Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Corporation for Public Broadcasting closed permanently on Monday after losing federal funding, leaving local public stations in uncharted territory+ KUAF management noted community donations already helped bridge some of the lost support while future fundraising may face challenges. 5 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Our Blood Institute in Fort Smith and Russellville is in emergency mode as its supply drops to a one-day level amid rising flu cases and holiday breaks — officials urge O-negative and O-positive donors to act quickly. 5 News
- ➤ Patients of the local family clinic are being notified that the practice will close soon. The clinic, run for decades by Jeff and Tammi Hamby in Van Buren, is known for their crusade against gay-themed books at county libraries. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The No. 5 Arkansas Fort Smith men’s team lost 73 to 61 to Rogers State, marking their first defeat this season — RSU built early leads and held strong, while the Lady Lions lost 58 to 54 after a close game with RSU pulling ahead near the end. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Darius Acuff Jr. led the Razorbacks to a 94-87 upset win at Ole Miss on Wednesday night. The freshman scored 26 points including five of the final six in a game that snapped a three-game losing streak in Oxford. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Elijah Lagg, a UAB transfer tight end with 20 catches for 164 yards in 2025, will visit the Razorbacks in Fayetteville Saturday — he is set to visit North Texas on Wed, Pittsburgh on Thurs and East Carolina on Fri while he has one year of eligibility remaining. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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STEAM Team: Snowflakes Workshop
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore science and art by creating snowflake designs with marshmallows and toothpicks.
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Growing Little Readers: Everyday Literacy for Every Family
5:30-7 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Discover practical tools to foster children's literacy and love for reading through everyday activities.
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Open Mic Night
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — A casual evening for poets and musicians to showcase their talent or enjoy performances.
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Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
8:30-9:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles performed by a string quartet under candlelight.
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Once Upon a Stitch Crochet Club
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — A creative space for school age children and teens to learn and enjoy crochet together.
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Viking 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
2:30-6:30 p.m. — 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR — Registration required — Compete in various distances while supporting local health and fitness initiatives.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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