Give Youth Immigrants Due Process
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved legislation that prohibits city officials from alerting federal immigration authorities when an illegal immigrant under the age of 18 is arrested on felony charges. Adrienne, 16, argues that deporting young people before they are proven guilty of a crime eliminates their right to due process.
Back to School in a Recession
From overcrowded classrooms to long lines at financial aid offices, high unemployment and government budget problems impact students everywhere. In this Youth Radio production, young people discuss how the recession is affecting their education.
Wakefield High Senior Class President Introduces President Obama
Timothy Spicer
Students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia had an unusual back-to-school assembly when President Barack Obama arrived on campus to deliver a speech on the importance of education. Timothy Spicer, 17, of Arlington, Virginia was chosen to introduce President Obama before his speech. He talks to NewsHour Extra about his experience.
President Obama Sends a Valuable Message to Students in Education Speech
Michael Sloan
Students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia had an unusual back-to-school assembly when President Barack Obama arrived on campus to deliver a speech on the importance of education. Michael was there covering the story for his school's paper.
Students Interested in the Military Cite Rising College Costs, Tough Economy
Tammy Chan
According to military officials, the number of young people interested in the military has increased for the first time in five years, thanks in part to the tough economy. Tammy, 16, is from New York City, and talks to students at her school who are thinking about enlisting.
Youth Radio's Austin on Creative Budget Solutions for California Schools
Austin Derubira
This summer, school administrators in districts across the country will have to face some tough budget decisions. Along with determining how many teachers to lay off and whether to shorten the school year, many will have to decide which programs get cut. Youth Radio’s Austin De Rubira reports on the unusual way Oakland’s school district is adapting its science program to tough economic times. This story was produced by Youth Radio.
Peter Argues For Free Expression Rights for Unpopular Ideas
Peter Breighner
Peter, 18, a recent graduate of Harbor Springs High School in Harbor Springs, Michigan, thinks that his school should allow students to display the Confederate flag in the school parking lot, despite the fact that it is an unpopular symbol that many people associate with racism.
Closing Gitmo is the Right Thing to Do
Adrienne
Adrienne of San Francisco, California, weighs in on the controversy over President Obama's plan to close the Guantanamo Bay military detention center and send some detainees to American prisons. She argues that closing the prison is a crucial part of restoring America's credibility with the rest of the world.
California Students Brave Tough Economic Times
Arianna Perez
Student reporter Arianna Perez, 17, is from Stockton, California. She interviews four students from her high school who are coping with financial difficulties along with their families.
Jordan Says Gitmo Prisoners Should Go to Her Montana Hometown
Jordan Minnick
Jordan Minnick of Hardin, Montana, explains her town's request to hold the terrorism suspects from the soon-to-be-closed military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jordan thinks transfering the prisoners to Hardin would create jobs.
Youth Radio's King Anyi on Obama's First 100 Days
King Anyi Howell
Youth Radio correspondent, King Anyi Howell, looks at how President Obama has dealt with the various issues that are important to young Americans -- from health care to education -- during his first 100 days as president.
College Goals Change Everything
Zebedee Williams
Zebedee Williams is a 19-year-old Senior at Roosevelt High School in south St Louis. Originally from the neighborhood around Roosevelt, his mother moved in with his grandmother to help make ends meet. Zebedee decided it was worth the 90-minute bus ride across town to attend Roosevelt, after it transformed from being one of the worst schools in the area to one of the better public high schools. He's accepted into two colleges now and is hoping for more scholarships to help make it more affordable. This is an excerpt from a NewsHour interview.
Eliana Notices Economic Changes in St. Louis
Eliana Parnas
Eliana, a sophomore at Ladue High School in St. Louis, shares her thoughts on the city of St. Louis, President Obama's election and how the recession is affecting her hometown.
Elliot Talks About Moving to a St. Louis Magnet School
Elliot Kleiman
Elliot is a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School in St. Louis. He talks about moving from a school in the suburbs to a magnet school in the inner city. He also discusses how students at his school felt about the election of President Barack Obama.
Kyriah Opens Up About De Facto Segregation in St. Louis
Kyriah Shannon
Kyriah, 17, loves her hometown for its diversity but she regrets that the city has remained so segregated. Kyriah also discusses families facing the housing crisis and the election of President Obama.
