Good morning, Little Rock.

The Children’s Protection Center is facing a $700K funding loss by year-end—losing $250K by the end of September and another $400K in December—which forces it to pause planned expansions of its Jacksonville site and focus on keeping current services available.

The center serves abused children and families across Pulaski County and is seeking new grants to secure its operations.

7 Brew announced Wednesday it will partner with Dude Perfect to have its drinks featured online and open a walk-up coffee bar at Dude Perfect headquarters in Dallas — Economic Arkansas is hosting Econ on Location today at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at 1101 E.

Third St. from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to show teachers how arts help local economic growth — the Arkansas Index closed Wednesday at 933.37 with Dillard’s shares reaching an all-time high while Tyson Foods and Murphy Oil gained and Uniti Group fell.

Arkansas PBS Family Day will offer free activities, costumes, food trucks and healthy snacks for children at network headquarters on Saturday, while Little Rock’s Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts stages 'Death of Kings,' a one-man play that follows an American soldier's journey—paired with post-performance discussions for healing. Both events are free and aim to bring engaging entertainment to local audiences.

Country singer Eric Church will perform on his Free the Machine Tour at North Little Rock's Simmons Bank Arena at 7:30 p.m. Feb.

19 — with special guest 49 Winchester.

Nidec Motor Company announced a $19M investment to expand its Mena facility by adding 61,000 square feet and creating 35 jobs over five years—construction began in Q2 and will finish by Q2 2027.

Farmers across Arkansas are facing an agricultural crisis as many family farms are closing due to low crop prices and high costs, Representative DeAnn Vaught said at a Tuesday meeting in Stuttgart—she warned that one in three farms may shut down if debts keep rising.

Lawmakers and experts noted that rising expenses, inflation and global trade issues are forcing farmers to lose money while key funding may not come until next year.

Pulaski County is expanding a long-running energy program for commercial properties by relaunching the Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (PACE) program, which offers low-interest, long-term loans repaid through property tax bills.

Officials said the revamped program will help fund energy efficiency upgrades and may soon extend to residential projects.

Kimberly Hendricks Jones will serve as interim director of the UA System Criminal Justice Institute at the end of this month when longtime director Cheryl May resigns - UA System President Jay Silveria named her on Wednesday and she is a certified law enforcement instructor with over 25 years of experience in Little Rock.

Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock received a $300,000 grant for a stream restoration project that will remove a dam—improve water quality and restore aquatic habitats along Ferndale Creek.

The project is part of a $7.6 million capital campaign with $1.9 million set aside for restoration and an education component with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Lawmakers and public staffers worked at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock on Wednesday to assemble about 200 maternal and infant supply kits for new moms—kits that will be given to postpartum patients.

The assembly provided essential support at the hospital during a coordinated shift.

Attorney General Tim Griffin ruled on Tuesday that Arkansas cities and counties may enforce temporary wind-farm bans under a law passed this year—giving local governments legal authority to pause wind-farm projects.

Arkansas football's cornerback Kani Walker, who missed last week's game under concussion protocols, practiced Tuesday and is on track to return for the Notre Dame game — Coach Pittman said players are listed as probable or questionable to show integrity.

Coach Pittman also discussed rule changes affecting freshmen like Antonio Jordan and noted that offensive guard Fernando Carmona was named a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

5-9 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Hispanic culture with live performances, food, and fun games.

Cliff & Susan at River Bottom Winery

4-10 p.m. — River Bottom Winery — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the unique sounds of a married duo blending piano, fiddle, and guitar.

2 Old Goats Pickleball Tournament

3 AM – 3 AM — Burns Park — Free entry — Dive into an exciting weekend of competitive pickleball with local enthusiasts.

Arkansas Rasta Fest and 5K & 10K Run/Walk

9 AM – 6 PM — Julius Breckling Riverfront Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate culture and fitness at this vibrant festival featuring races and festivities.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance with iconic rock hits set against a stunning candlelit backdrop.

2nd Friday Art Night

5-8 p.m. — Rock It! Lab — Free entry — Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and art in an engaging monthly gathering.

Swap Con® Little Rock

10 AM – 6 PM — Statehouse Convention Center — Free entry — Discover vintage treasures and collectibles at the Biggest BUY-SELL-SWAP®️ Convention in Arkansas.

Arkansas State Fair - Gate Admission

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Arkansas State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Arkansas State Fair with fun rides, games, and food.

October: Drink & Discuss - The Ghost Writer

6-8 p.m. — Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack — Free entry — Embrace spooky season while engaging in lively discussions about 'The Ghost Writer'.

Travursity Travel Showcase

5-8:45 p.m. — Movie Tavern Little Rock — Registration required — Engage with travel suppliers and enjoy a unique cinematic showcase.