Social Issues

January 22, 2011 12:00 AM

Ethiopian official's expected visit causes concern for Minn. Somalis

The expected visit of an Ethiopian government official in Minneapolis this weekend has raised concerns from human rights groups.

by Laura Yuen

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 21, 2011 5:32 PM

Backpacks filled with food feed kids on weekends

Backpack programs are springing up in some parts of Minnesota to help feed hungry kids. These programs send those students home with backpacks filled with food for the weekend. Some kids, especially those who rely on school lunch during the week, have a hard time getting enough to eat when they're away from school.

by Julie Siple

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 21, 2011 9:49 AM

New Human Services Commissioner answers questions on MPR

Commissioner Lucinda Jesson takes over the agency that provides services for the poor, the sick, the disabled and the elderly. How strong is the social safety net, and can the taxpayers afford the costs?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 21, 2011 9:36 AM

Is America losing the war on poverty?

President Lyndon Johnson hired Sargent Shriver to lead his war on poverty in the 1960s. Shriver died earlier this week, but poverty levels in America remain shockingly high. An American RadioWorks documentary, "The War on Poverty: From the Great Society to the Great Recession," examines the modern face of poverty and asks why LBJ's dream of a Great Society is still beyond reach.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 21, 2011 3:00 AM

The Mourners arrive in Mpls. from the 15th century

A group of foreign dignitaries arrives at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this weekend. They're called "The Mourners" They are some three dozen alabaster figures carved for the tomb of a 15th century French Duke. The statues have caused a sensation at other stops on their U.S. tour.

by Euan Kerr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 20, 2011 4:12 PM

Minn. Republicans try to clamp down on welfare fraud

Republican lawmakers say they're going to clamp down on the use of electronic welfare cards issued by the state of Minnesota.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 20, 2011 3:19 PM

Before a brutally cold night, outreach workers hit the streets

Thursday night into Friday morning is expected to be the coldest night of the winter so far, and yet some outreach workers predict a number of homeless people will sleep outside.

by Dan Olson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 20, 2011 1:48 PM

More Minn. homeowners fell behind on payments in 2010

The number of homeowners who fell behind on their mortgages at some point in 2010 in Minnesota was up over the previous year.

by Jessica Mador

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 20, 2011 9:33 AM

Krista Tippett on creating civility

Midday presents a special conversation from the UBS Forum with "Being" host Krista Tippett. Audience members and online participants discuss how to bring society together towards a common life, even while holding deep disagreements on difficult issues.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 19, 2011 4:37 PM

New head of Catholic Charities: How to end homelessness

Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul has selected Tim Marx, an executive with a background in affordable housing, to serve as the nonprofit's CEO. He spoke with MPR's Tom Crann about the state's goal to end homelessness.

by Tom Crann

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!