Good morning, Fort Smith.

Arkansas' largest annual yard sale event kicks off on Highway 64 from Thursday to Saturday, offering antiques, flea market finds and yard sale deals along a 160-mile route from Fort Smith to Beebe — organizers advise visitors to shop early and stay cool during a heat wave.

Fort Smith International Film Festival will showcase filmmaker and pastor Julio Gomez’s films Warrior 18 and Labor Day free at The Bakery District on Thursday, Aug.

20 at 6:30 p.m.+ the event invites local audiences to experience diverse storytelling that highlights our region’s creative talent.

Regional leaders met Thursday, Aug.

13 to discuss workforce challenges — apprenticeships and a national shift to skills-based hiring were the main topics as they planned workforce development in Fort Smith.

ATU-Ozark's cardiac sonography graduates achieved a 100% board exam pass rate and the highest program scores in history, according to a Thursday news release.

The graduates completed over 100 lab hours and 950 clinical rotations in Fort Smith (a regional training hub).

Women’s Financial Series grew a $25,000 investment into a $1 million portfolio that has awarded nearly $900,000 in scholarships to UAFS students over 32 years; members meet monthly via Zoom to learn about investing and hear from local business leaders.

Arkansas officials say the ARHOME Medicaid expansion program will change after Jan.

1, 2027 when lawmakers debate moving over 13,400 residents to traditional Medicaid or managed care. A temporary extension will keep coverage in place while a new delivery model is developed.

The Arkansas Department of Health reported 11 new cyclosporiasis cases since Monday, with most found in Northwest counties, bringing the year-to-date total to 263 — officials are contacting patients to trace food sources and monitor any ongoing spread.

The Razorbacks added transfers from winning programs to strengthen their defense — coach Ryan Silverfield said the new players are eager for more playing time ahead of SEC matchups in Fayetteville.