Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Veronica Meadows
Is Michigan's anti-bullying law enough? Parents say schools aren't reporting cases
Ana Ladginski wants to sit back one day and be proud of the work she did on her high school yearbook. The Royal Oak teen had recently taken up photography, a hobby she has channeled much of her current-day interests into. But when she does reflect on the journey she traveled in school, it'll come with more than just happy memories. The junior's joy today blossomed from a troubling part of her life when she became the target of persistent bullying from a classmate. "It weighs on you a lot," she said.
Covid worsened bullying habits. Programs like Defeat the Label hope to turn that around
A family's world was turned upside down when arguments between their son and his friend turned toxic. Eventually, it would lead to an emotionally traumatizing year for him and weeks of issues for his parents. "It was a horrible thing that happened," said Connor, a pre-teen whose name we have changed for this story. According to Connor's mom, issues started during the pandemic when virtual learning became the norm and relationships went online.
Chief: Townhouse fire leaves 2, 4 year olds severely burned after daring 2nd floor rescue
Norman Reed Jr. recalled the moment a horrific fire broke out, quickly spreading to his Pontiac home early Tuesday morning. The damage left behind shows devastation from when Reed woke up to screaming outside the Cornerstone Townhomes. "I saw smoke coming through the light fixtures and stuff like that, that’s when I knew it was time to go," he said. "By the time I got out, there was a fire blazing. Once the fire was blazing.
Detroit community leaders encouraged by drop in city crime stats but 'We could do better'
Community leaders are reacting to newly released statistics from the Detroit Police Department showing a drop in serious crime. This year to date, the DPD says homicides are down five percent, sexual assaults are down more than 11 percent, and carjackings are down nearly 28 percent. "I am not touting success - we could do better - but I am hopeful," said Bishop Daryl Harris.
'I couldn't believe what I was seeing';' Abandoned infants found near Madison Heights school
John Belye doesn't consider himself a hero, but it was his actions last week that led to the rescue of two abandoned infants who were found behind a building in Madison Heights. He would consider being called lucky, however. "I maybe consider myself very lucky that I was working that day," he said. Belye is a physical education teacher at Lamphere High School in Madison Heights. He's worked there for 35 years.
Discovery of 'tremendous amount of cats' in Brownstown Township home creates need for adoption
So far, more than 50 cats have been discovered inside a Brownstown Township home, leaving local officials in a tricky situation. The discovery has brought good news and bad news for the local government. The cats pulled from the home appear to be in good health, which is a positive for Township Manager Brian Peters. Unfortunately, he says they've run out of space to put them. "Now we are in a situation, where we have a tremendous amount of cats that we are bringing in.
Venture For America empowers young entrepreneurs in the Detroit community
Inspiration and collaboration were both on display inside a Wayne State conference room Wednesday. Prospective entrepreneurs who recently graduated from college are looking to make their dream into something more tangible got a little closer as they met with Venture For America, which is based in Detroit. The national nonprofit organization provides aspiring entrepreneurs with training, coaching, and connections.
'Stop killing each other': Family of 18-year-old gunned down picking up food, left heartbroken
An 18-year-old on his way to college was shot and killed - now his family talks about keeping his memory alive. Khalil Allen’s family thinks about what could have been, "Our entire family we are just so proud of him, and the precious gift Khalil had, for society and the world," said Shushanna Shakur, his great aunt. "And it was in the blink of an eye, gone." The 18-year-old was gunned down Tuesday afternoon on West McNichols near the Southfield freeway on Detroit's west side.
Hamtramck church activities disrupted by DTE wooden poles left for months
With blades of grass crawling through the wooden poles, it's clear the structures have been on one Hamtramck property for some time. Bishop Arthur Barnes' property to be exact. The poles were placed there by DTE months ago - but by Wednesday afternoon hadn't been moved an inch. His frustrations reached a tipping point recently, prompting a call to the FOX 2 Problem Solvers.
Second victim sues after being locked in Detroit gas station by clerk during triple shooting
Surveillance video of a May shooting inside a gas station in Detroit showed a customer opening fire -- after being locked inside the store by the clerk. Three people were shot -- one of them died. Now both surviving victims are suing Exxon Mobile alleging gross negligence. The lawsuit is for $150 million against the gas station and the owners. This all happened at the gas station on McNichols near the lodge on Detroit's west side.
