Social Issues

Congress OKs $1.9T COVID relief bill in win for Biden, Democrats
Congress has sent President Joe Biden the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The House approved the bill Wednesday over solid Republican opposition in a vote that gives the new president and Democrats a victory just seven weeks after he took office.
Chauvin trial: MN justices won't review 3rd-degree murder question
The Minnesota Supreme Court has denied Derek Chauvin's petition to review an appeals court ruling on an additional murder charge against him in the killing of George Floyd.
George Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump: Trial is 'a chance for justice'
Ben Crump has long represented families of Black people killed by police. Crump says accountability is one thing, but "justice would be them still here with us living."
Health panel expands lung cancer screening for more smokers
More Americans now qualify for yearly scans to detect lung cancer, according to guidelines released Tuesday that may help more Black smokers and women get screened.
What the $300 a month child benefit could mean for a family on the edge
The monthly checks would mark a big shift in the federal government's approach to child poverty. One study estimates they could cut the number of poor children by half.
Chauvin trial: 3 jurors now seated; appeals court ruling looms
Judge Peter Cahill expects opening statements for the trial on March 29, although it’s still unclear if proceedings will be delayed by an unresolved matter on the reinstatement of third-degree murder charges.
Emily Chamlee-Wright on the importance of free speech, civility and tolerance
Emily Chamlee-Wright of the Institute for Humane Studies speaks at North Dakota State University about free speech, civility and tolerance on college campuses — and in society at large.
Undocumented Venezuelans given protected status in United States
The Biden administration's decision represents a major policy shift from the Trump team, which withstood bipartisan calls to grant the protections to Venezuelans fleeing life-threatening crises.
Remembering George Floyd, the man
The story of how George Floyd’s killing unleashed a sea of protests around the world in the fight for racial justice is well known. But as the murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin starts Monday, friends and family say it’s important to remember Floyd the person, before he became the catalyst.
Chauvin trial: Jury pool sent home; focus turns to appeals court ruling
The judge overseeing the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sent potential jurors home for the day Monday morning while he awaits a decision from the appeals court on whether jury selection can begin.