Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, May 23rd, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with winds of 100 to 110 mph damaged about 40 buildings at Fort Chaffee on Monday—tree damage was also reported in Sebastian County and near Shady Point, and no injuries were reported. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Charleston native Cody Sosebee returns to Fort Smith as the rodeo clown and barrelman for the 91st annual Old Fort Days Rodeo starting on Memorial Day, where he will mix humor and safety for bull riders. The six-night event runs from May 26 to May 31 and features a parade on May 26 at 10 a.m., nightly rodeo shows at 7:30 p.m.—with family nights on May 27 and May 28. Southwest Times Record
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ During Tuesday’s meeting, the Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved an ordinance ordering the demolition of two unsafe structures. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas state officials lowered the fiscal 2025 surplus forecast to $214.8 million after extending the tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 31—this delay, along with trade uncertainty, has also reduced the fiscal 2026 surplus projection to $185.1 million. The changes may shift some tax revenue from fiscal 2025 into fiscal 2026, state sources said. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Arkansas Supreme Court reversed a circuit court's dismissal of Attorney General Tim Griffin’s FOIA suit against the Board of Corrections and sent it back to Circuit Judge Tim Fox for further action— the court ruled that the lower court erred by ordering Griffin to help hire outside counsel, a power he does not have. Griffin filed his suit after saying the board repeatedly violated open records rules. Arkansas Times
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Arkansas attorney general's office approved ballot language for a proposed amendment by the League of Women Voters that would protect the state's direct democracy process and let them begin collecting signatures. The measure would bar the General Assembly from altering ballot measures without a statewide vote and require a delay for emergency clause votes — steps aimed at reforming the current process. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The ramp at Lee Creek Recreational Area is closed until buoy line repairs finish—heavy spring rainfall led to woody debris severing the line and repairs will begin when water levels drop. Visitors can still use the trails and fishing pier but must park in the gravel lot by the locked gate. City of Fort Smith
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Summer Smash Music Festival
5:30-11:59 p.m. — Majestic Fort Smith — Cost info not specified — Celebrate REHAB's 25th Anniversary with live music across genres hosted by Peter Dante.
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The Hangout Summer Classic Pickleball Tournament
Jun 20-22 — The Hangout Fitness and Sports — Registration required — A competitive weekend for pickleball enthusiasts in Fort Smith.
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Monster Truck Insanity Tour
7:30-9 p.m. — Harper Stadium — Ticket info available — Experience the thrill of monster trucks tearing up the arena.
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On-Site Tour of Cornerstone Caregiving
9 AM - 7 PM — Cornerstone Caregiving — Free entry — Explore senior living excellence with gourmet meals and award-winning care.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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