Wynter Smith's vigil • 8-year-old shot in Detroit • Rabies found in stray kitten
Pain and outrage are what's left after 2-year-old Wynter Smith was found dead. On Thursday night, Detroit came out to tell her killer loud and clear - Wynter's life mattered. "This is not us, this is not Black people, this is not Detroit," said Pastor Maurice Hardwick. There was raw grief and outrage on Detroit’s east side as community groups came together for an emotional vigil honoring little Wynter Cole Smith of Lansing.
Body of Wynter Smith recovered • Bacteria closes 15 Oakland County beaches • Golf at Comerica Park
After a frantic search across the state that included several police agencies and nearly three agonizing days for family members, the body of Wynter Smith was discovered in an alley way in Detroit. Police located the Lansing 2-year-old in the early evening Wednesday in what was a heartbreaking development for tragic story. The investigation "has moved from a missing child to a homicide investigation," Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee said in a brief statement to media later Wednesday.
Wynter Smith's body recovered in Detroit; What we know about case of Lansing 2-year-old
After a frantic search across the state that included several police agencies and nearly three agonizing days for family members, the body of Wynter Smith was discovered in an alley way in Detroit. Police located the Lansing 2-year-old in the early evening Wednesday in what was a heartbreaking development for tragic story. The investigation "has moved from a missing child to a homicide investigation," Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee said in a brief statement to media later Wednesday.
Wynter Smith disappearance: Search for Lansing 2-year-old includes route kidnapper drove
The route that 26-year-old Rashad Trice likely traveled as he fled from Lansing to Southeast Michigan with 2-year-old Wynter Smith. Police have asked anyone that travels the route to be on the lookout for anything unusual. Lansing police hope the map posted above could help lead them to a missing 2-year-old girl that was abducted late Sunday night from her home where she lived with her mom.
Kidnapped 2-year-old still missing • Gas prices up • July 4th weather forecast
Lansing Police searching for a 2-year-old who was reported to be taken by a 26-year-old man say the suspect kidnapper has been arrested. The missing girl is still missing. Rashad Trice was taken into custody in St. Clair Shores around 5:50 a.m., hours after an Amber Alert was issued for Wynter Smith, a female toddler. According to information from St. Clair Shores police, they arrested Trice after he was involved in a chase reaching speeds of 100 mph before colliding with a police cruiser.
Sheriff's office increasing lake patrols Fourth of July weekend in Oakland County
This Fourth of July weekend, extra lake patrol units with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office will be out making sure boaters stay safe. "Obviously, on the 4th of July weekend, it’s hot out… people are drinking more," said OCSO Sgt. Brian Burwell. "They’re dehydrated when they’re on the boat and because of the motion of the boat, it’s sometimes hard to judge 'maybe I’ve had a little bit too much to drink' and the alcohol starts affecting them." Sgt.
Year after DoorDash driver was killed on 1st day of job, family waits for justice
It has been one year since a DoorDash driver was killed during his first day on the job in Corktown. For Tolanda Russ, it has been a year of questions and trying to process her son's death - trying to find some small sense of peace. But she says she can't do any of that while her son's killer is still on the loose. "I want justice for him," she said. "I think somebody should pay for what they did to him.
Storm damage in Metro Detroit • More rain on the way • Trump's campaign stop in Michigan
If you ask Yuri Didoszak, isssues with your first vehicles can be chopped up to "first-car drama." "It happens," said the 20-year-old. That may be the case, but most drama around a first car doesn't include an entire tree flattening the poor sedan. "I got off work, went to go home and then I saw my car and there was a tree on top of it," said Didoszak. "It's my first car." Didoszak was parked at the Detroit Golf Club when the tree came tumbling down.
Severe weather brings power outages, flattened cars, and damaged homes with more rain on the way
If you ask Yuri Didoszak, isssues with your first vehicles can be chopped up to "first-car drama." "It happens," said the 20-year-old. That may be the case, but most drama around a first car doesn't include an entire tree flattening the poor sedan. "I got off work, went to go home and then I saw my car and there was a tree on top of it," said Didoszak. "It's my first car." Didoszak was parked at the Detroit Golf Club when the tree came tumbling down.
