Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex unions, requests shouldn't be matter of moral analysis

The Vatican issued a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis" to receive it.

Black Americans anticipate dealing with racism during a doctor’s visit, survey finds

A recent survey shows that nearly half of people of color who received health care services in the past three years said they had negative experiences with a health care provider.

Barbie doll honoring Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller, met with mixed emotions

The release of Mattel's Wilma Mankiller Barbie doll was met with mixed reactions as some members of the Cherokee nation also pointed out the Cherokee language on the box was wrong. One of the symbols used translated to "Chicken" and not "Cherokee."

Moscow gay bars raided by police after Supreme Court decision deeming LGBTQ+ movement 'extremist'

Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow Friday night, less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organization.

Black Pasadena Police officer files racial discrimination lawsuit against employer

Officer Taisyn Crutchfield filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the Pasadena Police Department. Her goal has always been to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the inner-city community.

US Army is overturning century-old convictions of 110 Black soldiers

In 1917, the Buffalo Soldiers, an all-Black Third Battalion in the U.S. Army U.S. Army's 24th Infantry Regiment, marched into Houston, where clashes erupted after racial provocations. Approximately 110 soldiers were later found guilty in the largest murder trial in U.S. history.

Nonprofit inspires Black boys to become lifelong readers

Research shows young Black boys are especially vulnerable when it comes to reading proficiency. A nonprofit organization has a mission to inspire them to become lifelong readers.

Book illustrates how Black culture drives language

That new word you just heard on social media is probably connected to something Black Americans have been saying for generations.

Chipotle faces federal lawsuit over allegations of religious harassment and retaliation

A federal agency has sued the restaurant chain Chipotle, accusing it of religious harassment and retaliation after a manager at a Kansas location forcibly removed an employee's hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

California kids could become 'wards of the state' under new gender affirmation rule, mom warns: 'Dangerous'

Parental rights advocates warn the policy could jeopardize parental custody rights because they disagree with the child's decision to identify with a gender that does not correspond with their biological sex.

California temporarily blocks Chino Valley Unified School District's transgender policy

A temporary restraining order was issued Wednesday against the Chino Valley Unified School District's mandatory gender identity disclosure policy, immediately halting its enforcement.

Glendale community promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusivity

In the wake of recent hate crimes, a Glendale community showed solidarity promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

AG sues California school district over policy to out trans students to parents

The state attorney general on Monday sued a California school district that passed a policy forcing schools to out transgender students to their parents regardless of whether the child wants them to know.