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YR Media A national network of young journalists and artists creating content for this generation.
Special Series

YR Media

A national network of young journalists and artists creating content for this generation.

Wednesday

Oakland Awaits Verdict In Subway Shooting Trial

As part of NPR's continuing coverage of the Oscar Grant trial, Youth Radio brings us this audio postcard -- not from Los Angeles where the trial is happening, but from Oakland where the case began New Year's Day in 2009. That's when then-BART Transit officer Johannes Mehserle shot and killed an unarmed 22-year-old man. Last year, the city erupted with angry protests, some of them violent. And now that the officer's trial is nearing a close in Los Angeles, Youth Radio's Pendarvis Harshaw, an Oakland resident, traveled to three distinct spots throughout the city to ask how people are feeling about the case.

Oakland Awaits Verdict In Subway Shooting Trial

Listen · 3:59
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Friday

Do Looser Laws Make Pot More Popular? Not So Far
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The New Marijuana

Do Looser Laws Make Pot More Popular? Not So Far

Marijuana laws have been liberalized in more than a dozen states, and in California, medical marijuana dispensaries are common. But that doesn't mean pot use is on the rise. According to government data, Americans who admit to using pot have been at about 6 percent since 2002.

Do Looser Laws Make Pot More Popular? Not So Far

Listen · 5:47
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Friday

Opinion

Juveniles Need A Chance, Not Life In Prison

After pleading guilty to a carjacking at 16, author R. Dwayne Betts served nine years in an adult prison. He agrees with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision this week that juveniles can't serve life in prison without parole for lesser crimes. He says the promise of release is powerful.

Juveniles Need A Chance, Not Life In Prison

Listen · 3:16
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Monday

Opinion

In Coal Country, Another View On Mining

There was a national moment of silence on Monday to honor 29 miners in West Virginia who died last week, and the rescuers who tried to save them. Youth Radio's Willa Johnson lives in McRoberts, Ky., about four hours away from the Upper Big Branch mine, where the tragedy occurred. Johnson comes from a coal family, but now finds herself questioning the industry — and working against mining in her community.

In Coal Country, Another View On Mining

Listen · 2:54
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Friday

'Young Invincibles' On Life With Health Insurance

With the new health care law coming into effect, Youth Radio asked a number of young people about health issues they've neglected because they didn't have insurance.

'Young Invincibles' On Life With Health Insurance

Listen · 3:03
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Wednesday

Some Immigrants In Calif. Seek Mexico Health Care

In California, some Mexican-Americans are get their medical and dental care in Mexico, where it's much cheaper than in the U.S. And despite the new health care law, it's likely that many will continue to do so.

Some Immigrants In Calif. Seek Mexico Health Care

Listen · 3:21
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Wednesday

Opinion

Expectations From State Of The Union

Youth Radio's King Anyi Howell says he has more than hope for the president's first State of the Union address. He has expectations, big ones, for Wednesday's address.

Expectations From State Of The Union

Listen · 2:41
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Tuesday

Hopi Teens Worry About Loss Of Culture

For nearly 1,000 years, the Hopi people have lived on the same three mesas, land now considered part of northeastern Arizona. For all that time, they have been speaking the Hopi language, which is slowly dying. There are many hurdles standing in the way of preserving Hopi, including, for Hopi teens, the choice between preserving their culture and adopting a modern lifestyle.

Hopi Teens Worry About Loss Of Culture

Listen · 5:07
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Monday

Abuse Probe May Have Pushed Navy Sailor To Suicide

In early 2007, U.S. Navy sailor Jennifer Valdivia killed herself while she was under investigation for her role in brutal hazing at a base in Bahrain. Interviews and newly obtained documents suggest that Valdivia, who was also a victim of the abuse, feared she'd be the scapegoat for widespread transgressions.

Abuse Probe May Have Pushed Navy Sailor To Suicide

Listen · 5:44
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Thursday

Opinion

For Rural Adults, Health Care Is Wishful Thinking

Eastern Kentucky, where youth commentator Brittany Hunsaker lives, has the lowest life expectancy of any place in America. People in rural communities like hers face a widening mortality gap, with rural death rates significantly higher than urban rates. This is her story.

For Rural Adults, Health Care Is Wishful Thinking

Listen · 3:25
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Sunday

When Kids Stop Believing In Santa

A lot of kids believe that a jolly, fat, bearded man will soon be sliding down chimneys to bring presents to all the world's children in a single night. As they get older, the mystery and magic fades. For Youth Radio's Asha Richarson, the real mystery was why this happens, and when.

When Kids Stop Believing In Santa

Listen · 3:22
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Friday

Girls On Disney's First Black Princess

This weekend, Disney releases its first traditional animated feature in years. It also debuts the first black princess in the Disney pantheon, Tiana. Youth Radio went to a screening to ask young girls what they think about Tiana.

Girls On Disney's First Black Princess

Listen · 2:05
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Tuesday

Opinion

Is There Gold In Them There 'Grillz'?

Nineteen-year-old Mark Anthony Waters, of Oakland, Calif., discovered recently that all that glitters is not solid gold, especially when it comes to fitted, bedazzled tooth coverings known in hip-hop circles as "grillz."

Is There Gold In Them There 'Grillz'?

Listen · 5:01
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Monday

Students Find Danger Lurks To And From School

There are neighborhoods in America, where to be young is to be afraid. For many, the most dangerous part of their day is the journey to and from school. In some areas, the risks of gang fights, drive-by shootings and random violence are the price of an education. Youth Radio brings us the voices of teenagers who attend schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Students Find Danger Lurks To And From School

Listen · 2:44
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Friday

Opinion

Are Fans Impressed By Rappers' Criminal Cred?

Rapper Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, recently pleaded guilty to attempted gun possession, adding him to the long list of rappers with criminal records. Youth Radio dissects what goes into a rapper's resume.

Are Fans Impressed By Rappers' Criminal Cred?

Listen · 2:52
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