Social Issues

Census data confirms suburban growth, greater diversity in Minn.
Minnesota has become slightly more racially diverse, and Minneapolis and St. Paul have lagged behind population growth in other parts of the state over the past 10 years.
Misuse of welfare money is minimal, data show
Republican state lawmakers have proposed new restrictions to prevent poor people from spending welfare money on alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets. However, available data suggests misuse of welfare money is minimal. Instead, people who receive welfare said the legislation would make it impossible to use the money for basic needs, like paying rent and doing laundry.
The Invisible Line: Three American families and the secret journey from black to white
For much of American history, racial identity has been defined in terms of black and white. But because of their heritage and physical appearance, some families walk the line between cultures. A new book chronicles three mixed-race families whose identities were called into question at various periods in history - with surprising consequences.
Federal immigration authorities have identified a second large janitorial company operating in Minnesota -- Harvard Maintenance -- that has hired workers who don't have proper documentation. The company is dismissing 240 workers, according to their union.
Expanded Medicaid a lifesaver for rural poor in Minn.
The expansion of Medicaid means tens of thousands of low-income adults in outstate Minnesota will be able to access health care closer to home.
Back of the Bus: Mass transit, race, and inequality
Midday presents a new documentary from American RadioWorks, looking at the fight for equal rights on America's roads and transit lines, and the disparities that still persist.
Food shelves looking at March food drive to replenish stock
The plea could come at the grocery store, at church, or in your company e-mail, but chances are, someone is going to ask you to donate to a food shelf this month. March is the month for the Minnesota FoodShare campaign, a statewide food drive that is an important time for food shelves.
US Muslims find defending themselves exhausting
As the profile of American Muslims has been heightened by the 9/11 attacks and subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many Muslims say they too have been inspired to protect their communities against terrorism.
The search for Nepal's missing children
When Conor Grennan went to Nepal in 2006, he thought he was just going to volunteer in an orphanage for a couple of months. Instead, as he recounts in his book "Little Princes" he found a new calling, searching for victims of child trafficking in a war-ravaged country.