The grieving mother of a Washington, D.C. congressional intern who was tragically killed has reached out with a heartfelt message to the family of Sheridan Gorman via the student’s obituary, urging them to “fight back” in this difficult time.

Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old student at Loyola University Chicago, was fatally shot on March 19 while at a pier near her campus in the Rogers Park neighborhood. The suspect, 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, was reportedly in the U.S. illegally, having entered the country on May 9, 2023. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he was detained and subsequently released under the Biden administration.

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, who tragically lost her 21-year-old son, Eric, during a gang-related shooting in Washington, D.C. on June 30, 2025, penned a poignant tribute to Gorman’s family following the young woman’s untimely death.

“My sincerest condolences to the family. My family and I understand the pain you are enduring, as we faced the same heartbreak on July 1, 2025, when we lost our innocent 21-year-old son,” Tarpinian-Jachym expressed. “I pray for all of you. This is the greatest pain any family can endure, and know that your family is in my prayers, along with all other families who have faced similar tragedies.”

The message from Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym was shared with Fox News Digital, highlighting the connection between her son Eric’s tragic death and that of Sheridan Gorman, as both families navigate the profound loss of their loved ones.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Tarpinian-Jachym said she was “disgusted” upon learning about Gorman’s death.

“I cried. I was angered. I was disgusted. This is an ongoing issue in Chicago and a lot of these cities that should have never happened,” she said. “I was just really angered at that and, um, angered that there are no people in elected positions in these cities, in states. They just don’t care. They don’t about us, the victims, and the lifelong trauma this has on a family.”

Tarpinian-Jachym’s son, Eric, was killed in a drive-by shooting when several individuals exited a vehicle and began firing shots at a group of people, which included the congressional intern. He wasn’t the intended target, police said.

Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national, was also arrested for shoplifting and released before the alleged murder, DHS confirmed.  (DHS)

“They need to fight. And I think parents of victims. We need to band together, all together,” Tarpinian-Jachym said. “My heart goes out to the Gormans. I understand what they’re going through.” 

Tarpinian-Jachym also said she thinks leadership in Chicago and Illinois need to be held responsible.

Sheridan Gorman smiles alongside the Chicago skyline in Illinois.  (Sheridan G. Gorman via Instagram)

“The people in charge in Chicago should be held responsible for this. You know, I think the governor, the mayor, it’s disgusting what they’ve been saying for the last year. It really, it’s heart-wrenching to me that all these people are getting murdered,” she said.

Medina-Medina is expected in court Friday morning.

Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman poses with the school’s mascot during a campus event in an undated photo. (Sheridan G. Gorman via Instagram)

Gorman, who attended Yorktown High School in Yorktown Heights, New York, was described in an obituary as someone who “had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and believed in.” While in high school, Gorman participated in field hockey, lacrosse and bowling “among many other activities.”

“People often say someone ‘lit up a room’ or had ‘inner and outer beauty,’ but in Sheridan’s case, those phrases fall way too short. She radiated something even greater—a rare and unmistakable warmth, a spirit that was vibrant, compassionate, and full of life. She was funny, kind, and deeply loving, with a heart that made space for everyone,” her obituary states. “She loved fiercely—her family, her friends, her community, and her faith. She brought people together, lifted them up, and made the ordinary moments feel extraordinary simply by being in them.”

Sheridan Gorman was killed after being shot in the head while taking a walk with friends at Tobey Prinz Beach, located less than a mile from the Illinois’ campus, around 1 a.m. on Thursday, March 19. (Sheridan G. Gorman via Instagram)

Medina-Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, and was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration, according to DHS.

Following an arrest for shoplifting in Chicago, Medina was released on June 19, 2023, DHS said.

He was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, three felony counts of aggravated assault with discharge of firearm and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Chicago Police Department.

At the time of his June 2023 arrest, Medina-Medina told officials he was living at Leone Beach Park fieldhouse in Rogers Park in 2023, which was being used as a city-sponsored shelter for migrants.

