Good morning, Fort Smith.

Fort Smith police responded to a dump truck that spilled asphalt along Massard Road and Phoenix Avenue—causing traffic delays while crews cleared the scene.

Sebastian County prosecutor recused himself from a fatal shooting case on Tuesday because family ties to law enforcement created a conflict of interest— a special prosecutor from the 14th Judicial District has been appointed to lead the death investigation into the incident that occurred on July 10 in Lavaca.

A Fort Smith man charged in connection with a July 2024 Mercy Hospital lockdown will get a new jury trial date — his request to drop his public defender for lack of counsel and improper communication was denied.

Fort Smith native Molly Ann Dunaway was crowned Miss Worldwide 2025 on Saturday in Omaha, Neb and previously held the title of Miss Sebastian County 2024; she will use her crown to advance her 100 Families Initiative—an effort to help families move from crisis to stability.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will open James Baldwin's 'The Amen Corner' on Tuesday, Aug 5.

The play is set in Harlem and features guest choirs—tickets cost $20 to $65 and it runs until Sunday, Aug 17.

Fort Smith Public Schools restored limited telephone service after a cybersecurity incident disrupted phone and internet systems on July 21; the technology team said key employee and student data systems were not affected — calls to the service center are answered and forwarded to the proper offices.

U.S. News & World Report evaluated 108 Arkansas hospitals in its 2025 Best Hospital rankings and named four as Best Regional Hospitals.

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith was rated high performing in procedures such as hip fracture and pneumonia—it ranked fourth statewide as the report published Tuesday.

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.