Social Issues

China urged the United States on Friday to immediately cancel plans for President Barack Obama to meet with the Dalai Lama next week, warning the move could further hurt ties.
The Minnesota Senate has voted to extend the General Assistance Medical Care program due to run out of money next month.
Gay rights supporters are rallying at the Capitol to push for gay marriage in Minnesota.
Foreclosure numbers too high, local experts say
A national housing data firm reported Thursday that foreclosure activity in Minnesota dropped nearly 16 percent in recent months, but other groups say the data is tainted.
Director says themes in Noel Coward's 'Brief Encounter' remain timeless
It's been 70 years since Noel Coward's movie "Brief Encounter" became an international sensation, but the director of an acclaimed new theatrical adaptation says the story has lost none of its emotional punch. The production by the British Kneehigh Theater opens at the Guthrie in Minneapolis this weekend.
An exhibit celebrating women artists from Islamic culture is now open at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.
Minnesota health officials are seeing an increase in the use of khat, a stimulant drug used by some Somali refugees living in Minnesota.
Bridging the achievement gap
As education secretary, Rod Paige promoted No Child Left Behind as the best way to reduce the achievement gap between black and white students. In his new book, Paige argues the persistent gap is the most important civil rights issue.
The number of Minnesotans without health insurance has gone up 28 percent in the last two years.
Soldiers from Minnesota's National Guard Red Bull brigade continue to return home from their deployment in Iraq. The first units were welcomed home two weeks ago and another group of 200 return home Friday evening.