Chris Paris
Good morning, Central Arkansas! |
Welcome to the Wednesday, November 4 edition of 501 Daily—and what a consequential week it has been for our communities.
Voters have made their choices, and some of the most closely watched races are still coming into focus. We’re following the tight congressional contest between French Hill and Chris Jones, the election of a new Pulaski County judge, Saline County’s decision to keep its library millage, and the results of four statewide ballot measures. As additional returns are confirmed, we’ll keep the distinction between reported results and certified outcomes clear.
There’s much more than election news in this issue. Pulaski County reports recovering funds diverted in a vendor-payment scheme; the dispute over data center regulations has moved into federal court; and a new solar project promises substantial energy savings for Little Rock. We also have local business changes, the remarkable history behind the Old State House, and useful advice for older adults.
Looking ahead, find fresh outdoor escapes, a Jacksonville museum worth visiting before Veterans Day, and a weekend packed with cornbread, live music, dinosaurs, and family events. Thanks for making us part of your Wednesday. Here’s your latest from around the 501. |
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Trivia Question❓What is the name of the World War II submarine that visitors can tour at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Voters across Central Arkansas chose local and state leaders in the November 3, 2026 general election. Here are key outcomes reported by local newsrooms during election night and early November 4. Results are reported race calls and should not be confused with final certified canvasses. Read More... |
French Hill holds a narrow lead over Chris Jones in early Wednesday returns from Arkansas’s 2nd District, with the outcome still unsettled. Read More... |
The company behind a proposed multibillion-dollar data center near Wrightsville has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pulaski County's newly enacted data center ordinance. Read More... |
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Little Rock has completed a major solar energy project at the Port of Little Rock, with city officials projecting annual electricity savings approaching $1 million. Read More... |
Election results bring constitutional changes on voting and firearms, plus up to $500 million for water infrastructure bonds. Read More... |
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The retired circuit judge defeats Michael Rushin and is set to take over county government following a contentious election season. Read More... |
Pulaski County officials say all funds diverted in a suspected fraudulent vendor-payment scheme involving detention-center medical services have been recovered. Read More... |
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New research has confirmed a painful chapter in the history of Little Rock's Old State House: enslaved people were sold at auction on the grounds of what was then the state Capitol. Read More... |
Voters choose to retain the existing library millage after weeks of debate over services and property taxes. Read More... |
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Little Rock’s historic Hillcrest neighborhood turns porches into live music stages for a free inaugural community gathering. Read More... |
Nine verified Central Arkansas happenings cover food festivals, live music, illuminated animals, arts, monster trucks and holiday shopping. Read More... |
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After a year away, the free South Main celebration brings cooking contests, tastings, live music, local makers and family fun. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
“Progress begins when we pay attention to the places we share and the people beside us.” — 501 Daily (original editorial quote) |
The Statehouse Convention Center hosts moving dinosaurs, fossil digs, prehistoric creatures and a Saturday sensory-friendly session. Read More... |
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Ahead of Veterans Day, discover the World War II home-front history, air base heritage and Cold War stories preserved in Jacksonville. Read More... |
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Delivery texts, fake bargains and charity appeals can look convincing. Here's how Central Arkansas residents can recognize warning signs and get help. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Morning Grace Daily |
Start your morning with a little more peace, hope, and encouragement. Morning Grace Daily offers faith-filled inspiration designed to help you begin the day grounded in what matters most. Visit the website for uplifting daily devotionals, then join the Facebook group to connect with others who are starting their mornings with faith, reflection, and encouragement. A few quiet minutes each morning can help set the tone for the whole day. |
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From local senior centers to volunteer opportunities, small steps can turn retirement into a season of renewed friendships and purpose. Read More... |
Interesting Facts |
A butterfly with two striking looks: Arkansas designated the Diana fritillary its official state butterfly in 2007. Males have orange-and-brown markings, while females have distinctive iridescent blue coloring.
Arkansas has an official instrument: The fiddle became the state musical instrument in 1985, recognizing its importance to the music and traditions of Arkansas families.
A Pearl Harbor rescue vessel is in North Little Rock: The tugboat USS Hoga, now at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, spent 72 continuous hours fighting fires and assisting ships after the December 7, 1941 attack. |
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A permit application seeks a 12,190-square-foot emergency and urgent care facility at Chenal Parkway and Kirk Road Read More... |
The Park Plaza-area restaurant has a December 3 target for reopening at 6210 District Avenue; its current closing date is still unconfirmed Read More... |
Hot Springs outdoor retailer adds ATVs, side-by-sides and motorcycles after acquiring Mike Johnson’s local dealership Read More... |
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West Little Rock's 105-acre Wildwood Park for the Arts combines peaceful natural spaces with a lively cultural mission. Read More... |
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Wooded trails, neighborhood connections and outdoor recreation make this Hillcrest-area park a worthwhile fall outing. Read More... |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: USS Razorback (SS-394). Commissioned in 1944, the submarine is preserved on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. |
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Before you go, one more thing from the 501.
Big elections and government decisions draw headlines, but the spirit of Central Arkansas is just as visible in its everyday moments—a neighborhood gathering around live music, a family discovering a local museum, or friends finding time to reconnect.
As the first November weekend arrives, we hope you find something in this issue that informs a conversation, inspires an outing, or helps a neighbor. If you know a story we ought to share, let us hear about it. And if 501 Daily adds something useful to your week, please pass it along to a friend.
We’ll be back Wednesday, November 11, with another edition—just in time to honor Veterans Day and share more of the people and places that make this region home.
Thanks for reading and for supporting local journalism and community connections. — The 501 Daily Team |