Social Issues

A new report shows numbers of homeless people rising in Minnesota. More than 10,200 homeless adults, youth, and children were counted October 2012 in shelters, transitional housing, at hot meal programs, or on the streets.
Somali deportations resume after government gets U.S. recognition
The U.S. officially recognized Somalia's government for the first time in two decades earlier this year, and it is now deporting Somalis again, starting with sex offenders and other felons. Deportations had been suspended for many years while the country had no functioning government.
An American Family
Families who move to the U.S. from other countries have a lot of obstacles to overcome. The Mohantys of Woodbury have adapted to life in the U.S. but also want to preserve their Indian heritage. As part of MPR's Young Reporters Series, Amrita Mohanty tells us how she and her sister are learning more about their culture.
What's the future of workplace flexibility?
With Best Buy ending its Results-Oriented Work Environment and Yahoo! making the controversial decision to ban telecommuting, what is the future of workplace flexibility?
In Minn., officials say food program could find ways to absorb federal cuts
Across-the-board budget cuts were set to take effect Friday without a deal in Washington. The cuts will hit everything from national parks to air traffic, including the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program provides benefits to about 125,000 low-income people in Minnesota. But the consequences may be less dire than some in Washington have predicted.
Confusion may slow settlement payments to Minnesota tribal members
Today marks the deadline for American Indians who wish to take part in a multibillion dollar settlement with the federal government. The deadline marks a halfway point in paying out $3.4 billion to tribes over the federal government's poor management of money and land owned by tribes.
Family Reunification Act could restore parental rights in some lost custody cases
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would give some parents who lost custody of their children years ago a chance to reunify with them. Advocates say only a small number of teens living in foster care could be affected by the Family Reunification Act, but that it could make a great difference for those motivated parents who have dealt with their problems and whose children want to go home again.