memorial Temple — Check website for costs — Celebrate 10 years of holiday cheer with live music and a silent auction.