Suspects in stolen SUV crash into Detroit home
A police chase Monday morning ended when the suspects crashed into a Detroit home. Police were pursuing a stolen SUV until the driver crashed into a house near Buchanan and W. Grand Boulevard on the west side. "I just heard a thump. When I heard the thump, I looked out my window, and I saw a kid jump out and run," neighbor Phillip Caldwell said. "The police did a good job. They did what they had to do. It was coordinated, and they took him down." Two suspects were arrested.
Detroit neighbors where 8-year-old killed say speeding typical
A neighborhood on Detroit's west side is typically populated with children playing outside. Whether that's on their bikes or playing basketball, kids near Fielding and Belton are usually together. But not on Monday. On Saturday, the day before Father's Day, a 19-year-old woman hit and killed an 8-year-old as he crossed the street. The boy's father was there and rushed him to the hospital but he was pronounced dead. The woman has been arrested for driving without a license.
DDOT bus driver charged with misdemeanor after running down woman despite 'disaster of a driving record'
A Detroit Department of Transportation bus driver with more than 25 years of experience has been charged with running over Janice Bauer of Grosse Pointe Park. Bauer, 67, was laid to rest on Tuesday, while many are left wondering how the city bus driver in the incident, Geraldine Johnson, was even on the road for the crash.
Man shot and wounded interrupting catalytic converter thieves in Troy
A Troy man was shot and wounded after interrupting a catalytic converter theft early Tuesday morning. "These guys have driven, it's been reported, a dark-colored SUV, pulled right up on their grass right next to the vehicle underneath cutting with power tools," said Sgt. Jason Clark, Troy police. Clark says a 30-year-old resident heard the commotion and went out front of his home near Fredmoor and South Boulevard.
Dearborn native wins Tony Award for 'Parade' musical
A Dearborn native celebrated alongside a team of others over the weekend when a musical he produced won a Tony Award. "To have the musical recognized, it’s something I’ll never forget," Mike Mosallam said. The musical "Parade," which is based on a true story about a man wrongfully convicted of murder based on his Jewish faith, won two Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical. "There will always be a part of Dearborn inside of me, no matter where I am," Mosallam said.
Grandfather killed after vehicle malfunctions while grandson is behind wheel at Milan Dragway
Authorities say the grandson of a man killed at Milan Dragway on Saturday was behind the wheel when the vehicle malfunctioned, sending the car into the victim. Video shows Nicholas Tilley reversing before the vehicle suddenly accelerates, hitting and killing 78-year-old Keith Hallett. "Keith was a wonderful man. He was an asset to the neighborhood," said Davis Stephens, a friend of Hallett. "He was always there with a helpful hand.
Six cats and dogs killed in Monroe County fire, others saved
A devastating fire in Monroe County took the life of several pets Monday morning but firefighters were able to save others with pet ventilators and oxygen masks. The homeowners in Monroe Township were fortunately not at home when the fire started Monday morning, but their 13 dogs and cats were. Firefighters rushed to the scene to try to save many animals as possible and, at first, believed someone was trapped inside.
Downtown businesses welcome financial boom from Detroit Grand Prix return
For the first time in more than 30 years the Detroit Grand Prix is not on Belle Isle - but in the heart of downtown. That means even more people can enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the races while drawing thousands of visitors to the city-- and local businesses are loving it. People are pumped. The first qualifying rounds for the Grand Prix started about an hour ago. It is also a huge weekend for the businesses close to the race track.
Detroit Dog Rescue opens new shelter on Detroit's west side
The Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR) has found a new home on Detroit's West Side, thanks to the support of the community. After years of dedication and hard work, DDR's executive director, Kristina Rinaldi, is taking a few minutes to look back while celebrating the opening of the 11,000-square-foot building on Grand River Avenue near Telegraph. The building was donated by a veterinarian and, despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, DDR persevered and successfully raised $1.6 million for renovations.
Apartment project underway for senior members of LGBTQ community in Ferndale
It's not often easy for members of the LGBTQ community to find safe, affordable housing - especially for those who are seniors. "There’s nothing wrong with aging or there's nothing wrong with identifying as LGBTQ," said Reverend Dr. Roland Stringfellow. "We are bringing these two elements together to have a safe option for individuals as they get older." A location on Nine Mile and Paxton in Ferndale will soon transform into affordable apartments.
