Ashley Drive project to reconnect Tampa neighborhoods divided by interstate

The city of Tampa is ready to reconnect neighborhoods divided by I-275. The plan is one of several safety improvement projects in the pipeline.

Proposed House bill would create programs for abandoned and historic cemeteries

As more unmarked or abandoned African American cemeteries and burial grounds are uncovered, Florida lawmakers are working to make sure the history they carry is preserved.

FDA eases rules for gay men to donate blood

Gay rights groups have long opposed blanket restrictions on who can give blood, saying they discriminate against the LGBTQ community.

Florida blocks AP African American studies classes in high schools

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies from being taught in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate.

Church of England refuses to preside over same-sex marriages

"Blessings" from the Church of England for same-sex marriage are allowed, but same-sex couples are still not allowed to marry in its churches.

Slavery reparations: How the US can follow one town's effort to right dark past

Should Black Americans be compensated for generations of oppression? From local communities to the steps of Congress, a PBS documentary airing on this MLK Day highlights the debate over reparations for slave descendants.

Federal appeals court upholds Florida school district's transgender bathroom ban

A federal appeals court has ruled that a Florida school district's policy of separating school bathrooms does not discriminate against transgender students or violate their civil rights because it's based on their biological sex, not their gender identity.

Same-sex marriage ban in Florida law targeted

While same-sex marriage has been legal in Florida for nearly eight years because of court rulings, a ban has remained in state law but has not been in effect. Now, a state lawmaker has filed a bill to remove it.

Airbnb: Perceived Black guests have more trouble securing bookings

Airbnb has released a report saying that certain racial groups have more trouble securing the booking of their choice compared to others.

Biden signs gay marriage bill at White House ceremony

President Joe Biden signed gay marriage legislation into law Tuesday before a crowd of thousands, a ceremony that reflected growing acceptance of same-sex unions.

Senate passes landmark same-sex marriage bill

The Senate has passed landmark bipartisan legislation to protect same-sex marriages.

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.

From Pulse to Q: Florida shooting survivors to help new cohort of victims cope

Images of a massive police response, bouquets of flowers piled along the sidewalk, and Pride flags risen in solidarity make Keinon Carter wonder if anything has changed since he was shot inside Orlando's Pulse nightclub seven years ago. Now, he and other survivors will offer help to Club Q shooting victims as they face a long road of grief and recovery.

Federal judge blocks DeSantis-backed Stop WOKE Act, calling it 'positively dystopian'

Calling the state’s approach "positively dystopian," a federal judge on Thursday blocked a Florida law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts the way race-related concepts can be taught in universities.

Senate advances same-sex, interracial marriage bill with 12 GOP votes

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the law is a chance for the Senate to “live up to its highest ideals” and protect marriage equality for all people.

Ruby Bridges Day: How a 6-year-old became an icon of bravery, desegregation in the south

Walking together and wearing purple, students from Bay Haven School of Basics Plus commemorated the actions of one brave little girl who, 62 years ago, became the face of integrating schools.

Florida votes to ban gender-affirming care, treatments for transgender minors

The state of Florida has approved a proposal to ban gender-affirming medical care or treatments for transgender minors — a decision that is already expected to be challenged in court.

Beauty pageant can ban transgender contestants, US appeals court rules

Anita Green, who is transgender, has competed in several pageants including Miss Montana USA, Miss Earth and Ms. World Universal.

Affirmative action in jeopardy after Supreme Court justices raise doubts

The survival of affirmative action in higher education appeared to be in serious trouble Monday at a conservative-dominated Supreme Court after hours of debate over vexing questions of race.