Madison O'Connor
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👩💻✨ product design @informattgt • forever @thesnews • she/her
Articles by Madison O'Connor
Coffee + Books
Want to start a publication? Learn More Featured Article finding the perfect spots in KC Article by Madison O'Connor Photography by Janie Jones Originally published in Johnson County City Lifestyle Growing up in a small town in Central Wisconsin does not provide many options in terms of trendy coffee shops. Although I love my hometown and am immensely thankful for where I was raised, it’s not exactly known for emulating the latest trends.
5 product design lessons I’m bringing into 2023
At the beginning of 2022, I was still finding my footing in my new job as a product designer at Industry Dive. Over the course of the year, I worked on impactful projects, adapted to team and process changes and further developed my craft. Looking back, here are the five most important lessons from 2022 that I’m practicing in 2023. During the first few months of working as a full-time product designer, I fell into the habit of starting some projects with high-fidelity, polished mockups.
Foggy glasses? Mask acne? How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances – without taking off the mask Original
INDIANAPOLIS – By this point, we're familiar with the ways we can help keep ourselves safe during the coronavirus pandemic. We wear face masks in public, wash our hands for at least 20 seconds and practice social distancing. Although these practices help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can also come with annoyances. These problems can be bothersome, but they aren't without solutions – and they don't serve as an excuse not to be safe.
Mask acne and foggy glasses: How to solve 5 pandemic annoyances while staying safe
By this point, we're all familiar with the ways we can help keep ourselves safe during the coronavirus pandemic. We wear face masks in public, wash our hands for at least 20 seconds and practice social distancing. Although these practices help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can also come with annoyances. These problems can be bothersome, but they aren't without solutions -- and aren't an excuse not to be safe. Here are fixes for some of the pandemic problems you might experience.
2 shot, 1 dead in shooting on east side
One person has died following a shooting on Indianapolis' east side Friday, police say. Indianapolis Police are reporting that two people were shot in the 400 block of Harlan Street. The other victim is in stable condition. This is a developing story and will be updated. Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Madison O’Connor at mfoconnor@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @madisonoconn.
Indianapolis weather: Chance of storms this weekend, cooler temperatures on the way
Following a small chance of thunderstorms this weekend, Central Indiana will see cooler weather take hold by the middle of next week. Scattered thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Sunday during the afternoon and evenings, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday will bring the start of a cooling trend, which will be noticeable mid-week.
'We do it because it's important': How grocery store employees are enforcing mask rules
INDIANAPOLIS – Miranda Pfoutz has had Meijer shoppers tell her they won't wear a mask because they can't breathe. She was told by one man that a mask covering his mouth, but not his nose, was the best he could do. She's heard conspiracy theories and seen shoppers get angry when asked to wear a mask. Although Pfoutz, a cashier and service coordinator at a Meijer in Plainfield, asks customers who come through her line to wear a face mask, sometimes shoppers refuse.
'He was just such a bright light': Dustin Gilmer, 29, remembered as disability advocate
Dustin Gilmer could light up a room. He quickly made friends by striking up conversations with an infectious smile. He loved sports and always knew the latest statis for his favorite teams. He was kind, funny and loved people. And he never met a stranger, his step-grandmother Maureen Gilmer said. "He was just a very social young man," Maureen Gilmer, who formerly worked as a reporter for IndyStar, said. "And people liked him.
The stories that shed light, bring change and make you love living in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis man dead after east-side shooting
Indianapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the city's east side Friday and later died in the hospital. Just after 11:20 a.m. on Friday, officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1000 block of Hosbrook Street, where they found a man with gunshot wounds. The man was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. He died of his injuries shortly after arrival. An investigation is ongoing, and the exact cause of death is not yet known.
2 shot, 1 dead in south-side shooting
Indianapolis police are responding to a shooting in the city's south side where two people have been shot. One is dead, police say. Officers responded to the 400 block of Sandra Lane and found two people shot. The condition of the other victim is unknown. This is a developing story and will be updated. Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Madison O’Connor at mfoconnor@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @madisonoconn.
3 months after deaths of Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose, activists still demand change
About 50 community members gathered Thursday afternoon on Indiana Avenue, where the newly-painted Black Lives Matter mural sprawled under their feet. They came with signs that said "Justice for Dreasjon" and "No justice no peace defund the police." They came with t-shirts that had "Black lives matter" splashed across the front. And exactly three months since the officer-involved fatal shootings of 21-year-old Dreasjon Reed and 19-year-old McHale Rose, they came ready to demand justice.
Carmel shooting suspect died of gunshot wounds, police say
The suspect in the Monday morning Carmel shooting that left two dead and a third person injured died of multiple gunshot wounds, police said. In new details released by the Carmel Police Department Friday, police said an autopsy report for suspect Julio Cesar Virula, 26, confirmed he died from the gunshot wounds. Virula is suspected of killing his girlfriend, 28-year-old Taylor Cox, and also shooting a 66-year-old woman, who has not been named by police.
