Social Issues

For some Minnesota Methodists, a same-sex marriage conundrum on Aug. 1
Minnesota's new marriage law goes into effect Aug. 1, creating new urgency for many faith communities about whether they will perform such weddings, particularly those that have been wrestling with how to address sexual orientation for decades. Among those torn over the issue are Methodists, who have a unique history on the matter in Minnesota.
Same-sex marriage in Minnesota: A cross-section of faith communities' approaches
Same-sex couples can legally wed in Minnesota on Aug. 1. Marriage in the eyes of the state's many faith communities, however, is a different matter. Reactions from Minnesota religious organizations -- and sometimes from within those organizations -- vary widely.
n a rare and public reflection on race, President Barack Obama called on the nation Friday to do some soul searching over the death of Trayvon Martin and the acquittal of his shooter, saying the slain black teenager "could have been me 35 years ago."
Once bipartisan, food stamps divide politicians
The U.S. House of Representatives shocked many observers last week when it passed a farm bill that included farm subsidies -- but said nothing about food stamps. House leaders say they'll take up food stamps later, but program supporters worry that could mean big cuts.
In St. Paul, Ujamaa Place offers a new start for young African-American men
The nation's war on drugs has created a huge population of ex-offenders. At St. Paul's Ujamaa Place, though, there's a path for young African-American men, 17 and older, with a record.
A debate on the nation's immigration policies was sparked when an immigration audit of a Spanish immersion child care operator in the Twin Cities found a number of employees whose employment eligibility in the United States is in question.
MSP airport enlists volunteers to help security efforts
While there are cameras watching the edges of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, officials say there's no substitute for eyes and ears. Police at some world airports, including MSP, are recruiting volunteers to help boost security against possible attacks.
Demographic change amplifying racial inequities
The success of minority children who will form a new majority is crucial to future U.S. economic competitiveness. A wave of immigration, the aging of non-Hispanic white women beyond child-bearing years and a new baby boom are diminishing the proportion of children who are white. Already, half of U.S. children younger than 1 are Hispanic, black, Asian, Native American or of mixed races.