Daily
Fort Smith
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Darby Days will take place downtown April 25-26 with free veteran tributes including a flag-raising ceremony, historic weapons demonstrations, speakers, and family activities. The General Darby Challenge will follow on April 27 with a half marathon, 10K and 5K run. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UAFS Lion Leadership class will host a cap and gown donation drive on April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, supporting the Lion Regalia Closet that helps lower graduation costs and reduce environmental waste — a timely initiative for students. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host its 19th Annual Student Research Symposium from noon to 2 p.m. Friday in the Boreham Library, featuring 74 student researchers — presenting 41 projects across various academic disciplines. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A federal judge ruled last week that defunding NPR and PBS was unconstitutional, but Arkansas TV's communications director Julie Thomas said the lost funding means the station is pausing its planned disaffiliation from PBS while it seeks local support (which may affect future programming costs). Arkansas Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baptist Health-Fort Smith will close its labor unit in coming weeks, leaving Mercy Fort Smith as the sole option for childbirth while some expectant mothers face possible care disruptions. This trend reflects low patient volumes and Medicaid rates pushing closures (raising public health concerns). Southwest Times Record
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Gala for Good: Best Night of the Year 2026
6-10 p.m. — Kay Rodgers Park — Tickets required — Experience an unforgettable evening with Tracy Lawrence featuring live music, auctions, and more for a good cause.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
6:30-7:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the music of Fleetwood Mac in a stunning candlelit setting.
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Cat In the Hat
6-8 p.m. — ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the whimsical adventures of two bored kids and a mischievous cat on a rainy day.
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KPOP Universe Tribute Show
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair — Ticketed event — Experience the only live K-POP tribute show in the USA with professional dancers and stunning effects.
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Run for Autism
8-11 a.m. — Ben Geren Regional Park — Supports The Griffin Promise Autism Center — Participate in the first annual run to help grow resources for autism in Fort Smith.
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Brooke White Band Live Performance
9 PM - 12 AM — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — Check with venue for admission info — Enjoy the energetic sounds of Fort Smith’s own female-fronted powerhouse rock band.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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