When I was 15, after enduring countless complaints about a stuffy nose and experiencing one too many untimely nosebleeds during class, my mother decided it was time to take action. She scheduled an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Although the details of that visit are somewhat hazy now, the diagnosis remains crystal clear: I was living with a naturally occurring deviated septum.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates your nostrils is misaligned or crooked. In my case, it had shifted noticeably to the left. This misalignment wasn’t visible from the outside, but the scans painted a different picture.

While some individuals with a deviated septum never experience symptoms, I wasn’t one of the fortunate ones.

Breathing through my nose has always been a challenge. My left nostril feels perpetually blocked, forcing me to rely heavily on mouth breathing. This condition also leads to frequent nosebleeds, likely due to the airflow imbalance that dries out and irritates my nasal passages.

Adding to these woes are the migraines, a result of pressure building within my sinuses, and the sinus infections, which are perhaps the most troublesome. These infections bring with them facial pain, pressure, and thick mucus, often leaving me bedridden for extended periods.

Charlotte was diagnosed with a deviated septum at the age of 15

At the same appointment, I was also diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. In simple terms, my nose is blocked more often than not. And when I catch a cold, things escalate quickly – more inflammation, more pressure, worse headaches and overwhelming fatigue. It’s not unusual for me to feel ill for a couple of weeks, often needing antibiotics to clear it.

Safe to say, my nose and I have always had a difficult relationship.

At one point, surgery was on the table. A septoplasty – a procedure to straighten the septum – would have taken around 30 to 45 minutes and left no visible scars. At 15, I wasn’t thrilled about the idea, but I agreed to it. Then, unexpectedly, my ENT changed course.

Instead of surgery, I was prescribed a corticosteroid nasal spray. Then another. And another.

These sprays are designed for long-term use. They reduce inflammation gradually and are often prescribed for chronic sinus issues, allergies or structural problems like mine. They don’t provide instant relief, and importantly, they aren’t addictive.

For a while, they worked brilliantly. I could breathe through both nostrils again, my migraines improved and I had fewer sinus infections. But when I stopped using them, everything came back. That’s when I turned to over-the-counter decongestant sprays like Otrivine and Sudafed.

Steroid sprays can offer long-term relief, while decongestants are faster-acting – but addictive

Unlike steroid sprays, these offer relief almost instantly. ‘They work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining, which quickly relieves blockage,’ explains Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor. ‘However, if they are used beyond the recommended short duration, they can actually worsen the original congestion.’

The relief is immediate – and that’s where the problem starts. Used for more than a few days, they can actually make congestion worse. Your nose begins to rely on them, leaving you feeling even more blocked up without them.

‘With repeated use, the blood vessels in the nose begin to adapt and rely on the medication to remain constricted,’ says Dr Wylie. ‘When the effect wears off, the nasal passages can feel even more blocked than before, prompting further use just to breathe comfortably.’

That’s exactly what happened to me. I became dependent on that instant relief. I carried a spray everywhere and used it far more often than was recommended by the manufacturer. It felt harmless at the time – just a quick fix to help me breathe.

‘This cycle can feel difficult to break, which is why many people describe it as an ‘addiction’,’ Dr Wylie adds, ‘even though it lacks the psychological craving seen with true substance dependence.’

Looking back, I can see I was caught in that cycle. Eventually, I quit cold turkey. I don’t remember it clearly, but my nose felt more blocked for a while after I stopped – a temporary rebound rather than anything more serious. 

Now the only spray Charlotte uses is a simple salt-water solution, such as Stérimar

‘If someone feels they have become reliant, it’s important not to panic,’ says Dr Wylie. ‘Stopping suddenly may make symptoms feel worse at first, so it can help to seek advice from a pharmacist or GP about gradually reducing use.’

Now, the only spray I use is a simple salt-water solution, like Stérimar, when my sinusitis is particularly bad. My left nostril is still blocked, and I’ve almost forgotten what it feels like to breathe completely freely – but at least I’m no longer relying on medicated sprays.