Jordan Shares His Thoughts on Race, Economy in St. Louis
Jordan Williams
Jordan, 16, is a student at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis. He has noticed underlying racial divisions in St. Louis and discusses President Obama's first 100 days in office.
Winnie Discusses Life in the Suburbs of St. Louis
Winnie Hawker
Winnie, 17, is a junior at Webster Groves High School in Rock Hill, Missouri. She talks about how students from the suburbs rarely travel into the city of St. Louis.
Littleton, Colorado Student Discusses How Columbine Shootings Changed Her Town
Erin Bilir
On April 20, 1999, teenagers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed twelve students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado. Youth Radio correspondent Erin Bilir grew up in Littleton, Colorado and remembers the day of the shootings and how it changed everything for kids in the town.
Student Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence
Markeyla
In Feburary 2009, pop singers and couple Chris Brown and Rihanna were allegedly involved in an altercation during which Brown is accused of hitting Rihanna and threatening her life. Markeyla used the incident to argue that domestic violence is a serious issue that her peers might overlook.
Iraq War Hits Home for Students and Families
Kyle and Tessa
The U.S. will begin another year of armed conflict in Iraq this March. Kyle and Tessa, of Michigan, interviewed two students and a teacher with family members currently serving in the military.
Student Interviews Economist and Local Businesses about Recession
Hannah
Hannah, of Littleton High School in Colorado, interviewed community members and an economist about the nation's economic problems.
Stimulus Bill Another Bogus Bailout
Chris
Chris, of Matthews, N.C., argues that the stimulus package is a waste of taxpayer money, and will do little to help the nation's struggling economy.
Student Reports on Effects of Economy
Alejandra
Alejandra talked to students and teacher about where they think the economy is headed and what it means for their daily lives.
Student Supports Her Parents' Right to Marry
Adrienne
Adrienne, of San Francisco, writes that same-sex couples like her parents should be allowed to get married.
Obama Inauguration Should Inspire Hard Work and New Achievements
Maya
Maya, from Atlanta, Ga., traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in inaugural events in January. She writes that Americans should follow President Obama's example and continue to work to improve society.
Student Explores Local Economic Changes
Nicole
Nicole, a senior from Ridge Community High School in Davenport, Florida, talked to the owners of a car dealership, realty company and restaurant to gauge how the economic decline is impacting her area.
Students Prepare for Changes as Economy Slows
Camille
Camille, from Michigan, writes that the economic downturn is making students think twice about their spending and could have far-reaching consequences for her community.
President-elect Faces Tough Road Ahead
Alexander
Alexander writes that President-elect Barack Obama has to repair the United States' place in the world, and that he should start by focusing on immigration, closing Guantanamo Bay and reinstilling respect for the law.
The Long Road to Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Kelsey Sejkora
Kelsey interviewed Ming Chen, a new U.S. citizen, about his journey from his home country of China and building a life in the United States.
Video
Your Vote: Students Reflect on the Election
and Voting
Video Your Vote is a joint project between
the NewsHour and YouTube to document the experiences
of voters across the country and collect voter
opinions on the 2008 election. Students across
the country submitted videos documenting the
voting process and talking about its importance.
Election Spurs Students to Become Politically
Active
Hayley
Hayley, from Colorado, interviewed students
about their involvement in the 2008 elections
and how they are supporting candidates, even
if they can't vote.
Attack
Ads Distract from the Issues
Myles
IMyles writes that negative campaign ads take
attention away from the important issues.
He spoke with other students about how they
perceive these ads.
Students
Rate Presidential Candidates' Final Debate
Josh and Robert
ITop National Forensic League debaters Josh
Zoffer and Robert Kindman discuss the candidates'
strategies and rhetoric in the third presidential
debate.
Criticism
of Flip-Flops Not Valid
Miriam
IMiriam writes that no person is completely
consistent in their stance on a particular
issue and that candidates should not feel
insecure when they change their minds on a
topic.
Second
Presidential Debate Leaves Many Unanswered
Questions
Tess
Tess argues that both Obama and McCain failed
to support their points with real facts, making
it difficult for voters to draw any substantive
conclusions from the debate.
