Latest news with #Little Rock
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Little Rock nonprofit moves forward with permanent shelter for homeless
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After years of searching, The Van — a nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness — is now under contract for a new building that will serve as a permanent emergency shelter. The announcement comes after two previous attempts fell through. The most recent search ended in July 2025, and the first in December 2024, when founder Aaron Reddin learned the property he was pursuing did not have legitimate owners. People donate over $50,000 overnight to The Van to help with homeless shelters in Central Arkansas Reddin said the need for shelter in Little Rock is urgent, with thousands of people living without a roof over their heads. 'Everything closes. Everything shuts down. There's nowhere to go,' Reddin said. 'This past year, we saw seven amputations from frostbite.' The shelter marks a major expansion from The Van's current mobile outreach model, which provides food, water, and hygiene products. The new facility will offer showers, bathrooms, cots and a place to eat. Reddin said the goal is to provide a safe space where people can come in 'no matter the weather' and take a break from the streets. 'It's going to be comfortable,' he said. 'It's not going to be this sterile, institutionalized place. I want people to come in and feel comfortable. Take a load off. Take a deep breath.' The chosen property met several requirements: it is located outside city limits for better access, has multiple entry points in case of traffic and includes a working sewer system. The shelter is expected to open in November. The Van has raised more than $350,000 toward its fundraising goal. The Van announces partnership with city of Little Rock to open winter shelter In the meantime, the group's most-needed donations are men's clothing — especially pants, shoes, belts, and socks. More information can be found on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas attorney general approves ballot title to roll back referendum legislation
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A group hoping to roll back recent legislative changes to the Arkansas voter referendum process had its ballot title approved on Monday. Attorney General Tim Griffin approved the third ballot title submission by Protect AR Rights under its popular name, 'The Arkansas Ballot Measure Rights Amendment.' The group intends to roll back legislation passed recently by the legislature that makes it more difficult to place a referendum on the ballot. Judge allows two additional groups to intervene in Arkansas ballot referendum case If approved by voters, the referendum behind the ballot title would amend the state constitution. Griffin had rejected the previous ballot titles because they were above an eighth-grade reading level, as required by a law recently passed by the legislature. Griffin, in his opinion, announced the approval, said the submission was at a 9.2 reading level on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Formula, but his office made 'a few minor changes to the ballot title that allowed it to meet the eighth-grade standard.' He also noted changing some wording that could be taken to mean there was no law against petition fraud, which, he said in his opinion, was not the case. Appeals court reinstates Arkansas ban on teaching Critical Race Theory He also cautioned the Protect AR Rights that the length and complexity could make the ballot title subject to court challenge. He also reminded the submitters of recent changes to how canvassers and signers must do before signing a petition. Protect AR Rights can now begin the signature-gathering process. If enough signatures are gathered and certified by the Secretary of State's office, the referendum behind the ballot title will appear in the next general election. Arkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process 'Unconstitutional' A similar ballot title was recently approved by Griffin for the Arkansas League of Women Voters, which has also filed a federal lawsuit about the voter referendum changes. Protect AR Rights was granted permission to file its own complaint to the court in that case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Historic 135-year-old Little Rock home damaged by fire
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Little Rock fire crews responded to a blaze Saturday night that damaged a 135-year-old historic home. According to fire officials, the fire broke out at the Fee House in the 1900 block of Broadway shortly after 10:30 p.m. KARK Crew stays overnight in Fee House for paranormal experience The 3,900 square foot home had been vacant and had significant damage to the upper floors due to the fire. Neighbors said that people had recently been breaking into the property, which was built in 1890. No injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal is investigating to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