‘Supportive options such as saline rinses or steroid nasal sprays can help the nasal lining recover,’ Dr Wylie explains. ‘Unlike decongestant sprays, these do not cause rebound effects and are commonly recommended once the decongestant is discontinued.’

Breaking the cycle, she says, takes patience. ‘For many people, it can take a couple of weeks. Symptoms may feel frustrating, but avoiding repeated return to the decongestant is key,’ she says. ‘If congestion continues, or there are additional symptoms like facial pain, loss of smell or frequent infections, it’s sensible to see a GP.’

For me, that cycle is firmly in the past – but it’s a habit that crept up quietly, disguised as a quick fix. And one I wish I’d understood sooner.

Many celebrations and holidays dedicated to César Chavez, the late leader of the farmworker labor movement, are undergoing significant changes. These adjustments come in response to allegations of sexual abuse against Chavez, which reportedly occurred during his leadership of the United Farm Workers Union.

Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor rights activist, recently disclosed that she was among the individuals who claim to have been abused by Chavez, who passed away over 30 years ago.

The allegations have sparked a quick response, including from the United Farm Workers, which has decided not to participate in any events bearing the name of its former leader.

States and cities are canceling or renaming holidays

Previously, several states had designated a day around March 31, Chavez’s birthday, as an annual holiday. In 2014, President Barack Obama further solidified this by proclaiming March 31 as César Chavez Day.

In a significant development on Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to rename César Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day. This legislative change garnered bipartisan support earlier in the day from the state Senate.

Minnesota lawmakers took similar action Thursday, sending a bill to Gov. Tim Walz that would strip Cesar Chavez Day from the state’s calendar.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that his state would not observe the holiday this year, and he directed all state agency heads to comply with the change. Abbott also said he would work with legislators to remove the holiday from state law.

Lawmakers in Colorado are considering a bill to rename the voluntary state holiday there to Farm Workers Day. Denver renamed its annual celebration “Si Se Puede Day” while removing a bust of Chavez from a city park. Grand Junction, Colorado, officials renamed an event there the “Si, Se Puede Celebration.”

“Sí, Se Puede” translates into the farmworkers movement’s rallying cry — Yes We Can.

The César Chavez Peace and Justice Committee of Denver canceled a celebration set for April 11.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office said the state won’t recognize Cesar Chavez Day, instead focusing on Dolores Huerta Day on April 10, her birthday.

Utah recognizes Cesar Chavez Day, but the state’s legislative session ended at the start of March, before the sexual abuse allegations came to light. Eliminating or renaming the holiday would require a change to state law.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has declined to recognize March 31 as César Chavez Day as she has in the two prior years, Hobbs’ spokesperson Liliana Soto said last week. While it is not a state holiday, some Arizona municipalities recognize it, closing schools or government offices. Officials in Phoenix voted unanimously Wednesday to rename the city holiday Farmworkers Day.

Events are being canceled across the US

The city of Lansing, Michigan, canceled its Legacy of César Chavez Dinner on March 25. The featured speaker was to be Chavez granddaughter Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who was campaign manager for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024.

“We remain committed to honoring the Latino community, and the service, dignity, and rights of farmworkers. We will be working on further events and celebrations in the future,” the city said.

The city of Milwaukee also canceled its annual celebration.

The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council in Arizona postponed an annual César E. Chavez Community Breakfast, with plans to reschedule it to focus on the contributions and achievements of Hispanic residents in the county.

The city of Tucson, Arizona renamed its annual celebration the “Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair.”

San Jose, the largest city in Northern California, is canceling its César Chavez celebration, the mayor announced on March 18. Matt Mahan said the city would identify ways to honor the legacy of the farmworker movement without celebrating “individuals who caused such profound harm to the community.”

The Hispanic Advocates and Business Leaders of Austin, Texas, announced that an annual march honoring Chavez set for March 28 would no longer take place. Several Austin city leaders also announced that they support the renaming of César Chavez Street.

