Y-Press: Teens and Illegal Guns

Y-Press - Teens and Illegal Guns, Part 4 - Solutions

The problem of gun violence among teens and young adults isn't exclusive to Indianapolis. But it turns out that the way the city is tackling the problem is unique. Y-Press reporters spoke with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Detective Leonard Nelson about a new coalition between police and community groups. Andy Yang, age 17, has the story.

Y-Press - Teens and Illegal Guns, Part 3 - Attitudes

To become a ward of the state at Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, a teenage boy has to commit a serious crime - like shoot someone or carry a handgun multiple times. But no matter what the crime or the duration of the sentence, the Indiana Department of Corrections must release him by the time he turns 21. Priya Mirmira, age 15, spoke with 18-year-old inmates who were serving time for gun charges. She learned about their attitudes toward guns, how they used them, and whether doing time at Pendleton had changed their perspectives.

Y-Press - Teens and Illegal Guns, Part 2 - Access

In a 2009 survey by the CDC, nearly 1500 Indiana high school students said they had carried a gun for at least one day during the previous 30 days. Y-Press journalist Andy Yang, age 17, visited the maximum-security Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility for males to figure out just how easy it is for teens to obtain guns.

Y-Press - Teens and Illegal Guns, Part 1 - Overview

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, homicides committed by young people, ages 12 through 17, peaked nationwide in the 1990s. In Indiana, over 300 teenagers committed murder in that decade, and three quarters of them used a gun. In the last decade, only about 130 Indiana murders were committed by teens, but 79 percent of those involved a firearm. Homicide is only a small part of the story, as Y-Press journalists learned when they set out to report on teens and illegal gun use in Indianapolis. Peter Shirley, age 18, has this report written by Carmela Verderame.

Y-Press: Diversity in Indianapolis

Y-Press - Diversity in Indianapolis - Diversity in Schools

Radio Arte's Adriana Velaquez and Y-Press produce Ali Tahir reports on the ways Indiana's schools are finding new ways to embrace and educate a diverse student population.

Y-Press - Diversity in Indianapolis - Integration and Assimilation

17-year-old Y-Press journalist Pete reports on the tensions between parents and kids as immigrant families try to integrating into American society and culture.

Y-Press - Diversity in Indianapolis - Burmese Youth Refugees

Twelve-year old Allison reports on Burmese youth refugees as they maneuver their way through the American education system.

Y-Press: Gender - Images, Stereotypes, Identity

Y-Press - Overview: Gender and Youth

Y-Press 17-year-old journalist Tommaso Verderame talks with several experts on contemporary gender issues.

Y-Press - Gender Images in the Media

An Annenberg School for Communications 2006 study revealed that of 5,000 movie and TV speaking parts 71 percent were males and only 21 percent were females. According to the Geena David Institute on Gender in the Media that ratio hasn't changed in the past 20 years. Y-Press 13-year-old journalist Shanze Tahir reports on the status of gender images.

Y-Press - Girl on an all boy football team, oh my!

In the 40 years since Title IX was enacted girls' participation in high school and college sports has risen over 900 percent. Y-Press radio producer, Grace Moh,18, talks with one middle school student and her teammates about having a female on an all-boy football team.

Y-Press - Transgender Youth

A recent New York Times article suggested that 2010 might be known as the year of the transsexual. The story identified many gender-bending images that appeared in the media during 2010. Y-Press 16-year-old radio producer Shayan Ahmad reports on life as transgender teen for two Indianapolis teens.

Y-Press: Teens and Media

Y-Press - Media Multi-Tasking

Today’s younger generation, which some are calling Generation M, are able to access different forms of media simultaneously, packing 10 hours of media use into just 7 hours of time (you can blame – or credit – smart phones and increased access to the Internet for such multi-tasking). 18-year-old Y-Press reporter Min Qiao explores this topic.

Y-Press - Future of Media and Technology

According to Wikipedia a digital native "is a person who was born after the general implementation of digital technology, and, as a result, has a familiarity with digital technology such as computers, the Internet, mobile phones and MP3s over their whole lives." 18-year old Jessika Office reports on how some of these young people are using media and technology to learn.

