Obama talks bipartisanship and empathy as he presses case for Supreme Court nominee

Text by Anna Boisseau and Enrica Nicoli Aldini Photo and video by Brendan Hickey Barack Obama’s homecoming at the University of Chicago on April 7, where he taught for 11 years, was more than just a return to his roots in constitutional law. The president’s remarks echoed early campaign promises to bring together both sides […]

Local communists have no faith in coming elections

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini It is International Women’s Day, and Revolutionary Communist Party supporters are gathered at Revolution Books, a small volunteer-run bookstore in Noble Square, to discuss the “rampant degradation of women” and share the belief that no social change is ever achieved by traditional politics. As volunteers pass around a basket asking for […]

Clinton dominates Super Tuesday, gets closer to nomination

By Anna Boisseau (audio) Brendan Hickey (photos) Enrica Nicoli Aldini (text) The atmosphere was upbeat, drinks were pouring and “Hill, yes!” chants filled the dining rooms during a Super Tuesday watch party at Old Crow Smokehouse in River North. As the results rolled in, Hillary Clinton supporters celebrated a large victory for the former secretary […]

Health care organizations push increased access to birth control in Illinois

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini Oregon made birth control available for purchase directly at a pharmacy without obtaining a doctor’s prescription last January. California will do the same in March. And now, health care organizations in Illinois are working with state legislators to increase access to birth control methods without additional costs, possibly making it available […]

Chicago men stand up for women’s reproductive freedom

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini They will never experience an unintended pregnancy or seek an abortion or confront the hurdles often associated with the choice to do so. However, a group of politically-engaged men in Chicago believe they have a lot to say and do in the fight for women’s rights. They are coming together with […]

“I’m with her”: pro-choice organizations say they are pro-Clinton

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Democratic primary race has tightened between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, some pro-choice organizations nationally have announced their endorsement of the former secretary of state based on her “excellent record” in support of women’s rights, and the likelihood that she would expand on that were […]

Writer discusses social justice aspects of abortion rights

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini Nearly one in three American women has had an abortion. Of these, 45 percent have had more than one. Thus, chances are that more often than not, whether in an elevator, a diner or a bar, anyone might be in the presence of at least one woman who has had an […]

Can Ted Cruz, political professional, outwit Donald Trump?

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini DES MOINES, Iowa – Ted Cruz’s victory in Iowa last week not only showed that the Texas senator’s evangelical base in Iowa is sizable, supportive and strong. It also positioned him as a staunchly conservative professional politician in a race against as real estate tycoon with  uncertain political leanings. In the […]

Contending with gender: pondering President Hillary Clinton

By Enrica Nicoli Aldini DES MOINES, Iowa – It easy to find Iowa women who believe gender should not be the deciding factor in choosing a presidential candidate. Harder to find are women who doubt that electing the country’s first female president would shape the future of the country. “Personally, I feel like gender is […]