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Articles by Anna Williams
Unlock Your Creative Potential with Free Adobe InDesign Video Courses from GalaxyonKnowledge
Los Angeles, CA, March 19, 2026 --(PR.com)-- GalaxyonKnowledge, a leading online education platform, is thrilled to announce the launch of its free Adobe InDesign video course series, empowering aspiring designers and publishing professionals with the skills they need to excel in the digital age.
Research assistants move to unionize with GEO
Research assistants at the University have “taken the first step toward unionization,” wrote the Graduate Employees’ Organization in a press release on Friday. “Over 35% of Research Assistants on UIUC’s campus have signed membership cards or petitions stating that they want GEO to be their bargaining representative,” GEO’s statement read. In order to unionize, at least 30% of over 3,700 RAs needed to sign union authorization cards.
Federal funds at UI: A breakdown
The National Institutes of Health claimed proposed changes to federal funding will save taxpayers billions. In response, Chancellor Robert Jones called the changes “fundamentally antithetical to what was in law,” and the University estimated it would’ve been responsible for an extra $82.3 million had the changes taken place in fiscal year 2024. President Donald Trump has tasked the newly created Department of Government Efficiency to save money for the American people by lowering federal spending.
OPINION: HB424 undermines the accomplishments of tenure among professors
By Anna Williams The Kentucky House of Representatives, along with other governmental institutions around the state and nation, have had a busy start to the new year. Policies that have the power to completely alter the livelihoods of civilians have established themselves as a trend within the legislature. The most recent addition to this trend is Kentucky House Bill 424 (HB424).
World Looks Different to Ole Miss Student Travelers
OXFORD, Miss. – Reese Milstead and Makayla Russell, two University of Mississippi juniors, crossed several international borders last summer when they decided to step way outside their comfort zones. As Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy scholars, Milstead and Russell had an opportunity to study in Florence, Italy. Thanks to the council's Global Leadership Circle program, the students journeyed across more than half a dozen time zones and encountered new languages and cultures.
OPINION: MLK Day of Service unites students through service
By Anna Williams On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, the University of Louisville’s Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service celebrated their 31st anniversary of operation. For the past 31 years, U of L has offered a space for students to come together and serve the Louisville community on campus. Louisville’s efforts have put into practice what MLK advocated for in the 20th century.
The United Way partners with Mississippi Power to deliver school supplies
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Area schools received donated school supplies today, just in time for the new school year. Mississippi Power partnered with The United Way of East Mississippi to distribute donated school supplies to each school. Donations included everything from school uniforms, backpacks, to colored pencils, crayons and so much more. Mississippi Power also presented a check to The United Way to further support our local students.
Teacher celebrating 47 years in education prepares for the upcoming school year
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -It’s that time of year again, when summer vacation ends, and the school year begins. Local teachers are already preparing and oftentimes prepare all summer for the upcoming academic year. Preparations can include planning lessons, upgrading classrooms, and creating welcome letters or treats for students to start the year off in a positive way. “All summer long I’m looking at materials that might be helpful in my classroom.
Meridian native wins the title of Miss Mississippi Volunteer
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The fourth annual Miss Mississippi Volunteer has been crowned and she happens to be from the Queen City. Nineteen-year-old Meridian native, Lauryl Joyner was crowned in Tupelo last month. Throughout the upcoming year, she will travel Mississippi promoting safe driving awareness and teaching better driving practices to teen drivers in partnership with the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Miss Mississippi Volunteer Teen, Izzy Karns.
Global technology outage affects WTOK News 11
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A massive technology outage affected many technology reliant industries Friday morning, including WTOK-TV. “The problem was caused by a company called CrowdStrike which is an international company that provides us with some of our software,” said Jim Williams, WTOK Engineer. " They pushed out a bad patch file and it caused Windows systems to not be able to boot, and caused them to just keep trying to reboot over and over.
Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality prepares to pass down her crown Saturday
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The 75th annual Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality program is in full swing with much to celebrate. This program is the largest in the state with 42 contestants vying for the job of becoming Mississippi’s goodwill ambassador. It also offers numerous scholarship opportunities while broadening each young woman’s knowledge and appreciation of their state of Mississippi.
