National News (10/5/09-10/11/09)

Gay Rights March in D.C., 10/11/09, New York Times (NYT)

There’s a new president in office and new changes being made around the country. On Sunday, people took to the streets in D.C. to  rally for “equality across America,” specifically for the LGBTQ community.

Six-Year  Old Suspended, 10/11/09, NYT

A six-year-old Delaware boy was suspended from school because he took a “camping utensil that can serve as a knife, fork and spoon to school.” He was excited about joining Cub Scouts and the school saw it as a weapon. This also opened up a debate on zero-tolerance weapons policies at schools.

High School Dropouts More Likely to go to Jail, 10/8/09, NYT

A new study was released that revealed the consequences of dropping out of high school, including: jail, unemployment, low-paying jobs, struggling in general, and, JAIL. This is particularly bad news for many black men who are incarcerated at higher rates than anyone. smh…stay in school, kids!

Ellen Page Writing Comedy Series About Brooklyn for HBO, 10/8/09, New York Daily News

One of our fave “sassy” actresses, Ellen Page (of Juno and Whip It fame) is writing and producing a comdedy series for HBO. The show, “titled “Stitch N’ Bitch,” [is] about a pair of hipster girls from Williamsburg who move to Los Angeles to make it in the arts, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Brining Brooklyn to the big screen? I’m feeling that, in theory.

Tracing Michelle Obama’s Roots, 10/7/09, NYT

Someone thought it would be a good idea to trace First Lady Michelle Obama’s roots from slavery…It’s true that it’s important to know where you came from, but…seriously? Anyway, here it is if you’re interested.

Nationwide Ban on Texting While Driving?, 10/5/09, NY1

New York Senator Charles Schumer wants a nationwide ban in texting while driving. According to the article, “Schumer cites Department of Transportation statistics that show nearly 100 teenagers have died in the last five years in New York City and on Long Island in texting-related accidents.” Also, texting while driving is “already illegal in New Jersey; a ban in New York State takes effect November 1st.” Safety first, y’all.