Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith and multiple other locations will be hiring temporary, clinical and nonclinical employees to provide relief as COVID-19 cases rise nationwide.

• “These temporary co-workers will give our front-line teams much needed support allowing our caregivers to use that valuable time focusing on direct patient care,” said Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Mercy executive vice president and chief administrative officer. -Fox 24

• Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and patient care associates are encouraged to apply, and potential sign-on bonuses are available to RNs with at least one year of experience. Masks will be required. -Fox 24

• More information on job descriptions and where to apply can be found HERE.

• Starting Monday, Dec. 7, overnight lane closures on I-49 will be in place from 8pm to 7am, and extend through Friday of this week.
• The Festival of Stars Toy and Donations Drive will begin on Friday, Dec. 11 in Springdale. Donors are encouraged to remain inside their car with a mask on while dropping off a new or used toy or monetary donation. Drop-off will be open from 6am to 6pm, at Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale.
• The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is showcasing the new Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale starting Dec. 11. Tickets are free, but reservations will be timed and limited. Reserve HERE

SoNa has announced a series of virtual holiday events and a new collaboration with Ballet Arkansas.

• The collaboration is part of a larger cultural conversation and an attempt to bring Central and Northwest Arkansas closer together, says D. Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of SoNA. -Fayetteville Flyer
• 'Sleighride Together' will be released Dec. 21 and features a full SoNa orchestra and ballet performances.
• More information on upcoming SoNa performances HERE.

Three local hotspots have announced plans to host a 'Fill the Pantry' food drive for Fayetteville Public Schools.

• Theo's, East Side Grill, and Southern Food Company will be accepting donations through Dec. 10 to ensure that no child goes hungry during the holidays. -Fayetteville Flyer
• Over 350 Fayetteville families qualified for free and reduced meals this year, a number that is steadily increasing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
• A list of items are featured HERE. Those who donate will be entered to win a $50 gift card.

Theo’s is located at 318 Campbell Ave, East Side Grill is at 1838 N Crossover Rd, and Southern Food Company is at 3575 W Wedington Dr #3.

No. 16 Arkansas toppled the No. 4 Baylor Bears, 83-78, in Bud Walton Arena on Sunday Night.

• This was a sensational top-five win for the Hogs, the first since 2003. The win was also the first since 1996 against a defending national championship team.

• Amber Ramirez, senior guard, was the clear standout of the game, putting up a team record of 23 points, 16 of those in the last half. -Arkansas Razorback Athletics

• Arkansas will be on the road Wednesday to face SMU in Dallas at 7pm CT.