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Arkansas football ranked 14th in the SEC preseason media poll. Three Razorbacks—Fernando Carmona, Devin Bale, and Cam Ball—earned spots on the preseason All-SEC team, with Carmona making the second team. The Razorbacks begin their season on August 30 against Alabama A&M.
Fort Smith Police Department deactivated a Silver Alert for missing man Sky Nguyen, who disappeared on June 9. Nguyen, an Asian male weighing 120 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes, was last seen at 5100 Clarendon. He may have been driving a Gray Toyota Camry with the license plate number 727VID.
Police discovered a male dead inside a Centerton home on Willow Drive early Wednesday after reports of gunfire. Authorities are interviewing two individuals but have not made any arrests, stating the incident poses no threat to the public.
Thieves have stolen SNAP benefits from Arkansas residents, prompting the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to advise victims to report the theft to law enforcement. DHS emphasizes that stolen benefits cannot be replaced and has issued security tips for safeguarding accounts. Local food banks are available to assist those in need.
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance deployed volunteers to Texas to aid communities affected by severe flooding over the holiday weekend. The nonprofit focuses on areas like Liberty Hill and Georgetown, where recovery efforts include clearing debris and assisting families still searching for loved ones.
Arkansas officials are adjusting to new election laws ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with the primary date moved to March. Legislation aims to streamline voter access, including allowing voters to cast ballots across county lines and tightening municipal election rules to require over 50% of the vote.
Arkansas lawmakers questioned the Board of Corrections regarding Grant Hardin's escape from the North Central Unit. Hardin, a former police chief serving time for murder and rape, impersonated a jailer using a dyed shirt and a fake badge. He was recaptured shortly after fleeing.
Arkansas lawmakers will question the Department of Corrections regarding the escape of Grant Hardin from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. Nine officials, including the warden and the director of the Division of Correction, will present findings and discuss protocols to prevent future incidents. Hardin, a former police chief serving time for murder and rape, was recaptured shortly after his escape.
A University of Arkansas student, Kate Krause, raises funds to support victims of deadly flooding in central Texas, which heavily damaged Camp Mystic. Krause aims to donate 70% of the proceeds to Kerr County's flood fund and 30% to families affected by the camp's destruction. She has raised approximately $450 and plans fundraising events with local businesses.
A 22-year-old man, Ely Smith, died following a fireworks explosion in Pushmataha County that left several others critically injured. The incident occurred on July 2 while fireworks were being delivered for an upcoming celebration. The Choctaw Nation has since canceled the event, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.