Social Issues

Students, activists protest U of M prison labor purchases
The University of Minnesota has purchased furniture and laundry services from MINNCOR Industries, a program run by the state Department of Corrections that employs incarcerated people.
Minnesota’s got talent: ‘Beef’, ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ and ‘True Detective’ all have roots in Minnesota
Lee Sung Jin, the creator of ‘Beef’, Diablo Cody the writer of ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ and Isabella Star LaBlanc an actor in ‘True Detective: Night Country’ are all making a name for themselves in Hollywood, and they all see Minnesota as part of their rise to fame.
New financial assistance effort aimed at reducing Minnesota's stark homeownership racial gap
Thousands of Minnesota families long shut out of home ownership stand to benefit from a new program aimed at building generational wealth. Advocates hope the help will reduce Minnesota’s stark racial home ownership gap.
What Black men need to know about prostate cancer
One in eight men—– and one in six Black men — will get prostate cancer during their lifetime. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with a doctor and a survivor.
Activists voice concerns in ongoing Smith Foundry investigation
Officials will hold a meeting with community members Wednesday to give an update on the ongoing investigation of the foundry. Representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the state and city health departments will speak to attendees.
Policing and Black men: Is building trust possible? One Minneapolis group’s effort
Policing in America is polarizing. Minneapolis police officers and Black community members are working on repairing their relationship — by learning the history and legacy of slavery.