Good morning, Jonesboro.

Arvest Bank has named Rodney Shepard as its new regional executive for the southeast region—replacing retiring Craig Rivaldo—and he will now oversee banking operations in Arkansas while drawing on 31 years of experience from his previous roles.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a slate of bills on Monday that the Legislature approved to tighten social media protections for kids and reconstitute the State Library Board — the measures also further distance Arkansas from China and give lawmakers greater oversight of agriculture near watersheds.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill into law to create a reporting system for missing children who do not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert—Senate Bill 371 does not replace the alert but expands reporting options.

Arkansas lawmakers and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders urged the federal government to reconsider its denial of aid for tornado recovery after March storms caused nearly $8.8 million in damage and three deaths in nine counties (Baxter, Clay, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff). They requested a 30-day extension for review as officials work to secure funds for recovery.

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould and Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis signed a non-binding letter of intent on April 22 to merge and expand access to quality health care+ both groups expect to finalize the agreement by early 2026.

On April 22, the Arkansas State men’s golf team led the Sun Belt Conference Championship at Annandale Golf Club with a record-setting first round score of 278—10-under par before severe weather suspended play with 19 players still on course.

Thomas Schmidt recorded an 8-under par 64 and held a two-stroke lead over his closest rival as play was scheduled to resume at 7:30 a.m.

Sesame Street Live Performance

6-7:30 p.m. — First National Bank Arena — Tickets available for purchase — Experience the magic of beloved characters from Sesame Street in a delightful family show.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fowler Center — $12 – $17 — Experience this beloved musical adaptation of Cinderella's enchanting tale of hope and romance.

GHO Endurance Challenge

7 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Craighead Forest Park — $90 — Test your limits with a unique endurance challenge over a scenic 2.5-mile loop.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Fowler Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Cinderella in a youth edition live performance.

2025 Homestead Vintage Market

10 AM – 5 PM — Parker Pioneer Homestead — Free entry — Explore a full day dedicated to vintage, industrial, antiques, and rusty treasures.

Ram Run 5K

1-4 p.m. — 1701 W Court St, Paragould, AR — $30 entry — Enjoy a community 5k run with medals, plaques for winners, and cheering athletes.

A-State Baseball vs Troy

1-5 p.m. — Tomlinson Stadium — Free entry — Catch the Red Wolves take on Troy in an exciting three-game series showdown.

Townsend Live Performance

3-5 p.m. — Lebowski's — Free entry — Don't miss Townsend's electrifying performance at Jonesboro's newest brewery and restaurant.