Y-Press - Overview: Teens and Media

A recent Nielsen survey argues that understanding how teens use media is critical for economics, civic, cultural and social advancements. This week Y-Press reporter 15-year-old Hrishi Deshpande reports on several different types of media and how young people are using them or not using them.

Y-Press - Teens and TV

According to Nielsen the average American youth watches about 28 hours a week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year. Y-Press reporter 17- year-old Grace Bronson looks at TV and its influence on minority youth.

Y-Press - Teens and the Internet

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, teens are finding they have more access to the internet especially through mobile devices. 15-year-old reporter Ali Tahir finds other interesting facts about who’s using the internet and what they are doing online.

Y-Press: Youth Health Care

Immigrant Access to Health Care

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, both documented and undocumented immigrants disproportionately lack health coverage and receive fewer health services. Immigrant kids are more likely to be uninsured and often resort to emergency care. 18-year-old Min Qiao, an immigrant herself, reports on the barriers immigrants face in America's health care system.

Paige Rawl: A Peer Sex Educator

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every four sexually active teenagers will contract a sexually transmitted disease. The Indiana Department of Health says the Hoosier state has seen a rise in sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea especially among teens. Fifteen-year-old Paige Rawl is a peer sex educator talks about how she's trying to make a difference among her peers.

School Based Health Clinics

School-based health clinics are one healthcare solution for kids who are economically disadvantaged or uninsured. During the past several years Indiana has seen a slight increase in the number of school-based health clinics. 17-year-old Y-Press journalist Grace Bronson reports on how school-based health clinics are affecting students at one Westside middle school.

Youth Health Care Overview

It's not news that about 10 percent of the Americas workforce is unemployed. But Thirteen-year-old Priya Mirmira reports on how unemployment can also mean no more health benefits for families.

Y-Press: Paris

Gangs

Last year French President Nicolas Sarkozy passed a law making it illegal to be part of a gang. Though the law is unclear about what exactly a gang is, membership is punishable with either a three-year prison sentence or $60,000 fine. Paris, like Indianapolis, has problems with gang activity. Y-Press journalist Nick Greven reports on the differences and similarities of the two cities as they deal with gangs.

Affirmative Action

Y-Press journalist Julie Kippenbrock reports on how realistic it might be for France to adopt an affirmative action like policy.

Discrimination

The United States has a long history of racial tension and discrimination; similarly France has its won issues with racial tension. Y-Press journalist Joi Officer speaks with several Paris youth about the discrimination they face.

Immigrants

Y-Press journalists Grace Moh reports on immigrant and second-generation youth in Indianapolis and Paris and finds they have many of the same concerns in their quest for a better life.

Bondy Blog

Y-Press journalist Beverly Jenkins profiles a youth-run online news organization based in Paris suburbs. These immigrant reporters cover all aspects of the Paris suburbs, often considered an under-reported area.

Y-Press: Youth and Economics

Teen Entrepreneurs

The most recent Index of Entrepreneurial Activity study says an average of 320 Americans out of 100,000 forms a business each month. Fifteen-year-old Vincent Demyan, reports on the future for teen entrepreneurs.

Are Teens Leaving the Mall?

According to a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education 53 percent of teens say they are spending less because of the current economic condition. Fourteen-year-old Hrishi Deshpande, talks with fellow Y-Press journalists about how their spending has changed over the past year.

Stock Market Kills One Teen's College Fund

According to the College Board and Art and Science Group over 40 percent of students said that the economic crisis will change their college choices. Jessika Officer, a 17-year-old, reports on the effect the stock market crash had on one local teen.

Youth and Economy

Michelle Hu, talks with several working teens about their thoughts on money, working and participants in Junior Achievement's summer financial literacy camp.

Y-Press: Youth and Police Relationships

Adel Marte

As a member of the Latino Collective, Adel Marte, a 19-year-old Latino student, hears family and friends candidly discuss relationships and encounters with Indianapolis police. Adel attends Ivy Tech. His involvement with the Collective, a local organization that helps young Latinos engage in community development grassroots organizing and talk openly about young people's issues. Y-Press journalist Katie Bolinger attended a Friday group meeting on the city's Westside and met Adel there.

