Archive

National

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Texas Boy Commits Suicide After Being Bullied, 10/3/09, Star-Telegram, New York Post (NYP)

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Hunter Layland, a 15-year-old boy from Cleburne, Texas, committed suicide last Wednesday to escape from a life of constant bullying, according to family and friends. His funeral was held this Saturday. r.i.p.

Chicago Lost Bid to Host 2012 Olympics, 10/2/09, USA Today

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Chicago (along with heavy hitters President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah) was campaigning to host the 2012 Olympics last week. They lost that bid when they were eliminated in the first round. The 2010 games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Arlington Teen Wins Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, 10/02/09, NYP

Jamara Hogan, a 17-year-old member of  the Arlington (Texas) Boys and Girls Club is a good student and active in her community- volunteering about 1500 hours of community service. She was recently awarded the Youth of the Year Award, which comes with both a cash prize and a renewable scholarship. Inspiring little video.

No Sex in the Tufts Dorm Room (While Your Roomie is There), 10/1/09, Associated Press

Tufts University (located in Massachusetts) has instituted a new policy regulating sex in the dorm rooms- you can do it, just not while your roommate is there. seriously.

Woman (Allegedly) Locked Teen Son in Closet for Years, 09/30/09, NYP

An Oklahoma City-woman who was arrested and charged with severely abusing and neglecting her 14-year-old son. The details are disturbing, including the fact that the woman previously served (very little) time for starving her 2-year-old daughter to death in the Bronx. smh. Where is the justice?

Teen Beaten to Death in Chicago, 09/28/09, New York Daily News (NYDN)

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A group of teens were caught on cell phone video beating another teen to death near a school. The victim, 16-year-old  Derrion Albert, allegedly was beaten for refusing to join a gang. smh. Four teens have been charged in his murder. The Chicago Tribune has a photo gallery of the funeral.

Four Teens Sued Over Fake Facebook Profile, 09/28/09, Arstechnica.com

Four teens created a fake fb profile for one of their classmates “representing him as a sexually obscene racist,” they added friends, posted real photos, and his real contact info. They are now being sued by the real teen’s mother for the damage it caused her son.

National Dating Seminars Combat Teen Violence, 09/28/09, NPR

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Dating violence is a huge problem among teens and in high schools. So, a new program is being tested in some middle and high schools across the country to try to educated young people.

Teen Reality Show Stars Get Paid…A lot, 09/28/09, The Daily Beast

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This article reveals the salaries of teen stars of the MTV reality shows The Hills and Laguna Beach.