Total Run Time (trt): 5:30
OPENING SLATE (0:10):
735 Dearborn Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)541-9904
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ON CAMERA INTRO (0:30)
Hello. My name is Rani Simawe, and this is my resume reel. Being a journalist is a job that does not have any breaks. You are always on the clock, no matter the circumstances, because there is always a story. Sometimes, it is not the story you are looking for. This can occur when you are out in the world and observe something in your community, and the gears start moving in your brain. You see a story where others might not. This can also occur when a global pandemic hits the world sideways. Even relegated to a state of distancing and isolation, there are stories that need to be told. The training I’ve received in my courses at the University of Iowa have developed and honed my skills, so that recognizing a story is an almost reflexive practice.
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Coronavirus in Iraq (TRT: 1:30)
ANCHOR LEAD: Foreign invasion, civil war and economic dysfunction have been the story of Iraq for the better part of the last three decades. Now, you can add the most devastating pandemic of our time to the list of catastrophes that have colored Iraq’s modern history. Given the state of the government and the shoddy health care system, whatever challenges we face in the United States are vastly more difficult in a broken country. DITV reporter, Rani Simawe, has the story.
STAND UP: At the peak of ISIL’s power, Iraq was considered by many, a failed state. Major cities were lost and held by fundamentalists committing atrocious crimes. Since ISIL’s power diminished thanks to collaborative efforts between the Iraqi government, the Kurdish minority, and foreign powers, the country began gravitating towards something resembling a viable state. Just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic to threaten to undo everything. (Lower Third during stand up, transition into VO and Graphics: Iraqi territory controlled by ISIL at the height of ISIL’s power, stock b-roll of warfare)
IMAN MAHMOUD, BAGHDAD RESIDENT, SOT: Some places are better than others. My district is okay, but there are still religious gatherings, and things like weddings and funerals. All of the cafes and restaurants are closed, and nobody is allowed to take taxi or bus. I think some people don’t take it seriously. (Interview footage conducted over FaceTime. Lower third: Iman Mahmoud, Baghdad Resident)
VO: The current COVID-19 numbers in Iraq are 2,219 cases with 95 deaths. (Graphic goes here) These numbers are extremely low when compared to Iowa’s numbers, which stand at over 9,000 cases and nearly 200 deaths. Considering Iraq has over ten times the population of Iraq, you could be forgiven for thinking the numbers in Iraq do not add up. (Bar Graph comparing reported numbers in Iraq to reported numbers in Iowa)
IMAN MAHMOUD SOT: They say only 2,000 cases, and about 90 deaths. I don’t believe this. The government is not good at keeping up. The health care here is poor. The doctors and nurses care, but there is not enough of them. And the record keeping is very bad. I never trust the records or what the government says. They are still letting people in from Iran, because the Iraq government is Iran’s puppet. (FaceTime interview footage, map of Iran-Iraq border)
VO: There is an attitude of distrust when it comes to how locals view the Iraqi government. Residents tend to do what they want despite pleas from healthcare workers and the government to remain at home. (Stock b-roll of citizens engaging in public prayer, and pilgrimages to mosques)
IMAN MAHMOUD SOT: It’s unbelievable. I still see and hear about people gathering for prayer in big groups. People say Allah will cure them if they get sick. And there are people who say if they get very sick, they will not go to the hospitals. They know the health care is bad, and they would rather die at home.
STAND UP: The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to destabilize any sense of normal people feel in any part of the world. For a country like Iraq, devastation has been an unfortunate part of their normal. Yet, through tenacity and grit, the citizens still call it home. This is Rani Simawe with DITV.
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Eat Sleep Study Package (TRT: 1:10) https://ranisimawecare.car.blog/2020/02/17/eat-sleep-study-package/
ANCHOR VO: Iowa City offers a variety of restaurants and flavors to satisfy any craving. One establishment, George’s on Market Street, has been around longer than most.
ANCHOR STANDUP: Since its birth over 80 years ago, George’s has long been renowned for its dedicated staff, friendly atmosphere, and of course, its award-winning burgers.