Sergeant James Johnson and Officer Jose Navarro

Quinn Andrews talks with two police officers - one at the onset, the other at the end of their careers. Sergeant James Johnson is a recently retired officer who served on the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police department for 32 years; Officer Jose Navarro has just completed his first year. Quinn talks with these two officers about their job in law enforcement and their perception of young people.

The OK Program

Sergeant Timothy Knight is the director of the OK Program, run by six fulltime police officers and serving over 200 male teenagers on Indianapolis's Eastside. Several teens and Sergeant Knight talk about how the organization helps educate, support and build character in young black males between the ages of 12 -18.

Myron Burr

For 18-year-old Myron Burr, who recently graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School, relationships with police are about attitude. A member of 100 Black Men, he shares his views about young black youth and relationships with the police with Y-Press journalist Keenen Brannon.

Youth and Police Relationships

In this series, five Y-Press journalists explore the relationships between minority youth and the police in the Indianapolis area. Over the last several months, the team interviewed teens involved with 100 Black Men, the Latino Collective and teens participating in the four-year-old Our Kids (OK) program. In addition, local police officers told of us about the issue from their vantage point.

Y-Press: Teen Pregnancy

Jessica

Over 20 percent of teens who have a child will pregnant again within a year. Indiana teens are no exception, 18- year old Jessica Monroe and her fiance are currently awaiting the arrival of their second child. While she attends during the day and her fiance works night allowing them to work out childcare. Y-Press reporter, Laura Mangan talks with Jessica about her plans for the future.

Ashely

It is not a common choice for pregnant teens to give their child up for adoption. Only about 3 percent of all teens choose adoption. This week Y-Press talks with local youth about teen pregnancy and their experiences. Y-Press reporter, Warren Stokes talks with an Indianapolis teen about making the choice to give your child up for adoption.

Reshawn

Teen pregnancy affects more the just the young mothers, teen fathers also play a large role. Y-Press reporter seventeen year old Nick Greven talks with a one young person about his life as father.

Brittany

This year about 750,000 teenagers will become pregnant. According to The Centers for Disease Control teen pregnancy has risen three percent in 2005- 2006. But these young people are more then just statistics. Y-Press talks with local youth about teen pregnancy and their experiences. Y-Press reporter, Pratik Cherian talks with an Indianapolis teen about what being a young mom really means.

A Rise in Teen Pregnancy

For the first time in 14 years teen pregnancy is on the rise. Some members of Y-Press noticed this trend in celebrity headlines, their school and in the community. The Centers for Disease Control reports that during 2005 to 2006 teen pregnancy rose three percent. Y-Press talks with local and national organizations about this raising statistic.

Y-Press: 2008 Democratic National Convention: A Youth Perspective

Greening of the DNC

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper announced the 2008 Democratic National Convention was "going to be the greenest in history." In this report, Y-Press explores the challenges of making the convention environmentally-friendly.

A Day in the Life of the Youngest Democratic Super Delegate

At 21, Jason Rae is the youngest super delegate. Having interviewed him in 2004 when he was a guest of the Wisconsin delegation,Y-Press spent the day to find out what a typical day at the convention and how youth are helping to influence this year's Democratic party values.

What is the most pressing youth issue?

A team of Y-Press reporters interviewed youth at the 2008 Democratic National Convention about what they see as the most important and pressing youth issues. Reporters talked with youth from around the country to get their perspective on the future.

Y-Press: 2008 Republican National Convention: A Youth Perspective

Conservatives Young and Old Give Their Opinion on Gov. Sarah Palin From Alaska.

Y-Press reporters talked with conference attendees about Sen. McCain's VP pick. Interviewees included former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, young people attending the GOP youth conference and Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas.

Karin Agness: Young Republican Profile

Karin Agness, a young Republican, started a conservative organization for college females. Started in 2004, Network of Enlightened Women, now has chapters on over 10 college campuses. Agness attended the September GOP convention as an Indiana alternate delegate's aide.

Does the Republican Party Appeal to Young People?

Y-Press went to the 2008 Republican National Convention to report youth issues and youth voices at the convention. While in St. Paul, Minnesota, reporters talked with young people about their thoughts on the Republican's party appeal to young people.

