Social Issues

The challenge of immigration reform
The politics around immigration reform grows more heated with the state of Arizona vowing to enforce federal law. But opponents say the new Arizona law will lead to profiling of Mexican Americans. Two prominent experts on immigration talk about why consensus may be building to change immigration law.
Sen. John McCain says Arizona had to pass a tough immigration law because the Obama administration has failed to "secure our borders."
Dozens of supporters of immigration reform rallied in downtown Minneapolis Monday, voicing their anger about a new Arizona law designed to crack down in immigrants who are in the state illegally.
DFLers challenge Pawlenty's proposed welfare cuts
DFL legislators in the House appear poised to challenge Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed cuts to the state's welfare programs.
Do limits on new drivers reduce crashes?
Safety advocates back a new proposal before the U.S. Senate that would require states use graduated licensing rules for drivers under the age of 21. Some states, like Minnesota, already have some restrictions on new drivers. But do the laws really work? And are they enforced well enough?
Retirement benefits and the federal deficit
The new federal deficit reduction commission is meeting at the White House Tuesday to take up the biggest problem with balancing the federal budget long term. Social Security and Medicare trust funds won't keep up with baby boomers when they retire.
The furor over Arizona's new law cracking down on illegal immigrants grew Monday as opponents used refried beans to smear swastikas on the state Capitol, civil rights leaders demanded a boycott of the state, and the Obama administration weighed a possible legal challenge.
Planned meeting between tribe, DNR canceled
Officials with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe have canceled a meeting planned for Tuesday morning with the head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Arizona immigration conflict heats up
More protests were planned today after thousands gathered this weekend to demonstrate against a bill that will make it a state crime to be an illegal immigrant in Arizona.
Young leaders strive to improve the world
A lot of negative labels have been put on the millennial generation -- entitled, self-absorbed, selfish. But it's also clear that this generation is engaged and active in social causes, and is looking to make change outside the realm of politics.