Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | 5newsonline KFSM 5NEWS | Get the local news and weather where you live from 5NEWS. Covering Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and all of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

Extreme Weather

No, a ‘1,000-year storm’ doesn’t mean it only happens once every 1,000 years

Extreme Weather

No, there is no such thing as a Category 6 hurricane

While some people theorized Hurricane Milton might reach Category 6, no such rating exists. The hurricane Saffir-Simpson scale only goes up to Category 5.
Science

Yes, Earth is getting a temporary 'mini-moon'

Is Earth getting a second moon and will it be visible? We VERIFY claims about an asteroid temporarily orbiting our planet.
Weather

Blue skies, leaf colors and pumpkin spice: 4 Fast Facts about fall

Fall is in the air and the VERIFY team is answering four questions about autumn.
Weather

No, heat lightning isn’t real

“Heat lightning” isn’t any different from ordinary strikes or flashes of lightning.
Environment

No, the Yellowstone supervolcano is not erupting

A hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin led some to believe a massive volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park is set to erupt. Here’s why that’s false.
Environment

No, daddy-long-legs are not one of the most venomous spiders

For decades, people have spread the rumor that daddy-long-legs are the most venomous spider. But the spiders’ venom isn’t strong enough to hurt people.
Science

VERIFYING the authenticity of a viral firework injury X-ray meme that circulates each 4th of July

Every Independence Day, a viral photo apparently showing hand X-rays after firework injuries is shared as a warning. We traced the origin of each X-ray photo.
Food

No, the artificial vanilla flavoring you buy at the store doesn't come from beaver glands

While it’s possible to use beaver gland secretions to make vanilla flavoring, it's an expensive process and not what you'll find in the grocery store.
Environment

Giant flying venomous spiders invading the East Coast? There’s no need to panic

Have you seen headlines about flying, venomous Joro spiders invading the East Coast this summer? Here’s why you shouldn’t worry.
Food

Decaf coffee not facing U.S. ban by EPA and FDA

Some headlines claim the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration are banning decaffeinated coffee in the U.S. That’s false.
Science

No, you won’t be able to see the rare planetary alignment with the naked eye

Six planets will line up in a “planetary parade” just before sunrise on June 3 and 4. But you won’t be able to see all of them without a telescope or binoculars.

Lockdown lifted at Pea Ridge Junior High School after unconfirmed weapon report

Voting guide for 2024 general election in Arkansas | What to know before casting your ballot

Severe storms tonight in Arkansas & Oklahoma | Weather Impact Alert

Strong storms and flooding rains today in Arkansas and Oklahoma | Weather Impact Alert

Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | 5newsonline KFSM 5NEWS | Get the local news and weather where you live from 5NEWS. Covering Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and all of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

No, a ‘1,000-year storm’ doesn’t mean it only happens once every 1,000 years

No, there is no such thing as a Category 6 hurricane

Yes, Earth is getting a temporary 'mini-moon'

Blue skies, leaf colors and pumpkin spice: 4 Fast Facts about fall

No, heat lightning isn’t real

No, the Yellowstone supervolcano is not erupting

No, daddy-long-legs are not one of the most venomous spiders

VERIFYING the authenticity of a viral firework injury X-ray meme that circulates each 4th of July

No, the artificial vanilla flavoring you buy at the store doesn't come from beaver glands

Giant flying venomous spiders invading the East Coast? There’s no need to panic

Decaf coffee not facing U.S. ban by EPA and FDA

No, you won’t be able to see the rare planetary alignment with the naked eye

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