Social Issues

U.N. reports progress preventing spread of HIV to newborns
Tuesday is World AIDS Day and All Things Considered talked with a Minnesotan who is just back from the front lines of the AIDS crisis.
As the end of the year approaches, some unemployed Minnesotans will be bracing for the end of certain jobless benefits, including health insurance subsidies.
More head to food shelves for holiday help
Minnesota food pantries, homeless shelters and other assistance programs report an increase in need for services even as the nation's economy shows signs of improving.
As need returns, so do farm crisis hotlines
Minnesota launched a hotline this month to help farmers feeling the financial and psychological impact of the tough times.
Gloria Steinem and Gail Collins reflect on women's movement
Feminist icon and journalist Gloria Steinem speaks on her undercover work, Marilyn Monroe, and Madonna. And New York Times editorial board member Gail Collins tracks the advancement of women from the 1960s until today. Two special excerpts of conversations with Kerri Miller.
Demand for holiday meals up dramatically
A St. Paul-based charity says demand for its free Thanksgiving meal program has increased by more than 50 percent over the past two years.
Thanksgiving tradition in Duluth now draws thousands
An army of volunteers is putting the last touches on a Thanksgiving feast for thousands in Duluth. The annual free buffet started 20 years ago as a much smaller event in Superior. Now it draws hundreds of volunteers to cook and serve as many as 5,000 turkey dinners.
As holidays get started, a desperate call sets the tone
An old friend whose life has taken some hard turns asks for help, and gets it.
The science of social networks
Can our friends make us fat? Is our neighbor's happiness contagious? The authors of a new book say our social networks are more powerful than we think.