McCain,
Obama Play it Safe, with One Month Left
Emily
Emily writes that neither Obama nor McCain
used the second presidential debate as an
opportunity to show real leadership and vision
on the economy and other pressing issues.
Obama Scores a Win in Second Debate
Becca
Becca writes that confidence and focus helped
Senator Obama carry the second debate, despite
complications from the town-hall style format.
Palin
and Biden Make Appeals to Average Voters
Evan
IEvan writes that Sen. Biden and Gov. Sarah
Palin used different techniques in the vice-presidential
debate to connect with the American people
and show they know the concerns of an average
family.
Student
Debaters Give VP Debate Play-by-Play
Jeff and Robert
In a video, debaters Josh Zoffer and Robert
Kindman's break down the vice-presidential
debate issue by issue and assess the candidates'
performances and strong points.
Palin
Holds Her Own Against Biden in VP Debate
Ross
Ross Gordon writes that Sen. Biden adeptly
tied Sen. McCain to unpopular current policies,
but that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin performed
well despite some vague answers and deflected
questions.
Gov.
Palin Misses the Credibility Mark in VP Debate
Michael
Michael writes that in the first, and only,
vice presidential debate, Alaska Gov. Sarah
Palin failed to prove she would be a qualified
leader.
Candidates
Show Their True Colors at the Debate
Will
Will writes that the first debate between
Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain
was too close to call, but revealed plenty
about the candidates' different dispositions
and how they want voters to perceive them.
Obama
Holds Ground in Debate, but McCain Still First
on Foreign Policy
Alex
Alex writes that McCain had a slight edge
in the first presidential debate, but that
both candidates
performed well enough to prevent any negative
effects on their campaigns.
Presidential
Race Puts Focus on Big Issues
Atige
Atige writes about some of the controversial
issues in the presidential race and speaks
to students about their views.
McCain
Deserves A Look, Too
Nia
Nia writes that young African-Americans should
listen to both candidates before making a
decision about who they will support.
VP
Pick Sarah Palin is a True Alaskan
Tyler
Tyler, a native Alaskan, writes about his
support for Gov. Sarah Palin, and the misconceptions
about Alaska.
Children's
PressLine Reporters Cover the Democratic and
Republican National Conventions
Throughout the conventions, held from August
25 to September 4, Children's Pressline reporters
were on the ground in Denver and Minneapolis
covering issues important to young people.
Small
Changes Can Help Curb Climate Change
Arielle
Arielle describes some of the ways climate
change is already affecting the United States
and her home state, and suggests some ways
for students to improve their carbon footprints.
Students
Weigh Military Schools as Alternative
Elizabeth
Military academies and colleges are attracting
student looking to serve in the military and
avoid paying tuition. Elizabeth interviewed
students at her high school in San Jose, Calif.,
about the pros and cons of the military schools.
Could
Obama and Clinton Be the Golden Ticket?
Namrata
With Sen. Barack Obama now the presumptive
Democratic nominee attention has turned to
who he will pick as his running mate. Namrata
writes about the benefits and obstacles for
a potential Obama-Clinton ticket.
Latina
Student Embraces New and Old Traditions
Jalisa
Jalisa interviewed Katy Hernandez, a Latina
student who moved to the United States from
Mexico ten years ago and now attends Concord
High School. Katy talked about what life was
like in Mexico and how she has balanced the
two countries' cultures.
Myanmar
Cyclone Hits Close to Home for Refugees
Bebe
Bebe was raised in a refugee camp on the border
of Thailand and Myanmar. She talked to NewsHour
Extra about the cyclone in Myanmar and her
own experience coming to the United States.
Road to Nomination Goes through Pennsylvania
Julia
Julia spoke with students at her high school
in Bloomsburg, Pa., about the election issues
that concern them most, and who they are supporting
in the state's primary, an important contest
in the close race between Senator Hillary
Clinton and Senator Barack Obama.
Pope
Benedict Makes First U.S. Visit
Young Catholics from across the country are
flocking to Washington and New York to see
Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to the
country as the pope. Students attending his
April 17 mass at the Washington Nationals
ball park talked to NewsHour Extra about what
they hope to hear.
Digital
Dissection is a Promising Alternative
Heather
Heather writes about the ecological consequences
of dissecting frogs and other animals in the
classroom. Digital dissection computer programs
could replace the traditional version, she
argues.