Detroit City Council approves $51.8M tax break for District Detroit development
The Detroit City Council has approved a tax break of close to $52 million for the next decade to make way for four residential and commercial buildings in downtown as part of the Ilitch organization and Stephen Ross' District Detroit development plan. The 10-year, $51.8 million tax break was unanimously approved on Tuesday by the City Council to convert part of the office space in the historic Fox Theatre into a new hotel overlooking Woodward Avenue and facing Comerica Ballpark.
1.2 million Michiganders to travel for Memorial Day weekend - find local gas prices and events here
This year, 1.2 million Michiganders are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend. That's 79,000 more than last year and the closest indication that travel rates in Michigan is inching closer to pre-pandemic travel levels - which represents a three-year lull from the crazy travel days, packed airports, and long lines at train stations. Most though are expected to drive the holiday weekend of May 26-29.
2 juveniles injured in violent weekend • Detroit's dangerous EMS shortage • Mother gave narcotics to child
It was another violent weekend in Metro Detroit with police responding to close to a dozen shooting incidents over the weekend. Among those calls that police responded to was an accidental shooting involving a 5-year-old who was struck in the hand. The child is expected to be okay but suffered severe damage to his hand. It was one of many poor decisions made this weekend, Chief James White said.
Two juveniles among several injured in another violent weekend in Metro Detroit
It was another violent weekend in Metro Detroit with police responding to close to a dozen shooting incidents over the weekend. Among those calls that police responded to was an accidental shooting involving a 5-year-old who was struck in the hand. The child is expected to be okay but suffered severe damage to his hand. It was one of many poor decisions made this weekend, Chief James White said.
Oakland University students protest for more safety on campus in wake of Michigan State shooting
After the fatal Michigan State University shooing in February, Oakland University students held a peaceful protest Friday calling for changes to security on their campus. "After the shooting at MSU, a lot of us were scared to return to the university. We wanted to fight for a more secure safety here," Chloe Lebow said.
Michigan animal abuse registry could be on next election ballot
A rally set for next week at the state capitol will push for new laws to protect Michigan's pets as supporters seek justice for animals that are neglected and abused. On Tuesday - National Pet Day - a rally at the statehouse will focus on raising awareness for a ballot initiative that would allow Michigan voters to decide on the creation of a statewide public registry for convicted animal abusers. Shelters, breeders, and others would then have a database where they could search for animal abusers.
2 killed during EMS response on I-75 • Teen fatally shoots Detroit man • Blinken renews call for Paul Whelan
Two people died in a tragic collision on a Metro Detroit highway over the weekend when an ambulance worker responding to a crash Sunday morning was struck by another driver. Both the first responder and an Oak Park woman were killed after a vehicle lost control and hit both of them. Michigan State Police say the woman was declared dead at the scene and the EMS worker was pronounced dead when he arrived at a hospital.
Ambulance driver killed while responding to crash on I-75; one other also dead
Two people died in a tragic collision on a Metro Detroit highway over the weekend when an ambulance worker responding to a crash Sunday morning was struck by another driver. Both the first responder and an Oak Park woman were killed after a vehicle lost control and hit both of them. Michigan State Police say the woman was declared dead at the scene and the EMS worker was pronounced dead when he arrived at a hospital.
Woman, child shot in Detroit • Burger King closures • Wolchek takes bite out of custom food truck business guy
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
9-year-old boy, woman shot at Detroit strip mall
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit police are looking for three persons of interest after a boy and a woman were shot Monday on the city's east...
Woman, child shot in Detroit • Burger King closures • Wolchek takes bite out of custom food truck business guy
Detroit police are looking for three persons of interest after a child and woman were shot. The victims were in a vacant area of a strip mall at Gratiot Avenue and Eastburn Street after 5 p.m. Monday when the suspects walked in and started shooting. The boy, who is 9, was shot twice and is in critical condition. The 27-year-old woman is listed in temporary serious condition. "We believe the 9-year-old was in that location with the father.
