Little Rock News Update – January 28, 2026
Little Rock, AR — January 28, 2026 — A roundup of today’s local news highlights, including weather updates, community events, and public safety initiatives.
Inclement Weather Advisory Lifted at UAMS
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has lifted its inclement weather declaration as of 7 a.m. today. Critical employees are permitted a two-hour delayed arrival, and clinics will open at 10 a.m. Express shuttle service begins at 9 a.m. from the Ray Winder lot. Parking lots at War Memorial and Rick’s Armory remain closed due to icy conditions. Non-critical employees with the option to work from home are encouraged to do so. The UAMS Child Development Center is closed today. For more details, visit the UAMS News website.
Art Exhibition: World War II Artwork of Thomas Hart Benton
The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is showcasing original artworks by Thomas Hart Benton, created during World War II. The exhibition, on loan from the Naval History and Heritage Command, runs from November 7, 2025, through July 31, 2026. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
Little Rock Police Department Salary Increase
The Little Rock City Board has approved a contract extension with the Little Rock Police Union, granting a 5% pay raise for officers in 2025, 2026, and 2027. This increase elevates the starting salary for a rookie patrol officer to nearly $61,000 annually, making the LRPD the highest-paid municipal police force in Arkansas. Mayor Scott emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting public safety personnel. For more details, refer to the Yahoo News article.
Art Insights: Unnatural Habitats
On January 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts will host ‘Art Insights: Unnatural Habitats.’ The event features artist Lori Larusso discussing her exhibition, ‘A Paradox of Plenty,’ which explores themes of urban expansion and animal adaptation. The evening includes a pre-talk engagement with animal ambassadors from the Little Rock Zoo. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
Little Rock Students Shine in School Choice Showcase
Over 500 students from across Arkansas gathered at the Robinson Center on January 28 to celebrate National School Choice Week. The event featured student performances and personal stories highlighting the impact of school choice on their education. Organized by The Reform Alliance in collaboration with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the showcase emphasized the growth and diversity of educational options in the state. For more details, see the StreetInsider article.
