Social Issues

The Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota is still pushing to reach its 2012 Holiday campaign goal, after falling about 7 percent short.
Do gays need a church of their own anymore?
In 1968 the founding of the Metropolitan Community Churches offered a lone spiritual refuge to openly gay Christians, an idea so far from the mainstream that the founders were often chased from places where they tried to worship. Four decades later, some of the most historically important American denominations, which had routinely expelled gays and lesbians, are welcoming them instead.
Science Museum shines spotlight on diversity
The Science Fusion series kicks off Jan. 5 with African Americans in Science, inviting museum visitors to interact with African Americans who have careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
Nonprofit tech innovators inspire new philanthropy
Google's Global Impact Awards are meant to spur innovation among nonprofits. Experts say the new annual grants are part of a growing trend in venture philanthropy from funders who see technology as an instrument for social change.
Growth slows in demand for food help
Food stamps, food shelves and subsidized school lunches all grew to new highs in Minnesota in 2012, but the pace slowed from previous years.
Friday Roundtable: A review of 2012 media coverage
This week on the Friday Roundtable, our panelists will take a look at the big news stories of 2012, and how the media fared in covering those stories.
Adoption officials in Minnesota are anxiously waiting to hear whether President Vladimir Putin of Russia will sign a bill banning adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens.
Photos: Dakota 38 Memorial Dedication
Dakota Indians and their supporters commemorated the largest mass execution in United States history at a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012 in Mankato, Minn.
Dakota and supporters commemorate 150th anniversary of mass hanging
Dakota Indians and their supporters commemorated the largest mass execution in U.S. history at a ceremony Wednesday in Mankato.