Good morning, Little Rock.

Union Pacific beat Q2 earnings forecasts on Thursday as strong freight demand and higher rates offset rising costs — its diesel facility in North Little Rock played a key role.

The company reported 12% revenue growth, beat earnings estimates, and advanced merger talks amid regulatory review.

Entergy Arkansas has begun talks with landowners to secure the right-of-way for about 3.5 miles of new transmission lines to serve Project Leo, a proposed data center in south Pulaski County.

The utility will negotiate land-use agreements to meet power needs that may eventually reach 1 gigawatt.

The Arkansas Cinema Society and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts present Filmland: Arkansas at 501 E.

Ninth St. from Aug. 12 to 16 (featuring 3 features, 20 shorts and prizes). Theaters will show remastered 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' on Aug. 2 with more film events scheduled later.

Oil prices edged above $100 a barrel on Thursday as renewed fighting in the Middle East disrupted supply—local gas prices in Little Rock averaged $3.79 per gallon.

Rising fuel costs could continue affecting grocery and transportation prices in the coming days.

Family Council president Jerry Cox in Little Rock urged tech companies to better protect children online as Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin highlighted firms’ role in addictive social media practices.

Cox said stronger safeguards are needed following local legislative measures and ongoing legal action against harmful content for kids.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) said eggs from Texas farms are being recalled in six states including Arkansas due to salmonella concerns.

The recall takes 1,589,577 dozen eggs made from June 6 to July 3 off shelves at stores like Kroger and Brookshire's.

CHI St. Vincent announced Wednesday that it received a $1 million donation from Grace and John Steuri to fund the new Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care at its Infirmary in Little Rock.

Construction will start this fall and finish in 2028 while supporting both inpatient + outpatient services.

Little Rock-based Loblolly Creamery LLC is offering $825,000 for North Little Rock's former central fire station at Maple and Eighth streets.

City officials plan to consider a nonbinding letter of intent on Monday at City Council to kick off a 90-day due diligence period.

Arkansas defensive end Quincy Rhodes, a native of North Little Rock, wore his 'B is for boss' chain at SEC Media Days in Tampa yesterday and confirmed his return for his senior season under coach Ryan Silverfield (following a breakout junior campaign with All-SEC honors).

Arkansas running back Sutton Smith is honored to wear No. 5 as a tribute to Darren McFadden; the Memphis transfer who studied McFadden’s play aims to lead the Razorbacks with speed and hard work this season — carrying on a storied legacy.

Christmas In July Craft Market

9 AM — Faith United Methodist Church — Free entry — Shop early for unique gifts in a cool, festive atmosphere.

Norteño Sax Concert

12-10 p.m. — Tavern 65th — Tickets required — Enjoy a lively performance of Norteño Sax in the heart of Little Rock.

Floss The Mack Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Awareness Center, Inc. — Limited tickets available — Experience a night of nonstop laughter with Floss The Mack and a stellar lineup of comedians.