Life as a COVID-19 nurse

COVID-19 NURSE

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Life as a nurse during COVID-19 has been challenging, and for nurse practitioner Ampora Gonzales, it’s become a new way of life. “This has become my new normal, not seeing or spending time with my family,” Gonzales said. Photo at top: Nurse practitioner Ampora Gonzales suited up to take care […]

Managing your money during a pandemic

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Managing your money during a pandemic can be difficult, and many were not prepared for this economic crisis. Financial advisor Nicole Lujan of Southern California says the time to start planning your financial future is now. “Preparing for your financial success is always smart and is something you should start […]

Southern California dental offices stay open during pandemic

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Medical offices around the world have closed due to COVID-19, but dental offices haven’t. A Southern California dental hygienist tells us how her office is making changes to continue seeing patients. Photo at top: dental hygienist Audrey Young preparing to see dental patient.(Michael Thomas/MEDILL)

Special ed students face challenges with distance learning

Tera Lambert

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports COVID-19 distance learning is putting a strain on special education students. Middle school teacher Tera Lambert says it can be almost impossible at times. “They like that interaction. That one on one is what keeps them going,” Lambert said. The California Department of Education has posted helpful guidelines for families […]

COVID-19 leaves international student stuck in Chicago

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Prabash Tiwari is an international student studying in Chicago. With college campuses closed and classes moved online, he’s trying to get home to his family in India. Since Tiwari is originally a citizen of the U.K., he’s not allowed to fly into India. He hopes the government reevaluates its border […]

Wrigleyville pizzeria starts campaign to help feed healthcare workers

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Owner of Wrigleyville’s Big G’s Pizzeria, Jaimie Gamez, wanted to find a way to keep his doors open while giving back to front line workers at hospitals. “I know I had to do something,” Gamez said. With the idea of having people donate money to his store in exchange for […]

Foot traffic drops about 80% in the Loop amid COVID-19

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports Chicago’s busy Loop looks like a ghost town amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Chicago Loop Alliance, an organization that helps maintain the loop, foot traffic has dropped about 80% compared to this time last year. The group’s CEO Michael Edwards says, “People are going to expect downtown to […]

A California couple’s big day postponed due to COVID-19

By Michael Thomas Medill Reports High school sweethearts Jenae Torres and Bobby Carrington spent a year planning their dream wedding. The COVID-19 pandemic and California stay-at-home orders forced them to postpone everything. The 27 year old bride was crushed. “I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t cry a little bit,” Torres said. With […]