Good morning, Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Police Department is promoting the Blue Envelope Program to help drivers on the autism spectrum manage traffic stops by handing officers a blue envelope—signaling a need for extra time and instructions.

Available since January at state offices and the police station, it complements help for mental illness.

GasBuddy data shows Arkansas gas prices rose for a second week as global supply concerns persist & talks breaking down spurred further increases.

Since April 6, prices climbed 3.5 cents per gallon to an average of $3.60, over 43 cents higher than mid-March and 82 cents higher than last year.

At a downtown lunch Monday, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald praised the Venture Center and state lithium firms for attracting investment; three companies joined the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator — Western Cam, Entegris Materials, and New Genium — aiming to boost local battery manufacturing.

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark inducted 41 students into the National Technical Honor Society during the spring 2026 semester — the honor recognizes academic and technical achievements in career courses at the campus.

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education President Kyle Parker will step down on June 30 and become President Emeritus (his first hire in 2014 that helped shape its growth), while the Board begins a search for his successor.

UAFS Admissions will host Den Day on Wednesday, April 15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the UAFS campus.

The half-day event gives prospective students and families a chance to explore academic programs, meet faculty, and enjoy campus tours with prizes and scholarship opportunities.

Christopher Edwards, who returned to UAFS after nearly a decade, is set to graduate in May after using AI to build a model that predicts coral bleaching and monitors river pollution.

He credits his mentor (Dr. Testa) for guiding his research in protecting local marine life.

Fort Smith Southside Mavericks defeated Northside 12-0 on Monday, April 13 at the Evans Boys and Girls Club Sports Complex & Walker Allen pitched a three-hit game to secure the win.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.