Good morning, Fort Smith.

Today, early voting begins in Sebastian County from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in Washington County from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for special and school elections.

Fort Smith voters will decide on a sales tax issue to fund wastewater system fixes and board positions—and voters in Farmington, Prairie Grove and Greenland will consider potential school millage increases—with election day set for May 13.

An edition of Unpacking the Issue explains the Fort Smith Consent Decree — an agreement in place since 2015 — that has raised water and utility bills, increased sales taxes, and spurred more construction zones across town.

Baptist Health Breast Center-Fort Smith will offer breast cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in honor of Mother's Day—providing 3D mammograms and Automated Breast Ultrasound System screenings for early detection at 1500 Dodson Ave., Suite 140.

The service gives busy women a convenient option to prioritize their health.

Bobbie Lamb, director of Emergency Services at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, said the hospital will use $186 million to expand its emergency and intensive care facilities—helping more local patients get better treatment.

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith will open its new emergency room and intensive care units on May 7 — part of a $186 million expansion to add more space, technology and staff to care for thousands of patients each year.

Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert

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

Storytime with Fort Smith Police

4:00 – 4:30 PM — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging storytime with a local police officer and get your questions answered.

Launch Party & Silent Auction

5:30-8 p.m. — The Bricks — Free entry — Celebrate with drinks and appetizers while supporting maternal health through a silent auction.

Old Fort Days Rodeo

7:30-9 p.m. — Kay Rodgers Park — Ticket information not specified — Experience thrilling rodeo events featuring top competitors from around the world in a tradition dating back to 1933.