Good morning, Fort Smith.

ArcBest announced Wednesday it joined Nvidia’s Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab to test safety upgrades for its Vaux Smart Autonomy software that helps run its self-driving vehicles—this Fort Smith-based company builds on an earlier Nvidia partnership for its Vaux Suite and recently won the 2025 Material Handling Solution of the Year award.

The Fort Smith Police Department is investigating a series of vehicle break-ins that took place over the last two days in Fort Smith around local apartment complexes & hotels, and detectives are reviewing surveillance footage including an image captured at 3:55 a.m. on June 11.

Inmate John Anthony Cole, a convicted murderer in custody at the local jail, crafted a weapon from a metal rod taken from a yellow industrial mop bucket and used it to stab two Sebastian County deputies at the Adult Detention Center on May 9, nearly killing one, officials said.

The Fort Smith Round Table will sponsor an early Juneteenth celebration on Saturday at Riverfront Park at 121 Riverfront Drive with a food drive from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and live musical acts from 6 to 11 p.m., while voter registration booths, local vendors, and donations will help the Antioch Youth & Family food pantry.

Charleston native Katie Gage joined U.S. Sen. John Boozman's Washington staff as a press assistant.

The 2021 Charleston High School graduate and 2025 University of Arkansas alumnus will support his communications work by drafting press materials and assisting with media outreach to highlight Arkansas priorities.

Hundreds of protesters will meet on June 14 across Arkansas, including a demonstration in Fayetteville, with Fort Smith Police ready to keep peace—local organizers are concerned that using the National Guard in similar protests has raised tensions— and they urge local leaders to keep events calm.

City officials announced multiple street closures for sewer main repairs in Fort Smith—affecting Waco Street, S.

34th Street, N. 48th Street, Louisville Street, S. 31st Street, S. 26th Street and N. M Street. Louisville Street is closed today from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other roads have limited-hour or all-day closures until dates from June 20 up to July 12.

Matt Jones joins the podcast from Omaha with Ethan Westerman to discuss how Arkansas baseball will arrive for the College World Series in two days—focusing on the team's travel and upcoming challenge.

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.

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.

Monster Truck Insanity Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Harper Stadium — Ticket info available — Experience the thrill of monster trucks tearing up the arena.

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.

Central Mall Card Show

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Jun 26) & 12 - 5 p.m. (Jun 27-29) — Central Mall — Free entry — Discover collectible cards and sports memorabilia at this exciting showcase.

Arkansas Junior Amateur Championship

June 30th - July 2nd — Hardscrabble Golf Course — Entry required ASGA membership — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play championship for junior golfers aged 12-18.