News
Virgin Galactic's Rocket-powered Plane Reaches Edge of Space
A team of Italian researchers reached the edge of space, flying aboard a rocket-powered plane piloted by Virgin Galactic as the space tourism company prepares for monthly commercial flights.
Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling Leaves Colleges Looking for New Ways to Promote Diversity
Leaders of universities said they were disappointed by a blow to diversity but voiced optimism about finding ways to admit more Black and Hispanic students. Evidence suggests that might be hard.
Is the Supreme Court About to Rule on a Bogus Gay Rights Case?
The Supreme Court is set to deliver a ruling Friday—the final day of the term—about whether state anti-discrimination laws violate the First Amendment right to free speech. But the history of the case is worth noting.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action in College Admissions, and Biden 'Strongly' Disagrees
The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring race cannot be a factor and forcing institutions of higher education to look for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.
Federal Judges in Kentucky and Tennessee Block Portions of Trans Youth Care Bans
Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee temporarily blocked portions of bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth Wednesday, handing down the rulings shortly before the statutes were set to go into effect.
Same-Sex Couples and LGBTQ+ Rights Activists in Nepal Celebrate Interim Court Ruling
LGBTQ+ rights activists and couples in Nepal on Thursday were celebrating an interim order issued by the country's Supreme Court enabling the registration of same-sex marriages for the first time.
Number of Kansas Residents Officially Changing Genders Quadrupled this Year Ahead of New Law
Four times as many Kansans changed their gender on birth certificates and driver's licenses this year ahead of a new state law that prevents residents from identifying themselves differently than the sex assigned them at birth.
North Carolina Lawmakers Give Final OK to Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Children
North Carolina lawmakers finalized legislation on Wednesday that would prohibit certain gender-affirming care for children and prevent state funds from being used to provide such therapies and procedures.
'Gay Furries' Clap — and Hack — Back in Protest of Anti-Trans Laws
Anti-transgender officials have made baseless claims about "furries" as part of a broader attack on trans people. Now, a group of "gay furries" are striking... or rather, hacking... back.
DeSantis Seeks Disney Trial Schedule after 2024 Elections
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis have asked that a trial involving Disney be postponed until the middle of 2025, well after voters have picked a winner in the November 2024 general election.
A Hot, Smoky Summer Brings Health Concerns
The only break much of America can hope for anytime soon from eye-watering dangerous smoke from fire-struck Canada is brief bouts of shirt-soaking sweltering heat and humidity from a southern heat wave.
Michigan Legislature Approves Ban on 'Conversion Therapy' for LGBTQ+ Minors
Michigan lawmakers gave final approval to legislation banning so-called conversion therapy for minors as Democrats in the state continue to advance a pro-LGBTQ+ agenda in their first months in power.
Openly Gay Black Congressman Calls Out GOP for 'Systematic Bullying' of LGBTQ+ Youth
Out Black congressman Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York called out GOP lawmakers for what he called their "systematic bullying" of LGBTQ+ youth, and "of trans youth in particular."
Activist Detained in Hong Kong Begins Final Appeal for Recognition of His Overseas Same-Sex Marriage
An activist detained in Hong Kong began his final appeal Wednesday seeking recognition for his same-sex marriage registered overseas, in a landmark case for the city's LGBTQ+ community.
Hate Crimes Rose 20.2% in California in 2022
Reported hate crimes increased in California in 2022, including instances of violence motivated by bias, according to state data released Tuesday.
London Jury Seated in Kevin Spacey Sex Assault Trial on Allegations over a Decade Old
Jurors who will decide the fate of actor Kevin Spacey were sworn in Wednesday in a London court as the Oscar winner faces charges of sexually assaulting four men as long as two decades ago.
Hazy Future for Caregiver Payments Expanded During Pandemic Worries Families
A total of 39 states, with the help of the federal government, either started paying family caregivers or expanded the population eligible for payment during the pandemic.
VP Harris Visits Historic LGBTQ+ Landmark Stonewall, Decries Flurry of Anti-Trans Bills
Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Stonewall Inn to pay tribute to activists at the site of a watershed moment in the gay rights movement. And she spoke out as lawmakers around the U.S. introduced or passed hundreds of bills targeting LGBTQ people.
One of America's First Elected Lesbian Governors is Visiting Ireland on LBGTQ+ Rights Anniversary
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey — one of the country's first lesbian elected governors and a descendant of Irish immigrants — is invited to address the Irish Senate to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland.
Kansas Must Undo Gender Changes for Trans People in State Records, AG Says
A new Kansas law requires the state to reverse any previous gender changes in its records for trans people's birth certificates and driver's licenses while also preventing such changes going forward, the state's Republican attorney general declared Monday