Student
EMT Gains Real-World Experience
Esha
Esha, a trained secondary emergency medical
technician, writes about the experience of
helping a depressed teen on one of her first
nights on the job.
Online
Predators Target Vulnerable Teens
Keisha
Being a teenager can be an emotionally difficult
time, writes Keisha, making teens easy targets
for online predators. New laws are making
it easier to catch predators earlier.
The
Illusion of a Clean Future with Ethanol
Will
Ethanol produced from corn is hailed by some
as a fix-all fuel. Will writes that ethanol
doesn't live up to the hype.
Rallying Student Support for Obama in Ohio
Joshua
Joshua has been volunteering with the Barack
Obama campaign in Ohio for 9 months, organizing
students and talking to voters. He talks about
his experiences and why he feels so passionate
about this election.
Texas
Volunteer Hopes for Clinton Comeback
Griffin
Griffin is a volunteer in the Dallas Clinton
offices. He reflects on the media coverage
of the campaigns and how students in his school
are taking sides.
Obama
Volunteers Flood into Texas
Emily
A new Obama volunteer in Austin, Texas, reports
on the positive energy at the campaign office
and how out-of-state volunteers are working
to get Texas Democrats to the polls.
Campaigning
for Clinton in Ohio
Lonnie
Lonnie, voting this year in his first presidential
election, talks about volunteering for Senator
Hillary Clinton in the weeks before the crucial
Ohio primary.
The
Upside of Down Syndrome
Sydney
Sydney writes about the joys, and occasional
frustrations, of life with her brother Aaron,
who was born with Down syndrome.
Prolonged
Writers Strike Means Lost Fans
Meghan
The writers strike has gone on for too long,
Meghan writes, and has been handled badly
by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers.
Struggling with Obesity and Self Image
Shakura
With obesity at epidemic levels in the United
States, Shakura writes about how being overweight
has affected her and her social life.
Partisan Politics Hurts Progress
Michael
Michael argues that the Democratic Congress
has failed to live up to its promises of real
reforms.
Protest Over MLK Statue Goes Against King's
Dream
Avi
Avi writes that the nationality or race of
the artist sculpting the MLK memorial shouldn't
matter, in keeping with King's message of
equality for all.
Black-on-Black Violence Needs a Community
Solution
Jamari
Jamari Caldwell writes that black-on-black
violence is destroying communities and that
ordinary citizens need to help.
Iraqi
Refugee Split Between Very Different Worlds
Omer
Omer Kassim, 17, is an Iraqi refugee living
in Cleveland, Ohio. He was recently granted
asylum to stay in the country, but longs for
home as well.
California
Family Hopeful After Losing Home
The Wilson Family lost their home in the recent
California wildfires. In this audio slideshow,
they share their experiences and hopes for
the future.
California
Wildfires Force Evacuations
Michelle
Sophomore Michelle Boccia talks to NewsHour
Extra about evacuating her home in northeastern
San Diego because of wildfires spreading through
the area.
The
Internal Battle of Depression
Caroline
Caroline Schepker, a 19-year-old college student,
talks to NewsHour Extra about learning to
understand and manage depression.
The
Armenian Genocide Resolution is a Danger to
US Troops
Erika
Erika Martin writes that Congress will endanger
US troops' lives if the Armenian Genocide
resolution is passed.
Congress
Must Pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution
Kim
Junior Kim Kinden argues that the Armenian
Genocide resolution would give overdue acknowledgment
to the victims of a tragic event.
Diluting
the Meaning of Torture
Beverly
Beverly Congdon writes that reporters and
politicians calling harsh, but humane, interrogation
techniques torture is dangerous.
Questioning
Romney on Faith Reinforces Intolerance
Heather
Heather Doyle, a Mormon high school senior,
describes how Mitt Romney's presidential campaign
has affected her life, and caused unfair scrutiny
of her religion.
Vick
Dog Fighting Case Exposes Cruel Sport
Rachel
Rachel Weaver, 16, argues dog fighting is
a serious, inhumane crime and that Michael
Vick should be punished accordingly.
Jena
Six Case Shows Race Bias in the Justice System,
and Media
Lisa
Senior Lisa Vinson writes that the Jena six
were treated unfairly, while their white peers
escaped punishment for a hate crime.
