Black History Month 2024 theme: African Americans’ influence on the arts in the US

This year’s theme highlights the influence Black artists have had on visual and performing arts, as well as literature, fashion, music, film, and much more.

Watch Night service: How the tradition for Black Americans has evolved since 1862

Watch Night services, which date back to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, are still observed on New Year's Eve at many multiracial and predominately Black churches in the US.

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.

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.

Bud Light no longer America's top-selling beer as backlash continues

It's a milestone in Bud Light's months-long sales decline since early April, when critics who were angered by the brewer sending a commemorative can to transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney vowed to boycott the brand.

Famed Saddleback Church rejected again by Southern Baptists for having women pastors

The Southern Baptist Convention has refused to welcome Saddleback Church back into its fold, rejecting an appeal by the California megachurch over its February ouster for having women pastors.

Human Rights Campaign declares state of emergency warning for LGBTQ+ people

The civil rights group warns of what it calls an “unprecedented and dangerous" rise in discriminatory laws in some states, saying more than 70 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law so far this year.

Montana GOP bars transgender lawmaker from 2023 session

Transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr was barred from participating on the House floor as Republican leaders voted Wednesday to silence her for the rest of 2023 session after she protested GOP leaders’ decision earlier in the week to silence her.

CVS 'gender transition' guide says employees must use preferred pronouns, can use bathroom reflecting identity

In the guidelines obtained exclusively by FOX Business, employees are told they may be entitled to a medical leave of absence "under the Family and Medical Leave Act, state law, and/or CVS Health policy."

Efforts to enhance Michigan LGBTQ+ protections advance past senate committee

Sexual orientation and gender identity are a step closer to being included in Michigan's Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act, which protects people from discrimination in Michigan. It currently does not include LGBTQ+ protections.