The first known use of the word "pride" dates back before the 12th century. In its early uses, pride referred to an "inordinate self-esteem" and "an unreasonable conceit of superiority," according to Merriam-Webster. Throughout history, the word "pride" has taken on an array of meanings — ranging from a human emotion to a religious vice to a group of lions that live together. But a little over 55 years ago, the word took on a new meaning. (Kim, NPR)
Read MoreIn a decision published Thursday, Judge Frank Geraci of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York sided with photographer Emilee Carpenter in her years-long battle. She seeks to ensure she won't have to take actions that violate her deeply held religious beliefs as a condition of conducting business in New York. "From start to finish, Plaintiff provides a customized, tailored photography service that is guided by her own artistic and moral judgment," he wrote. (Foley, The Christian Post)
Read MoreUkrainian air force officials said Tuesday that the previous night Russia had deployed some 60 drones across multiple regions, injuring 10 people, with Kyiv air defenses saying they intercepted 43 of them. In the central Ukrainian town of Dnipropetrovsk, the local governor, according to Al-Jazeera, said residential properties and an agricultural site had been damaged by Russian strikes, while in Kherson a 59-year-old man and six municipal workers were wounded. (Allen, Crux)
Read MoreThe Justice Department on Wednesday said it is investigating whether a near-decade-old law in California violates federal laws against sex discrimination by allowing transgender student-athletes to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. In a news release, the department said it had launched an inquiry into whether a 2013 state law, A.B. 1266, conflicts with Title IX, the landmark civil rights law prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs that receive government funding. (Migdon, The Hill)
Read MoreThen the man condemned to death for the 1992 killing of Oklahoma City shopkeeper Kenneth Meers − for which he maintained innocence until the end − offered absolution to the priest that helped win him hope for clemency. "Jeff, the only reason we made it this far is because of you," Littlejohn told Hood. The Rev. Jeff Hood in Littlejohn's final moments, Hood told him: "Go to the love." (Powell, USA Today)
Read MoreTexas lawmakers are close to passing a bill to require public schools to exhibit the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting this fall, a victory for the religious right that critics say blurs the line between church and state. Opponents vow to fight the requirement if Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signs it into law as expected. They say mandatory posting in public classrooms would be a violation of First Amendment protections of freedom of religion and barriers to state establishment of religion.(Hennessy-Fiske, The Washington Post)
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