Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former circuit judge Jim Spears (who championed local history with projects such as the U.S. Marshals Museum and Bass Reeves statue) died at 80 on May 6. He was remembered as a dedicated community leader with a lasting impact on local heritage. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Parrot Island Waterpark reopens Saturday, May 9 with weekend operations and will switch to daily admission on May 23 ahead of Memorial Day. The park introduces a new Platinum Season Pass, expanded Dark Waters nighttime events, and Appreciation Days honoring community workers. Southwest Times Record
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith’s Vietnamese food scene has deep roots from when Fort Chaffee processed over 50,000 refugees in 1975 (a legacy of survival and innovation). Beloved spots like Pho Vietnam and Green Papaya now serve up authentic flavors with local twists. Arkansas Times
- ➤ 83-year-old artist Mabry Turner opens her latest exhibition at Dreamland Ballroom today with a soft opening tonight and a reception tomorrow; the show features surreal sculptures that comment on social issues and pop culture and will run until May 23 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Arkansas Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On May 1, UAFS Early Childhood Education delivered 1,300 Baby Brain Bags to Mercy-Fort Smith's labor and delivery department to support newborn brain development — the kits included visual cards, rattles, and cloth baby books along with guidance for parents. Nearly 60 student volunteers assembled the bags over two nights. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ UAFS alum Cyndi Glidewell transformed her nursing degree into a career spanning local hospital care, international consulting and professional writing. She credits her education with helping her support her family & start a niche travel business that opened doors to lifelong opportunities. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Authorities said the Friday, May 2 spill of 125,000 gallons of chemicals near C & S Chemicals did not contaminate drinking water but damaged sewer infrastructure, and teams from state and federal agencies inspected pump stations and performed pH tests at treatment facilities. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ An explosion at C and S Chemicals near 7000 U.S. 271 on Saturday released about 80,777 gallons of chemicals—a 35% decrease from previous estimates. The EPA set up limestone rock filter dams in the creek to treat low pH water and will transfer oversight to state officials once testing confirms stability. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney for D.C., will serve as keynote speaker at the U.S. Marshals Museum on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m.—registration is required for this free event as part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series. 5 News
- ➤ Four National Guard members earned Meritorious Service Medals on Thursday at Fort Chaffee for their quick response during a Monday vehicle accident that injured several soldiers + one soldier was seriously hurt and taken for surgery. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Sen. Bryan King addressed 50 attendees at Copper Grill during an Arkansas Times fundraiser and warned that state income tax would remain to support the LEARNS Act while reduced county turnback funds worsen rural service challenges & strain local communities. Arkansas Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mercy Fort Smith brings two local doctors to boost its heart and cancer care services. Dr. Abdul-Nasser Adjei will join the cardiology team at Mercy Clinic Cardiology-Tower West while Dr. Varant Arzoumanian will begin seeing patients at the new oncology clinic opening June 1 at 6801 Rogers Ave. Southwest Times Record
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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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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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