Good morning, Jonesboro.

A-State’s First National Bank Arena has upgraded its indoor lighting for dynamic light shows and improved its parking lot lighting along with a new volleyball court over the summer.

Fans can look forward to Parker McCollum performing on Sept. 17 and Red Clay Strays on Nov. 8.

The third annual Red Wolf Renaissance Fair will be held Oct.

24-25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Access 6 at Craighead Forest Park (featuring jousting by the Knights of Mayhem, armored combat, contests, and 89 vendor booths) with proceeds helping red wolf conservation.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation will expand its Street Smart program to high schools for the 2026 – 27 school year.

Developed with the Department of Education, the program will help first-time drivers learn how to handle work zones and other road challenges.

Jonesboro has spent about $325,000 to install four push-button stoplights along East Washington near downtown and Jonesboro High School to improve pedestrian safety.

The city plans further upgrades & invites residents to share safety concerns with City Hall.

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and CHI St. Vincent continued contract talks Monday to beat a Tuesday deadline, officials said; if no deal is reached, Blue Cross members might lose CHI St. Vincent coverage and face high costs (patients with ongoing treatments will still be supported).

First-year coach Ryan Silverfield told players the team will treat Saturday’s season opener against North Alabama like the Super Bowl at Razorback Stadium, with a 3:15 p.m. kickoff planned.

Training camp adjustments for high temperatures have prepped the team to face the challenge.

The Arkansas men’s basketball team will host Gonzaga in a preseason exhibition on Oct.

24 at Bud Walton Arena — one of two planned games for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

A Red Wolves preseason special airs tomorrow on K8 & will feature Butch Jones on SBC zoom.

The program will review a recent tie with the Hornets and scoring highlights from Newcomb to build local season excitement.