Hate crimes bill heads to BAM’s desk

During the Bush administration, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the historic hate crime bill, dubbed the Matthew Shepard Act, that would outlaw hate crimes based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. But the legislation never made it to Bush’s desk because of his veto threat. On Thursday the bill got closer to finally passing after the Senate passed the groundbreaking legislation, readying it for Obama’s signature.

Obama has pledged to sign the measure, which was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill.

Latina teen suicide rate sparking concern

CNN's story on the issue begins with the story of twelve-year-old Francisca Abreu, who was so distraught she contemplated suicide. Her mother had no idea Francisca was in serious trouble until her school called. Such a disconnect between mothers and daughter is contributing to a alarming number of suicidal Latina teenagers.

The CDC says that one out of every seven Latina teens (14%) attempts suicide. That's almost double their white counterparts and 5% more than black girls.

1 In 7 girls get pregnant at public high school

A Chicago high school is bringing attention to the growing problem of teen pregnancy. Of the 800 girls at Robeson High School, 115 are either pregnant or already have kids! Officials say a variety of factors are to blame.

The school is a neighborhood schools, not one specifically for young mothers. And all of the pregnancies have happened, despite prevention talk.

The people closest to the situation say there's no simple explanation.

The deadly toll of young people and hate crimes

The recent trials of a group of high school football players from Pennsylvania, who faced various charges stemming from the death of a Mexican immigrant, has brought nationwide attention to hate crimes and young people.

A fight broke out between the group of young boys and Luis Ramirez, who died two days later from his extensive injuries. Witnesses reported the boys yelling racial slurs at Ramirez, and many in the town were left to wonder how these honor students and “good kids,” according to family and friends, were involved in such a brutal and deadly beating.

October 22: National Stuttering Day

Some people think that people who stutter are less intelligent or socially awkward. Neither is true. National Stuttering Day was set aside to clear up misconceptions like these and raise awareness about stuttering and the issues people who stutter face everyday.

Stuttering affects an estimated three million Americans, including some famous people you may know: Bruce Willis, Winston Churchill, Carly Simon, Joe Biden, and James Earl Jones. Celebrities like Nicholas Brenden and Emily Blunt have spoken out about the struggles they faced with stuttering.

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Do you like watching TV? Do you want to do something good too? Well, lucky for you, you can combine your love of your fave shows and take action to change the world too. Join TV’s hottest stars and Do Something in taking part in the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s iParticipate campaign.