Remember to keep pets safe during firework celebrations
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The Fourth of July is a time of fun and celebration and oftentimes that includes fireworks. However, fireworks can put huge stress on your pets causing them to panic. Panic paired with anxiety can lead to animals running away trying to escape the sudden loud noise causing them to become hurt, displaced, or lost. Dogs with firework phobia can also show destructive behaviors. That’s why it’s always important to plan ahead.
Local Miss Hospitality titleholders prepare for state competition
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - It’s time for the annual Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality competition and three young ladies are preparing to represent our area. This year Kaity Quinn is representing Meridian, Michaela McDonald is representing Lauderdale County and Laura Kate Robinson is representing Clarke County.
Sam’s Club using new AI Technology Camera System
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The local Sam’s Club in Meridian is one of the first in the state to utilize a new AI technology camera system. “One thing we hear comments from our members here at Sam’s Club say is that they don’t like having to check out and then get stuck in a line waiting to get out,” said Josh Walters, Sam’s Club Manager.
Adopt A Duck to support the Children’s Miracle Network
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Our local Sam’s Club is making a big difference, one rubber duck at a time. The Walmart Foundation and Sam’s Clubs have been raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 37 years nationwide. The campaign started in 1987 and supports the local children’s hospitals in each location the funds are raised. For Meridian Sam’s Club, those funds go straight to Children of Mississippi in Jackson.
The Carter Foundation celebrates 10 years with a weekend of events
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The Carter Foundation is celebrating 10 years of serving young people throughout the City of Meridian The Carter Foundation is a local nonprofit organization that was established in 2014 by James Carter with a goal to educate, motivate, and elevate young people throughout the community.
The Mississippi National Guard hosts crash training
QUITMAN, Miss. (WTOK) -A plane crash is something that can happen any time, and if it does it’s vitally important for first responders to be as prepared as possible. The Mississippi National Guard along with local emergency responders from Clarke County conducted a simulated crash rescue at the Clarke County Airport.
NAS Meridian’s Twaskie Graham is the Firefighter of the Year
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Being a firefighter is a life of service, and one not to be taken lightly. NAS Meridian’s Deputy Fire Chief Twaskie Graham exemplifies that service. “He continues to shine, excel, helps others and he has an outstanding character,” said Ashley South, Security officer. “He’s also motivated.
Newton Elementary holds Pre-K Graduation
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -A special group of students had a graduation ceremony today. Newton Elementary held a special celebration for pre-k students moving up to kindergarten. These students have worked hard to prepare for kindergarten and are excited for the future. Each student received a special medal and backpack full of summer reading materials to keep them ready for the start of kindergarten in August.
Newton County High School's Walk of Heroes
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Some local high school seniors are celebrating their graduation by inspiring the classes of the future. “I mean they are going to be the future of this country and this whole nation so I think we should show them what to do, how to be responsible and how to respect other people,” said Brian Sanchez, NCHS Senior. Seniors at Newton County High School celebrated graduation by having a special breakfast and a “Walk of Heroes”.
Leadership Lauderdale 2024 graduation ceremony
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation held a graduation ceremony for the 2024 Leadership Lauderdale participants this morning at the Riley Center. This program prepares and connects leaders in our community by creating service and outreach projects as well as focusing on personal growth and development. Participants also learn Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and put them into practice in their various careers.
Historical season for cicadas
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - We have received several calls to our newsroom reporting a loud noise. This unique sound comes from seasonal insects, cicadas. Each year cicadas emerge from tiny holes in the ground and stay until around mid-June. They communicate by singing in different pitches to each other. Male cicadas can reach decibels similar to a lawn mower or passing jet. There could be cicadas emerging in densities up to a million and a half per acre in some parts of the U.S. this season.
Truck damages Dollar General
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A person driving a dark colored Nissan pickup truck accidentally ran into the side of the Dollar General in Toomsuba while parking on Sunday. Lauderdale County Sheriff’s deputies were able to assist in the accident. However, due to the damage, Dollar General had to close for the remainder of the day. They are now open, and the damage will be repaired soon. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter! Copyright 2024 WTOK. All rights reserved.
Man electrocuted while trying a social media trend
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A world of possibility has opened through the lens of social media. But, with the click of a button anyone can teach or learn anything, which can quickly create emergency situations like this past weekend in Clarke County.
Price of gold and silver at record high
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - If you have any valuable collector’s items, gold, or silver, it may be time to cash out or invest. Last week gold prices hit a record high of $2,400 per ounce and are steadily rising. Having a tangible asset that holds value can be beneficial to you and future family members for generations.
