On Northwestern’s campus, men are addressing their role in sexual violence

By Chris Schulz Medill Reports The topic of sexual assault and misconduct is nothing new, but  conversations among men about the role they can play in prevention is. For generations, masculine sexual aggression has been dismissed as “boys will be boys” or locker room talk. Now that society is demanding accountability where sexual violence or […]

San Juan outreach program supports local homeless community

A man sits alone on a closed restaurant’s patio at 11 p.m.

By Chris Schulz Medill Reports SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – It’s just before 8 p.m. when we arrive at Iniciativa Comunitaria in the Rio Piedras neighborhood of San Juan. Every Friday night, Iniciativa conducts Operación Compasión, a nighttime round to serve the local homeless population by providing food, coffee, juice, condoms, clothes, hygiene kits and […]

Rodriguez wins 22nd Ward seat in decisive victory

Michael Rodriguez addresses supporters on election night.

By Chris Schulz Medill Reports Democrat Michael Rodriguez won the 22nd Ward aldermanic seat Tuesday, with 63.9 percent of the vote, defeating three other candidates. Rodriguez succeeds longtime Alderman Ricardo Muñoz. After representing the 22nd ward for 25 years, Muñoz announced in July that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Rodriguez’s candidacy. Rodriguez also […]

Chicago Chill – Temperature drop empties streets as students and commuters stay home

Chris Schulz Medill Reports January 30, 2019, marked one of the coldest days in Chicago’s history, with an early morning low of -23 degrees and a frigid high of -10. Schools, businesses, and public attractions all closed their doors against the dangerous cold, encouraging everyone to stay indoors. Downtown Chicago, devoid of its characteristic bustle, […]

Misdemeanor court tackles fast-paced flow of cases

Open door shows interior of empty courtroom

By Chris Schulz Medill Reports Cook County Circuit Court Judge Robert Kuzas considered 88 misdemeanor cases over the course of two hours at a recent 9 a.m. hearing. That is considered a moderately slow session in Branch 43, as the county’s misdemeanor court at 3150 W. Flournoy St. is known. Two more sessions filled that […]

Volunteers and survivors of sexual assault help other survivors

The door to Resilience offices, showing the organization's logo.

By Chris Schulz Medill Reports Medical advocates always hope they will not receive this notification during their shift. Even though they have trained for the scenario, are certified by the state to respond and have volunteered their time for this exact reason, it is still heartbreaking. The notification means that someone, somewhere in a hospital […]