Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ First Bank Corp finalized its merger with Russellville-based First State Bank on April 8, expanding its footprint in the Arkansas River Valley and western Arkansas while keeping existing branch operations and local leadership intact. Southwest Times Record
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The new one‑act play The Western District opens today at Prima Italia, bringing Fort Smith history to life with historically inspired beer & tea developed from 1872 research and a creative nod to journalist Helen Corwin Pierce, with additional performances planned locally. Southwest Times Record
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews at the campus on 53rd Street between the Baldor Technology Center and the Windgate art and design building are converting pavement to greenspace. The project includes installing sidewalks, gutters, and curbs plus laying topsoil and sod, and the area will be ready for student use by summer. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Fort Smith mother reported that her SNAP benefits were stolen by unauthorized transactions from over 1,500 miles away and state officials said the funds cannot be replaced, though a new EBT vendor expected this summer may add a lock feature (she was advised to file a report online). 5 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mercy Health unveiled a multi-year $60M plan to expand services, upgrade care spaces and enhance technology at its Fort Smith campus — it also opened an expanded primary care clinic at Chaffee Crossing to support family medicine training as demand grows. Southwest Times Record
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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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Larry B. & Hazel Duo Show
6-9 p.m. — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — Cover charge applicable — Enjoy an evening of old skool jams and versatile duets from the talented Larry B and Hazel.
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Mark & The Groove Diggers Live
8 p.m. — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — Check for costs — Enjoy classic Rock, Blues, and Country from a diverse variety band with deep local roots.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
Welcome to the Daily Fort Smith, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Smith, Arkansas community. If you like the Daily Fort Smith, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Smith.
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