Good morning, Jonesboro.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library has installed two food pantries to address hunger and serve patrons (one for children’s snacks and one for general nonperishable items) (a project developed with Best Manufacturing).

Library staff advises those in need to ask for assistance and encourages community members to donate food.

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas hosted a drive-thru USDA food distribution in Lawrence County today to help combat a 16.8% food insecurity rate—Walnut Ridge residents said the event eased their access to needed food.

Tyson Foods’ CFO Ash Bhumbia was appointed to the St. Louis Fed’s Agribusiness Industry Council—he said he is honored to contribute as the council meets twice a year at Little Rock.

In Bentonville, Heartland Forward named Krista Cupp as executive director of the Heartland Summit and promoted J.T. Geren to vice president of communications, while the Arkansas Index closed Monday at 918.33, up 22.49 points.

Arkansas State University will host Homecoming Week 2025, dubbed Red Wolves Road Trip, with events starting on October 17 when students vote for the Homecoming Court and ending on October 25 with a tailgate and football game against Georgia Southern at Centennial Bank Stadium+ the week includes themed parties, an alumni celebration, and a Furry 5K before the game as well.

A-State officials celebrated the topping off ceremony on Monday when crews installed the final beam in Arkansas State University's new College of Veterinary Medicine building in Jonesboro.

The 56,000 square foot building—costing $33.2 million—is scheduled to open in Fall 2026 with 120 students, including 60 Arkansas residents.

Arkansas State University marked a construction milestone on Monday morning when the final beam was placed for the new College of Veterinary Medicine — the school will host 120 students in fall and aims to keep local vet talent in the community.

The Jonesboro Fire Department warned residents about potential fire risks as Halloween approaches.

Captain John White advised avoiding dry materials and candles inside pumpkins—he recommended using LED lights, flame-retardant decorations and checking smoke detectors for fire safety.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences received an NIH grant of $11.7 million over 5 years to create a maternal health research center that will support at least three researchers every year.

The center will host a conference next spring — a meeting for sharing data-driven solutions for rural maternal health.

Recent updates from Arkansas State sports show that in the Lady Red Wolves Classic an athlete placed 11th with the team ranking 7th—the volleyball team swept a series at ULM, women’s soccer won 5-1 over Southern Miss, Harding beat SE Oklahoma 6-0, and men’s basketball held its Hoops & Howls preseason banquet.

Arkansas State volleyball swept the weekend series at ULM—winning all matches with dominant play and building momentum for upcoming contests.

After Day 1 of the Lady Red Wolves Classic, Coit finished 11th individually — Arkansas State placed 7th overall.

The Arkansas State women's soccer team beat Southern Miss 5-1 in a match that improved their season record—local fans now expect more competitive games.

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.

Hytrol Industrial Park 5K/10K

9 a.m. — Hytrol — Registration fee — Support local health initiatives while enjoying a scenic run/walk in Jonesboro.