John Lithgow takes on the role of the new kid in school for a PBS special celebrating arts education

John Lithgow takes on the role of the new kid in school for a PBS special celebrating arts education

At 78, John Lithgow’s acting career is not slowing down. He appeared in the best picture nominee “Killers of the Flower Moon” and starred with Jeff Bridges in the FX series “The Old Man.” Recently, the two-time Academy Award nominee and multiple Emmy, Tony and Golden Globes-winning actor played the new kid in school. He … Read more

New federal rule bars transgender school bathroom bans, but it likely isn’t the final word

New federal rule bars transgender school bathroom bans, but it likely isn’t the final word

A new rule from President Joe Biden’s administration blocking blanket policies to keep transgender students from using school bathrooms that align with their gender identity could conflict with laws in Republican-controlled states. The clash over bathroom policy and other elements of a federal regulation finalized last week could set the stage for another wave of … Read more

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They’re banning the book ban

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They’re banning the book ban

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As a queer and out youth, Shae Ross was alarmed when she heard that conservative groups were organizing in her community to ban books dealing with sexuality, gender and race. So she and her friends got organized themselves, and helped persuade their school board to make it much harder to remove … Read more

Kevin Bacon dances back to ‘Footloose’ high school

Kevin Bacon dances back to ‘Footloose’ high school

PAYSON, Utah — Actor Kevin Bacon on Saturday returned to the Utah high school where the cult classic movie “Footloose” was filmed more than 40 years. Bacon danced his way to a stage on a Payson High School athletic field Saturday to greet students before what likely was the final prom held at the school, … Read more

Pennsylvania board’s cancellation of gay actor’s school visit ill-advised, education leaders say

Pennsylvania board’s cancellation of gay actor’s school visit ill-advised, education leaders say

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania school board’s cancellation of an upcoming appearance by actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy was ill-advised and sends a hurtful message, especially to the LGBTQ+ community, education officials said. A member of Cumberland Valley School District’s board cited concerns about what he described as Pancholy’s activism and “lifestyle” before … Read more

Thousands pack Surrey streets for Vaisakhi celebrations 

Thousands pack Surrey streets for Vaisakhi celebrations 

One of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world is underway in Surrey. Hundreds of thousands of people have packed the streets for the popular annual event. Organizers believe there will be more than 700,000 people at the event, a record number for the celebration. Vaisakhi dates back to 1699 and celebrates the revelation of … Read more

Not a toddler, not a parent, but still love ‘Bluey’? You’re not alone

Not a toddler, not a parent, but still love ‘Bluey’? You’re not alone

PHOENIX — A small blue dog with an Australian accent has captured the hearts of people across the world. She’s the title character of “Bluey,” a kids’ program consisting of seven-minute episodes that have enraptured children and adults alike. This week’s release of its longest episode yet — at a whopping 28 minutes — prompted … Read more

Things to know as courts and legislatures act on transgender kids’ rights

Things to know as courts and legislatures act on transgender kids’ rights

Three court rulings across the U.S. this week delved into laws restricting the rights of transgender kids, including the first time the U.S. Supreme Court has gotten involved in a ban on gender-affirming care. Most Republican-controlled states have now banned gender-affirming health care such as puberty blockers and hormones for transgender minors, and blocked transgender … Read more

Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai producing. An election coming. ‘Suffs’ has timing on its side

Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai producing. An election coming. ‘Suffs’ has timing on its side

NEW YORK — Shaina Taub was in the audience at “Suffs,” her buzzy and timely new musical about women’s suffrage, when she spied something that delighted her. It was intermission, and Taub, both creator and star, had been watching her understudy perform at a matinee preview last week. Suddenly, she saw audience members searching the … Read more

West Virginia transgender sports ban discriminates against teen athlete, appeals court says

West Virginia transgender sports ban discriminates against teen athlete, appeals court says

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s transgender sports ban violates the rights of a teen athlete under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools, an appeals court ruled Tuesday. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the law cannot be applied to a 13-year-old who has been … Read more