Good morning, Jonesboro.

NEA District Fair will open its 2026 season in late September at 7001 East Johnson Ave, offering nine days of carnival rides, food, games, agricultural competitions and vendors.

Livestock shows begin Sept. 28 with expanded rides for families and enhanced security ensuring a safe, fun experience.

Bradbury Art Museum in Fowler Center features the international more-than-human exhibition that uses video, immersive projection, sound, scent and scientific data to challenge ideas about nature.

The museum hosts a free reception at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 to launch its NEA Big Read, and the exhibition runs through Oct. 10.

Arkansas drivers are paying a little less for gas this week, with Jonesboro motorists averaging $3.66 per gallon — six cents lower than previous readings — according to AAA reports.

The national average remains above $4 per gallon, with Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers motorists paying the highest rates.

Soybean harvest is underway in Jonesboro as reported this week, with fields showing 4% harvested + double the five-year average.

Extension Agronomist Jeremy Ross expects the pace to stay brisk for the season.

Arkansas students (ages 10 to 17) are invited by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to enter the My Natural State Story contest by submitting an essay about an outdoor experience before Oct.

12, with winners set to receive prizes and a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion.

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and six Feeding America food banks released the Arkansas Hunger Continuum this week to examine food insecurity — the study found that 37% of Arkansans face hunger based on over 1,700 interviews and 3,500 surveys, aiming to guide improvements in statewide food assistance programs.

A local school is reviewing its concussion protocol as fall sports begin because doctors note symptoms like headache and confusion appear quickly, so students are urged to inform coaches and trainers immediately.

The review aims to ensure young athletes are safe during play.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on Thursday that $149.3 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants will boost health services in rural areas — $55.7 million for telehealth projects and $93.6 million for access initiatives.

The awards are part of a planned $209 million this fall and a broader $1 billion effort over five years.

Arkansas football head coach Ryan Silverfield set clear standards for player accountability after meeting every roster member in his first 48 hours in November — he now expects improved player leadership during drills to boost the team's performance as practices continue.

ESPN 5-star prospect Cayden Daughtry from Ft. Lauderdale will visit Arkansas during Oct.

30-Nov. 1 as part of his official campus tours; his offer followed standout play at Nike’s Peach Jam.

The Arkansas State Athletics Department announced its 2026 football season sponsors and giveaways, starting with a home opener on Sept.

12 at Centennial Bank Stadium that features a free pregame Lauren Alaina concert sponsored by St. Bernards Medical Group & Jonesboro A&P. Season and single-game tickets are on sale now.