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Stories by Medill School of Journalism

From Health Care Struggles to Life After Prison, Stories From Argentina Mirror American Concerns

Students from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in early 2025. Once in Argentina, teams of reporters covered a wide array of issues facing Argentinians and found that many of the challenges in the South American country mirror those in the United States.

How a Father’s Loss Sparked a Law That’s Saving Lives Through Organ Donation in Argentina

In 2018, the Argentine government passed Justina’s law, effectively making every Argentinian over the age of 18 an organ donor unless they opt out. While much progress has been made, many in the country believe there is still work that needs to be done.

A Place at the Table: How a Buenos Aires Restaurant Transforms the Lives of Its Neurodivergent Employees

In Buenos Aires, one restaurant is transforming the lives of neurodivergent employees with a thoughtful system designed for inclusion.

Restaurant Run by Neurodivergent Staff in Buenos Aires Offers Inclusive Dining Experience

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, an innovative restaurant is changing lives and challenging perceptions. Alamesa is a high-end eatery that is almost entirely staffed by individuals with neurodivergence.

Argentina’s Cartoneros Struggle to Keep Recycling, and Their Careers, Alive

Amid economic hardship and social stigma, thousands of informal recyclers power Argentina’s waste system and fight for recognition, respect and survival.

From Waste to Worth: Buenos Aires Waste Pickers Help Keep Cities Clean and Families Fed

In the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, waste pickers are treating trash like treasure. The so-called cartoneros provide vital recycling services while earning a livelihood for their families.

At San Martin Prison, Rugby Helps Incarcerated Women Rebuild Their Lives

Meet the real women behind the new Disney Plus series ‘Meet the Spartans,’ inspired by a rugby team born inside the walls of San Martin Prison in Argentina. Their pioneering program known as Las Esparantas uses rugby to build community, confidence and a path away from reoffending.

Former Rugby Player Helps Incarcerated People in Argentina Find Community Through Sport

Professional rugby player Eduardo “Coco” Oderigo started a sports rehabilitation program for men in one of Buenos Aires’ most restrictive prisons. Now, almost two decades later, the program has expanded to include women.

Economic Reforms Trigger Medication Crisis for Argentina’s Retirees

After President Javier Milei’s sweeping deregulation decree, government health care support has dwindled, leaving millions of retirees dependent on nonprofits for access to vital prescriptions.

Retirees in Argentina Protest as Community Groups Fill the Gaps Amid Health Care Crisis

With deep cuts to public health programs under President Javier Milei, retirees face tough choices. Grassroots groups are stepping in to meet urgent needs.

Amid Widespread Poverty, Argentine School Wins Global Prize for Community Collaboration

Colegio María de Guadalupe, located outside Buenos Aires, is recognized for its efforts to uplift students through family involvement, job training and values-based education.

Karina’s Law Aims to Reduce Domestic Violence Gun Deaths. A Son Sees It as Part of His Mother’s Lasting Legacy

Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela Alvarez were shot and killed after an order of protection was issued. A new Illinois going into effect on Sunday requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from an alleged abuser’s home within 96 hours of a court-granted order of protection.

US Rep. Delia Ramirez Says She Will Continue to Push Back Against President Donald Trump’s Immigration Policies

During an interview in her Washington, D.C. office, Ramirez discussed the resistance to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies and her belief that Democrats need to more assertive in pushing back against his agenda.

Chicago Programs Aim to Provide Nontraditional Mental Health Care

Chicago residents struggling with mental health issues often encounter barriers to accessing traditional care like therapists or medication.

Restorative Justice Programs in Chicago Aim to Break Cycles of Recidivism

To reduce the number of formerly incarcerated citizens returning to prison, some communities are turning to restorative justice — a practice promoting accountability and healing for all parties affected by crime.

Community Organizations Work to Combat Chicago’s Food Insecurity Crisis, Grocery Deserts

With one in five Chicagoans facing food insecurity, residents are working to feed their own with grassroots efforts led by community nonprofits.

For Far South Side Residents, the Planned Red Line Extension Brings Both Worries and High Hopes

The CTA’s Red Line Extension project will create four new stops on the Far South Side. Residents in nearby communities harbor both concerns about how the project will play out and hope about how it could improve their communities.  

Project Aims to Reduce Wait Times for an Autism Diagnosis in Illinois: ‘Is There an Alternative Model?’

With $3 million in federal funding, researchers are studying how to expand the types of professionals who can issue a diagnosis. Currently in Illinois, only physicians and clinical psychologists can do so.

Pace Taxi Program Aids Chicagoans With Disabilities, But Advocates Say Systemic Issues Affect Access

For Chicago residents with disabilities, getting around the city can be more of a burden than a simple task. Users and advocates say the Pace Taxi Access Program is plagued by long wait times, verbally abusive drivers and unreliable rides.

Cook County Funds Purchase of Two Hotels in Effort to Provide Stable Housing, Necessary Supports

The hotels were originally used as temporary solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing advocates said the hotels are turning out to be significantly more effective than a traditional shelter approach.

With Private Housing in Uptown, Migrants Build Community While Learning to Navigate Life in New Country

Chicago’s 60-day shelter-stay limit has asylum seekers looking to find permanent housing in the area. A new privately funded apartment-style living arrangement has been in the works since October and could offer a solution.

West Chicago Residents Push Back Against Another Waste Facility That Would Process Trash From Wealthier and Whiter Suburbs

West Chicago is currently home to the only waste transfer facility in DuPage County. Now a second one is looking to open and residents are pushing back. 

More Chicago Families Turning to Private, Charter Schools as CPS Enrollment Declines

Chicago Public Schools has been working to combat declining enrollment and funding challenges — but a significant number of low-income families of color are leaving the district. Between 2019 and 2022, CPS lost nearly 37,000 students.

Chicago Organizations Look to Expand Mental Health Services, Diversify Available Therapists

Organizations across the city are working to provide more mental health services to Black and Latino Chicagoans. Part of that effort involves growing a more diverse pool of therapists.

In Cook County, Black Youth Make Up 70% of the Foster Care System. Advocates Say More Support is Needed After They Age Out.

In Cook County, Black youth account for more than 70% of the child welfare system. Meanwhile, Black residents make up only 23% of the county’s total population. As of February 2022, there are more than 4,000 Black children in foster care in Cook County.
 

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