Your trusted source for local Fort Smith, AR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Powerball jackpot soared to $1.7 billion after no winners emerged from Wednesday's drawing, marking the third-largest prize in the game's history. Increased ticket sales at local retailers like White Oak Station indicate heightened public interest, with many players waiting for jackpots to reach a billion before purchasing tickets.
A bear attacked a man in his 70s while he repaired a tractor in Franklin County, Arkansas. His son witnessed the incident and called for help, leading to the man's hospitalization. Game wardens killed the bear, marking the first bear attack on a human in 25 years.
A man died while in the custody of the Fort Smith Police Department after officers found him unresponsive in a patrol vehicle. Christopher Cody Burns, 41, had been involved in a crash and caused a disturbance at a nearby church before police took him to the Sebastian County Detention Center. Arkansas State Police are investigating the incident.
An Arkansas woman, Crystal Osborn, pleaded guilty to public intoxication after using her friend's name during an arrest. Osborn faces additional charges of forgery and identity fraud after failing to meet probation requirements, leading to a warrant for her friend’s arrest. The friend later cleared her name by reporting the incident to police.
Washington County justices voted to indefinitely postpone a public discussion regarding an internal investigation into the sheriff’s office. The investigation, initiated by County Judge Patrick Deakins, examined allegations of property and funds misuse, including the unauthorized use of county equipment. Judge Deakins emphasized the public's right to know, despite some justices arguing that the matter had already been sufficiently investigated.
University of Arkansas Fort Smith students meeting specific academic criteria will secure an interview at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, enhancing their chances of medical school admission. This agreement, effective for graduates from fall 2025, aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals in the River Valley amid a projected rise in demand.
Siloam Springs police identified Emmanuel Tucker as the victim of a fatal shooting during a robbery attempt at Meadows Apartments. Two suspects, Kyle Lee McIntire, 15, and Braylon Farris, 19, face capital murder charges, with McIntire being prosecuted as an adult.
A 15-year-old will face adult charges in a Benton County capital murder case following a robbery attempt that resulted in a fatal shooting. Kyle Lee McIntyre and Braylon Farris allegedly tried to rob a victim outside the Meadows Apartments in Siloam Springs. The victim's identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues.
TEDxFayetteville will host its next event, themed "REmember, REvive, REturn," on October 4 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Tickets are priced at $25, and the lineup of speakers has yet to be announced. Organizers seek artists to create a stage backdrop, offering compensation of either $500 or $1,500.
Vice President JD Vance stated that President Trump has the legal authority to deploy the National Guard to combat crime but prefers collaboration with local leaders. In an interview, Vance reflected on his initial experience in the Oval Office and discussed Trump's leadership style and health. He downplayed speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions while affirming his readiness for higher office.