ANCHOR VO: I spoke with Kelsey Karr about what makes the George’s burger so special.
KELSEY KARR: We get 30 pounds three times a week, and 20 pounds one day a week. So we’re always, someone is usually back there, at least four days out of the week, usually more, apron on, making meatballs, smashing them. People like to see that if they hadn’t seen it before. They’re like “That’s where the burgers come from?” And also the Clark electric broiler. It’s this little shoe box of a machine with two drawer, a bun warmer on top, and then the grill down below, and it kind of helps keep all the juices and flavors in. And they aren’t everywhere else, so that’s kind of what sets it – sets it apart.
ANCHOR VO: As Iowa City grows and changes, George’s remains a model of consistency. Their award-winning recipe stays the same. This is Rani Simawe with DITV.
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Medical Workers on the Front Line (TRT: 1:45)
STAND UP: N-95 masks, gloves, and face shields are not typical battlefield attire, but hospitals are not typical war zones. While many have been leading quiet lives in seclusion for more than a month, medical professionals have been embroiled in a war of many fronts since the COVID-19 pandemic entered our borders. And the war is as dangerous for hospital staff as it is for anyone else. (Shot across the street from the UIHC on Hawkins Drive. Lower third: Rani Simawe, @RSim)
JAMIE CASLAVKA, BURN/TRAUMA NURSE, UIHC SOT: We wear a face shield along with a mask for the duration of 12-14 hour shifts. It helps us protect ourselves along with the patients. Admittedly, it is uncomfortable, but it’s worth the discomfort considering our situation. (Lower third: Jamie Caslavka, Burn/Trauma Unit)
VO: A situation which continues to escalate in our state. As Iowa approaches the peak of cases and deaths resulting from COVID-19, the difficulties that come with patient care increase. Staff hospital wide need to prepared for the anticipated rise in COVID-19 patients entering the hospital. They also take the risk of suffering the illness themselves (B-roll: wide shot of the front of the hospital, medium shot including the fountain in front of the hospital.)
ASH EASTHAM, ICU NURSE, UIHC SOT: My therapist was like, “You’re sick. You’re gone, but you’ll be fine. You have a heavy viral load, so you don’t have a lot of energy.” Then I started coughing, feeling out of breath. Chest hurts, lying down all the time. (Lower third: Ash Eastham, mICU Nurse)
VO: As prepared as hospitals try to be in dealing with this pandemic, the risk remains. Given their close proximity to COVID-19 patients, hospital staff risk not only getting COVID-19, but getting a heavier viral dose of the illness than the rest of the population. (B-roll: medium shot of hospital hallway near the elevators, tight shot of sign directing patients to the ICU.)
ASH SOT: No joke, I thought I was going to die in my sleep on the worst two nights of my course of illness.
VO: When hospital staff exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, not only are there concerns about their well-being, but hospitals must contend with diminished staff as medical professionals get sidelined. (Still photo of Ash wearing a face shield.)
ASH SOT: I haven’t worked for a week and a half. My temperature is 101.5, which is not very encouraging.
VO: Despite the risks that come with being on the frontlines of the pandemic, medical professionals understand the need for their skills. And they know there is no time to be afraid over the course of a hospital shift. (B-roll: Close up of hospital staff in full medical gear)
JAMIE SOT: I am not afraid to put myself at risk by helping people. It’s been a part of my job before the pandemic and it will continue after it, too. I didn’t go into nursing to have a “safe” job. I understand the risks.
VO: Medical workers stress that any notion of an immediate return to normalcy after reported cases peak is wishful thinking. (B-roll of hospital staff entering hospital for screening at checkpoints)
ASH: I can tell you firsthand as a nurse and a seemingly recovered person that this thing is goddamn scary and will kick us all on our asses if it isn’t handled right.
STAND UP: And the risks continue as the fight heats up. With the peak projected to hit soon, hospital workers are who stand between us and the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Rani Simawe, with DI TV.
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CLOSING SLATE (0:10):
Rani Simawe
735 Dearborn Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)541-9904
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Rani's Blog 