Good morning, Jonesboro.

United Way of Northeast Arkansas announced it will invest $275,000 per month next year in 16 local nonprofits—each approved after a review by a committee and its board.

The funds will help feed families, support scholarships, and provide vital services across the region.

KAIT-TV and the Jonesboro Radio Group are organizing Freedom Fest on July 4 at the Southside Softball Complex, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and a fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m.—the event will also feature a grand finale for St. Bernards' 125th anniversary, free admission, food vendors, and strict safety rules on personal fireworks.

Arkansas State University's College of Education and Behavioral Science received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparedness—confirming that its programs meet rigorous national standards for training future teachers.

Five graduates from ASU System two-year colleges were selected as 2025 Welch Presidential Scholars—each receiving a $1,000 stipend—and will soon transfer to four-year programs for further study.

Jocelyn Person of ASU-Beebe earned an associate degree and will attend ASU in Jonesboro to study social work.

Jonesboro students at Mississippi State University earned spots on the President’s List by achieving a 3.80 or higher GPA and meeting all coursework requirements—Jason Barrow also earned a place on the Dean’s List by maintaining a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79, with the honors announced on June 27.

The Arkansas Crime Information Center upgraded its Never Forgotten website to show real-time missing persons updates from NCIC — a change that will speed alerts for law enforcement and federal agencies — as efforts intensify to resolve over 400 unsolved cases statewide.

Garrett Barnes, a Craighead County Justice of the Peace, and Ann Williams, a Jonesboro City Councilwoman, will host a town hall—open to all—on July 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Native Brew Works to discuss how city and county governments can work together under the Interlocal Cooperation Act.

Summer Social 2025: Candy Land Craze

4-6 p.m. — New Moon Venue — Free entry — Enjoy a Candy Land themed social for families and the community in Jonesboro.