4 injured, 1 person critical, after Brownsburg structure collapse
One person is in critical condition following a structural collapse in Brownsburg on Monday. At 3:43 p.m., the Brownsburg Fire Department responded to a call in the 7000 block of Northfield Drive, just south of Brownsburg. There, they found scaffolding that had collapsed. Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support a work crew to aid the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings.
Indianapolis weather: Temperatures to cool slightly following Monday thunderstorms
Thunderstorms rolling in Monday are expected to bring a little relief to Central Indiana's relentless warm temperatures. A cold front will provide some slightly cooler temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday — a change from the hot, humid conditions Central Indiana has been experiencing, according to the National Weather Service. "Today we’re up in the 90s with dew points in the 70s," said Jason Puma, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
Local police say they won't enforce statewide mask requirement
On Friday, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order to make face masks mandatory across the state. But one detail changed from when he first announced the plan: Violations did not trigger criminal penalties. When Holcomb first announced the mask requirement on Wednesday, he said violations would be a Class B misdemeanor, but after pressure from members of his own party, the executive order Holcomb signed Friday leaves it to health departments to enforce the order through education instead.
Indianapolis crime: IMPD discusses fatal stabbing on north side
Indianapolis crime: IMPD discusses fatal stabbing on north side IMPD Capt. Rebecca Lake says police do not believe a fatal stabbing was random, saying it seems to be a disturbance between people who know each other Madison O'Connor, Indianapolis Star
Man fatally stabbed on north side of Indianapolis, police say
A 60-year-old man was fatally stabbed on the north side of Indianapolis after shots were fired on Friday evening, police said. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched on reports of a person shot near West 41st Street and Boulevard Place. Responding officers found an injured man who appeared to be stabbed, IMPD Capt. Rebecca Lake said. The man was taken to an area hospital, where he was later died. Police are investigating the man's death.
2-year-old injured in shooting on the near north side of Indianapolis
A 2-year-old was injured in a shooting on the near north side on Friday, Indianapolis police said. The child was shot in the 3300 block of North Meridian Street, police said. The toddler was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. This story will be updated. Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Madison O’Connor at mfoconnor@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @madisonoconn.
Indianapolis traffic: Ramp from I-70 to I-465 closed on east side after rollover
The ramp from westbound I-70 to southbound I-465 on Indianapolis' east side is closed following a rollover crash, Indiana State Police said about 2 p.m. Friday. The rollover involved a semi, which caught on fire but was put out by the Indianapolis Fire Department, according to a tweet from Indiana State Police Public Information Officer John Perrine. The driver of the truck was not injured, Perrine said. Police say the ramp will be closed for an extended time.
Fact checking mask safety: Indiana health officials reassure Hoosiers masks are effective
Starting Monday, all people in the state of Indiana — Hoosiers or visitors — must wear a face covering. State health officials want you to know that it is safe and it does help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “There’s lots of reasons to be scared right now," Jennifer Sullivan, a doctor and the secretary of the state's Family and Social Services Administration, said.
Federal executions resumed in Terre Haute after 17 years. Here's what you should know.
Last week, for the first time in nearly two decades, federal executions resumed at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute. After a 17-year hiatus, three men have been executed: Daniel Lewis Lee on July 14, Wesley Ira Purkey on July 16 and Dustin Lee Honken on July 17. "Last week, I think, was one of the most dramatic weeks we’ve seen for almost 20 years on the death penalty front," said Jody Madeira, professor of law at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law.
Police investigating 68-year-old woman's death as a homicide
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has opened a homicide investigation after a 68-year-old woman died due to injuries from a February incident. Just before 9 p.m. on Feb. 24, IMPD officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of N. Shadeland Ave. after police said someone called 911 to report an assault. When officers arrived, Ramona Coleman told police that a male suspect had pushed her down. She was taken to an area hospital.
Mother dies, 11-year-old son in critical condition following apartment fire
A 42-year-old woman died following an apartment fire on Indianapolis' west side Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. Just before 7:30 a.m., firefighters arrived at Meadow Lake Apartments in the 6500 block of Lupine Terrace after multiple 911 calls from people who could see the fire from I-465. Firefighters were able to pull an 11-year-old boy and his 42-year-old mother from the second floor at 7:40 a.m. They were transported to area hospitals in critical condition.
Walmart, Sam's Club will require shoppers to wear face masks in stores starting Monday
Starting Monday, shoppers will need to wear face coverings in all Walmart and Sam's Club stores. The company announced its new policy — which applies to Walmart and Sam's Club stores — as positive coronavirus cases are on the rise across the nation, including in Indiana. "We know some people have differing opinions on this topic.
