Social Issues

As of this year, Illinois became one of several states where prostitution is no longer a felony. It's also one of a growing number where a minor cannot be charged with prostitution, even as a misdemeanor.
Suicide numbers up for working age Minnesotans
Suicides in the state hit an all time high in 2011 as 684 people took their own lives. Most occurred among working age adults between 25 and 64 years old, Minnesota Department of Health data released this morning show.
Smart phones aren’t reducing the rural Internet gap
There’s been increasing talk lately that the push to get everybody on the Internet will get a boost as smart phones become ubiquitous. Even people who don’t have broadband service at home, because of cost or for some other reason, will get on the Internet via their phones, the argument goes. So perhaps we don’t Read more →
Minnesotans mark 50th anniversary of March on Washington
As tens of thousands gathered in the nation's capital to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's call for economic justice and racial equality, Minnesotans marched to the state Capitol in St. Paul.
King's 'promissory note' remains in default
Professors point out that some things have changed, and others haven't.
The social-networking giant is the latest technology company to release figures on how often governments seek information about its customers. Microsoft and Google have done the same.
Traveling food pantries serve a growing need
A new kind of food truck is driving around the Twin Cities. These trucks aren't serving gourmet fare. Instead, they're packed with canned goods and produce -- free food for people who struggle to afford enough on their own. A growing number of food shelves in Minnesota have launched mobile pantries to take food directly to those who need it.
Half of US says racial equality not yet a reality
Has the U.S. achieved Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of a colorblind society? Fewer than half of all Americans say the country has made substantial progress in the past 50 years toward racial equality, a new poll shows.