Eleanore Catolico

Detroit

Journalist at Freelance

journalist. storyteller.

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Articles

Detroit’s lessons learned after 5 years of COVID

3 weeks ago | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Lauren Abdel-Razzaq

Denise Fair Razo, Detroit’s chief public health officer, said she remembers the thousands of residents who died from COVID-19—and the pain that followed. “We weren’t able to save them, and that’s what hurts,” Fair Razo said. This is what happened to the survivors: In 2020, the pandemic stunned Detroit, a majority-Black city grappling with poverty, chronic illnesses and crowded housing. Stay-at-home orders disrupted learning for thousands of students, and earnings for thousands of businesses.
Detroit Department of Transportation to improve bus frequency

3 weeks ago | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Lauren Abdel-Razzaq

Once summer strikes, city bus riders will see transformations poised to revamp their traveling experiences: more frequent bus pick-ups along some major roads and stops to chain grocery stores. The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) previewed proposed service changes during a recent public hearing—an opportunity for folks to offer feedback before changes go into effect on June 23—at the Rosa Parks Transit Center in downtown Detroit last week.
Detroit seniors gain skills for an evolving digital age

2 months ago | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Christine Ferretti

With a tap of her finger, Deborah Miller tried to send a text message on her smartphone. Instead she deleted photos of loved ones: her grandchildren who live in Florida and a friend in Arizona who passed away. “Oh Lord, I was in a panic,” said Miller, a 72-year-old caregiver. “I didn’t know what to do.” Alone at home, Miller took a deep breath and a beat to think.
Detroit transit advocates push for more DDOT funding

2 months ago | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Lauren Abdel-Razzaq

Mass transit advocates pressed city officials to double funding for the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) over the next three years, an ambitious policy move they argue will transform the long-scrutinized city transit provider.
DDOT’s new director maps out vision, priorities

Jan 5, 2025 | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Christine Ferretti

Robert Cramer, a veteran transit executive credited with modernizing the Detroit People Mover, is set to steer the city’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) into its next chapter, diagnosing reliability and safety as the system’s most urgent concerns. Cramer’s Jan. 6 ascension to the city’s top transit job comes at a time of upward momentum. He takes over the department that continues to revamp its bus fleet and facilities, and aims to grow ridership.
Transit advocates argue for more reliable service as cold sets in

Dec 9, 2024 | bridgedetroit.com | Eleanore Catolico |Christine Ferretti

Unpredictable city buses and a chronic lung disease could be a devastating combination this winter for Rochella Stewart. The 66-year-old retiree usually leaves home with a mask, scarf, and her inhaler. Still, she’s worried what her body can tolerate if she has to wait too long for a bus in frigid conditions that could trigger a health problem.
These ombudsmen advocate for those navigating life in nursing homes

Nov 7, 2024 | nymisojo.com | Eleanore Catolico

At the height of the pandemic, long-term care facilities cut visits to their residents, older adults who were the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Connie Grahovac’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing. “You’re getting a call from a resident that’s in tears or a husband that’s at the window watching his wife die,” Grahovac said. Grahovac is a long-term care ombudsman for the state of Michigan, advocating for residents of licensed homes, including nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes.
As Parkinson’s cases climb, clinical trial volunteers hope to help future patients

Oct 23, 2024 | nymisojo.com | Eleanore Catolico

On Christmas Eve 2014, a speeding car clipped the bumper of a Detroit city bus in the early morning darkness. Renee Stamper, the bus driver, spun on the road. After the accident, Stamper started physical therapy. That’s when she noticed tremors in her left leg. After a few medical exams she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic nervous system disorder often characterized by tremors.
Queer Youth Social Mixer

Oct 16, 2024 | allevents.in | Eleanore Catolico

A low-key, free social event for LGBTQ+ young people and alliesAbout this EventEnjoy a chill day of reading books, art making activities, free food and performances by local youth poets at this queer youth social mixer hosted by 27th Letter Books. The bookstore carries many titles by LGBTQ+ authors. Some free parking spots available around store. This free event is for LGBTQ+ young people and allies.
A graceful goodbye: End-of-life doulas bring comfort to the dying

Sep 8, 2024 | nymisojo.com | Eleanore Catolico

In 2000, Lauren Sample got pregnant. She was ready to welcome her baby girl into the world, with dad and two siblings waiting for her. But still in the womb, the unborn daughter was diagnosed with trisomy 18, an abnormal genetic condition described to Sample as “incompatible with life.” No more than 10% of children survive past their first birthday. Struck by fear, Sample’s mind raced. Her daughter could die before or during labor.