Officials at the AFL-CIO said the allegations came as a shock and that the federation of unions would not participate or endorse any activities for César Chavez Day.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with any victims of assault and abuse who have described experiencing what no one — especially children — should ever have to survive,” AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler and secretary-treasurer Fred Redmond said in a statement. “No legacy can excuse it.”

The organization continues to support farmworkers and said the rights they have won “cannot be erased by the horrific actions of one person.”

Calls for name changes

are increasing

Dozens of schools, streets and other locations across the United States are named for Chavez, including the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.

Dennis Arguelles, the director of the National Parks Conservation Association in Southern California, said renaming the national monument would require an act of Congress. He said the site should continue to honor the farmworker movement and leaders who fought for dignity, better working conditions and fair wages.

The Los Angeles Unified school board on Tuesday approved plans to rename schools and to recognize Farmworkers Day on March 31 rather than César Chavez Day. The Los Angeles County Board of Commissioners approved similar plans.

The Lubbock Democratic Party in Texas on Wednesday called on city leaders to rename César Chavez Drive to honor Dolores Huerta.

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee City Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa said discussions will begin soon on what to do about a street named after Chavez.

Portland, Oregon, city councilor Candace Avalos said she would start a petition to rename a city boulevard after Huerta. City rules require 2,500 signatures to start a renaming effort, Avalos wrote on social media, urging her constituents to stay tuned for ways to help with the effort.

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, issued a statement Wednesday saying abuse of any kind, especially against children, is indefensible and a betrayal of the values that Latino leaders have championed for generations.

A legendary actress, who is part of Hollywood’s longest-married couple, was recently seen out and about in Los Angeles, marking a rare public appearance.

Now at the age of 96, she was just 18 when she married her well-known husband back in 1951. The couple is gearing up to celebrate an impressive milestone—75 years of marriage—in June.

Their on-screen chemistry was as captivating as their real-life romance, with the pair famously portraying a married couple in several productions, most notably in the series “Boy Meets World.”

Fans might recognize this actress from her roles in “Little House on the Prairie,” “Twins,” “Shiloh,” “Sleeping with the Devil,” and “Better Call Saul.” Her talent also earned her two Emmy Awards for her performance in “St. Elsewhere.”

On Wednesday, she was spotted enjoying some personal time while running errands around Los Angeles.

Can you guess who this icon is?

Can you guess the identity of this screen legend, who is one half of the oldest living married couple in Hollywood?

If you guessed Bonnie Bartlett, you are correct!

This Hollywood legend was spotted running errands seemingly by herself in Los Angeles.

Clad in a white button down, taupe trousers, with a bag slung across her body, this star opted for something light and casual for her spring day outing. 

Bartlett did not appear to be joined by her husband, William Daniels, a famous actor who played her spouse on three different projects. 

The couple wed on June 30, 1951, and played one another’s spouses on Boy Meets World and St Elsewhere. 

Those were just several of many titles she worked on, which included roles in Home Improvement, Parks and Recreation, Grey’s Anatomy, Touched by an Angel, and more.

She last played Helen on Better Call Saul in 2017 and does not appear to have acted in anything since. 

Bartlett has been married to actor Daniels since 1951 and together they have three children and four grandchildren. 

But fans of the incredibly solid couple may be surprised to learn they had an open marriage during their early years together, but that she had to call the arrangement off because she couldn’t handle it.

Bartlett, whose husband William Daniels played the teacher George Feeny in the 90s sitcom, said their arrangement wasn’t uncommon at the time and that they knew many others who had open marriages.

The actress married William, 98, in 1951 and they have been together ever since. But Bartlett told Fox News Digital in 2023 it wasn’t always smooth sailing, saying the open marriage was ‘very painful’ and that she eventually had to tell William they had to find a new arrangement.

Bartlett married Daniels when she was just 18 years old and had never dated anybody else.

If you guessed Bonnie Bartlett, you are correct!

This screen legend has been married to her famous husband for 74 years

Bartlett won two Emmys for her role in St. Elsewhere – pictured 1986

Bartlett’s accomplished career includes roles in Better Call Saul

‘I guess it was a little bit of an open marriage at first, but that was very painful,’ she told Fox. ‘That didn’t work well. And it was a time when people were doing that.’

