Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples' Day tension and controversy
Monday's federal holiday dedicated to Christopher Columbus is highlighting the ongoing divide between those who view the explorer as a representative of Italian Americans' history and those horrified by an annual tribute that ignores the native people whose lives and culture were forever changed by colonialism.
‘Loved and accepted just the way you are,’ Biden says on National Coming Out Day
The president released a statement to formally recognize National Coming Out Day, which began in 1988 to remember the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
Columbus Day Parade marks first large-scale spectacle in NYC since pandemic
The Columbus Day Parade was back on in New York City for the 77th year after it was canceled last year due to COVID. More than 100 different groups marched up Fifth Avenue from the 40s to the 70s in Manhattan.
What is 'Latinx'?
The gender-neutral term “Latinx” has emerged as an alternative to describe the Hispanic or Latino population, but a study found that just 3 percent of adults who identify as Hispanic or Latino say they use the term.
De Blasio to end gifted and talented program in NYC public schools
New York City will phase out its program for gifted and talented students that critics say favors whites and Asian American students.
Elmhurst Hospital saved her life during COVID; now she's its CEO
Helen Arteaga Landaverde survived a bout with COVID thanks to the team at Elmhurst. That inspired her to apply for the hospital's top job.
State orders school district to remove Indian mascot
The New York Education Department has reportedly ordered the school district in a small upstate community to remove an Indian mascot from use or face a loss of state funding.
Survey: 42% of working women reported burnout related to job
A new report found 1 in 3 women said they have considered downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce this year, compared to one in four who said the same a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Chief Milagros Soto blazes a trail at SCPD
Milagros Soto has devoted her life to serving the Suffolk County community as a police officer and supervisor. She is the Suffolk County Police Department's first Hispanic deputy chief and its highest-ranking woman.
Black ex-Tesla worker who claimed racial abuse awarded $137M
Owen Diaz alleged in a lawsuit that he was harassed and faced “daily racist epithets,” including the “N-word,” while working at Tesla’s Fremont plant in 2015 and 2016 before quitting.
Catholic high school in Conn. apologizes for racist taunts
The president of East Catholic High School has apologized after cheerleaders from another school reported being subjected to racist taunts after a football game.
Bubba Wallace 1st Black driver to win NASCAR Cup race since 1963
Bubba Wallace became just the second Black driver to win at NASCAR’s top Cup Series level when rain stopped the playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Historic first all-female guard change takes place at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
As the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier prepares to mark 100 years at Arlington National Ceremony, a historic first took place Friday during a guard change.
March Madness branding to be extended to women's basketball tournament
The NCAA will extend its March Madness branding to the women’s basketball tournament this spring, a moniker normally reserved for the men’s tournament.
Landmark Performance: Met returns with 1st work by a Black composer
4,000 returned to the Metropolitan Opera to watch Monday night's landmark performance by a Black composer.
Oregon school employee on leave after wearing blackface to work
An Oregon school system employee showed up to work last Friday in blackface, prompting the school board to place them on leave.
‘Change is Brewing’: Ben & Jerry’s unveils new flavor for racial justice
The company wants the coffee, marshmallow and fudge-flavored ice cream to represent divesting from “a racist criminal legal system” and investing in policies and organizations that support Black communities.
Melvin Van Peebles, godfather of Black cinema, dies at 89
Melvin Van Peebles, the groundbreaking playwright, musician and movie director whose work ushered in the “Blaxploitation” wave of the 1970s, has died. He was 89. His family confirmed that he passed at his Manhattan home.
MTA appoints first woman to oversee subway car maintenance
Siu Ling Ko is now in charge of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of more than 7,000 subway cars.
Sofia LaSpina is first female football player to score touchdown on Long Island
A four-yard reception allowed Sofia LaSpina to make history by becoming the first female in Long Island to ever score a touchdown.