Good morning, Jonesboro.

Officials announced Grain and Gather, a new rice-centered event in downtown, set for Nov.

6-7 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This free block party will feature live music, kids’ activities, a rice-brat eating contest and local restaurants serving special rice dishes.

A local church will host its first Harvest Fest on Halloween from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its parking lot (2120 Thorn St), offering food trucks, live music, trunk or treating, and games in a safe, family-friendly setting with community nonprofits sharing resources.

BA Burrito closed its Southwest Drive restaurant after nearly two decades, merging operations with its Yard location (1918 Aggie Rd. near Arkansas State University).

Owners said rising rent, food costs and labor expenses forced the change.

KASU and Arkansas Music Experience are hosting a free networking event for musicians and industry pros Tuesday, Oct.

27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brickhouse Bar and Grill (218 S. Main St.) in downtown Jonesboro; vendors may register for booth space.

Gas prices in Jonesboro dropped this week amid the shift to winter-blend fuel, with regular unleaded now averaging $3.80—a decrease of nearly 10 cents from last week.

Statewide trends show similar changes as drivers enjoy lower costs at the pump.

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is the first college in the state to join a national pact+ that lets campuses share emergency staff and resources during disasters or planned events.

This move strengthens the network for quick help when needed.

Jonesboro's Rees Law Firm explains Arkansas child custody now starts with a rebuttable presumption favoring joint custody.

Under Act 604 (2021), courts assume a roughly 50/50 split of physical and legal custody unless clear evidence shows the split is not in the child's best interest.

GOJO has added two new ADA-compliant buses that let drivers stay on board while helping passengers board + each bus features winches for wheelchairs, smoother rides, and comfortable seating.

A third bus is expected soon to further strengthen accessible transit service in Jonesboro.

The American Red Cross urges donors to help maintain a steady blood supply ahead of the holiday rush; drives include Nov.

2 at Southwest Church of Christ, Nov. 9 at ASU Student Union and Red Cross Jonesboro, and Nov. 12 at Central Baptist Church (with rewards and free A1C tests).

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Arkansas Department of Health released its weekly viral respiratory report+ it showed minimal influenza-like illness activity with 126 lab-confirmed flu cases, including 111 Flu A and 13 Flu B, and 46 hospitalizations among 253 cases since Oct.

4.