Street closures in Broad Ripple, Mass Ave., Georgia Street extended through Labor Day
Street closures to provide socially distanced space along Broad Ripple Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue and Georgia Street have been extended another time. In a news release Wednesday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced the dense commercial segments of the roads would remain closed to traffic through Labor Day weekend. The streets were first closed in May through the city's Dine Out Indy initiative to support outdoor dining during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Attorney: Vauhxx Booker was 'instigator and agitator' in July 4 Lake Monroe incident
In a press conference held in Indianapolis Monday, an attorney for two men involved in a racially charged incident near Bloomington said his clients are victims of a smear campaign perpetuated by Vauhxx Booker. Booker, a Black man, said he was the victim of a hate crime at Lake Monroe over the 4th of July holiday weekend. But David Hennessy, a criminal defense attorney, said Booker has been "putting forth a false narrative" about the events.
Indianapolis police officer arrested on suspicion of domestic violence
A four-year officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was arrested Thursday on allegations of domestic violence, the department said Friday. Officer Mittan Katoch is preliminarily charged with battery and domestic battery. He has also been suspended without pay, pending termination. According to police, law enforcement was dispatched to Katoch's residence just after 11 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a disturbance.
Fireworks sales skyrocketing during pandemic, Indianapolis retailers work to meet demand
With canceled Fourth of July events and a pandemic keeping people at home, fireworks sales this year are soaring. Indiana fireworks wholesalers and retailers saw their sales increase four times over in the month of June, said Steve Graves, executive director of the Indiana Fireworks Association, which represents around 200 fireworks stores across the state. "We’ve had very good seasons, but nothing like this," Graves said.
'Back to ground zero': Downtown businesses seek help for losses from unrest, coronavirus
After shutting his restaurant’s doors for a month, Paolo Mendez was ready to make up The Boiling’s losses from the coronavirus. His restaurant began offering takeout and delivery services and added on limited dine-in seating late May. Then came the rioting. Mendez's business was spared the shattered glass, graffiti and destruction inflicted upon so many other downtown businesses. And, yet, the damage was done. And it's been significant.
Indiana coronavirus update: 407 new cases, 9 deaths reported
As Indiana enters Stage 4 of its reopening plan, the state health department on Sunday reported 407 new coronavirus cases and 9 additional deaths across the state. These additions bring the statewide totals to 39,909 cases and 2,240 deaths from the novel coronavirus, which has already led to more than 114,000 deaths across the country. To date, 348,391 total tests have been administered in Indiana, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Just over 11% of these tests have been positive.
Indianapolis police searching for missing dementia patient
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is asking for assistance in locating a missing dementia patient who left a nursing home Sunday. Major Hughley, 79, left the Golden Living Center at 7145 E. 21st St. around midnight Sunday and has not been seen since, detectives said in a Sunday morning news release. Hughley has dementia and might not know where he is or how to return. Detectives don't currently have a clothing description for Hughley.
Man shot, killed during attempted business robbery
A man was shot and killed early Sunday while attempting to rob a business in Indianapolis' northwest side, according to Indianapolis police. Just after midnight, officers were dispatched to the Papa John's Pizza in the 3800 block of Georgetown Road. They found a male suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene. Detectives say they believe the shooting was a result of an attempted robbery.
'He was begging me for his life,' suspect sang about 15-year-old he killed, documents say
One of the young men police say shot and killed a 15-year-old boy in January later bragged about it in a song, according to court documents. "I shot his body, made him twerk," Jakeb Wells sang in a video police found on his Snapchat account, according to a probable cause affidavit. "He was begging me for his life. I’m sorry I couldn’t think twice." Wells, 19, and Treshawn Davidson, 17, were charged with gun crimes and the Jan. 4 murder of Peter Lambermont. Jury trials are scheduled for Oct. 20.
Gov. Whitmer announces 6 phases of "MI Safe Start" plan, state currently in phase 3
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer detailed the six phases of her "MI Safe Start" plan after a press conference May 7 that extended her current "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order to May 28. The "MI Safe Start" plan outlines how the government will reengage Michigan's economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously continuing to keep its communities safe. "I am working closely with partners in business, labor, and education to determine the best way to move forward each day," Whitmer said.
MSU Honors College dean accepts provost position at California Polytechnic
Michigan State University Honors College Dean Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore is leaving her post after 13 years in the position. On Thursday, it was announced that Jackson-Elmoore had accepted a position as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at California Polytechnic State University, or Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, California. Her new role will start on Aug. 1.
Common Ground music festival rescheduled amid COVID-19 concerns
The annual Common Ground Music Festival has been rescheduled to July 2021 amid COVID-19 concerns. The festival, originally scheduled for July 10-11, is held in downtown Lansing each year. Since its start, more than 1 million people have attended the festival, bringing an estimated economic impact of nearly $70 million, according to the Common Ground website. “This decision was made after much discussion and careful consideration,” the event organizers wrote on the website.
