Good morning, Jonesboro.

Native Brew Works hosted a watch party on Friday, June 12 for Team USA’s World Cup match against Paraguay in Jonesboro — sponsored by Century 21 Portfolio — drawing a strong community following as local businesses saw increased customer excitement.

Community members gathered in front of Best Manufacturing in Jonesboro to surprise 17-year-old Aaliya Turner with a party before her Hawaii trip next week—arranged by Make-A-Wish Mid-South with food, drinks, and decor celebrating her dream of beach adventures.

Downtown Main Street will close from 6 a.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday for the Juneteenth Parade + NEA PrideFest, with the parade starting at 9:30 a.m. from St. Bernards Auditorium and PrideFest running from noon to 8 p.m.

Freedom Fest moved to the ASU campus and will take place Saturday, July 4.

The free celebration offers a car show at 4 p.m., a concert at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.+ food trucks and cornhole tournaments round out the day.

Cypress Creek Energy secured $3.5 billion to fund the first two phases of the Steel River Energy Center (in Wilson), Mississippi County, which will produce 1.63 GW of solar capacity and 1.9 GWh battery storage, boost tax revenue, and create 700 construction jobs ahead of completion by 2029.

Jonesboro schools are expanding high-tech manufacturing training as regional companies invest billions in industrial facilities.

NEACTC, ANC and A-State now offer new equipment and dual credit courses — a boost that helps local families secure skilled jobs.

UALR announced its Spring 2026 Chancellor's and Dean's Lists to recognize top academic performers, including several Jonesboro students; the Chancellor's List requires nine credit hours and a 3.9 GPA (key to eligibility).

Entergy Arkansas advises residents to prepare for severe summer storms by assembling emergency kits and updating contact details on the Entergy app, as the company strengthens its grid with tree trimming, pole inspections, and emergency drills (Ventrell Thompson noted).

Craighead County health inspectors visited 35 businesses - including three hospitals - from June 5-12 to check for health guideline compliance.

The inspections helped ensure local venues stayed safe for everyone.

Arkansas State Athletics announced game themes for the 2026 Red Wolves season using its new campaign (Our Pack.

Our Den. Our Pride) at Centennial Bank Stadium. The season opens Sept. 12 with the 'Paint the Vault Red' theme.

K-POP Warriors Live Show

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Fowler Center — Family-friendly fun — Experience high-energy music and colorful characters in an exciting K-Pop inspired live show.

Jonesboro Independence Day Fireworks

9:30 p.m. — Joe Mack Campbell Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music.