Good morning, Fort Smith.

Mulberry will host its Edamame Festival this weekend on Friday and Saturday — the local event celebrates the soybean crop that has made the community known as an edamame capital.

The festival highlights local agriculture and invites residents to enjoy themed activities.

April 21 marked 29 years since a deadly F3 tornado with winds up to 200 mph hit Fort Smith and Van Buren in 1996— it struck at 11:12 p.m., killed two children, injured over 40, and knocked down telephone lines that delayed emergency response while damaging historic buildings.

D&N Machining in Greenwood joined Anchor Harvey to combine local manufacturing with a national network—its Greenwood facility and team remain unchanged while gaining resources that will reduce overseas reliance and create new job opportunities.

The integration will boost client services with streamlined supply chains and expanded material offerings.

At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville, bells tolled 88 times on Easter Monday to mark Pope Francis’s unexpected passing—each toll representing one year of his life—as worshipers joined in mourning.

In Fort Smith, Father John Antony of Immaculate Conception noted that his church has adjusted its Mass practices and said cardinals will meet in 15 days to elect a new pope.

The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series returns to the riverfront on Thursday with performances by Dolly Ave and local singer-songwriter J.R.

Jones. The free event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Harry E. Kelley River Park Amphitheater — 121 Riverfront Drive — with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

ExxonMobil’s Saltwerx LLC and Standard Lithium asked the Oil and Gas Commission today to allow production units for extracting lithium brine from over 70,000 acres in south Arkansas—it would tap the Smackover Formation and could meet growing battery demand.

Local groups including Occidental Petroleum and the South Arkansas Minerals Association oppose the plans while state legislators recently passed a tax credit bill for large lithium investments.

Fort Smith city leaders are discussing a new camping ordinance at today's board study session to address downtown homeless issues after a recent Supreme Court ruling from Grants Pass—local business owners and district commissioners have raised concerns about safety and public health. The board will review legal feedback and public comments to decide how the ordinance will structure designated camping areas and enforcement measures.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors meets today in the Blue Lion's back room to discuss a new camping ordinance along with department budgets, federal grant recommendations, and the Convention Center's 2024 report.

Legal experts have raised concerns that vague language in the ordinance could lead to arbitrary enforcement—attorney Colby T. Roe warned that tightening the rules may be needed to avoid constitutional issues.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in Concert

4-8 p.m. — TempleLive — Enchanting performance — Experience epic film scores with a live orchestra and special guests.

Storytime at Miller Branch Library

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts for children and their caregivers.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert

7:00-7:30 p.m. — ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic as the Fort Smith Symphony plays the iconic score live while the film screens.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Concert

8:00-9:30 PM — TempleLive — Ticket prices starting at $52 — Enjoy an electrifying performance by blues rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Black Violin Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — TempleLive — Tickets from $32 — Experience an electrifying performance blending classical and hip-hop styles with Black Violin.

Jeremy Camp Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — TempleLive — Ticket prices from $29 — Enjoy an uplifting night with contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp performing live.

Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — TempleLive — Tickets from $39 — Enjoy a vibrant evening of blues with rising star Kingfish Ingram.