Good morning, Little Rock.

During a Maumelle High football practice on Aug.

6, a player found a 2-foot venomous cottonmouth in his helmet, prompting a safety check around the facility (including the locker rooms) to prevent future incidents. Maumelle Animal Services safely removed the snake and the team resumed practice later.

A new study by the Women's Foundation of Arkansas (in partnership with Ingeborg Initiatives) shows that working parents face high child care costs and limited enrollment spots, with nearly 70 percent of mothers citing expenses as a barrier to work.

The report calls for local efforts to boost affordable care.

Arkansas officials are highlighting West Memphis’ 1,300-acre megasite as a top candidate for Daimler Truck’s planned factory, which is expected to create 6,000 jobs & support supplier industries.

Negotiations continue as construction will begin later this year with operations planned for 2029.

Little Rock based Dillard’s Inc. beat profit estimates for its Q2 earnings as tariff refunds lifted net income to $97.7 million, up from $72.8 million last year.

The company released results before market open on Thursday and reported a 1% increase in sales (retail margin reached 40.9%).

Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller and Celebrity Attractions are hosting a digital lottery for $10 tickets to the touring production at Robinson Center Performance Hall in Little Rock.

The lottery opens at 10 a.m. today and concludes at noon Aug. 20, with winners notified by email & mobile push notification.

According to the USDA, Arkansas farmers planted 760,000 acres of corn this year, 8% below the 830,000-acre forecast released in June—last year's planting reached 810,000 acres.

A community task force will draft proposals for possible school consolidations and closures amid a 21% enrollment drop in the school district.

A public meeting is set for Wed, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at West Central Community Center to review new attendance zones and plans.

Entergy will suspend power disconnects through Aug.

21 (a safety measure during extreme heat) and plans to resume disconnects on Aug. 24. The utility advises customers to stay hydrated and keep cool during the heat wave.

Gov. Sanders announced Thursday that For Others nonprofit donated $1 million to expand the 10:33 Initiative, which helps Arkansans connect with local support through Restore Hope in Little Rock (boosting CarePortal and No Wrong Door services).

State funds also support the program in FY 2027.

Former Razorback and 2025 NBA champion Isaiah Joe donated $150,000 to Arkansas Children's Heart Institute on Thursday through his inaugural golf tournament in Edmond (raising funds to support early heart care for children).

He plans to host the fundraiser again next year.

Little Rock Marathon announced its 2027 theme 'Run Around the Rock' for a race weekend on March 6-7 featuring retro style, events include a full and half marathon, a 10K, a kids race and an All Abilities run, and Health & Fitness Expo opens March 5 at Statehouse Convention Center.