Y-Press: Peru Amateur Circus - A Indiana Treasure

Terran Cooper

Terran Cooper has a history with the circus - 49 years of history. Her grandmother was instrumental in getting Peru's amateur circus off the ground. Following in her family's footsteps the 17-year-old performs a variety of acts including rolla bolla, tumbling and high wire. She reveals why she keeps coming back to the circus summer after summer.

Cameron Cooper

Eighteen-year-old Cameron Cooper has been involved in the Peru amateur circus for most of his life - 13 years to be exact. Beginning as a kiddie clown, this summer he uses his muscles for catching, throwing and spotting other performers.

Brittany Vincent

Brittany Vincent, 15, has spent her last three summer at the circus. She talks about her most difficult act and the circus's positive impact on her life. Not originally from Indiana, Brittany says when she came to visit the state her family would always go the circus. Glad to finally be living in Peru she can now perform with the circus she used to watch.

Brooklyn Wood

Brooklyn Wood, a Peru amateur circus member, says she loves to perform and has no of fear of dangling 30 feet in the air on a trapeze bar. While circus performing is a family trademark, when she's away from the big top the 10-year old's many other interests include four wheeling and hunting small game.

Ringmaster Bruce Embrey

In July, Y-Press young journalists interviewed ringmaster Bruce Embrey, a former juvenile judge and 28-year veteran volunteer at Peru's amateur circus. With a front row seat to extraordinary performances, Ringmaster Embrey considers himself lucky to witness these young circus performers.

Y-Press: Street Performing

No Respect for a Street Performer

After spending the day playing her flute on the street sixteen year old Katie Stergar finds out street performing as easy as it looks.

Playing Music and Remembering Grandma

A group of Y-Press journalists spent a day last fall playing music as street performers in Fountain Square on the east side of Indianapolis. While playing 16 year old Becky Buchanan -Schwanke was reminded of her grandmother and their special relationship that grew out music.

Street Music

Y-Press interviewed world-famous violinist Joshua Bell and listened as he performed at Indiana University with pianist Jeremy Denk. When growing up in Bloomington, renowned violinist Josef Gingold was Bell's teacher and mentor. Now 40, Bell became a nationally-known musician when he was only 14. Vincent Demyan, a 14 year old himself, reports for Y-Press about Josh Bell's street performing experience.

Y-Press on the Clinton/Obama Campaign Trails

Clinton/Obama reporter notebook: Just one question

Y-Press has been involved in political reporting since 1992 when it attended its first political conventions. Scoring some "big" interviews in the past, this year it is a different story. Working since October and submitting multiple requests, Obama's campaign schedulers just couldn't find time in his hectic schedule. Jordan shares the struggle of the quest and the pay off when finally asking one question.

Obama reporter notebook: domestic violence

Each year about 3 million women suffer abuse form a husband or boyfriend. Oftentimes this is a silent problem, but Sarah has witnessed firsthand while volunteering at local domestic violence shelter. Sarah reflects on Sen. Barack Obama comments on this "quiet crisis," and hopes he can keep attention focused.

Obama reporter notebook: gas prices

It's the day most teenagers cannot wait to finally arrive -- getting a driver's license and hitting the road. With gas prices on the rise, however, the American rite of passage is now bittersweet. Sixteen-year- old Paul Winston wonders if Sen. Barack Obama can do anything about the pain at the pump.

Clinton reporter notebook: Clinton's cool factor

With organizations like Rock the Vote and high profile presidential candidates, it seems politics may be on the verge of becoming "cool." Sen. Barack Obama has a lot of appeal with youth today---- he's energetic, hip and has a strong message of hope. Fifteen-year-old Millie Cripe takes a closer look at Sen. Hillary Clinton and decides that she's a different type cool.

Clinton reporter notebook: Immigrant youth

Becky Mangan talks about the challenges illegal immigrant youth face to obtain a college education and Clinton's support for the DREAM act. Becky has a personal connection to immigration since her mom came the US as immigrant many years ago.