Mississippi Power puts plans in place ahead of severe weather
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Local power companies are taking extra precautions due to today’s anticipated severe weather. We spoke with Mississippi Power who said that plans are in place for the severe weather threat. Northern Division Power Delivery Manager, Joseph Cole, also wants to remind everyone to stay home and only travel when absolutely necessary in severe weather conditions. He says you could easily run over a downed power line or get in the way of emergency officials or lineman.
Russell Christian Academy students celebrate The Great Eclipse
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The eclipse is an all day celebration for the second graders at Russell Christian Academy. Students are celebrating the eclipse by having Meteorologist Avalonia Smith teach them the science behind the eclipse, an all-day pajama day, eating themed snacks, creating a timeline and science booklet of the eclipse, and taking a virtual field trip to the NASA planetarium.
MCC students uses the SOAR Program to reach goals
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -“So, for years I’ve been postponing college. I didn’t want to go, and I told everyone that I wasn’t going and then when I moved down here, my aunt works up here, and I told her that I wanted a GED and that was it,” said Hannah Buchanan, MCC Student. “I didn’t want to do anything else. I didn’t want to have anything to do with college.
Wesley House brings awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The Wesley House is partnering with other organizations to shed light on Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every year the Wesley House marks the first week of April with daily activities to bring awareness to child abuse. They kicked off the month by placing pinwheels outside of the Mississippi Children’s Museum Meridian. The pinwheel is the national symbol of child abuse prevention.
Local chess team recognized by City Council
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A local chess team has brought home the championship trophy. Meridian High school and Northwest Middle School Chess Team were recognized by the Meridian City Council today for winning the Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association’s 2024 State Championship Cup. Besides being incredible chess players, each member holds a minimum 4.3 GPA. The State Championship Cup is considered the largest and most competitive tournament for chess in the state.
Special City Council meeting held today
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The City Council held a special meeting today. The council discussed a letter submitted by an energy company requesting a grant to bring further economic development opportunities to the Queen City. The council approved to review the letter and opened the opportunity for further discussion of the company’s proposal. “I think that we are poised to have interest in them bringing their company here,” said Mayor Jimmie Smith.
Educator Spotlight: Kevin Dailey
Kevin Dailey, a U.S. history teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School (Boone County), has been an educator for 10 years. The Covington native originally wanted to pursue a career in architectural design, but he realized his true passion was to become an educator. Dailey received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in social studies education from the University of Kentucky (UK). After college, he was eager to find a job in a public school system because of his faith in the institution.
Educator Spotlight: Samuel Whitehead
Ever since his senior year in high school, Samuel Whitehead wanted to be a math teacher and an officer in the U.S. Army. Twenty years later, he is an advanced mathematics teacher at Rowan County Senior High School and a chemical intelligence officer for the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in the Kentucky Army National Guard.
The Refuge hosts Refuge Roundup
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Nothing compares to the therapy a horse can give and today several people got to experience that special connection firsthand. “My husband and I founded The Refuge, and we founded the refuge because we saw as our daughter got older that there were no other options of care for her and so the refuge provides that,” said Brooke Crenshaw, Executive Director. “We fill in the gap where cares not provided.
OPINION: Downtown Louisville’s empty office buildings should be repurposed to accommodate the homeless community
By Anna Williams Recently, there has been an epidemic of office buildings in urban areas losing their anchor tenants. For example, both Humana and Fifth Third Bank announced they will leave their buildings in downtown Louisville, adding to the office vacancy rate. The reason for these departures is the recent transition from solely in-person work to remote and hybrid work.
Lauderdale County celebrates achieving ACT Work Ready Community
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Today local and state officials announced that Lauderdale County is now an ACT Work Ready community. This initiative will enable individuals to be better prepared to enter the workforce and for local businesses to hire qualified applicants. The ACT WorkKeys Assessment will be given to students in Meridian Public Schools, Lauderdale County Schools, and MCC students. However, it is available for anyone to take at the MCC Riley Workforce Development Center.
Educator Spotlight: Aretha Whaley
Aretha Whaley didn’t begin her professional career as an educator. When she graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in English, she took a position as an assistant manager at a bookstore to be surrounded by her love of literature. Ten years ago, Whaley left her job to focus on a career in education. She earned a master’s in education from the University of Louisville and a master’s in education with an emphasis in school leadership from Campbellsville University.
