Tina Alvey Dale

Christina Long did not set out to become one of Arkansas' most recognized sports journalists. She set off for college intent on a future in photography. By her mid-20s, she was leading a magazine, and in January, was named Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.

Buster Vanhooser has always felt a need for speed. At 24, Vanhooser is among the youngest franchise owners in K1 Speed history. He led the launch and growth of K1...

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area declined in April compared with the same period in 2025. Permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $13.084 million in April, 20.5% lower than $16.453 million in April 2025 and down 60.7% from $33.287 million reported in March.

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area was stronger in May but declined from the same time in 2025. Permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $20.52 million in May, 29.3% lower than the $29.03 million in May 2025 but up 56.8% from the $13.084 million in March.

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area grew again in June but remained down from the same time in 2025. Permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $36.103 million in June, 38.3% lower than the $58.484 million in June 2025, but up 76% from the $20.52 million in May.

Not only is the air show returning to Fort Smith in 2027 , organizers are also planning a 2028 air show.

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area declined in June, keeping the year-to-date totals lower than in 2025. Permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $23.268 million in July, 12.7% lower than the $26.643 million in July 2025 and down 35.6% from the $36.103 million in June.

Hospitality tax revenue for the first half of the year is down slightly in Van Buren and Fort Smith from numbers reported in the first six months of 2025. Weaker corporate and government travel could be a factor in the lower tax receipts.

Though building activity in Fort Smith in August was stronger than the same time last year, year-to-date totals continue to be lower than in 2025. August permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $17.986 million, up 47.5% compared with the $12.198 million in August 2025.

Building activity in the Fort Smith metro area strengthened again in September but year-to-date totals continue to be lower than in the same period of 2025. September permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren totaled $28.211 million, up 91.1% compared with $14.763 million in September 2025.