Good morning, Jonesboro.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will host a teen-friendly Friday Night Magic event on October 17 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Teen Area—players can bring their own decks or borrow one while receiving free trading cards and snacks.

A KAIT report stated that Arkansas recorded 50 fire deaths this year—16 more than earlier reported—and the state Fire Marshal’s Office said many occurred in homes lacking working smoke detectors.

Three Jonesboro restaurants—Demo’s Smokehouse, Bistro House, and Red Wolf Starbucks—have closed or merged in the last two weeks as rising food and labor prices and lower customer spending strain the local scene.

Owners say that steep cost hikes since COVID and weak foot traffic are forcing many eateries to struggle with staying open.

Dr. David Diffine filed a petition on Oct.

2 in the Craighead County Circuit Court to appeal the Arkansas State Medical Board’s decision to revoke his license for five years after videos showed him nude in his Blytheville clinic and engaging in a sexual act with an employee—he claims the board violated state law by prejudicing his hearing and releasing intimate evidence without his consent.

Arkansas State University announced that students who met degree requirements graduated during summer commencement at First National Bank Arena—Chancellor Todd Shields presented diplomas for associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral programs to graduates from 41 states and territories and 19 other countries.

Arkansas State University is offering free application weeks for domestic undergraduate applicants from today until Oct.

17—helping high school seniors and others apply for the fall 2026 term without paying a fee.

The City of Jonesboro is moving forward with its long-awaited Caraway Road expansion project to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

The plan costs $5.5 million to widen the road from Interstate 555 to Latourette Drive—reducing to three lanes at Glenn Place—and will be reviewed by the Public Works Committee on Oct. 7 plus bids will be issued before construction begins in spring.

Rocktober Fest with Scotty Austin

1-4:30 p.m. — Brickhouse Bar & Grill — Tickets TBA — Experience a high-energy night of rock music and entertainment headlined by Scotty Austin.

Bobby Brown Tribute Evening

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Legends BBQ Smokehouse — Food and drinks available — Experience a high-energy tribute to R&B legend Bobby Brown featuring live music and stunning performances.