Free Republic

Anna Kooiman reported this morning on new concerns over electronic cigarettes after kids were poisoned by drinking the liquid nicotine that comes with the devices. Teens have reportedly been drinking the nicotine on purpose in some instances, mixing it with energy drinks to get a quick high. […] Just one teaspoon of the liquid nicotine is the equivalent of three packs of cigarettes. In addition, dogs are also at risk if they get a hold of one of the devices and chew on it. …

Most sexually active teenage girls know relatively little about sexually transmitted diseases until it is too late, according to new research. In a survey of 300 adolescent girls in the Pittsburgh area, Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that girls who reported having been diagnosed with an STD knew more about that particular disease than other girls, but did not know more about the other diseases. The findings are published in the January edition of the Journal of Adolescent Health. On average, with the exception of HIV/AIDS, the teens did not know many basic facts about STDs, said Julie Downs, lead...

A student-created memorial honoring Niagara Falls High School sophomore Anthony “Tony” Sheard is causing some stir in the community. Sheard was shot and killed Wednesday night while allegedly trying to rob a pizza delivery man in the 1300 block of Pierce Ave. While police have linked him to gang activity in the past, friends, family and school officials remember a different side of Sheard. Flowers litter the floor around Sheard’s locker located on the fourth floor of Niagara Falls High School. The locker is covered with photographs of Sheard, letters and posters. Messages include “Rest In Peace” and “We Love...