'The Wiz' to return to Broadway after national tour
A new production of the Tony-winning hit musical "The Wiz" is returning to Broadway... but not until spring 2024. The production will ease on down the road on a national tour first.
First Asian Santa to greet children at Mall of America
For the first time in three years, children are back sitting on Santa's lap at the Mall Of America (MOA), but that's not the only change you may notice at The Santa Experience this year.
Senate passes landmark same-sex marriage bill
The Senate has passed landmark bipartisan legislation to protect same-sex marriages.
Russian Duma gives anti-LGBTQ 'propaganda' bill final approval
The bill would significantly expand restrictions on activities seen as promoting gay rights in Russia, another step in a years-long crackdown on the country's embattled LGBTQ community.
Colorado gay bar shooting suspect facing murder, hate crime charges
The man suspected of opening fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs was being held on murder and hate crime charges Monday, while hundreds of people gathered to honor the five people killed and 17 wounded in the attack on a venue that for decades was a sanctuary for the local LGBTQ community.
A record 12 women were elected as governors this election, making US history
Eight of the 12 are Democrats, aligning with the trend of more women serving in elected office identifying as Democrats than Republicans in the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and state legislatures.
Why a stark gender gap in politics persists
Research shows a stark gender gap in the politicians who represent not only the United States but also New York. Less than a third of New York's state senators are women, despite making up a slight majority of the population. The group VoteRunLead seeks to train more women to run for office.
Ulta Beauty defends transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney after podcast backlash
“Beauty is for everyone,” the company noted, adding that said Mulvaney and the host “deserve our respect.”
Byron Allen’s $10B discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s can move forward, judge rules
The lawsuit claims McDonald’s spends less than $5 million of its $1.6 billion annual TV advertising budget on Black-owned media.
Misty Copeland's new foundation focuses on diversity, equity in dance
The first initiative of ballerina Misty Copeland's new foundation is called BE BOLD. It is a free 12-week afterschool program for children ages 8 to 10 in the Bronx. Copeland explains the goal of her foundation to FOX 5 NY.
James Earl Jones Theatre unveiled on Broadway
The newly restored Cort Theatre on Broadway has been renamed after James Earl Jones, becoming the second Broadway theater named after a Black artist. Jones, 91, did not attend Monday's ceremony.
Montana permanently blocks trans people from changing gender on birth certificates
Montana birth certificates will no longer record the category of "gender" on birth certificates, replacing it with a listing for "sex" - either male or female - that is described as "immutable."
NYC's Yeshiva University allowed to temporarily deny recognition to LGBTQ student group
The court acted Friday in a brief order signed by Justice Sonia Sotomayor that indicated the court would have more to say on the topic at some point.
Ruby Bridges: Black woman who integrated Southern school writes children’s book
“I Am Ruby Bridges” hits stores Tuesday and tells the story of Ruby Bridges, who was six years old when she was one of three Black students to attend all-white schools in New Orleans in 1960.
Jordan Barrow becomes first black actor to play Boq in 'Wicked'
Barrow, a native of Mount Olive, New Jersey, is the first black actor in North America to play the role of Boq, a munchkin, in the mega Broadway hit "Wicked."
17-year-old DC teen becomes one of the youngest licensed Black pilots in US
Many kids have dreams of becoming a pilot – but how about achieving your dream at age 17!
Supreme Court rulings protecting same-sex relationships could face challenge
Justice Clarence Thomas said that the Supreme Court should reconsider rulings that legalized same-sex marriage and protected same-sex relationships and contraception in his concurring opinion in favor of Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. This decision overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion ruling which legalized abortion nationwide.
Nashville's Fisk University introduces first HBCU women's gymnastics team: 'Great energy'
College gymnast shared excitement about new chances for success.
Women training to become barbers
More women are becoming barbers, a job traditionally held by men. The International Barber and Beauty Institute on Long Island says about half the students in the barber license class are women.
Texas shop owner accused of hate crime after confronting LGBTQ couple
During a rant, the visibly intoxicated woman calls the couple a "disgrace to America” and proclaims “Republican all the way, baby!”