Social Issues

Since the decision in May to allow gay youth but still ban gay adults, scouting has lost members on both sides of the issue. Some evangelical Christians have left to form their own youth program. Meanwhile, corporate sponsors who say the decision doesn't go far enough are ending their funding of the Boy Scouts of America.
The new Minnesota law legalizing same-sex marriage takes effect tonight at midnight and many couples are wasting no time to tie the knot.
Same-sex marriages legal in Minn. beginning at midnight
After some epic political battles, same-sex couples will be able to marry legally in Minnesota starting at midnight tonight. For some, it's the culmination of years of waiting or fighting. For others, it's a milestone they thought would never arrive.
Wedding plans, legal concerns as same-sex marriages start this week
With Minnesota's first same-sex weddings set for Thursday, supporters and opponents of the new marriage law are busy on very different tracks. Advocates want things to go smoothly on the first day. Businesses that don't want to serve gay and lesbian weddings continue to look at whether they legally can say no.
AP Exclusive: 4 in 5 in US face near-poverty, no work
Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream. Survey data exclusive to The Associated Press points to an increasingly globalized U.S. economy, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs as reasons for the trend.
Unsealed birth records give adoptees peek at past
Since a handful of states have unsealed birth certificates, thousands of adoptees have claimed them and learned about their beginnings. Not everyone who gets the document goes on a search. But for many, it's led to heart-rending reunions.
Somali residents ask state for more collaborative health care
"We are being forced to use these programs. We weren't even here when these programs were designed," said Fartun Weli, who runs a health organization for women in south Minneapolis.
Snowden charges don't carry death penalty, US tells Russia
In a letter dated July 23, Attorney General Eric Holder said the criminal charges Snowden faces do not carry the death penalty and that the U.S. will not seek the death penalty even if Snowden were charged with additional death penalty-eligible crimes.