University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture researchers published the first high-quality chromosome-scale genome for the rice stink bug — a costly Arkansas rice pest — identifying more than 13,000 genes, UAEX reported Sept. 16.
UAPB’s Office of Career Services will host the 2026 Fall Career Summit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Kenneth L. Johnson Sr. HPER Complex, with 66 organizations registered for students and alumni, the Pine Bluff Commercial reported.
Veterans and volunteers will collect new unwrapped toys 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Oct. 3 at CJ’s Auto Body in Pine Bluff to open the 2026 Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots season for Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson and Lincoln counties, the Pine Bluff Commercial reported.
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will hold its 34th annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Prince Hall Grand Lodge with keynote speaker Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, the Pine Bluff Commercial calendar reported.
Jefferson Regional Foundation will host its annual Pretty in Pink Celebrating Survivorship Luncheon at noon Oct. 1 at the Pine Bluff Country Club; organizers urge seat reservations, the Pine Bluff Commercial calendar reported.
Pine Bluff City Council heard second reading Sept. 21 of an ordinance creating a nine-member Bayou Bartholomew Commission to oversee operations, budgets and public engagement on bayou improvements, the Pine Bluff Commercial reported.
Pine Bluff City Council amended the 2026 budget Sept. 21 to add $54,000 for Code Enforcement — including $30,000 for lot clearance and $24,000 for demolition — as the city continues blight and Glow Up cleanup work, the Pine Bluff Commercial reported.
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