Social Issues

In the 2009 stimulus, Congress increased the amount of money each household gets in food stamps. The temporary hike was intended to help those affected by the economic downturn. That hike expires Friday, Nov. 1.
5 x 8: Vets marching to prevent suicide
The suicide crisis among vets, drown your town, are you Minnesota enough, students try to revive broadcasting at the U of M, and why locals don't want jobs at ski areas.
Nienstedt denies any clergy sexual abuse cover-up, regrets 'lost confidence'
Archbishop John Nienstedt responds for the first time to reporters' questions since an MPR News investigation forced the archdiocese's response to clergy misconduct into the spotlight. "I accept responsibility for addressing the issues that have been raised," he said.
NJ Gov. Christie drops same-sex marriage appeal
Same-sex couples in a handful of New Jersey communities exchanged marriage vows in the first minutes of Monday, becoming the first to take advantage of a court ruling that forced the state to become the 14th in the nation to recognize same-sex nuptials.
Pot legalization effort moves east to Maine
Voters in Portland are being asked whether they want to make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess - but not purchase or sell - up to 2.5 ounces of pot. The Nov. 5 vote is being eyed nationally as momentum grows in favor of legalizing marijuana use.
The state Supreme Court Friday refused to delay a lower-court order for the state to recognize same-sex marriages starting Monday. Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who opposes the practice, says he's not happy but the state will comply.
The discussion Thursday at the World Food Prize symposium about hunger and poverty in developing nations turned largely from the controversies of global warming and genetically modified crops and focused on governments and their role in solving social ills.