Nashville Schools Could Be Next After Memphis, GOP Lawmaker Warns

Metro Nashville Public Schools Headquarters — District Facing Possible State Takeover. A Tennessee state representative is publicly pushing the idea that Metro Nashville Public Schools could be the state's next target for a takeover, following the model just applied to Memphis. Rep. Scott Cepicky, a Republican from Culleoka, says he met privately with MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle and her vice chairman to discuss student performance, and he wants House Speaker Cameron Sexton to order a forensic audit of the district as a first step.

2A and 3A regionals start today at St. Joseph High School and Hoxie

The Cotter Lady Warriors won the 2A-2 District volleyball tournament last week by defeating the Izard County Lady Cougars 3-0. The Lady Warriors will go on to the regionals as the top seeded team from the 2A-2 conference and Izard County will be the number 2 seed. The Viola Lady Longhorns will also be in the regionals after playing in the consolation match on Thursday.

ESPN bringing ‘Sportscenter’ to University of Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - ESPN is bringing its flagship show Sportscenter to the University of Memphis. The show will be broadcast from Tiger Lane on Thursday, October 22 before the Tigers’ matchup with East Carolina. The show will be broadcast at 4 p.m. ahead of the 6:30 kickoff, with...

ASU System Board of Trustees Hears A-State Updates, Approves Resolutions

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The ASU System Board of Trustees on Friday approved resolutions concerning the system and Arkansas State University, as well as heard updates regarding A-State. During the president’s reports, recently named A-State chancellor Dr. Calvin White presented updates on the university, including...

Arkansas State students take fall break to rest, catch up on work

Arkansas State University students began fall break Thursday, taking a few days off from classes to rest, recharge and catch up on schoolwork. While many students used the brief break to head home, others stayed on campus to make the most of the time off. A-State student Lily Agee said...

Wynne set for pivotal 5A East matchup with Batesville

WYNNE — The Wynne Yellowjackets ended a four-game losing streak to Valley View last week in Jonesboro, beating the Blazers 28-14. Wynne will return to Yellowjacket Stadium tonight against a familiar 5A East foe in Batesville. However, Wynne coach Randy Coleman said it’s a different-looking Batesville team. “It’s...

Jonesboro planning commission declines to recommend rezoning near elementary school

Backpack Program Drives Teacher to Become Mrs. Arkansas-America

Many girls grow up competing in pageants and dream of one day representing their state on a national stage, but the story was different for Ashton Haywood, Mrs. Arkansas-America 2026. Her journey started when she became an art teacher at Nettleton STEAM Elementary School in Jonesboro. “My first year of...

Towery family establishes scholarship to honor longtime A-State educator

JONESBORO, Ark. — A new scholarship at Arkansas State University will support future educators while honoring the life and legacy of a beloved faculty member whose decades of service helped shape generations of teachers across Arkansas. Following the passing of Ronald Wade Towery in May 2025, his wife, Pam...

Brookland school board approves ‘dangerous intersection’ resolution

BROOKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) - The Brookland School Board voted 4-0 Monday to approve a resolution declaring the intersection of U.S. Highway 49 and School Street a “dangerous intersection.” One member of the five-person board did not participate in the vote, citing a conflict of interest. With the resolution...

Jonesboro school board approves grant for fruit and vegetable program

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - The Jonesboro Public Schools board voted unanimously to approve a grant funding the next year of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for elementary students at five schools in the district. The program provides fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary age students as a supplementary food...

Lyon College Receives Gift to Establish Scottish Travel Award for Students

BATESVILLE, Arkansas – A generous gift from Dr. Renate Rosenthal will help Lyon College Scottish Heritage program students pursue educational opportunities in Scotland through the newly established Rosenthal-Campbell Scottish Travel Award. The award will provide a stipend to help offset travel expenses for students participating in the college’s pipe...

UACCB sets ribbon-cutting for firefighter training program

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will join the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the college’s Firefighter Rookie School at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Fire Training Center on the UACCB campus. The 38-week program, which began Oct. 6, follows...

‘The Air Smells Like Rotten Eggs’: Young High School Senior Jasmine Bernard Testifies Against Elon Musk’s Expanding Memphis AI Data Centers

Jasmine Bernard, a Shelby County high school senior, is warning that the rapid expansion of Elon Musk’s AI data centers could deepen environmental and public health concerns in predominantly Black communities, urging county commissioners to pause new development and establish stronger protections for residents. A high school senior from...

Family’s $30,000 Commitment Honors A-State’s ‘Dr. T’ With Scholarship for Future Teachers

JONESBORO, Ark. — The family of longtime Arkansas State University educator Ronald Wade Towery has committed $30,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for future teachers, with preference given to students balancing college with work and family responsibilities. His wife, Pam Towery, and daughter, Kim Towery Childers, established the Ron...

State oversight board prepares for MSCS takeover

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - For the first time, the conversation about the state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) appeared to shift from whether the state would take over to what comes next. During a virtual meeting Thursday, the state-appointed oversight board discussed financial accountability, outside consultants and potential leadership...

Superintendent calls campus weapon incident a “dumb mistake”

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (KAIT) - School officials said a weapon found on campus was a “dumb mistake.”. The Lawrence County School District reported Thursday that before the start of school, administrators were told of a possible weapon inside a vehicle in the campus parking lot. “Administration took immediate action...

Area high school football schedule: Oct. 9

EASTERN ARKANSAS — Here is a look at this week’s games involving area teams:. In Northeast Arkansas Youth Football League games tomorrow:. Greene County Tech at Wynne (4th, 5th, 6th), 10 a.m. Cross County at Harrisburg (5th, 6th), 10 a.m. In junior high games Thursday, the Wynne Junior...

GCT Relies on Dominant Ground Game, Brookland Miscues for 38-20 Homecoming Win

Paragould, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – On Greene County Tech’s homecoming night, the team put on a show for the students and alumni with a 38-20 blowout against the Brookland Bearcats. Starting off, the Bearcats received the kickoff at their own 40-yard line. A 32-yard bomb...

P.E.O. chapter awards $3,500 scholarship to Batesville nursing student

RN Student Lauren Mize (left) receives $3,500 scholarship from Jennifer Emery of P.E.O. Chapter BQ in Batesville. (Image submitted) P.E.O. chapter awards $3,500 scholarship to Batesville nursing student. A Batesville mother of three studying to become a registered nurse has received a $3,500 scholarship from a local chapter of an...