Social Issues

North Dakota, South Dakota only states without same-sex marriage challenges
Montana on Wednesday joined 28 other states with legal battles over gay marriage, while same-sex couples in Pennsylvania spent their first full day applying for marriage licenses knowing the governor wouldn't stand in their way.
TRBQ The Really Big Questions: What is a Good Death?
The Really Big Questions series asks "What is a Good Death?" It's an in-depth look at how death defines life. Is accepting mortality a way of dying, or a way of living? And what do our death rituals tell us about our culture?
Knowing its fans, WNBA plans LGBT marketing campaign
The effort, which begins with the launch of a website Wednesday, includes having teams participate in local pride festivals and parades, working with advocacy groups to raise awareness of inclusion through grassroots events, and advertising with lesbian media.
At this point, Pennsylvania becomes the ninth state to have its ban on gay marriage struck down by a federal judge. Ultimately, this issue will likely be decided by the Supreme Court, which will either pick one case or take them on in bulk.
Affordable housing advocates 'excited' for bonding bill cash
Homeless service agencies across Minnesota are eyeing a slice of the $100 million state lawmakers set aside for affordable housing in this year's construction bonding bill.
Chipotle is asking customers not to bring firearms into its stores after it says gun rights advocates brought military-style assault rifles into one of its restaurants in Texas.
Tribal leaders want sanctions for any students who wore T-shirts with a caricature of the University of North Dakota's former Indian head logo drinking out of a beer bong.
Southern Baptist leaders seek softer approach on homosexuality
For an organization that has previously used opposition to gay marriage as a rallying point, statements here from church leaders, like Kevin Smith of Kentucky, shocked an auditorium of pastors into silence. "If you spent 20 years and you've never said anything about divorce in the church culture, then shut up about gay marriage," Smith said.
Holder: Subtle racism worse than bigotry outbursts
During separate commencement addresses, Attorney General Eric Holder and first lady Michelle Obama delivered a similar message: On this 60th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated schools, we should acknowledge that progress has been made, but in many ways systematic racism still exists, albeit in a more subtle way that is just as sinister.
Oprah cancels Michael Sam documentary
Oprah Winfrey's television network was set to follow Michael Sam through rookie camp as he tried to earn a spot on the St. Louis Rams. The docuseries was to follow Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, with a camera team at training camp as well as his personal life -- a "historic moment in professional sports," OWN's president told ESPN.