Arkansas
Central Arkansas nonprofit leader Aaron Reddin steps down amid health challenges
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A big change is rolling in for one of central Arkansas’ most recognizable nonprofits serving the unhoused community.
Aaron Reddin is stepping down as executive director of The Van, effective immediately. The organization has been a critical presence in the region, providing food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies and emergency shelter for people in need, particularly in North Little Rock.
Reddin said he’s leaving day-to-day leadership because of ongoing personal health challenges. “I was diagnosed with CRPS in 22,” Reddin said, referring to complex regional pain syndrome, a condition that can cause severe, persistent pain. He said that “in early 24 I was in a accident that caused the spread of the disease into my upper body,” and that it has “greatly impacted my ability to be present.”
“I’m in weekly treatments and medications and things like that, that caused my absence,” Reddin said. “And you know, even though I may be slowed down, the organization is not and so that’s an unsustainable imbalance, and at some point it has to be acknowledged.”
While he’s stepping away from daily leadership, Reddin will remain involved with The Van as a board member.
Parker Reid has been selected to take over as executive director. Reid said he’s ready to get started and build on what’s already in place.
“I am most excited, I think, just to really hit the ground running,” Reid said. He said he and Reddin have talked about the organization’s infrastructure and what they want it to look like going forward, with a focus on “really just refining what we what we have going on already, and really expanding our volunteer involvement.”
Reddin reflected on how much the organization has grown during his time leading it. “We’ve grown,” he said. “You know, I’ve always thought that we’ve hit a plateau, and then there’s, it just keeps going.”
He also emphasized how The Van is funded. “We’re 99.9% private donor funded. We don’t touch your tax dollars,” Reddin said. “So this is all people helping people from from the bank account to the streets. It’s people powered.”
Asked about a proud moment, Reddin pointed to a recent opportunity to share The Van’s work with a much bigger audience. “I got the chance this past winter to talk about our work here in Little Rock on CNN International live,” he said, adding that the network gave him “like, 13 total minutes, two different days.”
Reddin said he valued being able to spotlight Little Rock as a community that looks out for its neighbors. He said he was able to show people that “we care about each other, we care about our neighbors, regardless of you know what those unconventional sleeping circumstances may look like at the time.”
The Van has also raised money to find and build a shelter for the unhoused, and Reddin said the organization’s emergency shelter work started even before the first van was in service. He said having a more permanent setup will be a major step forward, rather than moving supplies in and out during each weather event.
As Reid steps into the role, he said he’s mindful of what the organization means to Reddin and to the community. He hopes to “take care of of his baby,” he said, because “it means a lot to him, and it means a lot to me to have watched him, you know, grow it for as long as I’ve gotten to watch.”
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said. He was 71.
Hours later, another statement from Graham’s office said the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia’s preliminary findings are the senator died of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. That is an aorta rupture stemming from hardening of Graham’s arteries.
Arkansas officials released statements following the death of Graham.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement:
“Bryan and I are sending our deepest sympathies to the people of South Carolina as they mourn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a veteran, a longtime public servant, and a leading voice on foreign relations, but I remember him most for his partnership during the fight to get Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Working on the White House team, we needed allies like Senator Graham who would fight hard for what they knew was right, and it was thanks to his forcefulness that we were able to get Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation over the finish line. America has lost one of its finest Senators, and my prayers are with Senator Graham’s family, staff, colleagues in the U.S. Senate, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Attorney General Tim Griffin posted on Facebook:
“Lindsey Graham will long be remembered as a stalwart of the U.S. Senate. His legacy is that of a problem solver and a passionate advocate for our national security. He understood America’s leadership role in the world and helped craft policies that supported that role. In addition to his 23 years in the U.S. Senate, he also served his country with distinction as a JAG officer in the United States Air Force for 33 years. Rest in peace, Senator Graham. A grateful nation thanks you for your service.”
Fellow Sen. John Boozman posted on X:
“The sudden passing of my friend and colleague Lindsey Graham is an incredible loss for the Senate, his beloved South Carolina and our country. Public service, whether in the Air Force or in Congress, was his life’s work. We were fortunate to serve with such a fierce advocate for American leadership through both diplomacy and a strong military. Cathy and I are heartbroken and join all those praying for his family, friends and staff as we mourn a dear friend and patriot.”
Sen. Tom Cotton also posted on X:
“Lindsey Graham was an American original. A truly self-made man, he lost his parents at an early age and cared for his younger sister. That same sense of responsibility and duty took him into the Air Force and the Congress. Lindsey was a great champion for our military, our troops, and our national security. A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him. Anna and I join all Arkansans in extending our deepest condolences to Lindsey’s family and friends.”
To report a typo or correction, please click here.
Copyright 2026 KAIT. All rights reserved.
Arkansas
Bentonville’s Dave Peel Park to become new downtown entertainment space | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Copyright © 2026, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
All rights reserved.
This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2026, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.
ENGLAND, Ark. (KATV) — A slice of Arkansas blues history got its moment in the spotlight today in England, Arkansas, as community members gathered to honor a musician many say never got the recognition he deserved.
People met at William F. Bill Foster Memorial Park for a dedication ceremony where the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail unveiled a historic marker for blues legend, songwriter and recording artist Larry “Totsie” Davis. The marker recognizes Davis’ lasting impact on Arkansas’ blues heritage and his contributions to American music.
The ceremony also served as a tribute to “kind of forgotten blues players of Arkansas or the blues players in Arkansas that never really got their due that they should have.”
Billy Jeter, Founder of the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail, urged people to revisit Davis’ work, saying, “If you listen to the music today of Larry ‘Totsie’ Davis. I implore you to find somebody better than him. It’s just it’s unbelievable music.”
-
Indiana5 minutes agoIndiana seeks coal ash program as feds move to rollback regulations
-
Iowa10 minutes agoSeveral Iowa High School Baseball Standouts Selected In MLB Draft
-
Kentucky22 minutes agoHow one small KY town put aside its differences to celebrate America | Exclusive
-
Louisiana29 minutes agoMeta’s Louisiana Data Center to Surpass $250 Billion Price Tag
-
Maine35 minutes ago6 concerts, theater productions planned this week in central Maine
-
Maryland40 minutes agoReaders vote for best ice cream shop on Lower Shore of Maryland
-
Michigan47 minutes ago
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters backs Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens in contentious race to succeed him
-
Massachusetts53 minutes agoMan dead after apparent drowning in Randolph pond