‘It was at a time in New York when there was a lot of sex and a lot of people doing all kinds of things, you know – very free.’

‘But I don’t know if there was a lack of commitment a little bit, and that’s not good. So there was a lot of pain connected with any transgression, with any extramarital thing.’

The star’s revelation came as she published her memoir, Middle of the Rainbow, which she said is intended to serve as a ‘history of women’s experiences.’ 

In her memoir, Bartlett wrote about how she looked for a ‘kinder and gentler man’ than William to see during the early days of their marriage.

Bartlett and her husband William Daniels have played one another’s spouses in three different projects

Perhaps you saw Bartlett play Grace Snider on Little House on the Prairie 

The Hollywood golden couple have three children together and four grandchildren

Bartlett with her co-stars on a 1975 episode of Little House on the Prairie 

She described having ‘an affair that lasted a few months’ in 1959. Bartlett said it was with a ‘slightly boring actor,’ but added that ‘the sex was good.’

‘I never felt guilty because I never felt tied to fidelity, and neither did Bill,’ she said.

Bartlett wrote that in the early 1970s William began seeing a producer, and that the relationship ‘devastated’ her.

After that experience, she said she ‘could no longer tolerate any kind of open marriage.’

Bartlett wrote that she thought their marriage was ‘doomed’ after that affair.

‘Bill and I have moved forward day-by-day and eventually, the days added up,’ she wrote. ‘We’ve been happy together and sad together, and somehow stayed together for seven decades.’

‘It was very painful for the both of us,’ the actress shared. ‘But it was something we had to go through because we never went through it. When we got together I was 18. Bill was my first boyfriend,’ she said. ‘We just had to go through all that and still, we loved each other very much and always have.

‘[We] have always been there for each other. That’s what matters – if you’re there for the person and help [them] along in a relationship, [have] respect for them and what they’re doing and being there for them. [You have to] be together on the other side.’

A Long Island woman is missing and may be in peril after unexpectedly leaping from a moving vehicle and fleeing last week, according to her family.

Brittany Kritis-Garip, 32, was captured on surveillance cameras in Oyster Bay around 8 p.m. on Friday, shortly before her disappearance was reported, as detailed by News 12 Long Island.

Her husband, Fernando Garip, described her as being in a state of distress. She reportedly exited the car while it was still in motion, discarded her phone in a bush, and ran away.

This was the last sighting of Kritis-Garip by her family. Fernando Garip shared with Patch that volunteers have been diligently searching through wooded, rural, and suburban areas in hopes of locating her.

That was the last time her family saw her. Garip told Patch that volunteers have searched wooded areas, as well as rural and suburban areas. 

Niko Kritis, told Patch that his sister was “vulnerable” and asked that residents check their properties for spaces where someone could seek shelter. 

“Those small, careful actions could be what brings Brittany home,” he said. “We believe Brittany may be trying to isolate or avoid contact, and it’s possible she could be sheltering in secluded or hidden areas.”

Brittany Kritis-Garip, 32, jumped out of a vehicle and ran on foot, her loved ones said. (GoFundMe)

He also asked homeowners to check their security cameras.

“We believe she was disoriented and frightened, and may think she is in danger,” search organizer Sarah Castor wrote on an online crowdfunding page. “She is not dangerous — she needs help.”

Volunteers have searched a one-mile stretch of shoreline near Oyster Bay Harbor after Kritis-Garip’s wallet was discovered on a road leading down to the water, Castor wrote on Facebook Wednesday.

“Brittany is an incredible, kind person and any efforts are appreciated by all who know her,” she wrote. 

Brittany Kritis-Garip was still missing as of Thursday, authorities said. (GoFundMe)

The Nassau County Police Department has used its helicopter and drones several times since Friday as part of the ongoing search.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Fernando Garip.

Kritis-Garip is described as a White woman with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds.

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