Good morning, Fort Smith.

Emily Treadaway was named Director of the new Center for Nonprofits—part of the UAFS Center for Economic Development—located in downtown Fort Smith's Bakery District.

She brings over a decade of local nonprofit leadership and will manage programs to strengthen community support.

A Eureka Springs man pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of first-degree murder and unlawful discharge after firing one shot that fatally struck a Fort Smith man outside his girlfriend's apartment, police said, while a related suspect faces a parole violation.

Arkansas will pay extra money for SNAP benefits—under the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, the state’s 7.29% error rate will force cost sharing that could add up to about $102 million starting in October.

Lawmakers will meet soon to plan budget adjustments as the state’s surplus shrinks and the risk of reduced benefits rises.

Federal funding was restored and Fort Smith's first Teen Center is set to open Aug.

13 at Future School where local students in grades eight through twelve can access homework help, mentorship and career exploration. Supporters urge Congress to back education funding as federal budget changes raise concerns—prompting calls for immediate action.

Fort Smith directors tabled a resolution Tuesday to start a $125,000 water meter study for a planned multi-million dollar water meter replacement— they also interviewed the third candidate for internal auditor.

Corrections board member Lee Watson emailed lawmakers on July 21 saying the proposed 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is not needed.

He urged that a 1,000-bed prison and smaller local facilities be built instead—steps that would cost less and quickly ease the current jail backlog.

Property values in Sebastian County increased 50% on average in the five years since the reappraisal was finished, County Appraiser Zach Johnson told Quorum Court members last week — he cautioned residents to be prepared for rising costs.

Watercolor Workshop: Fun Food!

10:30 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enhance your watercolor skills by painting delightful sweet treats and more.

Hoopla Book Club: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

2-3 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Dive into the historical narrative of love and survival through literature this July.

Movie Matinee: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

2-4 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' featuring an epic battle against a new villain.

Lettering to Go!

August 1-30 — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Celebrate National Calligraphy Day with hands-on lettering kits all month long.

Anyone Can Learn to Letter

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Practice hand lettering techniques and explore tools in a creative environment.

Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Vue Venue — Free entry — Explore a vibrant marketplace with live music, local food, and unique artisan vendors.

Hand-lettered Sign Workshop

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore the art of hand-lettering and take home a personalized sign.