Good morning, Jonesboro.

Just a few days before Christmas, shoppers crowded Jonesboro stores as they sought last-minute gifts.

Many waited for better deals and enjoyed the festive cheer + extra police patrols helped maintain safety.

Fisher Street Community in Action hosted a drive-thru toy giveaway Monday that served about 500 families in Jonesboro and helped children get free holiday gifts amid financial challenges.

Organizers said the event (now in its 11th year) quadrupled in size as cars lined up for hours.

Jonesboro’s Food Drive Face-Off ended with over 2,100 pounds of food collected for local students.

The Jonesboro Police Department led the effort by donating over 1,100 pounds + City Hall and the Fire Department added hundreds more + ensuring supplies for winter break backpack programs.

The Salvation Army in Jonesboro reports that red kettle donations have declined while more working families need help with food, shelter and utilities due to rising living costs.

Last year, the program assisted over 8,000 people, highlighting the growing local need.

U.S. gasoline prices are below $3 a gallon, marking a four-year low that offers local drivers a boost as holiday travel nears.

GasBuddy.com reported that gas prices across Arkansas dropped 10.2 cents per gallon to an average of $2.35 over the past week.

The lowest price recorded was $2.06 per gallon (with the highest at $2.99) while national prices have declined for a fourth straight week.

At Steve Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms, wildlife biologist Cayce Guy banded 5,826 ducks to track the waterfowl migration during the recent peak season.

He said Arkansas will send extra crew next year (boosting the state’s role in the regional effort).

ARDOT placed a five-foot-tall sign filled with trash in Jonesboro as part of its Natural State campaign to encourage proper litter disposal.

Crews spent the past two weeks collecting debris — the public display highlights local efforts to maintain a clean environment.

State funds will boost local nonprofits including the Children's Advocacy Center in Jonesboro, the First Judicial District Victim Witness Program in St. Francis County, and the Children's Advocacy Center of Independence County as Governor Huckabee Sanders said her team hopes to fund more groups soon.

St. Bernards Healthcare announced today that family medicine specialist Dr. Michael Tedder (with nearly 50 years of clinical experience) has joined the Jonesboro primary care network to offer expanded local care.

Highland defeated Batesville in the girls quarterfinals of the NEA Tournament on Monday, Dec.

22.

College Sports Communicators announced the 2025 Academic All-District Volleyball Team featuring a school record four A-State players, with first-timers Addison Collum and Libby Gee-Weiler joining Devyn Lewis and Erin Madigan as top academic and athletic performers.

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.