Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, July 25th, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Thunder in the Fort is held today in Fort Smith and is a free celebration in partnership with the City of Fort Smith, The Bakery District, and RiverBoy Music Group. The event features a parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. along a route from 6th to 10th Garrison, free metered parking downtown, and South 7th Street closures from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—attendees are advised to dress lightly, bring water, sunscreen, and cooling devices as high temperatures are expected. City of Fort Smith
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Fort Smith Police Department is looking for 73-year-old Ronald Griffin—who was reported missing yesterday in the Bakery District and was last seen wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans—as his family seeks to verify his safety; anyone with information is urged to call 479-709-5000. City of Fort Smith
- ➤ An Oklahoma man admitted he tortured and killed a Fort Smith woman whose body was found in a pond in 2021 — he was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs and Future School will open the first teen-only center on Aug. 13 after federal officials reinstated funding that had been frozen— it will offer free homework help, mentorship, STEAM learning, college and career exploration, dinner and transportation for students in grades 8–12. Southwest Times Record
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A federal judge said Wednesday he will rule soon on whether Act 624—signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to ban out-of-state pharmacy benefit managers from operating pharmacies—should be blocked while legal challenges continue. The decision may depend on whether the plaintiffs show they will suffer irreparable harm before the law takes effect Jan. 1. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ A federal judge allowed Protect AR Rights — led by Bobby Howard — and For AR Kids to join a lawsuit challenging new Arkansas ballot initiative laws that require resident canvassers, photo IDs and full ballot title readings. The League of Women Voters filed the suit in April, arguing that these new rules place extra burdens on citizens seeking to participate in the petition process. 5 News
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Josh Watson took over the Ozark Hillbillies after former coach Jeremie Burns left following a season with 4 wins and 7 losses—Watson, who led Salem to a state title, said the senior group and players have bought in to boost team energy and rebuild their winning culture. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Christian Stutts from Beebe is defying odds in MMA at These Hands MMA after two gyms rejected him because of his visual impairment—he won his first kickboxing match with a first-round TKO and now sets a strong example for his teammates. He said he learns to fight by using his hands to sense his opponent and urged others to keep pushing to reach their dreams. 5 News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
~ Greek Proverb
About Daily Fort Smith
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