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Jody Barker

Jody Barker is the Editor-in-Chief of Jonesboro Right Now. A lifelong resident of Northeast Arkansas and an Arkansas State University alum, Jody is dedicated to delivering fair, transparent, and community-focused news.

welder steel
Education
2 months ago
The Human Infrastructure: How Northeast Arkansas Schools Are Educating Students Amid an Industrial Boom

With thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs flooding into the Delta, a multi-tiered educational pipeline has mobilized to ensure that the wealth generated by this economic surge stays in the pockets of local families.

sipping with a purpose
Community
2 months ago
“Sipping With a Purpose”: A-State Student Creates Business to Empower an Inclusive Workforce

When the “Sipping With a Purpose” lemonade stand opened for its inaugural run in May, the crew was met with an incredible sight: A massive crowd of thirsty customers ready to show their support.

woman with curly hair climbs in bouldering gym
Sports
2 months ago
Local Couple Aims to Bring Climbing Gym to Jonesboro

Their goal is to create an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and skill levels can experience the sport of climbing.

pill with skull and cross bones
Health & Wellness
3 months ago
A Strained Balancing Act: Inside Craighead County’s Modern Opioid Crisis

Addressing the crisis requires a balancing act between law enforcement, the judicial system, and a healthcare sector that is rewriting its relationship with pain management.

Education
3 months ago
Secure Foundation Counseling Named Provider for Success Academy

The transition comes after the campus’ previous provider, Methodist Family Health, unexpectedly notified school officials that they could no longer provide services to the Success Academy.

kids summer
Summer Fun Guide
3 months ago
Jonesboro Police Launch ‘NextGen Cadets’ to Bridge the Gap Between Local Youth and Law Enforcement

The initiative aims to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the community’s youth through hands-on demonstrations, shared meals, and a little summer fun.

yard debris limb pickup
Community
3 months ago
How Jonesboro’s Limb Pickup Process Works and What to Avoid

JRN spoke with the city about the collection process, why pickup may take longer, and the do’s and don’ts on laying out debris for crews to pick up.

The Billion-Dollar Ripple: How an Industrial Boom is Reshaping Northeast Arkansas
Business
3 months ago
The Billion-Dollar Ripple: How an Industrial Boom is Reshaping Northeast Arkansas

The industrial landscape of Northeast Arkansas is rapidly evolving as billions of dollars in advanced manufacturing investments ripple into neighboring communities.

Outdoor pet adoption booth under a red canopy; people chat near cages with small dogs, banner reads 'Help Us – Help Them' for ARC Angels Animal Rescue.
Pet Lovers Guide
3 months ago
Jonesboro Animal Rescue Holds ‘Adopt and Shop’ Event for Rescue Dogs

A Jonesboro animal rescue, in collaboration with a local business, worked together Saturday for one mission: Helping rescue dogs find a new home.

JFD Gold Helmet Logos
Health & Wellness
3 months ago
Jonesboro Fire Department Earns National ‘Gold Helmet’ Status in Fight Against Cancer

Chief Marty Hamrick said this makes JFD one of only 165 departments in the United States to achieve this status, and only the second in the state of Arkansas, joining the Rogers Fire Department.