Good morning, Jonesboro.

A local park will light up soon with 400,000 Christmas lights and Santa as part of a festive holiday display — inviting families to enjoy a road trip experience.

The community event promises a cheerful start to the season.

Arkansas State University students showcased research, campus projects, and creative works at the First-Year Experience (FYE) Academic Expo held recently in Jonesboro.

The event, featuring record participation, helped new students build academic skills and form connections with faculty and peers.

Arkansas State University received the 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award for student success, marking its eighth straight honor by Insight into Academia magazine.

Dr. Carlitta Moore said the award shows the university’s strong commitment to excellence.

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver presented three City Youth students refurbished Dell laptops provided by AT&T — part of a digital access initiative by City Youth Ministries — to support home learning.

Rees Law Firm in Jonesboro offers guidance for those hiring an attorney by listing key questions to ask such as experience, fees (fixed or hourly), and communication practices.

They encourage potential clients to prepare questions to ensure informed legal decisions.

Williams Baptist University welcomed seven new or returning trustees and granted tenure to an English professor at its Tuesday, Dec.

9 meeting in Walnut Ridge. The board also voted to develop a regional workforce training partnership with nearby Black River Technical College.

Dr. Brenden Kelly leaves ASU after just over a year; his resignation is effective Feb.

12. He will become EMU’s president (his alma mater) in early March 2026 as the current president retires, and the ASU Board of Trustees meets today at 5 p.m. to plan his transition.

Local law enforcement agencies in Washington County, Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers will join the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from Friday through Jan.

1 to reduce impaired driving during the holidays. Officers will increase patrols + remind drivers to plan a sober ride.

Craighead County crews will close County Road 425 between County Roads 423 and 409 today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for scheduled road work—officials advise drivers to allow extra travel time.

St. Bernards Healthcare said the Maternal Life360 program for Medicaid-enrolled women with high-risk pregnancies will expand to Greene County to provide necessary support after launching in Craighead County last year.

On Tuesday night, the Arkansas State Red Wolves defeated the Southern Arkansas Muleriders 97–46 at First National Bank Arena — five players scored in double digits and the team forced 37 turnovers.

The team will face ULM on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

Live at the 501 Steakhouse

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — 501 Steakhouse — Cost varies — Enjoy a night of new tunes and classic covers in a cozy Arkansas setting.