Imani Williams
Reporter
:no_upscale()/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/gray/9c96ac1b-c827-4ff8-b82f-7b726e1f2506.jpg)
Imani Williams is from Jackson, Tennessee or the “731” as she likes to call it. She joins the Region 8 News team from WNBJ in Jackson where she was a reporter for nearly two years.
Imani earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University and later began here journalism career in her hometown.
Imani is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She has one dog named “Ace” and shares they are loving Arkansas so far. Her favorite things to do are shopping, finding cool museums, and meeting new people.
If you have any story ideas, questions, or concerns contact Imani at Imani.Williams@kait8.com or on Twitter @ImaniWilliamstv.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NBIZEDX23ZHVFDQKCAXJSSQTXI.jfif)
Hope Found of North East Arkansas started two years ago to help victims and survivors of human trafficking.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RKKFXIPUQNEDHIPN5VGL7XV5AY.jpg)
Valley View held a vaccine clinic on their campus. Leaders say this makes the vaccine more accessible to those in their community.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RENMKTTFWNEUHHBRTRB7DEXQHM.jpg)
A state organization is supporting hospital systems that are making changes as COVID cases rise.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/W24YZH5RF5F5LE6VVIIEDCNOCY.bmp)
Members of the MAPC pulled the discussion regarding a rezoning on North Church Street just before the meeting Tuesday.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HIHIZOZ6WRDOHOFRMNXSJ6FPGE.bmp)
This area is R-1, residential. The rezoning application is for it to be changed to PD-R which is residential attached homes.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DMSMFWQ7BFAZ5KG3KXDCTJQ3Y4.jpg)
A new business is in the works and near opening day. The owners spoke about the process of creating the first microbrewery in Jonesboro.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HGJ3ITLD6BHA5DNUMRQGBNGBWM.jpg)
Business owners are watching COVID cases rise in the state. Some are nervous that these numbers could take them back down a road of closings.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/QFGJL64BY5GKVFBOT76TKWD33Q.png)
A nationwide vehicle shortage is causing issues with one police department in Northeast Arkansas.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LM3FXTCTQNCGTKKNXSU3PEDQHY.jpg)
$173 million was awarded to the Arkansas Department of Human Services earlier this year. This money went toward the program to help renters and landlords, but it’s taking a while for people to receive funds.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/EGY37T4NUJE4BLBSPNYJVCQ3FA.jpg)
First responders across Northeast Arkansas are on runs “non-stop” as the delta variant spreads rapidly through the state.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/Y6LS3VA5NBEJVKR6PJ2QHQS2OU.bmp)
The program was planned to end on Sept. 30 but was continued after food insecurity issues were brought up.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/H7ENXEI2HNCHNFDK7KSZ2JPFBE.jpg)
As the delta variant spreads across the natural state, school districts prepare for the first day of school.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UZDW5IVIN5BTRFSNLTSDPRVBUY.jpg)
Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce hosted the fair and brought in over 400 jobs.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/SZYJ4RBTARHJFMRQ32PMAC6PVE.jpg)
The minimum wage in Arkansas rose to $11 this year, but the number of people leaving the workforce is trending upward.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/SU2UXICVTBBOTKXCBZ7TQWAD4U.jpg)
The US Department of Education approved the first plans for the American Rescue Plan. Arkansas received over $400 million of the $6 billion approved for all six states and the District of Columbia.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HTJ6L2KIURHO5GOTBKSVHMNYYA.jpg)
The project technically started almost a year ago, but there were a few issues ArDOT, and the contractor had to work out with utility lines.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NMXZ3K7MTBDPZCM7SAE5UJFWSM.jpg)
Family members of inmates at the Craighead County Detention Center are concerned over recent news of 11 inmates testing positive for COVID-19 last week.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/P5HGPGJEZRC55EMEKCPECVNSQU.jpg)
Jonesboro leaders are working on an updated safety plan for the city. They took a trip to Memphis to get some ideas on technology.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WNHWQUWNM5C2BID3CQNCOJHFA4.jpg)
Crowley’s Ridge Development Center, Goodwill of Arkansas, and Summit Development Center sponsored a resource fair at Parker Park Friday.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/6MPSZ77BTNGWFFEB2DU22COVNI.jpg)
A Tuckerman organization brought in a former President to speak about their work across the country.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/BQULR74FPZAPVBB5BUZ4XPWWKQ.jpg)
El alcalde dice que esto diferencia a Jonesboro de otras comunidades.
