Good morning, Fort Smith.

Two deputies were stabbed on Friday at about 2:50 p.m. at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center—one was treated and released while another remains hospitalized after inmate John Anthony Cole, who is charged with first-degree murder, attacked them and investigators review the incident.

Deputy Jacob Mar had surgery after being stabbed on Friday and moved from the ICU on Sunday afternoon—veteran Lt. Brandon McCaslin was treated and released after his stab wounds, and officers are investigating how inmate John Anthony Cole got the metal shiv.

Today, Southside High unveiled a statue honoring former track coach and science teacher Aaron Kareus—who influenced students and athletes until his passing in 2022.

His son Eli said the statue shows his father's love for teaching and coaching.

Graduation week in Northwest Arkansas features high school ceremonies scheduled throughout the week—some already held, including Hackett High School, Providence Classical Christian Academy and Thaden School—while events from today to May 22 will take place at venues such as ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Bud Walton Arena and other local facilities. The schedule covers schools in Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville and beyond.

Six students graduate today from the Residential Construction Apprentice Program at Peak Innovation Center as the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders provides real-world training in construction trades—families and industry partners join the ceremony—followed by a dinner sponsored by Art's BBQ. This two-year program equips participants with hands-on skills to meet the local demand for skilled labor.

On May 9, Ebbing Air National Guard Base graduated its first international pilots from Poland under the Foreign Military Sales training mission—additional pilots from Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic will soon train on the F-35 while Singapore starts F-16 training. The base currently has two F-35s and plans to increase that number to 16 by May 2026 and to 48 by 2028 to strengthen global alliances and deter adversaries.

The public is invited today to join a tribute honoring fallen law enforcement officers in Fort Smith and Sebastian County.

The event starts at noon outside the Sebastian County Circuit Court Building+ it includes a reading of names and a moment of reflection.

Arkansas lawmakers secured $141 million in new funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base to expand its F-35 Foreign Military Sales training center — the funds will pay for an Academic Training Center, a maintenance hangar and a mission planning facility that support allied pilot training. Allied countries have already sent pilots for the training program, and more are expected to arrive soon to boost national security.

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.