DOE changes Title IX regulations, mandates university cross-examination
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos created new Title IX provisions for sexual misconduct cases on college campuses, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Education. The final rules codify how DeVos initially approached her role in reshaping university sexual assault policy. The policy goes into effect Aug. 14, according to the 2000-page unofficial draft.
From the editor's desk: 'We hope we've made you proud'
Madison O'Connor — Alyte Katilius | The State News The night of the Michigan primary, there were a dozen of us in the newsroom. We sat around a table littered with pizza boxes, refreshing election results on our laptops and watching Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announce the first two positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan on the newsroom TV. The next day, everything changed.
DOE establishes Title IX regulations, mandates university cross-examination
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos created new Title IX provisions for sexual misconduct cases on college campuses, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Education. The final rules codify how DeVos initially approached her role in reshaping university sexual assault policy. The policy goes into effect Aug. 14, according to the 2000-page unofficial draft.
U.S. Department of Education: MSU repeatedly violated the Clery Act
In a scathing report, the U.S. Department of Education found that Michigan State has regularly failed to meet its requirements to ensure campus safety and welfare. According to a 46-page report obtained by Outside the Lines, MSU has consistently underreported crime statistics and did not disclose possible criminal threats to students.
From the editor's desk: 'We hope we've made you proud'
Alyte Katilius | The State News The night of the Michigan primary, there were a dozen of us in the newsroom. We sat around a table littered with pizza boxes, refreshing election results on our laptops and watching Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announce the first two positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan on the newsroom TV. The next day, everything changed. On the morning of March 11, Michigan State announced it would suspend all face-to-face instruction and make the jump to online learning.
Staff suggestions: How to stay occupied while practicing social distancing
For a few weeks, health and government officials have urged Michigan residents to stay at home when possible and to practice social distancing amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. But with social isolation comes boredom, and it might be difficult to stay happy and healthy during this time. Here are ideas, courtesy of some of our staffers, for staying occupied while practicing social distancing.
Have questions about COVID-19 and Michigan State? We want to hear from you
There has been no shortage of changes since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the first two positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and declared a state of emergency. As more changes occur each day, we know there's a lot of uncertainty. As our community continues to grapple with the coronavirus spread, we want to hear what questions you have, big or small. Please use the form below to detail your questions or to let us know how coronavirus has affected you.
coronavirus - The State News
Column: Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game for a quarantine In the past two weeks, the ability for people around the world to interact with their communities has been severely limited. For some, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has helped fill that void for the time being.
Amid suspended classes, The State News will continue to inform you
Editor's note: The State News Board of Directors, with support from the general manager and the editor-in-chief, has decided to temporarily suspend our weekly physical print product distribution. However, The State News will continue to create a weekly print product that will be distributed online through social media and at issuu.com/statenews. Michigan State is in uncharted territory.
Amid suspended classes, The State News will continue to inform you
Michigan State is in uncharted territory. There’s no blueprint, no map for how the MSU and East Lansing communities will respond to COVID-19’s presence in Michigan. Madison O'Connor — Alyte Katilius | The State News In its 165-year history, MSU has rarely disrupted its academic routine, but Wednesday morning, President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. announced MSU would suspend all in-person classes through April 20 and make the jump to online learning. This will dramatically change all of our lives.
Editor's note: This community still stands by survivors
Editor-in-Chief Madison O'Connor Sylvia Jarrus | The State News As The State News’ editor-in-chief, I was tasked with introducing this issue, our survivors issue. I wrote and rewrote this note a dozen times — I don’t know how to put into words how deeply the last three and a half years affected me and how they fundamentally altered our community. I’m sure they’ve had a strong impact on you, too. What I know is this: During the last three years, I have been angry. I have been ashamed.
Editor's Note: 'You can count on us'
Editor-in-Chief Madison O'Connor Sylvia Jarrus | The State News Among ever-changing classes, majors, living spaces, roommates, friends and jobs, we face plenty of transitions as students. Some of these adjustments are things we expect, but others aren’t. During your time at Michigan State University, your interests will change. Your goals and aspirations will become clearer. You’ll find your community and grow in ways you never expected. But that process takes time — and the road is rarely smooth.
Boat tours resume at Everglades National Park in Everglades City after 2-month gap
Boat tours, which were unavailable for two months at Everglades National Park's Gulf Coast location, are now being run by a new operating company, Guest Services, Inc. Alex Driehaus, Naples Daily News After a two-month hiatus, narrated boat tours have resumed at Everglades National Park's Gulf Coast location. The boat tours were previously run by longtime contract holder, Everglades National Park Boat Tours Inc., of which Sammy Hamilton Jr., Everglades City's former mayor, was listed as president.
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