9-year-old boy, woman shot at Detroit strip mall
Detroit police are looking for three persons of interest after a boy and a woman were shot Monday on the city's east side. The victims were in a vacant area of a strip mall at Gratiot Avenue and Eastburn Street after 5 p.m. when the suspects walked in and started shooting. "We believe the 9-year-old was in that location with the father. There were three young men that came around the corner, tried to go in. When they went inside, they engaged in gunfire.
Child found dead in neighbor's pool • Woodward closure starts today • Police investigate freeway shooting
An Oakland County family is grieving after a 5-year-old boy was found dead in a pool over the weekend. Authorities were searching for the child, who had special needs, after he wandered away from his Lake Orion home Saturday afternoon. His body was found about a block away from his home in a pool at a home on Cresmont. The sheriff's office said that the pool had a cover and about a foot of standing water inside.
Autopsy pending after 5-year-old boy found dead in Oakland County pool
Family members are waiting for the results of an autopsy after a 5-year-old boy was found dead in a pool in Oakland County over the weekend. The boy, who has special needs and has been missing in the past, was reported missing in Lake Orion on Saturday afternoon. While searching for him, Lake Orion firefighters found his body inside a covered pool on Cresmont, about a block away from the boy's home. There was about a foot of standing water in that pool.
City Council delays vote on $800M District Detroit tax incentive
Detroit City Council delays a vote on a massive plan for downtown that would invest over $1 billion into District Detroit. On Tuesday, the Detroit City Council was supposed to vote on a plan to create a $1.5 billion investment. Instead, they tabled the vote after the public got a chance to speak their minds. "I oppose awarding hundreds of millions of dollars of tax incentives to billionaires who are not a good cooperation partner," one resident said.
New service animal laws enabling better training for pets in Michigan
Pets make the best companions. And for some, they're life-saving partners for those that need an extra set of paws just in case. "Dogs always become a member of the family, but this dog is really special because she is a member of the family and someone who watches out for us," said Jim Moore. Moore got his dog Maggie because of a series of strokes that occurred a while back. So far, she hasn't needed to use her training.
Downed wire sparks Redford Township fire • More outage woes • Road Rage leads to shooting on I-75
As tens of thousands of homes plead for their power to be turned back on, there was one Redford Township family that asked for anything but after a downed wire fell across their garage. What ensued was a cruel irony when sparks peppered the structure, which was detached from the home. It then started a fire, which torched the building and all the family's possessions inside. "I was just thinking 'Oh my God, our garage is going up. We're losing our garage'.
Winter weather Monday • Manhunt in Detroit • 61k still without power
A wintry mix of precipitation that includes potential for both snow and rain has prompted parts of Southeast Michigan to be under a Winter Weather Advisory Monday. The National Weather Service says the counties of Shiawassee, Livingston, Oakland, and Macomb will all be under an advisory from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Up to an inch of snow is possible while authorities are also on the lookout for some ice build-up.
Manhunt underway for suspect who fired at Detroit police over the weekend
Detroit police are still searching for the man who fired shots at officers Saturday night. A manhunt began around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night when Detroit police who were on the city's west side spotted an armed man getting into a vehicle. When they tried pulling him over, the suspect instead fired shots at police before fleeing. A short chase ended before the suspect left the vehicle and fled on foot. According to police, they originally responded to the west side location after a shotspotter alert.
Where DTE is prioritizing power restoration • Car crash victim fighting insurance company • Wings playoffs
With Southeast Michigan finally getting a day to catch its breath, utility crews will spend Friday working to restore power to the hundreds of thousands of homes that lost electricity this week. DTE plans to assign crews to approximately 200,000 homes today in hopes of making a dent in the total outages numbers, which reached more than 500,000 customers late Thursday night.
New charges for Hassan Chokr • Deputy's actions probed after Pontiac tragedy • Bank robber's Snapchat taunts
The 35-year-old Dearborn man already charged with ethnic intimidation is now facing federal weapons charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and lying on a federal firearms form. Hassan Chokr had tried purchasing a shotgun, a rifle, and a semi-automatic pistol on Dec. 2 - the same day he visited the Temple Beth El synagogue in Bloomfield Hills and harassed both pre-schoolers and parents. He allegedly shouted racist and anti-Semitic threats at those walking into the pre-school.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Veronica
Contact Veronica, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack