Social Issues

Punishing people for sleeping and camping in public spaces 
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that gives local governments the right to criminally punish people for sleeping and camping in public spaces.
Joyner Emerick focuses on the future for Minnesota’s disabled students
Young people bring Joyner Emerick hope for the future, which is why they serve on the Minneapolis Board of Education. When they were elected in 2023, Emerick became the city’s first openly transgender and openly autistic school board member and has used that platform to advocate for disabled students at both the local and state levels.
Growing people, not crops, is the goal of a Moorhead farm
The Red River Valley is well known for large farms growing an abundance of corn, soybeans and sugar beets. But there’s a unique farm near Moorhead that’s finding success by focusing on a very different kind of growth: human skills and knowledge.
Domestic violence shelter expands to make room for pets
A new pet shelter in Maplewood has a goal that’s different from other animal rescues. Attached to Tubman domestic violence shelter, this home for pets serves people experiencing domestic violence. It’s the first of its kind in the Twin Cities.
Gun rights advocates say young adults have a right to carry handguns, federal court agrees
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Rob Doar, senior vice president of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, one of the plaintiffs arguing the state’s age limit on concealed carry permits is unconstitutional.
New Minneapolis civil rights director sworn in
Michelle Phillips was sworn in Tuesday as the new director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department, taking the role after a string of administrative turnover, and amid ongoing police reform efforts.
Minnesota Supreme Court to hear case of transgender athlete’s competition participation
The Minnesota Supreme Court announced last week it plans to hear the case of JayCee Cooper, a transgender weightlifter who was denied entry into USA Powerlifting’s women’s competition category. Cooper alleges this was discrimination, in violation of Minnesota’s Human Rights Act.