Educator Spotlight: Justin Moreschi
Justin Moreschi is a 16-year veteran educator currently teaching 4th- and 5th-grade science at Klondike Lane Elementary (Jefferson County). Moreschi earned bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and learning and behavior disorders from Bellarmine University. He said he wanted to teach science because he was exposed to the excitement of the subject as a child through his dad’s profession. “When I was a child, my father was an elephant trainer at the Louisville Zoo,” Moreschi said.
PMHNP certificate program
Hi there, I am looking into applying for a PMHNP certificate program and was wondering where to start. What are some things to look out for when researching schools? I am looking for an online program in Florida that is accredited with a good reputation that is affordable and preferably fast. I know of FAU's program, but are there any other good schools in Florida for this degree?
Life On The Line: Investigator Steve Windish
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Investigator Steve Windish K3 puts his life on the line each week in law enforcement. Windish is currently an Investigator and Range Instructor with the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office. Windish began his law enforcement career in 1996. He started with the department in October of 2021. His hobbies include reading, watching movies and teaching gun safety classes. Thank you, Investigator Steve Windish, for your service in keeping the community safe.
OPINION: Is the rise of students’ mental health needs putting too much pressure on the university’s Counseling Center?
By Anna Williams In a survey of over 54,000 undergraduates, the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) Spring 2022 National College Health Assessment found that a whopping 77 percent. What overwhelms those students the most is generalized anxiety and depression. This percentage is the result of years of nonexistent and ineffective mental health resources on college campuses.
OPINION: One of the greatest aspects of U of L is its devotion to connecting students to the city of Louisville through service
By Anna Williams According to the University of Louisville (U of L), the university takes its “mission to service the [Louisville] community seriously and strive[s] to provide varied opportunities” for its students to serve. The university’s mission scratches the surface of U of L’s commitment to connecting students to the Louisville community.
KDE Spotlight: Christie Biggerstaff
Christie Biggerstaff’s career goals have always been dedicated to Kentucky’s education system and helping students achieve success. She began as an elementary education student at Western Kentucky University and then began her professional career as a 4th- and 5th-grade reading teacher in Monroe County. In the 20 years prior to joining the Kentucky Department of Education, she served as an assistant principal, a principal and her district’s instructional supervisor.
My College Cares Day at MCC
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Today was a day of caring and community service for Meridian Community College students and staff. Several students went around the community lending a helping hand to several places and people in need. This annual event encourages leadership in students and also is a great way for them to get more plugged in to the community. It can also be a fun way to meet new people and make new friends.
KDE Spotlight: Beth Gravett
Beth Gravett has worked in state government most of her professional career. Before she joined the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in 2011, she was the director of the Division of System Management for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Gravett is now one of two K-12 technology integration specialists in the Office of Education Technology. She retired as an operations manager for the Customer Service Center in July 2015, but then returned to her current position in 2016.
OPINION: U of L Parking needs to increase accessibility for all students, but especially those with disabilities.
By Anna Williams While parking accessibility is important for everyone on campus, it is even more so for those who suffer from mobility-limiting disabilities. I should know –I currently struggle with a disorder that has prevented me from being able to physically go on campus. If I had closer access to my class building, I would be able to utilize my cane to physically attend my classes and scholarship program seminars.
KDE Spotlight: Caryn Davidson
When Caryn Davidson’s husband got a job in Kentucky in 2014, she transitioned from teaching elementary school in the Washington, D.C., area to working with the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). Almost 10 years later, she now works as the data and communications consultant in KDE’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
Parents concerned over C.T.E vote at schools
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -With the upcoming CTE Bond vote happening at schools tomorrow. Many parents are concerned about their children’s safety and the reasoning behind the vote being held at schools during the day. “It’s a mix of emotions, I think it’s anger and frustration. I’m disappointed in the board members and our superintendent for putting our children at risk,” said concerned parent, Kate Talley.
OPINION: Student voice needs to continue to be present during the conversation of meal plans.
By Anna Williams I am a firm believer that you are what you eat. Food is a powerful biological source that fuels the body to move and the brain to think. Both aspects are crucial for college students; to be successful, one needs to be able to get to class and participate in class. But what happens if the food that is available to you isn’t ideal for the body to use for fuel?
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