Y-Press on McCain's Campaign Trail

Young Republicans on McCain

Y-Press reporters Quinn Andrews and Max Gabovitch interview Justin Kingsolver, 18 and Barrett Tenbarge, 17, both young McCain supporters about the appeal of the Republican party and McCain to youth. Both will be eligible to vote in November's election.

McCain on Health and Fitness

Fourteen-year-old Max Gabovitch reacts to Senator McCain's position on health care and its relevance to young people.

McCain on Social Security

Hrishi Deshpande is a 12-year-old concerned about the future social security for his generation. He asks McCain for some straight talk about Social Security, however thought the answer fell a little short.

Campaign Style

Fourteen-year-old Quinn Andrews shares his impression of John McCain's campaign style.

McCain Town-Hall Meeting

Fourteen-year-old Pratik Cherian sets the scene for McCain's town hall meeting and press conference and shares his impressions of his first experience asking a question at the crowded press conference.

Y-Press Goes to Court

A talk with Judge Marilyn Moores

Y-Press editor Jeannette Graven interviews Judge Marilyn Moores head of the Marion County Juvenile courts. They talk about her philosophy as a judge and Moores thoughts on what brings kids into the system and what sees was as success.

Court room role models

After spending a day in the juvenile court system Reginetta, a 14-year-old, desire to become a criminal lawyer was reinforced. She found some role models in the juvenile justice system as well as people she didn't think cared for their work. She feels she can help kids by being compassionate and firm.

Troubled teens need consequences not chores

16-year-old Beverly Jenkins, always thought that actual court cases were what you might see on an episode of Law and Order. But after spending a day at the Marion County Juvenile Court system, she gained an understanding of what actually happens.

A time to grow

For Jordan Gaither a 16-year-old, the hearings that he witnessed were more than mere crimes and punishments. While there he recalled the influences in his life that ensured that he wasn't the one being sentenced; and ultimately concluded that these kids didn't have that type of support.

A look into one families legal battle

To Jonathan Gainer, a 15-year-old, a courtroom a subsequent legal process became more than just a mere room and taking time to file papers. In the case of a 14-year-old and his family, that room brought out the best and the worst of them.

Y-Press reports on Benin, Africa

Familiarity in Benin

While visiting Benin Y-Press journalist Zoe Hayes was struck by the familiarity of the surroundings and the questions she was asked by Beninese youth.

Grace

Grace a Beninese woman runs an organization that creates products out of found materials and sells them at shops around the world. Y-Press journalist Chris Reissaus talks to Grace and then shares his feelings in a commentary.

Marketplace

Y-Press journalist Jessika Officer visits the largest market in Benin, Africa. She shares some of her thoughts on bustling commerce.

Open Road

Experiencing another culture can help you see even mundane aspects of your own life in a new light. Y-press journalist Elisabeth Randall.

Sprit of Giving

After personal conversations with young people from Benin, Y-Press journalist Keisha Mitchell, had unexpected revelations about the country.

The Gate of No Return

Jonathan Gainer Y-Press journalist visited The "Gate of No Return," constructed in 1992 by the Republic of Benin as a symbol of the slave trade. He comments on the atmosphere of the moments and some feelings it evoked.

Y-Press: Extraordinary Experiences

Back Problems

Stephen Miller faces up to what could be a serious and painful medical condition.

Family Trip

Pratik Cherian embarks on a long car trip with his family, and finds that it really does bring them closer together.

Dance Fever

Millie Cripe finds out just how hard it is to be a professional dancer.

Security vs. Privacy

Michal McDowell ends up at London's Gatwick Airport during this summer's terrorist threats.

Ski racing

Jake Thornburgh goes to Oregon and learns about ski racing. The sport is harder than it looks.

Summer at the retreat

Cindy Mangan spends time at a retreat and gains some insight about her future.

Climbing the mountain

Ben Dorson climbs Mount Rainer for himself and for his father, who didn't make it to the top.

Working at Taco Bell

Andy Goldblatt spends the summer at the fast food restaurant and finds out what what the working world is all about.

Faith and Belief in India

Chelsea Berryman travels to India and learns about faith and tolerance. She lives with her missionary parents in Mozambique. Read by Allison Gardiner