Business as unusual: opening businesses and canceled school leave parents with tough decisions
By Joshua Skinner Medill Reports On April 19th, Texas Gov, Greg Abbott announced a series of executive orders. Among those were the closing of schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year and the gradual reopening of businesses. The two orders have the potential to create a problem for parents, forcing them to choose […]
Facebook group gathers thousands to protest Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order
By Bre’onna Richardson Medill Reports A group of Michigan residents are frustrated with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. Protesters fear the restrictions violate their rights. They say the governor shouldn’t decide what they can and can’t do. Photo at top: Protestors at “Operation Gridlock” surrounding Michigan’s state capitol. (Robert Wiersema/Facebook)
Data accounting for prison COVID-19 cases projects 100,000 death increase
By Samone Blair Medill Reports The ACLU of Indiana released findings Wednesday stating that a new data model projects the national COVID-19 death toll could be 100,000 deaths higher than previously projected. “We are likely facing massive loss of life — both in Indiana jails and in our communities — if dramatic steps aren’t taken […]
NFL hopefuls still grinding amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Evan Brooks Medill Reports As the NFL draft begins tomorrow small school prospects Mason Gray and Kellon Taylor are extremely confident. They refuse to let a pandemic stop them from realizing their dreams. Photo at top: (Courtesy of Robert Morris Athletics)
COVID-19: Stories from across America
By Joshua Skinner Medill Reports In this April 12-18 special report, COVID-19: Stories from across America, Medill Reports looks at how the global pandemic is affecting the lives of Americans both at home and abroad. From Los Angeles to New England, Detroit to Dallas, to across the Atlantic Ocean, see how the coronavirus is changing […]
Easter in the time of coronavirus: Memories of hope and togetherness
By Samone Blair Medill Reports Despite changes to Easter celebrations across the globe due to the coronavirus, Rev. Chris Wadelton of Columbus, Indiana, hopes his parishioners will remember Easter 2020 as a time of hope. Wadelton, the Pastor at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, sees silver linings in the health crisis both with charitable acts and […]
We, Not Me: An introduction to democratic socialism
By Joshua Skinner Medill Reports Socialism might simultaneously be the most feared and loved ideology in the world. The mere mention of the word conjures up visions of utopia and the most horrific crimes of the 20th century. When Americans hear the word “socialism,” it’s just as likely to convey images of famine and genocide […]
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 […]
Teenage gymnast somersaults through global pandemic
By Jenny Ly Medill Reports Ponderosa High School freshman and competitive gymnast Elli Brownfield knows what it is like to be trained in discipline and work hard in athletics. On top of the years of dedication to gymnastics, she is quickly learning another skill: how to adapt to life in sports during a global pandemic. […]
Detroit’s big three automakers close plants indefinitely amid coronavirus concerns
By Bre’onna Richardson Medill Reports Detroit’s big three automakers shut down assembly plants. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the global auto industry into the worst tailspin since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Photo at top: Several Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ assembly plant workers on the job. (Courtesy of FCA North America)