Your trusted source for local Fort Smith, AR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
An officer shot and injured an inmate attempting to escape from the Varner Supermax Unit in Arkansas. The inmate, who was on field duty, was struck by two rounds and subsequently transported to a hospital. Arkansas State Police and the department's internal affairs are conducting an investigation.
University of Arkansas–Fort Smith sophomore Connor Bibliano ran 12.21 miles on Thursday to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. What started as a solo tribute evolved into a community effort, with Bibliano receiving a police escort and a running partner joining him along the route.
More than 100 Arkansans died in the Mountain Meadows Massacre on September 11, 1857, when a wagon train was attacked in Utah. The massacre involved Mormon militiamen and remains a contentious historical topic, with ongoing debates about the LDS Church's leadership involvement. The site has since been designated a national monument and reflects on America's history of religious extremism.
An inmate, Joseph Fairchild, was found dead early Thursday morning in the Cummins Unit prison in Gould, Arkansas. Authorities suspect his 25-year-old cellmate of the murder, and Fairchild's body will undergo forensic investigation.
A Franklin County man, Vernon Patton, 72, suffered extensive injuries in a bear attack while working on his property. His family stated that his injuries are ultimately not survivable, and he is currently in the ICU in Little Rock. The juvenile black bear involved in the attack has tested negative for rabies and distemper.
The Department of the Air Force proposes expanding Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith by adding 12 F-35 aircraft and increasing personnel by 596 by 2029. This expansion is expected to require additional housing and impact local schools, while also potentially increasing economic activity in the area. Public comments on the proposal are due by September 24.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the deployment of 40 National Guardsmen to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws. Fayetteville city leaders expressed strong opposition, asserting the move fosters distrust among residents and questioning its necessity. Council member Dr. D'Andre Jones labeled the action as politically motivated rather than a response to an actual crisis.
The Fort Smith Police Department and Choctaw Nation Light Horse Police have signed a memorandum allowing cross-deputization, enabling law enforcement on tribal land in Arkansas. This agreement primarily impacts the Choctaw Casino area, facilitating police response across state lines. Officials emphasize the collaboration aims to enhance public safety for residents and visitors.
Arkansas medical marijuana sales reached over $193 million from January to August 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Tax revenues, exceeding $21 million, will aid in addressing food insecurity through programs like school lunches and food banks.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the Arkansas National Guard will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws. The deployment includes 27 airmen and 13 soldiers, allocated across Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Camp Robinson. Guardsmen will perform clerical tasks and assist with detentions but will not carry weapons.