Good morning, Fort Smith.

Participants in Fort Smith experienced the Community Poverty Simulation by the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, which let locals understand the daily challenges of finding housing, work, and childcare; organizers say the event aims to guide improvements in local support systems.

Van Buren Lions Club held a luncheon yesterday as Major Cole Kingsbery (director of operations for the 57th Fighter Squadron) explained the F-35 training program at the Chamber of Commerce building.

Officer Cody Douglas received a Hometown Hero Award from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Fort Smith Wednesday for his April 6, 2025 rescue of a driver from the Arkansas River — his swift action saved a life.

Baptist Health in Fort Smith cut 70 more jobs yesterday, raising total layoffs to about 220 as part of a restructuring that addressed $127 million in losses.

Hospital officials said patient care was not affected + affected employees will receive job placement assistance.

Serious Fiber opened its doors Wednesday at 409 Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith as the first business in the Commerce Collective retail incubator program.

Owned by Navy veteran and fiber artist Crystal Bedney, the store sells hand dyed yarns & offers fiber arts supplies and classes.

Over 4,000 OG&E customers in the River Valley lost power overnight due to an equipment issue, and crews restored service by about 5 a.m. Tuesday — temporary fixes remain as reliability upgrades continue in eastern Fort Smith and surrounding areas.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre opened its 50th season with a vibrant production of Steel Magnolias — a touching tribute to strong feminine bonds set in an in-home beauty shop from the late 1980s.

The show will run through Sunday, June 7.

The state Division of Aging and Adult Services announced Wednesday that planned cuts to Meals on Wheels were scrapped after public outcry halted a $612,000 funding reduction to Area Agencies on Aging.

Additional reserve funds will support meals for homebound seniors.