Good morning, Jonesboro.

United Way of Northeast Arkansas celebrated 70 years on May 8 by investing $650,000 in 18 nonprofits at a luncheon held at Centennial Hall at Arkansas State University—honoring local businesses, corporate partners, and community leaders who achieved 100% employee giving at 14 companies. The event also recognized community advocates and awarded six nonprofit agencies with $1,000 checks to support their work.

Jonesboro police are looking for a man accused of robbing Love’s Travel Stop on Wednesday night at 8:21 p.m. by using a knife to take cash, with a witness reporting that he ran to the back of the parking lot and is described as a Black male + anyone with information should call the police + the investigation continues.

Abilities Unlimited adult special needs clients performed at the Forum Theater on May 8, showcasing their musical storytelling of classic tales and enjoying a brief art reception with free frozen treats.

The free event—supported by JMG—demonstrated the spirit of creative expression among local participants.

Students and faculty from Arkansas State University's Department of Biological Sciences earned awards at the Southwestern Association of Parasitologists conference in Kingston, OK on May 8, 2025 — with graduate and doctoral students receiving research grants and presentation awards while Dr. Kyle Gustafson was elected president-elect. Following the conference, Zach Campbell received a research grant from the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust to support his dissertation research.

El Centro Hispano is hosting summer Spanish camps for kids ages 5 to 12 with sessions from June 16–20, July 14–18, and July 28–August 1 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and families can call 870-931-1884 or 870-926-1118 to sign up while limited scholarships are available.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Thursday that his office secured a $100K grant from the Attorney General Alliance to fight human trafficking, and he said experts from his international conference will be invited to provide training and share best practices in Arkansas. Details on how the grant will be used have not been released.

The new Red River Infusion Clinic and Pharmacy in Jonesboro opened in early March and now provides specialty infusion treatments to hospitals and patients across Northeast Arkansas.

It offers both in-clinic and in-home care & features a full-service pharmacy with a nuclear section for diagnostic tests and cancer medications.

Arkansas State head coach Ryan Pannone announced today that 7-foot transfer Aly Tounkara from Conakry, Guinea signed to join the 2025–26 men’s basketball team.

He played his freshman season at Lindenwood University — averaging 3.5 points and 4.7 rebounds while showcasing strong defense and rim protection.

Royal Smith, a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Parkland, Florida, has signed with Arkansas State for the 2025–26 season and will join coach Ryan Pannone’s inaugural recruiting class.

Smith, who currently plays for Gillion Academy (Virginia), earned AAU All-Star honors with Team Breakdown before drawing interest from top programs.

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.

NEA Iron Giants 2026 USS National Qualifier

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Arkansas Muscle Gym — $10 spectator fee — Witness strongman athletes compete for a chance to qualify for the 2026 Nationals.

The Skirmish: Delta Gravel Festival

May 29, 2 AM – May 30, 2 AM — Downtown Jonesboro Alliance — Check event page for cost — Celebrate the rugged beauty and rich culture of Arkansas at this cycling festival.

The Creek Rocks Concert

3-5 p.m. — Lebowski’s — Free entry — Experience enchanting folk melodies from the Ozarks led by the talented duo of Cindy Woolf and Mark Bilyeu.

2024 State Conference — The Chord Collective

11:00 AM - 8:30 PM — Arkansas State University Fine Arts Center — Check event page for pricing — Witness regional music talent shine at the State Competition and enjoy performances by distinguished artists.