The Breakdown: 121 Days, 107 Mass Shootings

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The One Big Thing

Another Mass Shooting, This Time at UNC’s Charlotte Campus

In the wake of a deadly shooting at a San Diego synagogue on Saturday, news broke just three days later that a shooting by a former student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has left two dead and four injured. While the motive of the shooter is still unknown, we do know that Riley Howell, 21, who was one of the victims, is being hailed as a hero after sacrificing his life while tackling the shooter. Police say his bravery prevented others from losing their lives. Today is the 121st day of 2019 and there have now been 107 mass shootings this year. It’s a horrifying statistic, but we have the power to change it. Since the youth-led movement following the Parkland shootings in February 2018, 67 new gun control measures have been passed across 26 states. Let’s step up and demand more action from our legislators.

(Pop) Culture Shock

The Obamas Announce Their Slate of 7 Upcoming Netflix Shows And Movies

Almost a year after the former first couple announced their multi-year partnership with Netflix, Barack and Michelle Obama have finally told us about the stories they plan to tell. The content will be released at different points over the next few years and covers a variety of genres, including documentaries, dramas, and even a cleverly-named show for preschoolers called Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents. Former President Obama said in a statement that he believes “these productions won’t just entertain, but will educate, connect, and inspire us all."

The Good News Is...

US Lawmakers Introduce Sex Ed Bills Meant to Fight White House’s Abstinence-Only Plans

Earlier this week, Democratic lawmakers introduced two bills that would mandate comprehensive and inclusive sexual education programs across the country. According to a 2018 study, 98% of Americans believe that sex ed is important, though implementation of these programs has been lacking. In addition, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating existing programs in favor of abstinence-only programs. These types of programs are “heteronormative, it doesn’t acknowledge and refuses to acknowledge LGBTQ identities,” according to sexual health advocate Christine Soyong Harley. Instead, she says, the goal of the new bills is “sex education that meets the needs of all young people.”

That's What He Said

“I stand before my family, friends and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God.”

-BYU grad Matt Easton, coming out in front of 10,000 people during his valedictorian speech. Brigham Young University’s honor code prohibits “homosexual behavior.”

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t more people talking about… how a 16-year-old unaccompanied migrant boy died while in US custody?

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom… the country became the first in the world to declare a climate emergency, as lawmakers say they intend to cut emissions to “nearly zero” by 2050.

My heroes today are… Gaia Parisi and Matilde Rizzo. The two Italian teens attended an anti-LGBTQ+ leader’s rally and photobombed him with a same-sex kiss, proving that there are many ways to fight hate.

I’m obsessed with… ANOTHER DOSOMETHING DOG! This adorable pup named Bowie belongs to our COO, Soraya, and is more famous than most of us will ever be.