Stories by Medill School of Journalism

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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 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.