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Gas prices in the Gulf Coast region rose to an average of $2.60 per gallon last week, up from $2.51 the previous week. The current price is 15% lower than the national average of $3.06 per gallon, indicating a slight decline from last month.
Arkansas prisoner Gregory Holt, known for his civil rights advocacy, returned to state custody after a legal settlement deemed his federal prison transfer unconstitutional retaliation for his First Amendment activities. The settlement allows Holt to continue his legal work and provides him a job at the institutional law library.
Thanksgiving travel this year will see record passenger traffic despite a decline in hotel stays, as 21% of Americans plan to fly. Airlines have added 250,000 seats, a 2% increase in capacity, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving projected to be the busiest travel day. The federal government shutdown has ended, easing flight restrictions at major airports.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet Tuesday to address ordinances, infrastructure projects, and updates to business license fees. A key item on the agenda is the $2.19 million grant-funded Fort Smith Alleyway Rehabilitation Project aimed at improving safety and connectivity in local neighborhoods.
Home sale prices in Sebastian County dropped to a median of $214,000 in August, down 4.9% from July. However, prices increased by 4.4% compared to August 2024. The total number of recorded sales in the county also fell by 8.8% year-over-year.
Fort Smith apartment rental prices decreased to a median of $895 in October, down from $919 last year, according to Zumper data. One-bedroom units remained steady at $650, while two-bedroom listings rose to $875, reflecting a slight increase from September. The typical Fort Smith rent is significantly lower than both state and national medians.
Arkansas Democrats filed 75 candidates for the 2026 elections, aiming to challenge the Republican supermajority in the state Legislature. The candidate slate includes 54 for the State House and 10 for the State Senate, with several primaries set for March. Party leaders hope this diverse lineup will lead to more competitive races in November.
Arkansas DHS Secretary Janet Mann announced that 1,500 employees will be furloughed and county offices closed if the federal government shutdown continues past November 10. Lawmakers in Arkansas are collaborating to address service disruptions from federally funded programs like SNAP and TANF. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has allocated $500,000 to food banks to assist during this crisis.
Local businesses in Northwest Arkansas, like The Dotted Pig and Juniper Hill Home, adapt to tariff pressures by leveraging strong supplier relationships and community support. Owners emphasize bulk purchasing and vendor cooperation to minimize price increases for customers. They encourage shoppers to buy local amid economic uncertainties.
The University of Arkansas Fort Smith reports an 18% increase in students utilizing its food pantry from fall 2024 to fall 2025. The pantry provides weekly grocery sacks to students, faculty, and staff, with an additional food giveaway scheduled for Nov. 6. Community members can volunteer or donate to support local families in need.