Americans
Should Look to Adopt British Health Care Model
Elizabeth
Following a trip to England with her family,
Elizabeth DeSimone thinks that the United
States should adopt a system in which all
Americans are guaranteed free health care.
Bonds'
Record Not Tarnished by Scandal
Kevin
Junior Kevin Whitaker argues that Barry Bonds'
home run record should be remembered as a
feat in a new era of baseball.
Lack
of Financial Literacy Hurts Students
Brison
Senior Brison Harvey argues that high schools
need to prepare students for big financial
decisions through required financial literacy
education
Darfur
Crisis Tests US Superpower Status
Shannon
Rising 11th grader Shannon Mason argues that
the United States needs to ramp up its action
in Darfur to prevent the loss of innocent
lives.
Reflections
on Blacksburg and Virginia Tech
Dana
Dana Al-Qadi, 17, grew up in Blacksburg, Va.,
where a mass shooting left 33 dead on April
16, 2007. Dana reflects on her hometown and
the victims she knew.
The
Need for More Troops in Iraq
Beverly
Editorial writer Beverly Congdon, 17, argues
that Congress is overstepping its authority
in opposing President Bush's plan to send
more troops to Iraq.
Banning
Teens from Nightclubs Won't Stop Violence
Mayar
As Washington, DC considers legislation that
would ban underage patrons from nightclubs
following the death of a 17-year-old girl,
Maya Gibson-Reinemer argues that keeping teens
out of venues with live music will not stop
the violence.
US
Military Strategies Ignore Iraqi Girls' Rights
Natalia
As the president requests more troops for
the Iraq war, teen Natalia Thompson criticizes
the lack of attention on the waning freedoms
of Iraqi
Being
Young and HIV Positive in America
Brett
At the age of 16, Brett's life changed forever
when he tested positive for HIV. Now an 18-year-old
college freshman in North Carolina, he is
battling the stigma of the virus every day.
Former
Congressional Page Reflects on Experience
Laura
As a scandal involving explicit messages sent
by a congressman to a former page saturates
the news, former page Laura Meixell describes
her Capitol Hill experience.
New
Michigan Graduation Requirements Shortchange
Many Students
Nick
Nick Thomas, a 17-year-old reporter with 8-18
Media, thinks new, more rigorous Michigan
high school graduation requirements could
negatively affect a variety of students.
Sept.
11 Remains a Reminder of Heroism
Andrew
Andrew LaCombe, a 16-year-old reporter with
8-18 Media, remembers the Sept. 11 attacks
and reflects on the lingering impacts of that
day.
Politicians
Should Involve Youth in Decision Making
Chelsea
Chelsea Parrish, a 14-year-old Michigan student
and 8-18 Media reporter, wants politicians
to recognize the value of youth input.
Making
an 'Exit'
Jazmine
A California judge says they don't have to,
but Youth Radio reporter Jazmine Livingston
thinks high school students should have to
pass the state's exit exam before they can
graduate.
Cruzando
la Frontera
Maria
Maria, a Youth Radio correspondent, is a student
and an illegal immigrant. She tells the story
of her harrowing trip from Mexico to the US
in a poem.
Is
Convenience Worth the Cost to the Environment?
Yoko
A student from Japan launches a campaign to
raise awareness about the effects of disposable
chopsticks on the environment.
Black
Market for ADD Drugs Thrives on Campus
Michelle
Youth Radio reporter Michelle Jarboe tells
how Ritalin has become the drug of choice
among students eager for better grades or
a better buzz.
Media
Coverage of the Sago Mine Tragedy Raises Many
Questions
Lindsay
A student from West Virginia criticizes the
media's coverage of a mining accident in her
state as sensationalist.
Hurricane
Katrina and the End of Life as I Knew it
Paige
Seventeen-year old Paige DiMacco fled her
home, friends and all she knew in River Ridge,
Louisiana to escape Hurricane Katrina.
Teen
Hurricane Survivors Tell Their Stories
After escaping their flooded homes in Louisiana,
two New Orleans teens describe their experiences
and share their hopes for the future.
Soldier's
Death Brings War Home
June
The war in Iraq suddenly came home for a student
with the death of a soldier who graduated
from her school.
