Good morning, Fort Smith.

Former circuit judge Jim Spears, known for his civic work with local arts and education, died early Wednesday morning at age 80 in Fort Smith.

A threat reported Wednesday afternoon led Southside High School to a Code Yellow lockdown (10 minutes) while increased police presence helped officials investigate before classes resumed.

The one-act historical play 'The Western District' will begin its three-month tour on Saturday, May 9 at Madame's Main Attraction in Van Buren + it will visit local museums, hotels, and markets to boost tourism in the River Valley.

Today $4-a-gallon gas is straining budgets as counties in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley cut trips and bulk buy fuel to manage costs — officials say rising prices are linked to Middle Eastern tensions and oil market uncertainty.

Batesville native Michael G.

Wood turned early academic setbacks into a 30-year Boeing career, designing rocket systems for the Artemis II mission (which launched April 1 from Florida) that took astronauts around the Moon. A University of Arkansas profile highlights his journey as inspiration for future engineers.

Construction is underway at Ebbing ANG Base in Fort Smith as a new pilot training center featuring permanent classrooms and four advanced simulators (expected to be completed in 18 months) begins supporting pilots and mechanics from Finland and Poland training on 16 F-35 jets, with more allied nations set to join.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro will be the keynote speaker for the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series on May 20 at the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.

The free event requires preregistration+ offers local insight into justice and public service.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed state tax cuts lowering the top individual income tax rate from 3.9% to 3.7% retroactive to Jan.

1, 2026 and reducing the corporate rate from 4.3% to 4.1% starting in 2027 - critics warn most benefits go to high earners with little impact for working families.

LeFlore County EMS now carries blood products and a LifeFlow device in its ambulances to start transfusions in the field, boosting trauma care during the golden hour.

The initiative in rural LeFlore County (2.5-hour drive from trauma centers) depends on volunteer blood donors to maintain stocks.

Residents with standing water can get free larvicide pellets from the Public Works Department to stop mosquito larvae.

Call (479-784-2360) if water around your home cannot be drained.

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.

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.

Eric Matthews Band Live Performance

8 PM - 12 AM — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — Check the local listings for ticket prices — Experience an evening of high-quality blues as the Eric Mathews Band keeps the blues alive.