July 30 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in

the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories

and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- California-based Palo Alto Networks ( PANW ) is in talks

to acquire Israeli company CyberArk Software in a deal

that could value the Israeli cybersecurity firm at more than $20

billion.

- Union Pacific ( UNP ) said it would buy smaller rival

Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) in an $85 billion deal to create the

first U.S. coast-to-coast freight rail operator and reshape the

movement of goods from grains to autos across the country.

- Tennessee based CBL Properties has purchased four

middle-market malls from Washington Prime Group for $178.9

million suggesting mall recovery is extending beyond luxury and

high-end properties.

- Candy and snacks giant Mars announced plans to invest $2

billion more in its U.S. operations through next year to bolster

the company's ongoing efforts to expand manufacturing in the

country.

- U.S. largest bank JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ) is in

advanced talks to take over Apple's ( AAPL ) credit card program

from Goldman Sachs ( GS ).

- A Trump administration effort to block all funding

that flows to outside health researchers was scrapped Tuesday

evening after senior White House officials intervened.

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)