Social Issues

Peavey Plaza in downtown Minneapolis was closed Tuesday morning so city workers could clean up after groups of homeless people who've been sleeping in the plaza for the last few months.
Hunger relief leaders in the Thief River Falls area are looking for new ways to help those in need, after a food shelf unexpectedly closed.
Boy Scouts reaffirm ban on gays
After a confidential two-year review, the Boy Scouts of America on Tuesday emphatically reaffirmed its policy of excluding gays, ruling out any changes despite relentless protest campaigns by some critics.
The Minnesota Historical Society has returned thousands of archaeological artifacts to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
The City of Minneapolis led population growth in the Twin Cities seven-county metro region last year.
Minnesota Zoo exhibit raises dolphin captivity questions
The string of dolphin deaths at the zoo has become a flashpoint for a broader debate about keeping dolphins in captivity. Zoo officials were worried about the fatalities and the public heat surrounding them, according to emails and other documents.
The Week in Commentary
A summary of the past week's commentaries, and some of the comments that arrived in response.