Here's the latest local and regional news from the Little Rock Public Radio Newsroom for Friday, May 22, 2026.

- The State of Arkansas has settled a multi-year lawsuit over rats in a dollar store distribution facility

- Healthcare providers in one west Arkansas city are looking at ways to serve residents in the wake of several clinic closures

- Officials with the University of Arkansas have upheld the termination of a former Middle East studies professor

- The Arkansas Supreme Court has ordered a judge to consider a joint motion lifting an injunction suspending two laws giving the state’s governor control over the Department of Corrections

- More than $3 million dollars is coming to some Arkansas communities to update their water infrastructure

- Kids in Central Arkansas can grab a free lunch this summer, courtesy of the North Little Rock Public Library System

Listen to live newscasts from Little Rock Public Radio each weekday during NPR's Morning Edition from 6 to 9 a.m., during All Things Considered from 4 to 6 p.m., and online at littlerockpublicradio.org.