Good morning, Jonesboro.

City Hall, the police department, and the fire department are in a friendly competition to collect nonperishable food to help feed 739 students in 17 schools who depend on the Backpack Program for weekend meals.

Donations will be collected through December 12 and include items like applesauce, cereal, and peanut butter — the winning team will receive a trophy from Mr. Trophy.

The Craighead County Community Foundation is offering one-time transformational grants of up to $100,000 to local nonprofits to help reshape their operations and services—applications have been sent and must be submitted by Jan.

31. Organizations that did not receive an application can contact the foundation to request one and will have board visits before the awards are announced.

The Warrior Center is hosting the 2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway today at Parker Park Community Center (1506 North Church Street) in Jonesboro from 10 a.m. until supplies run out, and each household must show a current utility bill to receive one free turkey.

Craighead County Community Foundation has announced a one-time grant of up to $100,000 to help local non-profits expand their services and improve operations.

Applications have been sent to organizations and those without one may request it as reviews and formal site visits will follow submissions until January 31.

Walmart Inc. announced that longtime CEO Doug McMillon will retire on January 31 in a surprise move and that John Furner will take over on February 1.

McMillon, who grew up in Jonesboro and started his career as an hourly associate, helped boost worker benefits and technology upgrades—moves that raised stock values during his tenure.

Riceland Foods reported over $1.15 billion in revenue at its Annual Membership Meeting held Thursday at the Embassy Suites in Jonesboro.

The meeting shared a $709 million distribution to members and recognized employees for their dedication—such as Martha Frizzell, who served 62 years.

Early voting continues for a proposed millage increase for Nettleton Public Schools that would boost the rate by 4.8 mills to 43.38 mills to fund district improvements.

Registered voters may cast ballots from 8 a.m. at the Election Annex in Jonesboro + at the Lake City Courthouse until 5 p.m. on Nov. 17, with Election Day set for Nov. 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the STEAM Safe Shelter.

A-State's RESTORE Hub has received a $2M grant from the Office of Postsecondary Education to fund a statewide coordinating center for Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs for students with disabilities—partnering with UAPB and ASUMH to expand support over the next five years.

NEA Baptist reached an agreement with UnitedHealthcare that keeps it in network for over 30,000 members using both employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans.

The agreement is effective immediately and ensures our community continues to access full-service care—hospitals, primary care, and urgent care.

The ADH released its weekly viral respiratory report on Friday, Nov.

14, which showed few flu-like illness cases with 67 confirmed cases for the week ending Nov. 8 and 307 overall since Sept. 28. The report did not include counts for COVID-19 and pneumonia while noting that only serious cases are reported—ADH said the data might miss many cases—.

Santa Shuffle

6:30 PM — Joe Mack Campbell Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive stroll through Jonesboro in holiday spirit.

23rd Annual Duck Classic

7 p.m. — First National Bank Arena — Ticketed event — Celebrate with a charity banquet followed by a fun-filled duck hunting experience for a great cause.