Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Gen Z and millennial women are turning to grandma hobbies like needlepoint and mahjong for comfort and connection in Northwest Arkansas and to break from phone time. Mockingbird + Magnolia Mahjong started in Sept 2025 and Natural State Needlepoint launched in late 2025, offering a way to bond across generations. 5 News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA reports Arkansas gas prices fell by 2 cents to $3.64 per gallon this week, with Fort Smith drivers paying $3.51—the lowest in the state as crude oil remained under $100 per barrel. 5 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is gearing up for Cub Camp later this summer as the D-Staff finalizes plans to help first-year students connect with campus life. The three-day event runs Aug. 13-15 and offers games, group challenges, and social activities. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Two UAFS students created Auto-Green — a self-watering greenhouse that uses recycled materials to monitor soil moisture and adjust fans for temperature control — which they presented at the 19th Annual Student Research Symposium on April 10. Their design aims to help local gardeners manage plant care easily. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ UAFS held its Spring Den Day on Wednesday, Apr. 15 despite heavy rain, drawing over 500 students and families for academic sessions (shifted indoors) and campus tours to show life as a Lion. Future Den Day events are planned for the fall. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Northside High senior Anthony Mendez (a first-generation college student) was named one of three OG&E Positive Energy Scholars and received a $60,000 scholarship at a surprise school assembly on Thursday. He will use the award to attend the University of Arkansas this fall and study mechanical engineering. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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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Luau 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
1:30-5:30 p.m. — Fort Smith, AR — Registration required — Dash through the scenic streets of Fort Smith while embracing a festive luau spirit.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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