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The Breakdown: Teenager “Infatuated” With Columbine Shootings Found Dead

Heads up: our headline story is a bit difficult to read, especially for those who may be triggered by gun violence or suicide.

Getty Images: Ross Taylor / Stringer

The Breakdown is DoSomething's current events newsletter, where you can read the news and change the news. Want headlines and action in your inbox? Subscribe to The Breakdown.

The One Big Thing

High School Student “Infatuated” With Columbine Shootings Found Dead

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Colorado schools closed following an alert that a Florida high school student obsessed with the Columbine shootings had flown to Colorado and bought a gun. By the end of the day, the student was discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. This disturbing story comes on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the Columbine shootings on Saturday. Twenty years after the massacre, school shootings are on the rise, while students continue to be influenced by Columbine and those who carried out the shootings. With all that said, here’s one reason to remain hopeful: Since the youth-led movement following the Parkland shootings in February 2018, 67 new gun control measures have been passed across 26 states. When young people act, things get done.

TAKE ACTION

Take a quiz to learn about the gun laws in your state and how you can advocate for change.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Game of Thrones Star Sophie Turner Opens Up About Mental Health

With Game of Thrones returning this past Sunday for its final season, actress Sophie Turner opened up about her experiences with depression. "The biggest challenge is just for me getting out of bed and getting out of the house and learning to love yourself," the 23-year-old said. With 1 in 5 people in the US experiencing mental illness, celebrities using their platforms to talk about mental health is a huge step forward for reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.

TAKE ACTION

Post a surprise positive message to boost others’ self-esteem.

The Good News Is...

After Being Burned Down, Three Black Churches Raise Over $1.9 Million

After three historically Black churches in Louisiana were burned down earlier this month, a GoFundMe page has raised over $1.9 million in the past week to begin rebuilding. “The loss of these churches is devastating,” says community leader Dr. William C. Schumaker, “But we will come together as a family and help these churches rebuild. Those impacted by these losses deserve our compassion and our support.” As supporters donated a reported $950 million to the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral prominent figures from Hillary Clinton to former NFL player Benjamin Watson encouraged people to also point their generosity towards the Louisiana churches.

TAKE ACTION

Show support for the St. Landry Parish churches by encouraging others to donate to the GoFundMe page.

That's What She Said

“I started the conversation on Joe Biden — stop twisting my words and start talking about consent.”

-Former Nevada assemblywoman Lucy Flores on how the conversation about Joe Biden’s inappropriate touching has gotten off track. Flores, along with six other women, called attention to Biden’s behavior earlier last month.

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t more people talking about… how as a result of President Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, the Naval Academy will begin banning transgender students in 2020?

Meanwhile, in India... election workers traveled 300 miles over four days to set up a polling booth...for one voter! Election rules state that no citizen should travel more than two kilometers to cast their ballot.

My hero today is… Kailyn Carkhuff, 13, whose quick thinking saved the lives of seven people from a house fire.

I’m obsessed with… Guava Island. Donald Glover and Rihanna’s musical film premiered at Coachella last week, and it’s an awesome combo of visually and sonically appealing. If you’re taking it easy this weekend, be sure to check it out!

Talk Back

Aaaaand here are your survey results. Looks like we’re pumped to hear what other readers are up to in their local communities! (Full disclosure: Tej and I were really hoping you would be!) Here are just a few of the incredible things you’re all up to:

“I started the school's QSA [Queer-Straight Alliance] and we hosted a Break The Silence event last Friday, April 12th.” -Cal, 15, Utah

“I began to develop ways to improve young children’s living conditions by speaking with parents and organizing parents’ time at the local daycare centers.” -Meia, 22, Mississippi

“I currently serve as founder and president of my school’s Girl Up club, a group promoting the ideals of girls’ education, activism, gender equality, and female empowerment.” -Gabriella, 14, New Mexico

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