Good morning, Jonesboro.

First National Bank Arena warned drivers that parking may be limited today and Saturday as a pro rodeo, Arkansas State baseball games, and a Fowler Center performance are set to draw large crowds—residents should carpool, arrive early, and plan ahead.

Phi Delta Theta is hosting an ALS Walk/Ride/Run Benefit featuring midday guests to raise funds for ALS support.

The event will soon take place in Jonesboro and invites residents to join the effort.

The Family Crisis Center celebrated its grand opening of a Sexual Assault Support Services center on Wednesday at 511 W.

Monroe Ave. in downtown Jonesboro, marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month; the center now offers forensic exams and walk-up services with plans to add more staff soon.

AAA reported that gas prices statewide dropped 7 cents from last week to $3.57 per gallon, matching the Jonesboro metro average.

Price differences exist in nearby areas — drivers in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers pay about $3.38 per gallon while those in Texarkana pay $3.74, and global oil trends may affect prices soon.

Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. will build an advanced flat-rolled steel processing plant next to Big River Steel in Osceola that is expected to create 35 high-paying jobs in Mississippi County as it invests over 37M to boost local production.

Over 200 Arkansas State University students showcased research, creative projects and innovative ideas at the 16th annual Create@State Student Research and Creativity Symposium.

The event highlighted competitions across multiple categories and celebrated academic talent and collaboration.

Jonesboro Public Library will host a free Fort Night family literacy event for preschool through third-grade children and their families at the Round Room (315 West Oak Avenue) on Tuesday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event features stories about forts and treehouses along with a hands-on fort-building activity and dinner.

Jonesboro students gained hands-on experience with medical robotics at St. Bernards’ Robotics Day on Thursday — local schools, including Valley View Junior High, guided the new da Vinci 5 system in a ring-removal contest that previews future healthcare roles.

Three Valley View media students, Madison Mills, Nate Wilson and Claudia Fuentes, won gold in Digital Cinema Production and silver in photography at Skills USA Arkansas on Thursday, Apr.

23, and will head to nationals; their wins add local pride + excitement.

Arkansas State University held its annual Excellence Awards at Fowler Center, honoring three campus figures (Dr. Kristen Johnson, Shunqetta N.

Cunningham, and the Howlers Pep Band) for contributions to fostering access, belonging, and service in the community.

Bryan Lopez, a Valley View senior, will receive $125,000 in scholarships to pursue aerospace studies at Embry-Riddle this fall.

The initial $50,000 memorial scholarship (honoring his late brother) supports his education after past setbacks.

Oasis Art Festival

12-6 p.m. — Downtown Jonesboro Alliance — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with local art, poetry, music, and food.

Butterflies and Bloom Celebration

7-11 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center — $125 per ticket ($25 for kids 6-12) — Enjoy a night of dinner, live music, and auctions at this charity event supporting families through infant loss.