Good morning, Little Rock.

Arkansas' first Buc-ee’s in Benton opened its doors Monday at 6 a.m. to fans eager to try brisket sandwiches and beaver nuggets.

The 74,000 sqft store held a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by state and local officials (including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders).

Three Arkansas startups, Foreko from Springdale, Gumption from Fayetteville and Advisar, join Startup Junkie Foundation’s Fuel Accelerator to boost their artificial intelligence solutions.

The 10-week program offers mentorship and helps connect them with potential customers.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase will take place Saturday, Oct.

17 at The Hall in downtown Little Rock, featuring three Arkansas artists selected from over 45 submissions as they perform blues, R&B, and jazz — presented by Little Rock Public Radio with support from local partners.

Arkansas Baptist College has leased a 261-room hotel at 617 S.

Broadway St to double its housing capacity for a growing student body. The $7.8 million acquisition was announced Monday and renovations are underway to convert the space into both housing and classrooms — boosting downtown activity.

UALR has partnered with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State to offer an accelerated 7-year medical degree pathway for current freshmen or sophomores, with up to 10 spots available yearly; the first cohort is expected to begin spring 2027.

Storms and high winds on Monday left roughly 27,000 customers in Pope, Faulkner, Pulaski & White counties without power.

Restoration work is ongoing with some service returning today and damage assessments nearly complete.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Conservation Incentive Program is set to launch a third round of funding to help private landowners boost wildlife habitat after last year’s pilot funded 585 applications and improved over 16,000 acres.

A new $2.5M U.S. Forest Service grant will support forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and aid wildlife (program coordinator Michelle Furr explained).

At the North Little Rock Animal Shelter, Director Adam Tindall said the facility’s air conditioning is keeping rescued dogs safe from extreme summer heat (dogs with short, flat faces may be more at risk), while experts advise pet owners to ensure cool water and watch pets outdoors.