The Veterans Village project right here in Jonesboro is opening soon. Nine homes now sit right off of Aggie Road to house and provide resources to homeless veterans.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YCNCBGV5SFGMPKKMWNE3BYIPKU.jpg)
Although more are vaccinated in the state, the number of people getting tested for COVID-19 is moving up, too, which could mean more patients at local pharmacies.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FSH5J3LD5NDO7GXBXZBI6NNUYA.jpg)
After years of trying, the Ritz was approved for a grant. The Ritz Civic Center received the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program grant.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/IBHSCJBJ4RC47CH2N7DNNMAGGQ.jpg)
As we prepare to celebrate Independence day with the booms of firework displays local veterinary clinics warn pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this weekend.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WW3UHL5TM5GJBJY6GRIB3HIXKU.jpg)
Over 1 million international students come to America each year to get a first-hand look at American culture. An organization is looking for people to help them out with that this year.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TQCXQEBIXRGU7JHTA7IYAFXGII.jfif)
“I washed some new towels and went to put them in the dryer and there was an adult dead bed bug in there,” said Vest. “I was like maybe it is not a bed bug, maybe it is something else. I was hoping I was wrong.”
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/G7RB7JN4LJDWTE347NMWQ7NOZY.jpg)
A dream – first home – turns into a frustrating living experience for homeowners in Brookland Hills who are upset over erosion in their subdivision.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GW7JKXMDRJHQTHC5LXWMU7EQWI.jpg)
About 60 people were vaccinated, with over half of those vaccinated being walk-ins.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UODF6WRFKBEDVNM7VEPQWOQH7E.jpg)
A week ago, the total number of hospitalizations in the state sat at 219. On Thursday, the number was 282, up 63 people.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KVBG7IBN7VADNFCNLKYKYIOY5A.jpg)
The Everlasting Knowledge Academy, also known as EKA, is hosting its first intergenerational summer camp. This means people of different ages are all at one camp.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/QGH56ZUBEFBTLOSLFJXJPVJ56M.jpg)
Downtown Jonesboro is an area a lot of visitors and residents walk and explore. The Downtown Jonesboro Alliance wants to ensure it feels safe and inviting.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WV2H4HXFXRBMLBC7TZ4A3DBW5U.jpg)
The sales team at Aloha Pools and Spas here in Jonesboro said they expected last year to be slow, but it was anything but slow.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/OOSU2Y5MV5A2RD5EWWYG6FKK7E.jpg)
Multiple sclerosis affects millions of people worldwide, but it’s one woman in particular that has a Jonesboro teen taking action. He’s doing it for his mom.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UJHVPK3MIRES3K5HYRKIELAL4Y.jpg)
More people are out and about since students are on summer break and temperatures are warming up, this is also a time Jonesboro police see a lot of golf carts and ATV’s on city roads.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/MGFO3ABGF5HBFJBFHYG5LVAT44.jpg)
Drivers are getting creative with ways to get over the Mississippi River even if that means going all the way to Missouri.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/MIPZMGMYARAO5N7OMYQRGMCZRQ.jpg)
After the pandemic, summer camps are back this summer, and The Ridge Retreat and Adventure Center returned with more campers.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HJSWCM43DFEBDHXMY7RZ4E2NIY.jpg)
Mosquitoes and ticks are moving into the area, and the Arkansas Department of Health wants you to be safe!
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YMNV4LCBDRBDRMYKZ3QUDKE2DA.jpg)
Although they give out thousands of pounds of food each day, they have to watch out for various aspects, including food allergies and intolerances.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XPOXNF5K5ZAYPHSIHE27LIZSGM.bmp)
KION Pediatric held a party Friday for kids in Jonesboro and everything was free. They celebrated their second anniversary with a KIONPALOOZA.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UBKEUNBALFFYXMY27TLH6LNZ3E.bmp)
As temperatures continue to rise, we are all looking for shade or going inside to cool down. One Northeast Arkansas ambulance service is working to help those that don’t have that option.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/4LGTING3ZVD47LMT5AY5KDOUM4.jpg)
The Jonesboro Animal Control is making room to take in more of our furry friends.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/4CEHGSZGEZHTNJBGWASS3ZZGKA.bmp)
An organization recently branched out into Northeast Arkansas to help those in need and they need more volunteers.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/4I4PQDBUOZHBXOV544WICIROBM.bmp)
ArDOT and the City of West Memphis are working together to ease the traffic flow going on the I-55 bridge.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XWXJQIEBP5DFVEVWDYEEYPI3I4.jpg)
With more people getting vaccinated, employers are allowing more people back in the office. Some employees are ready, but others are hesitant.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YG3KCO63FBAE3IBKTSQYZIZY6A.jpg)
The demand for used cars is up, but that’s because there aren’t enough new cars to go around.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/ADPYCQQS6VGUJMDEKC6ULSKFMU.jpeg)
A Northeast Arkansas man made a donation that saved the life of a child, but it all came as a surprise.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KLPI4773EJEHFE7A3HYZWN5SGM.jpg)
Recently, Dickens did the first drone application in Arkansas. He says this will not replace crop dusters and rigs but it will help farmers target specific areas.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KP3G7376WRDQZERPHMMQZR6XPY.jpg)
It might take a little longer this week for your trash to be picked up. With a shortage of trucks and drivers Jonesboro sanitation is a little behind.